13 Most Common Questions About Facial Fillers in Singapore

Do you have pesky lines and wrinkles that you wish you could improve or smooth away? Do you want to have a more youthful and natural-looking appearance without the need for invasive procedures? Dermal or facial fillers in Singapore might be the solution you’re looking for.

Fillers are non-surgical procedures designed to enhance your natural features and not drastically change your appearance. When performed by a skilled medical professional, they can deliver subtle and beautiful results that leave you looking refreshed and rejuvenated. 

If you’re considering getting dermal fillers in Singapore, it is advisable to learn more about the procedure, identify the areas you’d like to treat, and think about your desired outcome. To be an informed patient, we share the answers to 12 of the most frequently asked questions about facial fillers.

1. What are dermal/facial fillers?

Dermal or facial fillers are injectable gels used for restoring volume loss and enhancing existing facial features. They are injected underneath the skin to thin, sunken, or undefined areas, mostly of the face, and sometimes, the body. One of the reasons fillers are so popular is that they can help with a variety of aging skin concerns. Benefits include

• Soften fine lines and wrinkles
• Create fuller, plumper lips
• Fill out deep lines and folds
• Restore volume to the cheek and undereye areas
• Define the jawline
• Improve facial symmetry
• Correct acne scars and pitting

 

2. What are the different types of fillers?

Facial fillers come in various forms and are made from different substances. The most common types include:

• Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers – most widely used and are composed of a naturally occurring substance in the body. HA fillers are used for restoring volume, smoothing wrinkles, and plumping the lips. 
• Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers – composed of calcium-based microspheres and are considered structural fillers used for immediate volume replacement, deeper wrinkles, and jawline contouring.
• Poly-L-Lactic Acid (PLLA) fillers – stimulate collagen production over time, contributing to gradual and lasting results. It is used for restoring volume loss in the cheeks and midface.
• Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) – contains PMMA microspheres that provide structural support and a more lasting solution for scarring and deep wrinkles. 
• Autologous fat grafting – requires (surgery) harvesting of fat from another area, which is purified and then injected into the face to restore volume in the cheeks, temples, and other areas.

At Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore, we offer hyaluronic acid fillers and CaHA fillers, which are both biocompatible. This means that they are well-tolerated by the body and don’t usually cause adverse reactions. They can also integrate more naturally with the tissues, resulting in a seamless and lasting result.

3. Are dermal fillers safe?

Facial fillers are safe and effective when administered by a trained and licensed professional. This is why the procedure should be performed in clinics, and not spas, salons, or at home. 

You should also not buy dermal fillers on the internet, as they can be fake, contaminated, or diluted with other ingredients. Those who are allergic or sensitive to the filler material, of course, should not undergo the treatment.

4. When will I see results after getting fillers? 

This depends on the type of filler used. Most fillers volumize the areas, so they produce immediate or almost immediate results. The final outcome, however, can take a few weeks to fully settle. For fillers that also stimulate the body to produce collagen, it can take more time. 

It takes about two to four weeks for the dermal filler to integrate with the surrounding tissues and for any swelling or bruising to subside. After the settling period, the filler will be fully integrated with more refined results. 

5. How long do facial fillers last?

Dermal fillers can last long, but they are not permanent. The material will eventually metabolize and the effect will disappear. Typically, they can last between 6 to 24 months, depending on the formulation and brand. Several factors can affect the longevity of results, including:

• The type of filler used
• Individual metabolism (how fast your body absorbs the filler)
• The area of injection (areas with constant movement like the lips and around the mouth tend to experience faster breakdown of fillers)
• Quality of injection technique
• Lifestyle choices (sun exposure, smoking, alcohol, poor diet can reduce filler longevity)

6. Are there any risks and side effects?

When performed by an experienced injector, facial fillers should have minimal to no side effects. Common side effects include redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which will subside within one-week post-treatment. It is important to read up on your pre- and post-care instructions to learn more about the side effects and how to reduce them.  

Do take note that when your chosen injector does not have proper medical training and experience, serious side effects are more likely. When cosmetic injectables are administered in a non-clinical or medical setting, the risk of more serious side effects increases. These include lumps, overfilling, allergies, severe swelling, discoloration, and infection.

7. What is the difference between dermal fillers and botulinum toxin?

Both injectables may address some aging concerns, but they are completely different. Botulinum toxin works best for dynamic wrinkles or those formed due to facial expressions. It works by temporarily freezing or paralyzing the muscle responsible for wrinkles, so they won’t contract. A popular brand is US FDA-approved for four different areas, such as forehead lines, lines between the brows, crow’s feet, and platysma bands.

Dermal fillers, as previously mentioned, are used mainly for restoring volume loss. They are injected under the skin, filling in gaps, lines, and folds. The good news is they can be used in combination with botulinum toxin to address different signs of aging, such as expression lines, static wrinkles, and volume loss. 

8. Do fillers hurt?

Certain fillers contain lidocaine (local anesthetic) to reduce pain and comfort during the injection. For other fillers that don’t have any anesthetic, a numbing cream can be applied to the area to help ease the pain. Many compare it to tiny ant bites or a slight pinch, but the sensation varies. 

9. How much do facial fillers cost?

The cost of dermal fillers in Singapore varies depending on the type used, the areas to be treated, and the amount of filler needed. Reputable clinics with experienced injectors may also charge higher prices. A consultation with us will give you an idea of the estimated pricing of fillers depending on your needs and goals. 

10. Can facial fillers be reversed?

Certain types such as hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved if you’re unhappy with the results. This is done by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase, which dissolves the HA so the skin will absorb it. It can also be used for other concerns such as overfilling, infection, and prolonged swelling at the injection site. 

11. What can you expect before, during, and after your filler treatment?

• Before – You will meet with an aesthetic doctor to discuss your concerns and goals. Based on the consultation, they will determine if dermal fillers are right for you, as well as select the appropriate filler.
• During – Small amounts of filler are injected into treatment areas. Your injector may also gently massage the area to distribute the filler evenly, smooth out uneven areas, or contour the areas. If needed, ice packs can be used to reduce discomfort and swelling.
• After – To minimize redness and irritation, you’ll be instructed to avoid strenuous activity and excessive sun exposure for 24 hours. You will also be advised to avoid NSAIDs for one week to reduce bruising and refrain from using Retin-A for several days to prevent prolonged redness.

12. How do I choose the best facial fillers for me?

There is no single best filler in Singapore that can address all your aging concerns. Choosing the right filler involves:

• Consulting a qualified healthcare professional
• Understanding different filler types
• Knowing your skin type and the conditions to be treated
• Combining treatments
• Setting realistic expectations

13. What happens if I stop getting fillers?

Stopping lip, chin, or cheek fillers reverses the temporary enhancement from said injectable. The treated area will go back to its original state, which means that the signs of aging tackled or improved by the filler will become more visible. The lines and folds smoothed by fillers will show again and volumized lips or cheeks will have diminished fullness. 

It is not true that stopping fillers will make skin laxity or wrinkles worse. Your face will gradually return to how it looked before the treatment. The changes don’t happen instantly; you will slowly lose volume or gain back lines and folds as time goes by. Maintenance treatments can help prolong the youthful results. 

For further reading: What Will Happen if I Stop Getting Botulinum Toxin and Fillers?

Ready to discover the wonder of dermal fillers in Singapore and how they can enhance your appearance? Our team at Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore offers different types and brands of facial fillers, as well as other injectables and non-surgical procedures for a comprehensive approach to facial aging. 

Give us a call at +65 6801 4000 or message us via WhatsApp at +65 9780 2079 to learn more or book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors.