What is a dermal filler?
A dermal filler is a soft tissue filler injected into the skin to help improve signs of ageing such as to fill in facial wrinkles, provide facial volume and augment or contour facial features.
Dermal fillers can made from a variety of materials, including hyaluronic acid and collagen. These wrinkle fillers are temporary because they are eventually broken down by the body.
It is a popular alternative to plastic surgery, as it offers a non-invasive option for improving appearance of the skin.
How do dermal (face) fillers work?
Dermal fillers are injected into the skin using fine needles or blunt cannulas. The fillers are injected into specific areas in the skin to correct signs of ageing. The process is relatively fuss-free and results are typically immediate.
There is minimal downtime associated with dermal filler injections, and most people can return to their normal activities right away.
What can dermal (face) fillers treat?
Dermal fillers can be used to treat a number of aesthetic concerns, including wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of facial volume.
It can soften and remove common signs of facial ageing such as nasolabial folds, marionette lines and tear trough.
Dermal fillers can also be used for facial enhancement and contour improvement in areas such as the nose, temple, chin, lips and forehead.
What types of dermal (face) fillers are there?
Dermal Filler can be categorized into non-permanent and permanent depending on the product ingredient.
Non-permanent fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers
- Naturally occurring substance in skin
- Promotes collagen synthesis, plumping and filling targeted areas
- Can be dissolved with hyaluronidase if results are unsatisfactory
Collagen stimulating fillers
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers (e.g. Radiesse):
- Made from a mineral-like compound found in bones
- Slightly longer-lasting than hyaluronic acid but may lead to issues like nodule formation and over-correction
- Polycaprolactone [PCL] fillers (e.g. Ellanse):
- Made from a bioresorbable polymer
- Similar issues to Calcium Hydroxylapatite fillers
- Poly-L-lactic Acid [PLLA] and/or Poly-D-L-Lactide [PDLLA] fillers (e.g. Sculptra, Aesthefill, Lenisna):
- Biodegradable synthetic substance
- Stimulates collagen production for gradual and long-lasting results (up to two years)
Collagen fillers
- Derived from animal collagen
- Examples include Deusaderm
- A common alternative for specific areas of the face such as tear trough as it does not have issues that hyaluronic acid has in the tear trough
- Lacks longevity
Permanent fillers
Polymethyl Methacrylate [PMMA] fillers
- Contains PMMA microspheres that can’t be broken down by the body
- Causes collagen synthesis, but errors or side effects are irreversible
Polyacrylamide Gel [PAAG] fillers
- Contains the same ingredient as soft contact lenses
- Banned in Singapore
Autologous fat injections
- Involves taking fat from one part of the body and injecting it into the face
- More invasive with a longer-lasting or permanent outcome
- Requires a complex process and recovery period
Common dermal (face) filler treatment areas
Fillers can be used in areas where augmentation of facial features or contours is desired; fill up facial depressions and/or project a facial feature. As with any procedure or treatment, results vary by individual. Areas face fillers can be used for include:
- Nasolabial fillers – Fill up depressed nasolabial folds; the ridges between the nose
- Under Eye fillers – Correct the appearance of eyebags and tear troughs, giving a more refreshed look
- Cheek fillers – Fill up sunken cheeks, lift the cheeks, nasolabial folds and marionette lines
- Nose fillers – Project and define the nose bridge and nasal tip for a sharper facial profile
- Temple fillers – Restore volume at the temples, which often get sunken in and narrow with age. A full temple projects a youthful appearance
- Lip fillers – Plump up thin lips and give a fuller, more youthful lip, and smooth out lip wrinkles
- Chin fillers – Elongate a short and receded chin, augment the shape of the chin, such as changing a broad chin into a sharp chin
- Reduce deep wrinkles and skin folds
- Fill holes caused by acne scars
Treatment areas for dermal fillers
Nose
Forehead
Cheeks
Tear trough
Temples
Lips
Chin
Jawline
Brow
Nasolabial folds
Marionette line
What are the benefits of dermal (face) fillers?
