What to expect during the treatment?

Your practitioner will cleanse the area before injection. Using a fine needle or cannula, CaHa is strategically injected into the desired areas. The treatment is relatively quick and comfortable, with immediate visible results.

What is the downtime?

Typically, patients experience minimal downtime. Some may have mild swelling or bruising, which usually resolves within a few days. Most people return to their normal activities shortly after the procedure.

What is the cost of CaHa treatment?

The cost varies based on individual needs, treatment areas, and the amount of product used. A personalised consultation will provide a more accurate cost estimation based on your specific goals and requirements.

What are the results and aftercare for CaHa?

Results are visible immediately and improve over time as collagen production increases. To maximise results, follow the recommended aftercare instructions, which might include avoiding strenuous activities for a short period and applying ice to reduce swelling.

What are the results and aftercare for a CaHa treatment?

To ensure proper healing and best results, your clinician will provide you with a follow-up plan, which may include: Do not touch the skin Do not wear makeup for 24 hours after treatment Do not exercise for 12 hours after treatment Do not use active skin care products for at least five days after treatment. Avoid skin treatments that may cause stress or stress on the skin, such as microdermabrasion, micro-needling, and facial massage

Are there any risks or complications associated with a CaHa treatment?

Patients may experience bruising and swelling, which usually resolves within a few days, but full recovery may take a week or two. Regardless of the cosmetic or medical treatment, you should know the associated risks and complications before deciding on any treatment. CaHa treatments carry the following risks and complications: Allergic reaction Scarring Blisters Swelling Bruises Skin discolouration Itching

Sounds great. Where do I start?

Before undergoing a treatment, you must register at our Shellharbour clinic for an initial consultation with our qualified clinical team. During your consultation, you will discuss your lifestyle and health, including medical history, allergies, and any medications or supplements you may be taking. It is important to mention any allergic reactions to drugs or skin care products you may have experienced in the past and any other recent beauty treatments you’ve had. These factors affect how your body responds and how the treatment recovers. If you have any concerns, a consultation is when you ask questions about your treatment. Your clinician will ask about your current problems and reasons for wanting a cosmetic procedure and evaluate the treatment area. You should discuss what you hope to achieve with the treatment and your aesthetic goals. All the information you provide during the consultation is essential to developing a customised treatment plan that considers your health, concerns and expected outcomes to achieve the best possible result.

Skin structure & Support – Shellharbour Skin

This consultation focuses on understanding your skin’s structure and how it can be supported to maintain firmness, elasticity, and texture.

It is intended for adults interested in gradual, long-term approaches to support skin health, balance, and resilience over time.

Understanding Skin Structure, Texture & Elasticity

The skin is made up of several layers that work together to provide strength, flexibility, and protection.

Over time, factors such as ageing, sun exposure, stress, and lifestyle can influence how these layers function, leading to visible changes in tone, texture, and firmness.

Structure: The deeper layer of the skin (the dermis) contains collagen and elastin fibres that provide support and shape.

Texture: The outer layer (epidermis) can appear uneven or rough as natural cell renewal slows.

Elasticity: Healthy skin stretches and returns to its natural form; over time, elasticity may gradually decrease.

This consultation provides an opportunity to understand these biological changes and discuss professional, evidence-based approaches that may support the skin’s natural structure and function.

What’s Involved

During your consultation, your clinician will:

Assess your skin and discuss your individual goals.
Review your health history, medications, and lifestyle factors relevant to your skin.
Explore professional approaches designed to support skin integrity and function.
Determine your suitability for specific treatments following a clinical assessment.
Provide information to help you make an informed decision before any procedure.
Outline comfort measures, follow-up timing, and aftercare recommendations.

Approaches That May Be Discussed

Observation and Review: monitoring skin changes over time when no immediate intervention is required.
Skin-Care Optimisation: professional guidance on skincare routines, sun protection, and ingredient use to support barrier health.
Energy-Based and Collagen-Supportive Treatments: these may include discussion of options such as:

Alma Hybrid CO₂ Laser – a fractional CO₂ device that delivers controlled energy to the skin’s surface and deeper layers, discussed as part of a medically supervised plan to support overall skin structure.

Laser Genesis – a non-ablative laser that delivers gentle heat to the dermis, discussed as an option to support even skin texture and dermal vitality.

Microneedling – a controlled technique that creates precise micro-channels in the skin to stimulate natural repair processes.

Ultraformer HIFU – a focused-ultrasound device that delivers targeted energy to deeper skin layers, discussed as a non-surgical approach to support structural integrity.

Prescription-Only Medicines: in some cases, your clinician or prescribing practitioner may discuss the use of prescription-only medicines that act on specific skin or muscle functions.
These medicines can only be prescribed and administered following a medical assessment by a qualified prescriber and are not named or advertised on this website in accordance with AHPRA and TGA regulations.
Medical Referral or Collaborative Care: referral to a medical practitioner or allied clinician may be arranged if further expertise or multidisciplinary input is beneficial.

Who It’s For:

This consultation is suited for adults who wish to explore professional options that work beneath the surface of the skin, supporting its structure, balance, and overall quality over time. Shellharbour Skin services are intended for individuals aged 18 years and over.

This consultation is a discussion-based appointment designed to assess suitability for treatments that support the skin’s structure and firmness.
All treatment details, product options, and pricing are discussed in person with your clinician after a full assessment.
Results and recovery times vary between individuals.
An individual consultation and assessment are required before proceeding with any treatment.

Practitioner Transparency

Consultations and skin treatments at Shellharbour Skin are provided by a multidisciplinary clinical team:

Dermal Clinicians – qualified skin professionals who are not registered under AHPRA but hold tertiary qualifications in dermal science or dermal therapies. They provide skin treatments and consultations within their professional scope and under clinical supervision.

Registered Nurses – AHPRA-registered health practitioners who perform skin and aesthetic treatments within their clinical training and scope of practice.

Medical Practitioners – AHPRA-registered doctors experienced in skin health and aesthetic medicine who oversee and support all clinical services.

All treatments are undertaken within a medically supervised environment, ensuring that each patient pathway is reviewed for clinical suitability, safety, and evidence-based care.

You can verify registration for medical practitioners and nurses at ahpra.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions

Who prescribes prescription-only medicines at Shellharbour Skin?

Prescription-only medicines can only be prescribed by a registered medical practitioner or nurse practitioner following a medical assessment. These discussions take place in-clinic under direct medical supervision.

Shellharbour Skin does not advertise or name these medicines online, in line with AHPRA and TGA regulations.

Are there non-medical treatments that can support skin health?

Yes. Depending on your skin type and assessment, your clinician may discuss non-surgical options such as Alma Hybrid CO₂ Laser, Laser Genesis, Microneedling, or Ultraformer HIFU.

These are evidence-based modalities designed to support skin structure and function when clinically appropriate. Your clinician will explain how these can complement your overall care plan.

What if I’m not suitable for a medical procedure?

If a prescription or procedure-based approach is not clinically suitable, your clinician will recommend alternative management pathways such as observation, skincare optimisation, or non-invasive treatments (for example, laser or microneedling).Every plan is developed to align with your health, skin type, and goals.

What happens after treatment?

Aftercare instructions are provided for every patient. You’ll receive guidance about activity restrictions, skincare use, and signs to monitor. Follow-up appointments are encouraged to review progress and adjust your plan if needed.

Have a Question?

If you have a question, get in touch and one of our staff will be in touch shortly.