Aesthetic medicine · Cape Town
Skin Boosters
Hydration built into the skin
From R1 25030–45 min
What it is
Skin boosters are very fine hyaluronic acid injected in small quantities across an area rather than placed in one spot. They add no volume and change no contours — instead they raise hydration inside the skin itself, improving elasticity, firmness and light reflection.
Think of it as treating skin quality rather than facial shape. It is the treatment for someone whose face doesn't need structure, but whose skin looks dull, thin, dehydrated or crepey.
Who it’s for
Patients with dehydrated, dull or crepey skin, fine crinkling under the eyes, or early laxity through the cheeks and neck.
It is also a favourite of patients who want a visible improvement in glow before an event, and of anyone nervous about looking 'done' — because nothing about the face changes shape.
The benefits
- Deep, lasting hydration held inside the skin
- Visible glow and better light reflection
- Improves fine crinkling and crepey texture
- Firms early laxity in the cheeks, neck and hands
- Adds no volume and changes no contours
- Works beautifully alongside microneedling and peels
What to expect
The process
Every appointment follows the same considered sequence, so you always know what is coming next.
Step 1
Consultation and skin analysis
Dr Allison assesses your skin's hydration, elasticity and thickness, and confirms that quality rather than volume is the issue. Where structural loss is the real problem, she'll say so and discuss filler instead.
Step 2
Cleanse and numb
The area is cleansed and topical anaesthetic applied for twenty to thirty minutes. The product itself is very fine, and most contain lidocaine for added comfort.
Step 3
Micro-injection
Small aliquots of hyaluronic acid are placed across the treatment area in an even pattern, either with a very fine needle or a cannula. Treatment takes fifteen to twenty minutes for a full face.
Step 4
Aftercare
Small raised bumps at each injection point are normal and settle within four to twenty-four hours. Avoid make-up for the rest of the day, and heat, exercise and alcohol for twenty-four hours.
Step 5
Course and maintenance
A starting course of two to three sessions four weeks apart builds the result, after which most patients maintain with a single session every six months.
Downtime & aftercare
What to plan for
- Downtime
- Bumps settle in 4–24 hours
- Results visible in
- 2–4 weeks
- Results last
- 6–9 months with a course
You are welcome to contact the practice at any point if something doesn’t look or feel as expected. Individual responses vary — what to expect for your skin is discussed at your consultation.
Pricing
| Treatment | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|
| Face | 45 min | R2 800 |
| Under-eye | 30 min | R1 250 |
| Neck | 45 min | R1 800 |
Prices are a guide and start from the amounts shown. Final pricing depends on the product and quantity your treatment plan calls for, and is confirmed at your consultation before anything goes ahead.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
The questions patients ask most often about skin boosters. If yours isn't here, ask us on WhatsApp — we're happy to answer before you book.
A very fine, non-cross-linked or lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid injected in small amounts across an area to hydrate and improve skin quality. Unlike filler, it is not designed to add volume or create structure.
Hyaluronic acid binds many times its own weight in water, so placing it within the skin raises hydration from the inside. The micro-injections also stimulate a mild collagen response, which is what improves firmness over a course.
There are more injection points than with filler, but each is very superficial and the needle is tiny. With topical numbing, most patients describe it as a series of quick pinpricks rather than anything painful.
Filler is placed in a specific spot to create structure and lift. A skin booster is spread evenly to improve the skin's own quality. One changes shape; the other changes texture and glow.
Some glow appears within a week, but the meaningful change in hydration and firmness builds over two to four weeks per session, and is strongest after a full course.
Six to nine months after an initial course of two to three sessions. Most patients then maintain with one session every six months, timed ahead of summer or a big event.
Anyone with dull, dehydrated, thin or crepey skin. It is particularly good for patients who want visible improvement without any change to their facial shape. It is not performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Minimal. Expect small raised bumps at each injection point that settle within four to twenty-four hours, and occasionally a pinpoint bruise. Allow a clear day before an important event.
Explore further
You might also consider
Most popularMicroneedling
Controlled micro-injury that stimulates your own collagen to improve scarring, texture and pore size.
From R1 50060 min
Chemical Peels
Medical-grade peels tailored to your skin type to treat pigmentation, congestion, texture and dullness.
From R75060 min
Facial Balancing Filler
Hyaluronic acid filler placed to restore lost volume in the cheeks, chin, jawline and temples.
From R4 00090–120 min
Ready when you are
Considering skin boosters?
Book a consultation and we'll talk it through properly — what it can realistically achieve for you, what it will cost, and whether it's the right treatment at all.