Dry, dull or tired-looking skin can often be improved only to a limited extent with creams alone. Skin boosters work one layer deeper: they bring finely distributed hyaluronic acid directly into the skin. Many people look for experiences with skin boosters because they want to know how the treatment works, what they will feel and see and how long the result lasts.
Treatment at Alpha Skin: Skin boosters in Bonn – price from €199 and appointment
This article answers these questions factually – with procedure, effect, limits and cost.
What is a skin booster?
A skin booster is a very soft, lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid that is introduced evenly into the middle layer of the skin with fine injections. Hyaluronic acid is a substance the body produces itself, which binds water. Over the years its proportion in the skin decreases; the skin becomes drier, thinner and less elastic. A skin booster acts there like a moisture reservoir.
There are also products that spread over a large area of the skin from just a few injection points. They are often referred to as "bio-remodelling". Which product is suitable depends on skin condition and goal.
Skin booster or filler?
| Skin booster | Filler | |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | skin quality, moisture, fine lines | volume, contour, deeper wrinkles |
| Material | very soft, finely distributed hyaluronic acid | firmer, shaping hyaluronic acid |
| Result visible | after a few weeks | immediately |
| Usually lasts | 6–9 months after a series | 6–18 months, depending on the area |
The two can be combined well. The difference from botulinum toxin is explained in the article Hyaluronic acid vs. Botox®.
Who skin boosters are suitable for
- for dry, dull or tired-looking skin
- for fine lines and declining elasticity
- for rough, uneven skin texture
- anyone who wants to refresh neck, décolletage or the backs of the hands
- anyone who wants to look after skin quality early
Skin boosters do not compensate for deep wrinkles or marked loss of volume; fillers are more suitable for that.
Treatment areas
Most often cheeks, forehead and chin area are treated, as well as neck and décolletage, which show signs of skin ageing early. The backs of the hands and the delicate skin around the eyes can also be treated.
How the treatment works
- Consultation and skin analysis: The physician assesses skin appearance, wishes, pre-existing conditions and medication and explains what is realistically achievable.
- Preparation: The skin is cleaned and disinfected; on request an anaesthetic cream acts for about 20 minutes.
- Treatment: The hyaluronic acid is introduced evenly in small amounts with a very fine needle or cannula. This takes about 30 minutes.
- Afterwards: Small bumps at the injection sites are normal and usually flatten within one to two days.
How many sessions are needed
A series of two to three treatments about four weeks apart is usual. The effect builds up from session to session. After the series the result usually lasts six to nine months; a refresher once or twice a year maintains it.
Experiences: what you can expect
Straight after the treatment the skin is slightly reddened and small weals can be seen at the injection sites. After two to four weeks many patients report that the skin feels plumper, smoother and better hydrated. The effect is more a fresher, better cared-for skin than a visible change in the shape of the face. How marked it is differs from person to person.
Side effects
Redness, slight swelling, tenderness and small bruises are common and usually subside within a few days. Rarely, small nodules remain palpable or inflammation occurs. Anyone who is prone to cold sores should say so beforehand if the area around the mouth is being treated.
When treatment is not carried out
Treatment is not carried out during pregnancy and breastfeeding, in cases of inflammation, herpes or skin infections in the treatment area and in the case of an allergy to components of the product. In autoimmune diseases and with blood-thinning medication the physician decides in each individual case.
After the treatment
In the first 24 hours you should avoid make-up, sport, sauna and alcohol. It is better to avoid strong sun and sunbeds for a few days. Good care with moisture and daily sun protection supports the result; tips on this are in the article Skin care in winter.
Combination with other treatments
Skin boosters can be combined well with botulinum toxin for expression lines or with fillers for more volume. For skin structure, for example in the case of scars or large pores, microneedling can be a complement. The physician determines the order and intervals.
Frequently asked questions
Does the treatment hurt? With anaesthetic cream it is usually quite bearable. Many mainly feel small pricks.
Am I presentable afterwards? Usually the next day. Do not plan important appointments directly afterwards in case a bruise develops.
From what age does a skin booster make sense? There is no fixed limit. What matters is the condition of the skin, not the year of birth.
Is there a suitable time of year? Basically all year round. In autumn and winter, when the skin suffers from heated air, demand is particularly high.
Cost
A skin booster treatment starts at Alpha Skin from €199 per session; the price follows the German medical fee schedule (GOÄ), the product and the treated area. Health insurers do not usually cover aesthetic treatments. You will find procedure, prices and appointments on the page Skin Booster. The Alpha Skin practice is located at Theaterplatz 1b in Bonn-Bad Godesberg.
Important medical note
The information described is for general education and does not replace personal medical advice, examination or consultation. Whether a treatment is suitable depends on skin type, initial findings, pre-existing conditions, medication and individual goals.
Effect, durability, tolerability and possible side effects can vary from person to person. Specific results or a particular time course cannot be guaranteed.