In a world where the sculpted faces of celebrities are the envy of many, it is no longer a surprise that more and more people are seeking aesthetic treatments to achieve their desired appearance. Dermal fillers, in particular, have been gaining traction – the global market for fillers is projected to grow from USD 5.31 billion in 2022 to USD 8.74 billion by 2029 – signifying a growing demand.
While more are opting for fillers in Singapore instead of invasive procedures like a surgical facelift or rhinoplasty, it is also completely normal for you to still feel apprehensive, especially if you have never gotten fillers done before.
Like any other aesthetic treatment, more thought needs to be put into the decision-making process before making your final choice as money, effort and time will be involved.
If you are unsure whether fillers will be right for you, this beginner’s guide to the price, types and benefits of fillers will help you to make an informed decision.
Keep reading to find out more, including where the best aesthetic clinic in Singapore for fillers is.
Part 2 – Dermal fillers 101
2.1 What are dermal fillers ?
Fillers are a non-surgical and minimally invasive aesthetic procedure with almost no downtime required, making them the preferred choice for those who are considering enhancing their look without having to worry about discomfort or interruptions to their daily lives.
They are injected into various depths of the skin – depending on the area to be treated – to sculpt and contour faces or volumise desired areas for a more youthful appearance.
There are also different types of fillers ranging from temporary to semi-permanent ones that you can choose from depending on your specific needs. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are some of the most common ones aesthetic clinics offer, and you may have heard of brands like Juvederm, Teosyal and Restylane.
Apart from being a minimally invasive procedure which makes it so popular, most dermal fillers also render immediate results that last months to years depending on the type of filler you have chosen and the location it was injected into.
So if a higher nose bridge, for example, is your end goal – nose fillers might be just what you are looking for minus the anxiety, pain and taxing recovery period that comes with undergoing plastic surgery.
Learn more: 5 Common Misconceptions About Dermal Fillers Debunked
2.2 Reasons why people go for dermal fillers
Still unsure about fillers? These common reasons why people decide to go for fillers, which you may be able to relate to, might convince you to give them a try.
- To slow down ageing
Although ageing is part and parcel of life, seeing our youth fade away day by day as collagen production decreases can negatively impact one’s self-esteem and confidence. Hence, some people turn to fillers to slow down the signs of ageing by adding volume to sagging skin and smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines.
- To achieve their desired look
Beauty trends like Kylie Jenner’s plump lips were all the rage, prompting a demand for fillers to achieve pouty and kissable lips like hers. Other beauty standards such as a tall nose bridge have also become not just a want for many, but a need. As such, trends and standards have led to an increase in people having fillers injected to make certain features more prominent in a bid to conform to these standards.
- To correct a perceived flaw
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” but sometimes, perceived flaws can be improved with fillers to help one feel more confident in their own skin. For instance, some may feel that their jaw looks too angular and wish to achieve a more V-lined and defined shape, while others want to correct their dark eye circles with undereye fillers .
Regardless of whether you are trying to retain your youth for as long as possible, chase beauty trends or improve your overall look – the right dermal fillers done at a reputable aesthetic clinic in Singapore will help you to meet your goals.
2.3 Types of dermal fillers
Rather than just understanding what fillers do and why they are so popular, knowing the different types of fillers available is equally important to help you make the right choice. You can always consult a doctor at an aesthetic clinic to find out more, but having a brief idea of what you are getting yourself into is always recommended before jumping the gun.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA)
HA fillers are some of the most commonly used ones and are great for improving the skin’s contour and reducing depressions like wrinkles and scars on the skin. As HA is a natural substance found in the body that gives the skin volume and keeps it hydrated, injecting HA fillers help to provide improvements to tired, ageing skin. They can also be used as undereye fillers to reduce the appearance of eyebags and as a dark eye circles treatment.
Learn more: The Pitfalls in Eye Bags Or Dark Eye Circle Treatments to Take Note of
- Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
CaHA is a substance found in human bones but biosynthetically produced for fillers without using animal products and hence, significantly reduces one’s risk of an allergic reaction. This type of filler is known for its natural results and is especially useful in improving the appearance of nasolabial folds, marionette lines and frown lines. It can also be used to enhance the cheeks to make them look fuller for a more youthful appearance.
- Polyalkylimide
Polyalkylimide is a type of semi-permanent filler and once injected into the skin, prompts a thin layer of collagen to form over the course of about a month. This is helpful in treating deeper wrinkles, plumping up the cheekbones and jaw to replace volume lost due to ageing, and enhancing thin lips.
- Polylactic acid
Also known as a stimulator, polylactic acid fillers promote collagen production when injected into the skin. Unlike most fillers, they do not offer immediate results but rather, show up gradually as collagen production increases. Polylactic acid fillers are also semi-permanent although occasional touch-ups are required.
- Polymethyl-methacrylate microspheres (PMMA)
PMMA fillers are a more permanent solution for facial wrinkles so patients do not have to undergo a surgical facelift to achieve dramatic results. They are mostly used to treat medium-to-deep wrinkles and folds and furrows. However, a number of injections are needed to create sufficient volume with PMMA fillers so it is always advisable to consult an experienced aesthetic doctor to find out your suitability.
