SKINVIVE at Astria Clinic, Bangsar: The Injectable That Doesn’t Want to Change Your Face—Just Make It Glow
Monica Tindall
Astria Clinic in Bangsar is one of my go-tos for aesthetic treatments, and for good reason. Dr. Jinly Wong’s expertise, combined with the clinic’s warm and attentive staff, makes every visit feel like a well-deserved indulgence. This time, I return for SKINVIVE, a treatment that promises radiant, hydrated skin with minimal downtime. But does it live up to the hype? Here’s my experience.
What is SKINVIVE?
SKINVIVE is technically a dermal filler, but before you visualise the Hollywood Housewife look—don’t. This one plays a different game. It’s not about adding volume or reshaping your face; instead, it delivers tiny droplets of hyaluronic acid (HA) directly into the dermis to increase hydration and improve texture. The result? Skin that looks like you’ve been drinking three litres of water a day, getting eight hours of sleep and avoiding sugar, stress and exes.
How Does It Work?
While most fillers are thick and structural (think scaffolding for your cheekbones), SKINVIVE is more like a serum—only injectable. It’s made of non-crosslinked hyaluronic acid, which means it flows easily into the dermis and gets to work hydrating your skin at a cellular level. Over the next few weeks, I’m supposed to notice improved elasticity, finer texture and a soft, natural sheen. No one should guess I’ve had work done. However, they may start wondering if I’ve been moonlighting at a luxury wellness retreat in Ubud.
The most annoying thing about most skin boosters (although I love the final outcome) is that you need a minimum of two to three sessions to see the full effects. I feel that my skin just recovers from the injections, and it’s time for another treatment, leaving me with three months of ups and downs with recovery time while waiting for the final results to kick in. However, SKINVIVE is just one treatment that lasts up to nine months, eliminating the need for the expense and downtime of repeat visits; one time, and I’m done.
Who is It Ideal For?
If, like me, your skin is starting to look a bit tired, a little dull, and often dry, especially with declining perimenopausal hormones throwing curveballs in all directions, SKINVIVE may be your answer.
It’s perfect for:
- Anyone noticing a loss of bounce, glow or hydration
- Fine lines that seem to have RSVP’d without an invitation
- Skin that no longer reflects how vibrant you feel inside
It’s suitable for all skin tones and types, but not recommended if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have active skin infections.
What to Do (and Not Do) Before Treatment
SKINVIVE prep is fairly simple, but a few rules apply:
- A week before: Avoid blood thinners like aspirin and omega-3s unless prescribed by your doctor.
- Two days before: Put away the acids and retinoids. Your skin is about to get a cocktail of HA—it doesn’t need an exfoliative rave beforehand.
- The night before: No alcohol. Your liver will thank you, and your face will swell less.
What’s the Procedure Like?
Once I’m comfortably reclined in Astria Clinic’s treatment room, a numbing cream is applied, and I get to take that luxurious 15-minute nap I’ve come to look forward to. After the cream is removed, Dr Jinly marks my face, mapping out an injection plan. She then injects microdroplets of SKINVIVE across my cheeks using a very fine needle. Her assistant reduces swelling with an ice pack and distracts me with a vibrating tool. Once done, any noticeable bumps are massaged, my face is cleansed once again, and sunscreen is applied. The whole procedure is over in under half an hour — quick, precise, and with far more satisfying results than my average lunch break.
Does It Hurt?
Well, not really. At most, it feels like a cluster of soft pinpricks — more curious than painful. The numbing cream works wonders, and the lidocaine in the formula makes the whole thing surprisingly tolerable. While pain is subjective, if you’ve had Botox or fillers before, SKINVIVE feels similar—just a few tiny stings.
What’s the Downtime?
Post-treatment, I look like I’ve had a slightly emotional day—mild redness, some swelling, and a few tiny bumps where the product was injected. I’m grateful that masks are still commonplace after the pandemic, and I use one until I reach home again. The after effects settle by the next morning, and I’m back at work. And, with it mostly being just my cheeks affected, I can continue wearing a mask without drawing a second glance, though I’m not too fussed and use a little concealer to hide the more distinctive marks.
Post-Care: Keep Calm and Moisturise On
Post-treatment:
- Skip makeup for at least 12 hours
- Avoid saunas, hot yoga or anything else that makes you sweat
- Use gentle skincare—this is not the moment to trial your new acid peel
- Hydrate, both topically and internally
- Avoid salt, creatinine supplements and alcohol for a day to minimise swelling
When Will You See Results?
Some hydration kicks in almost immediately, but the real magic is supposed to happen over the next two to four weeks as my skin finds the holy trinity of water, collagen and elasticity. Results are said to last up to nine months, and, as mentioned, no repeat sessions are needed.
How Much Does It Cost in Malaysia?
At Astria Clinic, SKINVIVE costs RM 1600 per syringe. However, until the end of June, there’s a buy two, get one free promotion, so you’ll get three syringes for RM 3200. It’s not cheap, but then again, neither is looking like you’ve been living on bone broth and K-beauty facials in Myeongdong for the past month.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try It?
SKINVIVE is the kind of treatment that doesn’t shout—it whispers. It’s for people who want to look better, not different. At Astria Clinic, you’re in exceptionally good hands. The staff are warm, the environment is calming, and Dr Jinly is a skilled professional who never overpromises or underdelivers.
So, should you try it? If you’re looking for an understated tweak that delivers a surprisingly radiant payoff, I’d say yes—go forth and glow. Your mirror will thank you.
Reasons to try SKINVIVE: increased moisture and glow; minimum downtime; a skin booster that only requires one session; but two syringes get one free until the end of June!
Astria Clinic
19 Jalan Telawi 3, Bangsar
59100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Link to Astria Clinic on Google Maps
+016 422 2300
www.astriaclinic.com @astriaclinic @drjinlywong
Astria Clinic Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 10 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: Closed
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