11 Things to Know If You Want to Get Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers. If you’ve been scouring the internet for treatments that can enhance facial features, soften the signs of ageing and give you improved texture and hydration, you’ve probably discovered dermal fillers. Whether it’s instagram or your favorite Hollywood show, these cosmetic injections have become increasingly popular with celebrities, socialites and influencers alike.
A little bit of a tweak can change the way we look for the better, and without causing too many eyebrows to raise. In fact, dermal fillers are meant to be invisible, which means you look refreshed but with changes so subtle that most won’t even notice you’ve had something “done”.
And though dermal fillers are becoming the go-to procedure for cosmetic enhancement in Singapore, it can be hard to figure out how exactly they work. Here’s all the information you need – from where to get them done and what to do if you don’t like what you see!
1. It matters who does your dermal fillers
The first rule to remember is, never get any injectable treatment at a beauty spa or a salon. You should only go to a qualified doctor for cosmetic procedures. While dermal fillers are relatively safe, if the person administering them is untrained and not skilled to handle sensitive structures under the face such as nerves, vessels and eyes, the risk of damage and infection could be high.
Ideally take the time to research doctors in Singapore, read reviews and ask around – chances are plenty of people use dermal fillers and can help you choose the right practitioner of choice. You also want to choose a doctor that offers a clinical setting, so you have access to pre and post procedure medication and appropriate equipment. As easy as dermal fillers may seem, the beauty of your treatment lies solely in the hands of your doctor, so make sure to choose wisely!
2. Fillers are made of different material, including Hyaluronic Acid
Dermal fillers, such as Juvederm and Restylane, use hyaluronic acid, a substance that naturally forms in our skin. Hyaluronic acid comes with the ability to store moisture and hence can give skin a plumper, more hydrated appearance. Dermal fillers using HA, can also stimulate the body’s own natural production of hyaluronic acid, which otherwise diminishes with age.
There’s no wonder then that in the last decade or so, dermal fillers with hyaluronic acid have replaced most other types of filler material, because of their safety, effectiveness, and lasting effect.
3. You get what you pay for
If it’s too good to be true, stay away! When it comes to dermal fillers, make sure that you are investing in good products and not grey market knock-offs. This is certainly not the time to fall for Groupon like heavy discounting. If the price is questionably low for a filler, it might be that the product is diluted or developed by an uncertified source. Doctors recommend always asking to see the box, and checking for a safety seal on it before your practitioner proceeds with the dermal filler treatment.
4. Botox and Fillers are different
Yes , they both are delivered in the form of an injection, but that’s probably where their similarities end. Botox helps to eliminate wrinkles by blocking muscle contractions and movement. It stops the small muscles in your face from making the movements that cause wrinkles. Dermal fillers on the other hand, plump from below the wrinkles to smoothen them out and give you that youthful glow.
5. Dermal Fillers are a quick and no downtime procedure
Often called a lunchtime quickie, dermal fillers are a fast and no downtime needed treatment. Depending on the number of areas being covered, it usually takes no more than an hour to receive a dermal filler treatment. And unlike other invasive cosmetic procedures, there’s no recovery time needed after receiving a dermal filler. With any side effects like redness and bruising going away in a few days, most patients resume their regular activities right after leaving.
6. Facial fillers are great for anti aging, but have plenty of other uses
If you have wrinkles, lines, or loss of volume that you’re unhappy with, you’re probably a good candidate for facial fillers. One of the reasons Hyaluronic Acid fillers are popular is their ability to add volume and decrease wrinkles with just a single visit to the doctor. HA injections also stimulate collagen production and can lead to fresher looking skin in the long term.
Hyaluronic acid fillers come in special formulations that are specially designed to create beautiful lips. Whether you’re after softer, fuller lips – or want to add just a touch of volume to lip border, HA fillers are a great option to consider. You can also chisel your face and rediscover your cheekbones! With hyaluronic acid fillers you can replace lost natural volume in the skin, and create fuller cheeks, lifting the skin and improving your profile. You can also get a more contoured chin!
You’ve also probably heard of the Hyaluronic acid ‘Facelift’ – a procedure using dermal fillers to hold up saggy skin and give the face and overall lift, without surgery. A great way to get youth back to your facial features, a facelift using fillers is non invasive and comes with effective, long term results.
Want to get the nose of your dream? Fillers can also help achieve an aesthetically pleasing nose under the skilled hands of a doctor. Nose fillers improve the proportions of the nose while correcting crooked bridges and concealing bumps. They are also equally effective for lifting and refining the nose tip.
7. You can see immediate results that last between 3 to 12 months
Unlike Botox, dermal fillers allow you to see immediate results. Depending on the area you inject and the type of filler you use, you can expect your filler to last 6 months at a minimum, and a year at the most. Some parts of the face that move more frequently such as lips or cheeks, make fillers go away faster while nasal fillers can stay far longer than a year.
8. They are reversible
If you aren’t happy with your results, it is possible to get rid of fillers! The good part about using HA fillers is that unlike Botox, they can be dissolved and hence are reversible. You can choose to have them dissolved right away, but doctors often recommend waiting for a week for any swelling to go down, so you are able to see real results of your procedure.
9. The pain is mild
When a dermal filler is injected you may experience some amount of pain, but most patients describe this pain as mild. Your doctor will also offer an option for anesthesia with the help of a numbing cream. In fact, most fillers nowadays contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic, which takes away most of the discomfort. The injection point might become a little red and it might bleed a little bit when the filler is injected.
10. Fillers aren’t just for ageing skin
People often believe that fillers are only for those with ageing skin. While they are an excellent tool to help people look younger, they are also a great way to maintain youthful skin. Adding volume is one of the best ways to refresh the face and decrease wrinkles and lines, but fillers can also be used to enhance – by giving volume and build structure. From adding volume to lips or cheeks to building structure around your face or nose, filler treatments can be used in a number of ways to enhance features – across both younger and older age groups.
11. They’re Not Just for Women
Although dermal fillers are popular with women, plenty of men too choose fillers to look younger. Since collagen begins to decline as early as your mid-20s, there’s no reason why both men and women should stave off dermal fillers that help prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The best person to ascertain whether fillers are meant for you is your aesthetic doctor. He or she will assess your skin health, appearance and goals before recommending a treatment plan.