What Causes Under-Eye Changes?
Various factors can affect the condition and appearance of the under-eye area, such as:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle factors
- Environmental exposure
- Natural ageing processes
- Variations and pigmentation
- Changes in collagen and elastin levels
- Reduced skin hydration
- Fine lines associated with repetitive facial movements
Because the skin under our eyes has fewer oil glands and is drier than other areas of the face, it can show changes sooner.
Understanding Skin Boosters
Skin Boosters are a category of prescription-only treatment products that are introduced to the skin using specialised techniques. They aim to support hydration and skin quality within the tissue.
Skin Boosters can be formulated in different ways, such as:
- amino acid-based formulations
- polynucleotide-based treatments
- synthetic complex sugar compounds designed to replicate naturally occurring substances within the body
As Skin Boosters are classified as prescription-only medications, they require a formal consultation with one of our prescribing doctors. During this consultation, your treatment goals, medical history and skin characteristics will be reviewed. If the treatment is considered appropriate, your prescribing doctor will determine the recommended medication and create a treatment plan.
Once a prescription has been issued and informed consent obtained, the treatment can be administered by a qualified cosmetic nurse under the supervision of the prescribing doctor.
Types of Skin Boosters for the Under Eyes
Amino Acid-based Skin Boosters
Amino acids are naturally occurring building blocks required for many biological processes within the body. When used in prescription skin treatments, these formulations are designed to support skin hydration and support cellular activity. They are sometimes used in delicate areas where maintaining skin quality and hydration is a primary objective of the treatment.
Polynucleotide-Based Treatments
Polynucleotide-based treatments contain highly purified DNA fragments. In aesthetic medicine, they are used as prescription treatments designed to support cellular activity and tissue hydration.
Polynucleotides interact with the skin environment and can support tissue repair and hydration in the treated area. As the under-eye area is delicate, treatment approaches are carefully adjusted based on individual characteristics and skin thickness.
Synthetic Complex Sugar-Based Treatments
These treatments contain synthetic compounds designed to replicate complex sugars that naturally occur in the body tissues. These summonses play an essential role in maintaining hydration in the skin. Prescription formulations containing these compounds may be used in clinical settings to support tissue hydration and skin quality.
Dissolving Agent Prick Test
If a patient has never been exposed to a dissolving agent, a small amount may be applied to the forearm before the test for adverse reactions. This precautionary step is taken in case a dissolving agent is required in the future for treatment adjustment or managing a rare vascular complication.
Treatment preparation and comfort
When preparing for treatment, we’ll take various measures to support patient comfort. For example, we may apply a topical numbing agent to the skin, allowing time to take effect. (During the procedure, we may also use cooling techniques with ice packs to help with comfort and minimise swelling and bruising.)
Before treatment commences, your treatment plan will be reviewed again, with each step explained. Throughout your procedure, your cosmetic nurse will maintain communication with you by carefully observing the treated area.
After Treatment
After your treatment, you’ll be given a treatment record outlining the medication used and the areas treated. This will also include written post-treatment care instructions.
Following treatment, redness, swelling, bruising and tenderness are common, although individual healing responses vary.
Swelling, redness and bruising may become more apparent during the first day, particularly for patients receiving treatment for the first time. The swelling may appear even more prominent the next morning after lying down overnight.
These healing responses will begin to settle over the next few days. After approximately one week, most visible swelling and bruising will have significantly subsided, although in some cases, mild bruising or swelling can persist for longer. These variations are considered part of the normal healing response.
Follow-Up Appointment
To monitor your recovery, the clinic may request that you send clear photographs of the treated area within a specified timeframe. These images allow the clinical team to review your healing progress and ensure your response to healing stays within the expected parameters.
You may send these photos via email or SMS to the clinic’s designated mobile phone number.
You will also be given after-hours contact information in case you have any concerns outside normal clinic hours.
Risks & Potential complications
All nonsurgical cosmetic procedures carry risks, and although many patients experience no adverse effects, they can occur and should not be minimised. Potential side-effects include bruising, tenderness, swelling, infection, changes to surrounding tissues and vascular compromise. In rare situations, more serious complications can occur.
Risks and complications will be discussed with you during your consultation by both your cosmetic nurse and prescribing doctor before you commence treatment. This ongoing consultation process supports informed decision-making, careful treatment selection, and early identification of any complications that may arise.
