A Definitive Guide to Dermal Fillers in Singapore

Dermal fillers are a non-surgical cosmetic procedure that involves injecting a specialised substance into the skin to restore volume and fullness to the face. This treatment is effective in addressing common signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and hollow areas. In addition, dermal fillers can enhance facial contours and stimulate collagen production. These injectable fillers usually contain hyaluronic acid (HA), a naturally occurring substance in the body that keeps the skin plump, hydrated, and firm.

What Areas Do Dermal Fillers Treat?

Dermal fillers have a wide range of applications on various areas of the face, including:

Forehead: Dermal fillers can effectively minimise deep forehead lines and wrinkles. By injecting fillers into these lines, they become filled out and less prominent, resulting in a smoother and more youthful-looking appearance.

Eyes: The tear trough area, a space between the lower eyelid and the upper cheek, often appears hollow or sunken as one ages, creating dark circles or a tired look. Dermal fillers can help reduce hollows and smooth out lines to restore volume and enhance overall facial contour.

Cheeks: With the natural ageing process, the face tends to lose subcutaneous fat, which leads to hollowed-out cheeks, sagging skin, and more pronounced wrinkles. Cheek fillers can help treat flat or sunken cheeks by restoring lost volume, lifting the skin, and creating a filler and younger look.

Lips: Dermal fillers can plump up thin lips, achieving a softer and fuller appearance while providing shape and definition. Furthermore, these fillers can correct naturally uneven or asymmetrical lips, enhance the lip border and cupid’s bow, and improve its contours for a more pronounced pout.

Nose: The dermal filler procedure allows for the reshaping and contouring of the nose without the downtime of surgery. Strategically injecting fillers can correct minor imperfections, such as a bump on the nose bridge or an uneven tip caused by the natural shape of the nasal bone, resulting in a more balanced and sculpted appearance.

Face: Ageing causes the loss of volume in facial fat pads, which results in various problems such as skin laxity, fine lines, sagging cheeks, and deep laugh lines. However, dermal fillers can contour and define facial features, including the temples, jawlines, and chin, for a more balanced and harmonious aesthetic.

The Dermal Filler Procedure

The dermal filler procedure usually takes around 30 minutes, although the duration may vary depending on the extent of the treatment. An aesthetic doctor will first conduct a consultation with the patient to assess their facial features, discuss their aesthetic goals, identify areas of concern, and determine the appropriate type and volume of dermal filler.

During the procedure, the doctor cleanses the treatment area thoroughly and applies a topical numbing cream prior to the injection. They will mark the injection points on the skin to ensure strategic placement of the fillers. The doctor will then carefully inject the dermal filler into the targeted areas, followed by a gentle massage on the area to ensure an even and ideal distribution of the filler.

Aftercare of Dermal Filler Treatment

Following the procedure, patients may experience some temporary swelling, redness, or mild discomfort, which will resolve within a few days. To ensure optimal outcomes, doctors may advise patients to avoid vigorous exercise, sun exposure, and alcohol consumption in the first few days.

Although dermal fillers offer effective results, their effects are temporary, and will eventually be dissolved by the body naturally over time. On average, dermal fillers can last for six months to a year or so. The exact duration will vary based on the type of filler used, the treated area, and so on. The doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor the progress and discuss if any touch-ups are needed.

What are the Different Types of Dermal Fillers?

The following are some types of dermal fillers:

• Hyaluronic Acid (HA): This dermal filler consists of a substance naturally occurring in the body that helps maintain skin moisture and elasticity, called hyaluronic acid. When injected, hyaluronic acid fillers enhance the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scar tissue and restore the skin's fullness.
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHa): Calcium hydroxylapatite is a mineral-like compound commonly found in the bones. It is used in dermal fillers to add volume to the cheeks and mid-face areas while also helping to smooth out deeper wrinkles and folds.
• Polyalkylimide: Polyalkylimide is a biocompatible, semi-permanent dermal filler. This type of dermal filler is often used to treat deep wrinkles and lines in areas like nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
• Polylactic Acid: Polylactic acid is a synthetic dermal filler that stimulates the body to naturally produce collagen on its own when injected into the skin. This dermal filler is commonly used to address laugh lines, improve acne scar appearance, and treat deep nasolabial folds.
• Polymethyl-methacrylate Microspheres (PMMA): Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres are tiny beads suspended in a gel-like substance. They provide volume that lifts the skin to soften medium-to-deep wrinkles and folds, fill in pitted scars, and augment thin lips.

What to Consider before Getting Dermal Fillers?

Despite its benefits, patients must consider various factors before deciding to undergo dermal filler treatments. These include:

• Adverse Effects: While fillers are generally safe, one must acknowledge the risk of side effects, such as allergies, redness, or lump formation. Seek an experienced aesthetic doctor to keep these risks to a minimum.
• Cost Considerations: The cost of dermal fillers in Singapore can vary depending on the type of dermal filler, the number of treatment areas, and the doctor's or clinic’s fees.
• Desired Outcomes: Every patient is unique, and the results can vary depending on one’s age, skin type, and specific skin condition. Discuss your goals and concerns with your provider so they can recommend the appropriate type of filler and regimen for you.
• Recovery Time: In most cases, dermal fillers have minimal downtime, allowing patients to resume daily activities immediately. However, consult with your doctor on how long recovery or full results will take for the specific type of filler and treated area.

How to Choose the Right Provider for Dermal Fillers

Choosing the right provider is essential for achieving a safe and effective outcome when undergoing dermal filler treatments. Consider the following factors when selecting an aesthetic doctor:

• Qualifications and Experience: Look for a qualified and experienced provider in performing dermal filler procedures. They should possess the necessary medical training, certifications, and years of experience in the field.
• Reputation and Reviews: Research the provider's reputation and read reviews from previous patients online. This will give you valuable insights into their skills, professionalism, and track record or expertise in the field.
• Consultation Process: A qualified aesthetic doctor will offer a thorough consultation process whereby they assess your needs, goals, and provide personalised recommendations. They should take the time to explain the treatment to you, address any concerns, and provide realistic feedback about the outcomes of the procedure.