Everything you need to know about fillers

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Having been around for decades, fillers naturally comes to mind when looking to shave off some years from your face, to look fresher and more awake. We speak to Dr Low Chai Ling, founder and medical director of SW1 clinic to share the key things you need to know before getting fillers – a procedure meant to minimise the appearance of facial lines and wrinkles.

What are fillers?

Fillers are commonly made of hyaluronic acid, which is an ingredient already naturally found in the skin. It’s because of its ability to store moisture that hyaluronic acid is a much sought-after ingredient for its ability to give skin a plump and hydrated appearance.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are a gel-like substance that helps to create volume in the skin. Once injected into the skin, they get to work by attracting water molecules and hydrating the surrounding tissue.

What is filler used for?

When it was first introduced, fillers were used to treat facial lines and creases. More recently, other uses for fillers have been introduced, such as augmenting and enhancing facial features, creating sharper cheekbones, more defined jawlines and straighter noses.

Fillers have also been used for other more non-conventional parts of the body such as the décolletage, neck and hands to rejuvenate crépey skin.

Are fillers and Botox the same?

They are often mistaken for each other as both are often used to minimised lines and wrinkles. In reality they work very differently. Fillers as its name suggests adds volume and plump the skin. Botox on the other hand works by temporarily blocking nerve signals in the muscles at the point of injection to restrict movement when then minimises the appearance of these facial lines.

On Which Areas of the Face Can Dermal Fillers Be Used?

Fillers come in different consistencies to treat different parts of the face and to achieve different results. Firm fillers are used to create volume and shape to the face, medium-firm fillers are used to reduce the appearance of creases, and soft fillers are used in the superficial layers of the dermis to smooth out wrinkles, plump and hydrate the skin.

On the Cheeks, Chin, and Lips for Facial Volume and Enhanced Profile

Hyaluronic acid fillers come in special formulations that are designed to create softer, fuller lips or adding volume to give a more sculpted look. Often patients make use of dermal fillers in Singapore to get back their high cheekbones. With hyaluronic acid fillers you can replace lost natural volume in the skin, and create fuller cheeks. Lifting the skin over your cheekbones to restore shape to the upper part of your face or add emphasis to your chin to improve your profile.

On the Skin for Skin Rejuvenation and Hydration

If you are only looking for skin rejuvenation and hydration, Hyaluronic acid fillers come with special formulas that are developed just for improving skin elasticity, hydration and smoothening. These fillers improve skin elasticity, making it look hydrated and feel smooth to touch. Perfect for difficult-to-treat areas, such as the backs of hands or decolletage, as well as the face! The fillers diminish fine crepey lines caused by sun damage and the natural aging process and smoothen the skin to give a plump and hydrated look. The benefits of a Hyaluronic acid treatment generally last for several months and can be maintained by repeated treatments once or twice a year.

On The Jaw and Neck for Non-Surgical Face Lift

Should saggy skin be a particular peeve of yours, fillers can be distributed over strategic areas of the entire face to hold up saggy bits resulting in an overall facelift without the need for surgery. The best news? Hyaluronic acid fillers have been found to stimulate your own skin’s production of collagen so the effects of this procedure get better with time. Patients will see an enhanced firmness and lifting effect after 1 to 3 sessions depending on the severity of their condition.

What Can You Expect From Fillers?

Be clear with your doctor what you are expecting from the procedure. It is possible to achieve a natural appearance with fillers, with the right amount and with the right doctor who understands good aesthetics.

After a filler treatment, it’s normal to experience some swelling and bruising but despite that, you will see an immediate difference in the shape and volume of the treated area. Results should improve as the swelling and fillers settle.

Read more: Have you tried 2020’s most popular skin treatments yet?

How Long Do Dermal Fillers Last?

Every face is different and everyone metabolises fillers differently. In general you can expect fillers to last anywhere between 6 and 18 months.

What is the Best Filler To Use?