- Wrinkle Reduction: Dermal fillers are highly effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Restored Facial Volume: Dermal fillers can restore lost volume to areas such as the cheeks, temples, and under eyes, helping to create a more youthful and rejuvenated facial appearance
- Natural-Looking Results: Well-administered dermal fillers can provide subtle and natural-looking results
- Quick and Minimally Invasive: Dermal filler treatments are typically quick and involve minimal downtime
- Customizable Solutions: Dermal fillers come in various formulations, allowing for a customized approach based on individual needs and goals
- Boosted Collagen Production: Dermal fillers stimulate collagen production and provide skin structure and elasticity support, contributing to long-term skin health
- Versatility in Treatment Areas: Dermal fillers can be used in various areas of the face, including the lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines and jawline
- Long-Lasting Results: Many formulations provide long-lasting effects, reducing the need for frequent maintenance treatments
- Minimal Discomfort: Most dermal filler formulations contain a numbing agent, and practitioners can use additional anaesthetics to minimize discomfort during the injection process
- Improved Self-Confidence: Enhancing facial features can increase self-confidence and a more positive self-image
Who is suitable for dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are suitable for people who wish to improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles, as well as add volume to certain areas of the face. They can be used to treat a number of different concerns, such as marionette lines, nasolabial folds.
If you are considering having dermal fillers, it is important to consult with a qualified and experienced practitioner to ensure that you are suitable for the treatment. The practitioner will be able to assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of treatment.
What happens during a dermal filler procedure?
Dermal fillers are available in a doctor’s clinic. The treatment area will be cleansed and topical numbing cream will be applied, making the procedure comfortable for patients.
The doctor injects tiny amounts of fillers under your skin using a fine needle. The majority of people don’t feel much discomfort with these injections. though the needle may pinch or sting. The injection process may only take a few minutes to complete.
Should you do dermal filler or BTX for wrinkles?
Dermal fillers work differently from BTX injections. These two treatments are great for wrinkles, but they address different types of wrinkles.
Dermal fillers are great for treating static wrinkles caused by the ageing process. Fillers plump up the skin by filling in static wrinkles. They smooth out the skin, giving it a younger appearance.
BTX on the other hand is suitable for dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions. It works by temporarily relaxing the muscles in the face.
How much do dermal (face) fillers cost in Singapore?
The cost of dermal face filler treatments in Singapore can vary based on the type of filler used, the amount required, and the practitioner’s expertise. On average, prices can range from $700 to several thousand dollars per session.
FAQs
What is the best age to start getting dermal fillers?
There is no one “best” age to start getting dermal fillers. Some people begin to see signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and fine lines as early as 25 to around the age of 40 and above. At this point, many people choose to start getting dermal fillers to help minimise these signs of ageing.
What are the side effects of (face) dermal fillers?
Common injection related side effects such as minor discomfort, redness, swelling may occur and usually resolved in few days.
While rare, more severe complications such as allergic reactions, vascular complications or infections can occur. It’s crucial to report any unusual symptoms to your practitioner promptly.
What can I expect from (face) dermal fillers?
Dermal face fillers in Singapore are designed to provide subtle, natural-looking results, avoiding an overly worked-on appearance. You’ll often notice an immediate improvement in the treated areas, with continued enhancement over the following days.
The duration of results varies dependingon the type of filler used. Some may last several months, while others can offer effects of up to two years.
What should I do after (face) dermal fillers?
- Follow post-procedure instructions: Your practitioner will provide specific guidelines for aftercare. Instructions may include avoiding strenuous activities, exposure to direct sunlight, or certain skincare products
- Stay hydrated: Drinking at least two litres of water daily will help maintain the results and support the overall health of your skin
- Avoid touching or rubbing: Minimize touching or rubbing the treated areas to prevent infection or displacement of the filler
- Avoid alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption immediately after fillers may cause redness and swelling for some people.
What if I don't like how I look after filler injection?
Fillers, especially hyaluronic acid-based ones, offer the advantage of being reversible. If you are not satisfied with the results, your healthcare provider can use an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the filler and restore your original appearance.
Are fillers bad for my health in the long run?
Fillers are not harmful to our health. even in the long run. Fillers are commonly made up of hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occuring substance in human skin. So, it is not harmful to us.
The filler only stays at the site of injection and integrates well with skin, replacing lost collagen and providing hydration and support from within.
Will I look worse if I stop doing fillers?
We will not look worse if we choose to stop filler injections. The injected fillers will be broken down naturally by the body, and the face will revert to its original state after.
For best results, it is recommended to repeat filler treatments when you start to notice the effect of the fillers diminishing.
Will I need to get repeated filler treatments?
Most dermal fillers are not permanent and will require repeat treatments over time. The frequency of treatment will vary depending on the type of filler used and your individual needs. However, most people will need to get repeat treatments every 6 months to 2 years.
Will fillers make me look fake or unnatural?
Looking fake and unnatural is a valid concern, but our doctors aim to only replace the volume you have lost from ageing so that you will look natural but noticeably fresher.
Filler injection is an art and no two faces are the same. When our doctors use fillers to sculpt your face, they are improving the proportions of your face so that you will look more balanced.
You will only look fake if injectors go beyond what is ideal, resulting in the face being “overfilled”.
