Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to help address and correct visible signs of aging such as smooth lines and wrinkles, restore fullness to cheeks and the hollow areas under the eyes as the face starts to sag, plump lips, enhance facial contours for a more youthful appearance. They provide structural support to the aging changes of the face (eg. cheeks, temples, chin, jawline and lips).

Some dermal fillers are made of natural substances and some of synthetic compounds.

Hyaluronic Acid (eg. Juvederm and Restylane) – a naturally-occurring substance in our body, that is found in our skin with the main function of keeping skin plump and hydrated.  Injection of hyaluronic acid into the skin has also been shown to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.  This can lead to improvement in the elasticity of the skin.  Hyaluronic acid fillers have the added option of reversibility with hylase, an enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid.  This is important when patients wish to reverse some of the changes or when a complication occurs.

This type of filler has the longest history of use and longest track record of safety. The IDS Clinics use Hyaluronic acid fillers almost exclusively.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) - a mineral-like compound found in the bones – it has a thicker consistency than hyaluronic acid filler and longer lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds as well as the treatment of facial fat loss.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) – a biodegradable synthetic substance that is safe for use in the body, which stimulates the skin to produce more collagen – It can be used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds to give a more youthful appearance.  This biostimulator works differently from HA fillers by evoking collagen production by the cells in the skin.  It usually requires at least 3 sessions to get the desired results.

Polycaprolactone (Ellanse) – made of carboxymethyl cellulose, this is a collagen stimulator that works by correcting wrinkles and folds, at the same time stimulate your own collagen production to treat the underlying facing aging with gradual, long lasting effects and a natural youthful appearance.

Polyacrylamide (Aquamid) - a transparent homogenous, hydrogel consisting of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, that is shown to have long lasting results, well suited for a broad range of facial corrections including minor facial folds and depression, cheek corrections, and lip augmentation and contouring.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Fillers are used to support the structure of the aging face.  As our face ages, bone resorption takes place, making the framework weaker and smaller.  This weaker frame does not hold the facial tissues upright as well as before, causing the tissues to sag at the lower cheeks and the jawline.  Fillers can augment this facial frame and restore the youthful facial contours of the face. 

Sometimes fillers are used to augment parts of the aging face that has deflated (eg. lips, temples or tear trough areas). 

Injection points are strategically placed to support the facial tissues with various fillers (different hardness and cohesivity) to get the best natural result.   Hyaluronic acid fillers from Juvederm integrate nicely with our facial skin, giving a natural and rejuvenated look.  As these fillers are not permanent, repeat refilling can be expected close to every 1-year. 

The downtime is minimal and patients can expect to return to normal social and work activities after the procedure the next day.  

The popularity of hyaluronic acid fillers have increased worldwide in the last 15-years as results are immediate with little downtime or complications compared to surgery.  Results are natural, both in animation (smiling) or at rest. 

WHAT CAN FILLERS DO FOR YOU?

The benefits:

1. Lift the sagging cheeks and give a more youthful facial shape.
2. Reduce the tired look around the eyes by lifting the brow and supporting the front of the cheeks to reduce the 'tear-trough' deformity.
3. Making one look less angry or intense by volumizing and lengthening the lips and the chin.
4. Making one look less sad by lifting the outer brows and the corners of the mouth.
5. Making one look more beautiful by enhancing certain features of the face (eg. nose, chin, lips and front of the cheeks) to achieve the ideal facial dimensions.

HOW MANY SYRINGES OF FILLERS WILL I NEED?

It can range between 4 to 12 syringes in 1 session.  It depends on the severity of the structural loss and age of the patient.  Our doctors at IDS clinic will do the assessment and recommend a treatment plan for you. 

With ‘MD Codes’, a newly-evolved technique and protocol developed by renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon, Dr. Mauricio de Maio, it is possible to pinpoint accurately the areas responsible for the changes in aging. These targeted injection areas help treat sagging skin, loss of volume and deep wrinkles, restoring a refreshed, relaxed and youthful appearance.

PROCEDURES AND TREATMENTS

Your treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will be able to discuss your area of concerns, goals and review your medical history for suitability.

An assessment is done by our doctors and a treatment plan is discussed our patients before proceeding. 

Photos are taken before the procedure and an  anesthetic cream is applied to the areas for 30 minutes.  The injection time is about 15-20 minutes. 

ARE FILLER INJECTIONS PAINFUL?

Most of our patients tolerate the treatment well with topical anesthesia alone. 

Topical anesthetics applied to the skin before the procedure can minimize the discomfort when the needle penetrates the skin. Ice is often used to numb the areas immediately prior to injection – this helps to minimize the discomfort. The hyaluronic acid filler, itself, contains an anesthetic called lidocaine, which makes the injection procedure much more comfortable.

Any swelling or redness can last up to 2 days after the injection.  Patients can use make-up the next day and can return to their normal activities. 

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

The majority of hyaluronic fillers are safe.  Many (eg. Juvederm, Restylane) have gone through rigorous testing and studies to show that they are safe in the short and long term. 

Common side-effects of fillers are:

1. Redness and swelling for 1-2 days (more often on the lips)
2. Bruising. Can last up to 10 days and can be covered with makeup
3. Swelling under the eyes ('sausage deformity’). Due to superficial placement of the fillers under the skin.

Rarer and more serious side-effects:

1. Swelling after weeks or months after injection due to a low-grade infection of the product. This is treated with antibiotics and removal of the hyaluronic acid filler.
2. Infection. This is mostly due to non-sterile technique during the procedure. This is treated with oral antibiotics.
3. Intravascular accidents leading to skin necrosis or blindness. This is extremely rare, and is a result of injecting the product into a major artery in the face. This is recognised immediately during the injection and the hyaluronic acid is dissolved with hylase. This underscores the importance of going to an aesthetic doctor that is qualified and experienced in the injection of fillers. 

To minimise side-effects or complications the following information should be provided to your doctor:

1. Drug allergies
2. Medical history of bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases or viral infections around the mouth
3. Medication history
4. Past history of filler injections to face

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DERMAL FILLERS?

• Currently pregnant or breast-feeding
• A history of cold sores in the area to be treated 
• Suffers from skin disease, inflammation or skin related problems
• An allergy or hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the filler or lidocaine (collagen, hyaluronic acids, Artefill) mixed in the syringe of the filler
• Suffers from medical conditions that may lower the body’s immune response or is undergoing therapy that is immunosuppressive

PRICE LISTS

$725 per syringe