Hyaluronic acid is a component of our skin that aid in keeping its health in the best shape. The body naturally produces this; however, as we age the body is no longer able to keep up its ability to manufacture enough amounts of hyaluronic acid to maintain the skin’s youthful glow. A lot of external factors also contribute to this aside from ageing like improper skincare, extensive sun exposure without proper protection, smoking, alcohol consumption, and poor diet.

What happens to our skin when the body is no longer able to produce ample hyaluronic acids? Our skin lacks collagen and elastin. A deficiency in collagen and elastin results to brittle, dry, thinner, and sagging skin.

Fortunately, cosmetic treatments have developed different ways to combat these skin imperfections. One way to restore your younger looking skin, according to Dr Cy Chua is with the use of skinboosters. Specifically, Restylane Skinboosters.

Restylane Skinboosters – what is it for?

Restylane skinboosters are injectable dermal fillers that are developed with the use of non-animal stabilised hyaluronic acid (NASHA) technology. The hyaluronic acids that compose Restylane work to bring hydration in the deep layers of the skin and a slight lifting effect that result to firmer and plumper appearance of the skin.

What can Restylane Skinboosters treat?

Restylane skinboosters can treat these areas and skin imperfections:

• Cheeks
• Crow’s feet
• Fine lines
• Frown lines
• Forehead
• Decolletage
• Hands
• Nasolabial folds
• Neck
• Peri-oral lines
• Wrinkles

What are the benefits of Restylane skinboosters when administered to the skin?

Restylane skinboosters benefit the skin by:

• Enhancing skin hydration and moisture
• Improving appearance of acne scars
• Improving skin elasticity
• Lessening dark eye circles
• Reducing fine lines and wrinkles

How is Restylane administered to the skin?

The administration of Restylane starts by cleaning and disinfecting the areas for treatment. Numbing cream may be applied on these areas to further ease the discomfort of patients during the procedure. With the use of a blunt micro-cannula or a fine needle, a little amount of Restylane skinboosters is injected into the skin in order to achieve the patient’s desired result, such as smoothening of fine lines and wrinkles or skin rejuvenation. The treatment can be done in less than 1 hour depending on the treatment areas.

Will I feel any pain during the procedure?

Restylane products are mixed with a local anaesthetic called lidocaine to alleviate discomfort during the injection of the skinboosters. However, your doctor may recommend numbing creams in case you have very little pain tolerance. During the procedure, patients can expect to feel pricking sensations on their skin as the doctor injects the skinboosters.

How long do the results last?

Results from a treatment of Restylane skinboosters can last up to a year. The longevity of the results will highly depend on the treatment areas, skin condition, and lifestyle of the patient. It is recommended that a top-up be done after 6 to 9 months following the first treatment. With just 2 top-ups, results can last longer for up to 36 months.

How long should I allot for downtime after the procedure?

Patients can normally return back to their normal activities right after a Restylane treatment. Skin recovery can take up to 2 days to complete.

What should be done for aftercare?

Following the procedure, patients are advised not to apply makeup on the treated area immediately. Light makeup may be used to conceal any bruising or redness 24 hours after the treatment.

Are there risks and side effects involved in the procedure?

Skin discolouration (redness), minimal bruising, and slight swelling may occur after a procedure, but these should be temporary. A major side effect that can happen is the appearance of tiny bumps on the skin caused by improper application of the skinboosters. This usually happens when the skinboosters are injected into the other layers of the skin. Restylane should only be injected up to the layer of the skin following the dermis.

Am I a qualified candidate for a treatment of Restylane skinboosters?

The best way to confirm if you are a qualified candidate for a treatment of Restylane skinboosters is to consult a doctor. Your doctor will need to know your medical history, allergies, cosmetic treatments, surgeries done, and even medications that you are currently taking in order to give out a proper assessment.

In general, individuals who are allergic to products made of hyaluronic acid are advised to avoid this treatment. Patients with bleeding disorders and skin inflammations around the treatment areas are also forbidden to take the treatment as this may only aggravate their existing conditions. It is always best to take the necessary precautions and have these discussions with your doctor in order to avoid any risk concerning your overall health.

Additionally, patients who are taking the following medications should inform their doctor before undertaking the procedure:

• Aspirin
• Immunosuppressive medicines
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Other medicines that affect bleeding

How much does a treatment of Restylane skinboosters cost in Singapore?

The cost of Restylane skinboosters in Singapore may range from $500 to $1,000.