On the day of your appointment, the treating clinician will assess you. Once the treating clinician identifies and marks out the area for treatment, they will show it to you and ask for your confirmation that this is where you agree to receive treatment. The treating clinician will take photos and store them securely on your file prior to treatment, and shortly afterwards. Results are not immediate. You will not see a significant change from a single session of the NCTF® Booster. Once you complete the required number of treatments for the indicated skin concern, it will take up to 6 months after the course of treatment for you to see the full effect of the treatment. Bruising and swelling will begin shortly after the procedure and will take 2-4 weeks to fully settle. When combining the NCTF® Booster with RF Micro-needling using the Sylfirm X, you will notice redness. Some patients may notice significant swelling in the area. This settles within 2 weeks and is expected after treatment. If there are other symptoms, such as redness, tenderness, or pain, this may indicate a possible severe allergic reaction or infection. If patients notice these symptoms, they should contact our clinic immediately.

What is the cost of a NCTF®?

The cost of a NCTF® treatment varies from patient to patient and depends on the type of treatment recommended by your treating clinician to achieve the results you desire. We always recommend that our patients have an initial consultation in our clinic to determine the cost of a treatment. The treating clinician can assess your problem areas and develop a customised treatment plan based on your goals, health, and concerns.

What are the results and post-treatment for NCTF®?

NCTF® Booster treatments last up to 6 months and require follow-up sessions to maintain results. Most times, multiple sessions of NCTF® are required and are best done in combination with other therapies, such as RF micro-needling, antiwrinkle injections, and dermal fillers. During the consultation, we will discuss this in depth and agree upon a plan outlining the estimated financial requirement. A single treatment starts at $195. To ensure proper healing and best results, your treating clinician will provide you with a follow-up plan, which may include: Take pain relief as required Do not touch the site of insertion Avoid wearing makeup after treatment for a few days. Do not exercise for a week after the 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. Stay away from extreme temperatures, such as saunas, hydrotherapy, ice baths, or hot yoga, until complete recovery. Avoid inverted positions and keep your head elevated for the first four hours after treatment.

Are there risks or complications with NCTF®?

Regardless of the cosmetic or medical treatment, you should know the associated risks and complications before deciding on any treatment. NCTF® treatments carry the following risks and complications: Allergic reaction Scarring Blisters Swelling Bruises Skin discolouration Itching Redness

Sounds great. Where do I start?

Before undergoing a NCTF® 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.

Consultations for Skin Hydration

At Shellharbour Skin, our Skin Hydration consultations are designed to help you understand how the skin’s natural moisture balance and surface integrity can be supported through evidence-based care.

This consultation focuses on the science of hydration, exploring how internal and external factors influence skin comfort, barrier function, and overall appearance. It is suitable for adults seeking professional guidance on subtle, gradual approaches that align with their skin’s natural processes.

Understanding Skin Hydration and Function

Healthy skin depends on adequate hydration and an intact barrier to maintain smoothness, flexibility, and protection.

Over time, factors such as environmental exposure, lifestyle, and natural ageing can affect the skin’s ability to retain moisture.

Hydration: Contributes to the skin’s smoothness and comfort.

Barrier Function: Helps prevent moisture loss and external irritation.

Surface Texture: A well-balanced barrier supports even tone and surface renewal.

This consultation provides an opportunity to understand these biological processes and discuss professional strategies that support your skin’s hydration and function.

Your Consultation at Shellharbour Skin

Your Skin Hydration consultation is a comprehensive, discussion-based appointment focused on you, your skin, and your individual goals.

During this appointment, your clinician will:

Assess your skin health, hydration levels, and overall presentation.
Review your medical history, medications, allergies, and lifestyle factors that may influence your skin.
Discuss your skin concerns and expectations to ensure a shared understanding of your priorities.
Explore professional and non-surgical approaches suitable for supporting hydration, comfort, and balance.
Determine your clinical suitability for any potential treatment.
Provide clear information about preparation, aftercare, and recovery expectations.
Support you in making an informed decision about next steps.
Provide the opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns.

This consultation ensures that any recommendations are tailored to your health, safety, and individual preferences.

Treatment Approach Discussions

If your clinician determines that a professional treatment approach may be appropriate, they will discuss options tailored to your individual circumstances.

These approaches are designed to support hydration, comfort, and surface balance, always within a clinically supervised and evidence-based framework.

Possible approaches may include:

Observation or monitoring, where no immediate intervention is required.

Professional in-clinic treatments, such as HydraFacial, Luxe Glow Facial, Laser Genesis, Dermaplaning, or LED Light Therapy.

Hydration-focused procedures performed under medical supervision, discussed only after a full clinical assessment.

Referral or collaborative care, if additional expertise or multidisciplinary input is recommended.

Any in-clinic or medical procedure is performed only after a comprehensive assessment and under the supervision of a registered health practitioner.
Your clinician will clearly explain the reasoning, process, possible risks, and recovery expectations before proceeding.

Who It’s For

This consultation for prescription medication is intended for adults aged 18 years and over who wish to explore options that support skin hydration and comfort through professional care.

It is a discussion-based appointment designed to evaluate suitability for different approaches to maintain the skin’s balance and appearance.

All treatment details, costs, and recovery expectations are discussed in person after assessment.

Individual experiences vary, and a comprehensive consultation is required before any procedure.

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

Why is skin hydration important?

Hydration is essential for maintaining skin comfort, smoothness, and protection. When the skin is well-hydrated, it supports its natural barrier function – helping to retain moisture, regulate renewal, and defend against environmental stress. Over time, age, UV exposure, climate, and lifestyle can affect how efficiently the skin maintains hydration, leading to dryness, dullness, or uneven texture.

What happens when the skin barrier becomes dehydrated?

A disrupted barrier allows moisture to escape more easily and makes the skin more sensitive to irritation. Dehydrated skin may feel tight, rough, or flaky. You may also notice dullness or increased redness. Your clinician can assess whether your skin is lacking water (dehydration) or oil (dryness) and help you understand which approaches can support recovery and long-term comfort.

Can lifestyle affect skin hydration?

Yes. Hydration depends on more than topical care. Factors such as climate, UV exposure, diet, sleep, stress, and water intake all influence skin balance. Your clinician can help you identify habits that support the skin’s natural moisture retention and barrier function.

Have a Question?

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