Keeping your skin in prime condition while living in Singapore can be quite tricky. This is a country where it feels like the sun is always at its peak and humidity is constantly high. If you have discovered skincare late in the game, then there is probably a great chance that your skin needs some immediate saving.

Skin boosters (https://www.cambridgemedical.com.sg/skinbooster-treatments) have been receiving a lot of attention in the Singapore aesthetic scene recently as many claim that it does many wonders for the skin. But can this treatment save your aging skin? Find out in this article.

How do you know if your skin needs a boost?

Take a closer look at your face in the mirror and make a thorough scrutiny. Then tick off as many concerns in the list below that you can observe on your face.

* Age spots
* Crepey skin
* Dry skin
* Dull skin
* Fine lines
* Rough skin
* Sun damage
* Wrinkles

Ticking more than one concern is a signal that your skin suffers from aging and dehydration. Topical moisturisers can help hydrate it, but it can only do so much. A skin that has multiple aging symptoms is crying to be moisturised from deep within.

How can skin boosters save your aging dry skin?

Skin boosters are injectable aesthetic treatments that can combat the signs of skin aging and dehydration by improving the skin’s appearance, texture, tone, and volume. Unlike topical creams, lotions, and serums, skin boosters provide the skin with better hydration as the solution that is packed with large amounts of concentrated hyaluronic acid is injected into the skin and works to improve the overall quality of the skin from the inside out. Once injected, skin boosters have the ability to improve the structure of the skin by stimulating the production of fresh collagen and triggering the body’s process to renew skin cells.

How do you prepare for your skin booster treatment?

Your doctor should give you instructions on how to prepare for your skin booster treatment during your initial consultation. Here are some tips on how you can prepare yourself:

* At least a week before, do not take any medication that increases the risk of bleeding, such as Aspirin, ibuprofen, or fish oil. Consult with your doctor for alternative medication in case you need to take any of these on a daily basis.
* Keep your skin well hydrated by drinking lots of water and avoiding any alcoholic beverage a day before your procedure.
* Stop using skincare products that contain active ingredients like AHA/BHAs and retinol at least two days before your procedure.
* Do not wear makeup on the day of your skin booster treatment.
* If needed, you may ask your doctor for pain relief medications. This can be taken an hour before your treatment.

How is the skin booster applied to the skin?

To apply the skin booster, your doctor will first clean and sanitise the treatment area. Next, a generous amount of numbing is applied to the skin where the skin booster will be injected to avoid any discomfort or pain. Once the numbing cream takes effect, the skin booster is injected using a syringe with a very fine needle.

How do you know if the skin booster treatment is working?

Here are some signs that indicate that your skin booster treatment is working:

* Better skin hydration
* Brighter looking skin
* Finer pores
* Improved skin tone
* Improved skin rejuvenation
* Lesser facial lines
* Lesser skin laxity
* Smoother skin texture

How many skin booster treatments are needed to see effective results?

To see effective results, the basic recommendation for any type of skin is to undergo three sessions of a skin booster treatment.

How fast can results be seen after a skin booster treatment in Singapore?

Each skin is different, so how fast the appearance of the results may vary per patient. You can expect to see improvements a few days after the treatment and this progresses over time following the subsequent sessions in your programme.

How long do the effects of skin boosters last?

The duration of the effects resulting from a skin booster treatment will vary depending on several factors, such as the brand used, the condition of the skin, and maintenance of the procedure. Typically, the results of skin boosters can last for six months. When the treatment is done consistently, your results can extend for up to a year.

How often should you get a skin booster treatment?

If you wish to enjoy the benefits of a skin booster procedure for a long time, maintenance treatments are recommended and this should be done every four to six months.

How old should you be to qualify for a skin booster treatment?

The skin starts to produce collagen less by the age of 25. It is during this time that you will begin to see skin flaws develop. Hence, skin boosters are highly recommended for individuals who are in their mid-twenties and thirties.

How are skin boosters different from dermal fillers?

There are many brands that offer both skin boosters and soft tissue fillers. These are not the same and may cause confusion. Differentiating the two can be done by looking at their consistency. Dermal fillers are particularly thicker than skin boosters.

Skin firmness is maintained by the body’s natural production of two proteins: collagen and elastin. However, when we reach the age 35, there begins a shift in the way our body works and its ability to produce collagen and elastin slows down. As a result, our skin starts to sag and this ageing symptom can make our appearance look tired and old–who would want to receive comments about that? If you have been on the receiving end of such comments, here’s a treatment that you can try to regain a tight and youthful looking skin: HIFU (https://ozheanzoey.com/hifu-treatment-singapore/ ).

