Skin booster — Hyaluronic Acid (HA) hydration injection

Skin booster is a technique that involves injecting a diluted form of hyaluronic acid with low cross-linking into the dermis through multiple small points to provide internal hydration, improve smoothness, elasticity, and fine lines. Unlike fillers, it does not create volume or shape. The treatment typically consists of 2–3 sessions spaced 2–4 weeks apart, with results lasting 4–6 months.

Medically reviewed by BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha — BonBoz Clinic

Mechanism

The HA in skin boosters has low cross-linking, allowing it to spread evenly within the dermis instead of forming a mass; each molecule retains water many times its weight, making the dermis plump and the surface reflect light better. The micro-injury from the needle and HA also stimulates fibroblasts to mildly increase collagen and elastin production after 4–8 weeks. Some products combine amino acids, vitamins, or two-phase HA to prolong effectiveness.

How do skin boosters, fillers, and mesotherapy differ?

Fillers are high cross-linking gels, injected deeply to restore volume and shape. Skin boosters are diluted HA, injected into the dermis to improve skin quality. Mesotherapy delivers a mixture of nutrients (vitamins, minerals, non-cross-linked HA) into the superficial layer using micro-needling, with shorter effects and requiring more sessions. Choose based on the issue: volume loss → filler; dry, dull, fine-wrinkled skin → skin booster; maintenance and nutrient supplementation → mesotherapy.

Indications

Dehydrated, dull, fine-wrinkled skin under the eyes, at the corners of the eyes, around the mouth, neck, and back of the hands; thin skin due to aging; support for skin recovery after improper treatment when the barrier is stable; preparing skin before events (3–4 weeks in advance). Cannot replace daily skincare and sun protection.

Risks to be aware of

Bruising, swelling, and small bumps at injection sites for 2–5 days (more noticeable in the eye area), temporary lumps if injected too superficially, inflammatory or infectious reactions (rare), activation of herpes in individuals with a history. Vascular risks are much lower than with fillers but still require a physician to administer.

At BonBoz

Aesthetic dermatologists assess skin moisture, thickness, and accompanying issues; select registered products, use manual or device-assisted micro-needling techniques, and apply surface anesthesia beforehand. The treatment consists of 2–3 initial sessions followed by maintenance; the physician performs the procedure directly and provides care instructions to maintain results.

How is it performed?

Disinfection and marking the area. The doctor injects diluted HA into the dermis using multiple small points spaced 0.5–1 cm apart (manual micro-point technique or multi-needle device), with a very small amount at each point; a cannula is used for the under-eye area to minimize bruising. Duration: 20–40 minutes.

Before the procedure

Perform a skin examination and inquire about the patient's allergy history, including herpes and anticoagulants. Ensure thorough makeup removal and apply surface anesthesia for 20–30 minutes. Advise the patient to avoid alcohol and aspirin for 24 hours.

After the procedure

Do not apply makeup for 12–24 hours, avoid rubbing, and stay away from steam and direct sunlight for 3 days; injection spots may fade in 2–5 days; sessions 2–3 should be spaced 2–4 weeks apart; maintain 1 session every 4–6 months.

Possible risks — your doctor explains them before treatment

Bruising, swelling, small nodules at the injection site for 2-5 days
Temporary rippling when injected too superficially
Activation of herpes in individuals with a history
Inflammatory reactions, infections (rare)

Who should NOT have this?

Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before treatment.
Individuals with an active infection or inflammatory acne in the injection area should avoid this procedure.
Those who have an allergy to hyaluronic acid or lidocaine should refrain from treatment.
Patients with a severely damaged skin barrier should recover first before considering this procedure.
It is important to have realistic expectations regarding filling or contouring outcomes.

BS.Ths.CKI Kim Kha

Aesthetic Dermatology

Graduated as a General Practitioner — Tay Nguyen University (2018)
Specialist Level I in Dermatology — Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, degree awarded in 2025
Medical Practicing Certificate No. 009784/ĐL-CCHN — Issued by the Department of Health of Dak Lak Province on 15/10/2021
Over 8 years of experience in aesthetic dermatology practice (since 2018), including over 4 years of practice with an official Medical Practicing Certificate
Primary Specialization in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery; Certificates in Dermatological Procedures & Minor Surgery, Microsurgery, and Lasers & Light Therapies in Dermatology
Certificates in Dermal Fillers, Botox, and Thread Lifts; Certificates in Emergency Resuscitation and Infection Control
Formerly practiced at the Aesthetic Dermatology Unit — Post and Telecommunications General Hospital (2019–2021) and Venus Sunrise Clinic (2022–2024) before joining BonBoz Clinic (2025)
Former lecturer in Aesthetic Dermatology Theory at Ana Aesthetic Training School (2018–2019)
Over 5,000 clinical dermatology cases treated

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Frequently asked questions

How long does the skin booster last?

After 2–3 sessions, the effects last for 4–6 months depending on skin type and environment; a follow-up session is recommended afterward.

Does it plump the face?

No; the diluted HA does not create volume. It makes the skin more hydrated and smooth without changing its shape.

How soon will I see results?

The skin will feel more hydrated after 1–2 weeks once the injection sites have settled; brightness and elasticity will gradually improve after sessions 2–3.

Do the injection sites under the eyes take long to heal?

The skin around the eyes is thin, so the bumps and bruising are more noticeable, typically lasting 3–7 days; using a cannula helps reduce this.

How is skin booster different from mesotherapy?

Skin booster uses lightly cross-linked HA, providing longer-lasting hydration; mesotherapy is a mixture of nutrients with a shorter effect, requiring more sessions.

Can oily skin benefit from it?

Yes, if the oily skin is also dehydrated and dull; skin booster does not increase oiliness.

Can it be done alongside Botox or fillers?

Yes, usually spaced 1–2 weeks apart to assess each procedure; the doctor will arrange the order appropriately.

At what age should one start?

It depends on the skin condition, not age: when the skin is dehydrated, dull, or has fine lines, and home care is insufficient.