Skin Boosters & Bio-Remodelling Injections

Skin boosters are a class of cosmetic injectables with a focus on hydration, rather than volumisation or facial contouring, designed to improve skin radiance, elasticity, and texture by improving moisture retention in the tissue using non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid-based products.

Products known for bio-remodelling were pioneered with the launch of Profhilo. They are a step up from a normal skin booster. Although they also use hyaluronic acid (HA) for deep hydration, the products usually combine high- and low-molecular-weight HA molecules within the same syringe, harnessing the different modes of action of the molecules at different depths within the tissue. The larger HA molecules protect the skin's surface from moisture loss and hydrate the epidermis. Whilst the smaller HA molecules penetrate deeper into the skin layers for better hydration in the dermis, reaching the right depth for collagen stimulation to naturally repair and improve skin laxity and firmness. At Forever Facial Aesthetics, we also use ICONA H8, which has a similar composition to Profhilo, but includes a blend of amino acids and vitamins.

Bio-remodelling can also be referred to as skin remodelling or bio-stimulating. The products that we use for this treatment are not the same as thicker hyaluronic acid gel fillers used to add volume, fill depressions and lines, or reshape facial contours. Bio-remodelling agents are effectively hyaluronic acid-based stimulators; their job is to spread evenly within the tissue, rather than staying put to add volume. The technology behind the formulation of the hyaluronic acid ingredient is different to that of a normal filler product. The hybrid complex of different hyaluronic acid molecules has been clinically proven to integrate into the skin tissue and slowly release to naturally stimulate the production of several types of collagens and elastin, responsible for new skin cell creation. This is where the remodelling context comes from; the impact of treatment is at the cellular level, correcting and remodelling ageing tissue rather than camouflaging or filling the surface appearance.

Most commonly, we treat the face with Profhilo and ICONA H8, but these bio-remodellers are effective on many areas of the body where skin laxity and crepey skin are present. We also use them to treat the neck, chest or décolletage for women, hands, arms, and knees.

Treatment is ideal for those in their late 20s, early 30s, or beyond who are noticing the early signs of ageing, loss of elasticity, dehydrated, tired, or dull skin, seeking non-invasive, preventative anti-ageing treatment to maintain their youth.

As part of your consultation, Dr Annette Phillips will take a full medical history to determine if you have any underlying medical conditions, sensitivities or allergies to any of the ingredients within the products that may contraindicate you for Profhilo or ICONA H8 treatment. Both products come with an excellent safety profile and contain highly purified, bio-compatible hyaluronic acid.

Treatment is suitable for men and women of all skin types, but if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, we will not be able to treat you until this is no longer a factor for you. If you have any active skin infection, including herpes simplex (cold sores), or other severe skin conditions, these must be treated and resolved before any injectable treatment can commence. Similarly, those with certain autoimmune diseases or a weakened immune system may be contraindicated for treatment.

At Forever Facial Aesthetics in Ashtead, Surrey, we offer a variety of other aesthetic treatments, which may be combined with skin booster injections for optimal facial rejuvenation, or may be more suitable if bio-remodelling treatment is not an option for you.

Before treatment with Profhilo or ICONA H8, we advise that you avoid alcohol and anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours before your appointment to minimise the risk of bruising. Treatment is a quick and comfortable experience, taking approximately 30 minutes. Fine needles are used to administer small injections into precise areas, based on an optimal treatment pattern to ensure even tissue integration and minimal discomfort. As an experienced medical practitioner, Dr Annette Phillips takes every precaution to ensure you have a safe and comfortable experience.

For optimal results, we usually recommend two treatment sessions for Prohilo, spaced about four weeks apart, or two to three treatment sessions for ICONA H8, spaced up to three weeks apart. Depending on your skin’s condition and goals, additional sessions may be advised. We will create a personalised treatment plan during your consultation.

Side effects are minimal but can include mild redness, slight swelling, or minor bruising at the injection sites, which usually resolve quickly and subside within a few days.

There is minimal downtime or recovery from treatment, and you may return to your normal daily routine immediately afterwards. You will be given specific aftercare advice to follow post-procedure to optimise your healing and results.

Results vary by patient and depend on your age, lifestyle, the condition of your skin at the outset of treatment, and the treatment goals.

The bio-remodelling effect means that there will be no immediate, visible change in your skin, but you can expect gradual improvements in skin hydration, firmness, and overall appearance in the days and weeks between treatment sessions. Skin becomes noticeably smoother, more radiant, and youthful over the weeks following treatment, with the most significant results visible after the second session.

Results from bio-remodelling treatments with Profhilo and ICONA H8 typically last between six and twelve months, sometimes longer; this can vary depending on factors like age, lifestyle, and skin type.

To maintain and augment the skin remodelling effects, we recommend follow-up treatments with Prohilo every six months or as needed, depending on how your skin condition improves, and every three to six months with ICONA H8.