What is HIFU?

HIFU stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. This non-invasive and non-surgical treatment is effective to address saggy skin problems. In the aesthetic field, this treatment uses ultrasound technology to contour, lift, rejuvenate, and tighten loose skin.

How does HIFU technology work?

HIFU uses high powered ultrasound machines to deliver high-frequency sound waves precisely into the target area of the skin. The concentrated ultrasound energy then heats the area to reach a definite temperature, which causes cellular damage. While that may sound negative, this damage to the cell is actually helpful as it triggers the production of more collagen. As more collagen is produced, the skin begins to become tighter and firmer.

What are the areas of the face that HIFU can treat?

HIFU can be used on these areas of the face:

* Cheeks
* Chin
* Decolletage
* Eyebrows
* Eyelids
* Jawline
* Neck

HIFU benefits the skin in these areas by lifting and tightening the sagging skin, enhancing facial definition, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Who can qualify for a HIFU treatment?

HIFU is a great alternative for surgical face lifting, but unfortunately, not everyone may be a good candidate for this treatment. This procedure will be more beneficial to individuals with mild to moderate skin laxity. HIFU treatments are also not recommended for those who have active infections on the face, cystic acne, open skin lesions, and metallic implants near the area for treatment. It is recommended that you consult with an aesthetic provider to see if you are qualified for this type of procedure.

What happens during a HIFU procedure?

To begin the procedure, your face will be cleaned thoroughly. All makeup and skincare products applied to the face should be removed. Once the face is ready, your aesthetic provider will apply a topical numbing cream in order to remove any sensation from the target area. A sufficient amount of ultrasound gel is then applied to the skin. Next, the handheld device is placed onto the target area of the skin and the ultrasound machine is adjusted to the right setting. The handheld device then produces the ultrasound energy in short pulses. The heat energy penetrates deep into the skin and triggers collagen production. Depending on the size of the treatment area, this goes on for the next 30 to 90 minutes after which the device is removed.

The numbing cream should lessen any discomfort during the HIFU procedure, but you may still feel a pricking sensation while the treatment is ongoing. If you have low tolerance for pain, let your doctor know. They may ask you to take pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, before your HIFU session.

How many HIFU sessions are needed to get the best results?

The number of HIFU sessions needed to get the best results varies per individual. About 1 to 3 sessions is usually recommended for the initial treatment and, if you want to maintain the results for longer, a follow-up treatment should be done every 9 to 18 months.

How long do HIFU results last?

The results of a HIFU treatment can be observed immediately right after the treatment. Your skin will feel much tighter, but the full results will show gradually within the next three months. The effects of a HIFU treatment can last anywhere between 1 to 2 years.

What are the risks and side effects that come along with HIFU treatment?

Your skin may feel tender and look red right after the procedure, but this is normal and should subside in the next few hours.

It is very rare for any major side effects to happen after a HIFU treatment as long as it is done by a qualified and experienced practitioner.

What are the aftercare tips following a HIFU treatment?

You do not need any downtime for rest and recovery following a HIFU treatment. You can return to your normal schedule right after the procedure. However, it is imperative that you follow your aesthetic provider’s aftercare tips to ensure that your skin heals well.

Here are some common aftercare tips:

* Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 after your treatment and everyday that follows to avoid skin irritation when exposed to the sun.
* Do not place an ice pack over the treatment area as this can affect the overall results of the HIFU treatment.
* Do not use depilatory creams, wax, or tweezers over the treatment area until it has healed fully.
* Skip heavy exercise, saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms for about a week or up until your skin has healed.
* Use gentle skincare products after your treatment.

How much does a HIFU treatment cost in Singapore?

The cost of a HIFU treatment in Singapore is influenced by various factors, such as:

* The extent and size of the treatment area
* The number of treatment sessions
* The expertise and experience of your aesthetic provider
* The brand of HIFU equipment used for your treatment
* The location of your aesthetic provider’s clinic

In general, HIFU treatments in Singapore can range from SGD 800 to 4,000.

What are the brands of HIFU machines used in Singapore?

There are several popular brands of HIFU machines used in Singapore. These include:

* Sygmalift
* Ultraformer 3
* Ultherapy

Can HIFU be combined with other aesthetic procedures?

HIFU can be used in combination with other aesthetic procedures of radio frequency microneedling. Botox or injectable fillers can further help in improving your skin’s appearance, but you will need to wait at least 2 to 4 weeks following your HIFU before getting this type of treatment. Inform your aesthetic provider if you have had any aesthetic procedures done prior to scheduling your HIFU session to ensure your safety and the efficacy of the treatment.