Popular and trusted brands include Juvederm, Belotero, Restylane and Teosyal. Such fillers are FDA-approved in the United States for being safe and effective. Doctors may have a specific preference for different brands do not hesitate in asking your doctor about they type of filler they are using. Your practitioner should be well versed with the properties of different types of fillers and how they can effect different parts of the faces differently.

What You Should Ask Your Doctor Before Getting Fillers

Be sure to do your research on the doctor you are entrusting filler treatments with. It’s perfectly acceptable to request for before-and-after photographs of real patients prior to the treatment. Be open with your doctor and let him/ her know what kind of results you are expecting. Do ask what product will be used and the reasons for the product choice, how much will be injected, the technique of injection (needle or cannula?), how long are results likely to last and if there are any risks and side effects. You might also like to ask your doctor on alternative treatment options that are suitable for you.

Your doctor should also be frank and let you know what can be done if things were to go wrong. You must be fully confident with the clinic and doctor of your choice.

It is important to check with your doctor doing the fillers if they are using a cannula –  a blunt tube that deposits filler underneath the skin and can be used to treat any part of the face, such as tear troughs, cheeks, jawline or lips. A cannula minimises the risks of bleeding and bruising and ensures that important veins and arteries are not pierced during a filler procedure.

What Happens During A Dermal Filler Treatment

If you’ve decided to go ahead with a dermal filler treatment, here’s what you can expect.

(1) The doctor will hold a consultation meeting to discuss your issues, desired results and pros and cons of the procedure.

(2) Depending on the area being treated, you may have to use numbing cream on your skin or an anaesthetic using a small injection. Don’t worry, you will be fully awake during the treatment and most patients find it a comfortable and quick procedure.

(3) Your doctor will then inject a precise amount of filler strategically under your skin. Based on the areas that need to be treated, you can expect to see an immediate difference as soon as the filler has been added in.

Mild Side Effects After Dermal Filler Treatment

Some users experience mild bruising and swelling but this is temporary and should go away in a matter of a few days. The good news is that you can apply makeup right after and continue with normal activities right after. Just avoid alcohol for a day or so post treatment, in order to prevent any bruising.

How Much Filler Should I Go For?

When it comes to fillers, less is more, especially if you’re after a subtle and natural looking appearance. When done well and correctly, fillers should not be obvious or visible to the eye – it should feel and look like your own skin but plumper. Never feel pressured to have more filler injected into your skin than what you are comfortable with.

Are Fillers Reversible?

If you aren’t happy with your fillers at the end of the day, the good news is that it can be dissolved with hyaluronidase.

Benefits and Risks of Using Dermal Fillers For A Long Period of Time

Dermal fillers containing naturally Hyaluronic Acid are safe and with minimal side effects. One of the main benefits of using Hyaluronic fillers, aside from the natural element, is that they can be reversed should you not like the results of the treatment.

You may experience mild redness or swelling, but that usually goes away after a couple of days. You may also experience injection wounds which too go away pretty quickly. Should you be allergic to Hyaluronic Acid or have had any reactions to a filler treatment in the past, make sure to highlight it to your doctor so they know the right course to take.

To date there hasn’t been any evidence to suggest that long-term use of fillers is harmful to the body. The ingredient hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body, when it is injected, it is accepted by our bodies as being natural.

Where Should You Get Dermal Fillers in Singapore?

It goes without saying that dermal fillers should be done in a clinical setting and by a certified doctor. Aside from the skills of your doctor, and the ability to manage any unforeseen infections, the source and quality of fillers used is essential. Always ask to see the label of the product your doctor is using and ensure that it has the necessary certifications in place.

For instance, the doctors at popular aesthetic SW1 Clinic are certified Master Trainers by Q-Med. They are also certified trainers by Allergan. And while different fillers offer their own set of benefits, experienced doctors such as those at SW1 Clinic, work towards an optimal outcome with an entire armoury of quality dermal fillers. The doctors at SW1 clinic will choose the most appropriate filler for your particular issues, and aesthetic goal.

When the right filler combination meets meticulous skill and detail, the results are positive and ones you’ll love.