2.4 Benefits of getting dermal fillers done
The different types of fillers and how they work aside, the million-dollar question on your mind is probably: What are the benefits of getting dermal fillers done?
Other than just improving one’s appearance, getting fillers done has various benefits that make it such a popular alternative to surgical procedures.
1. Minimally invasive
One of the best things about fillers is not having to go under the knife for a higher nose bridge, more defined jawline, or tighter skin. It is a minimally invasive procedure in which your skin gets pricked by a needle, but wounds are small and side effects are minimal. This also means almost no downtime is required, as any swelling and redness will resolve on their own quickly so you can go back to your daily activities with ease.
2. Natural results
Compared to plastic surgery, fillers offer more natural-looking results. However, excessive fillers can also distort your natural facial definition so an appropriate dosage and moderate touch-up frequency are both crucial in enhancing your features without completely altering your face.
3. Fillers are not permanent
Depending on what you are looking for, you may be glad to know that fillers are not permanent – they provide temporary and at most semi-permanent results that last from months to years. Unlike plastic surgery in which you are stuck with the end result forever unless you undergo corrective surgery, fillers get naturally dissolved in your body over time and even quicker in active areas like the lips. In the event that you are unhappy with the result, HA fillers can be dissolved by injecting a compound called hyaluronidase to reverse excessive or uneven fillers.
4. Can be combined with other aesthetic treatments
Getting fillers done does not mean you will have to forgo any other aesthetic treatments you plan on trying or have been consistently doing. They can be paired with treatments such as Botox and resurfacing lasers for smoother skin! Botox helps to stop your facial muscles from contracting and deepening fine lines further, while lasers do not penetrate deep enough to affect fillers that have been injected. But of course, always check with your aesthetic doctor before going ahead to make an appointment.
Part 3 – Getting dermal fillers done in Singapore
3.1 Which part of the face can dermal fillers be injected into?
Ready to visit an aesthetic clinic in Singapore for fillers to refresh your look or regain your youth? Before you do so, here is a guide to the areas dermal fillers can be injected into and their specific uses so you can think about what you need.
1. Lips
Lip fillers are not just designed to add volume for poutier and plumper lips, but can also define your cupid’s bow (as well as other areas of your lips according to your preference) and reduce lip lines by providing hydration from within.
But keep in mind that not everybody suits Kylie Jenner-esque lips, so a good aesthetic doctor will always recommend something that fits your face by looking at your face shape and features.
2. Nose
Nose fillers are like nose jobs, but less costly and painful and do not require as much downtime! This non-surgical way of enhancing your nose fills out dents or bumps for a straighter nose bridge, makes your nose tip more prominent for a sharper and smaller silhouette, and adds volume to the bridge for a taller nose.
Like lip fillers, simply bringing a picture of a nose you like into your doctor’s office is not recommended. While it may give your doctor an idea of what you prefer, the aesthetic doctor will still need to evaluate your nose and other features before proceeding with nose fillers.
3. Cheeks
Cheek fillers are typically injected to lift cheekbones for a more chiselled face or to add volume, helping you to achieve a younger look. It can also be used to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles around the area, which is why cheek fillers are mostly preferred by older patients.
4. Forehead
Your forehead may become flatter with age due to volume loss, resulting in bony areas becoming more prominent or a concaved forehead shape. Forehead fillers come into play to improve wrinkling and smoothen the area to give it a slightly curved shape that is often seen as more aesthetically pleasing.
5. Chin and jawline
Chin and jawline fillers are ideal for sculpting the lower face, giving you a more V-shaped or defined jawline to balance out your features. Older patients may also use fillers in these areas to lift sagginess. They are also commonly used to treat a retracted chin, improving the overall proportion of your face and especially the side profile.
6. Nasolabial folds
Nasolabial folds, also known as smile or laugh lines, are creases in your skin extending from the sides of your nose to the corners of your mouth. These creases tend to become deeper and more obvious with age, causing you to look older and worn out. But injecting fillers into the nasolabial folds helps to plump up the area so that lines smoothen and the appearance of the creases improves. Your aesthetic doctor may recommend fillers that stimulate natural collagen production to prevent these lines from deepening.
7. Scars
As fillers are more widely known as an aesthetic treatment to sculpt areas of the face, you may be surprised to find out that they can improve the appearance of depressed scars too, albeit temporarily. Soft tissue fillers – commercially known as Juvederm, Radiesse, Restylane and Sculptra – can be injected into depressed scars to elevate the skin in the area for a smoother complexion.
8. Undereyes
Undereye fillers might sound intimidating as injections are done in the delicate areas of the eyes. But when performed properly by a professional doctor and at a trusted aesthetic clinic, undereye fillers can change up your appearance by making you look more energised and youthful. They are injected into your tear troughs to fill any hollowness so as to treat eye bags or dark eye circles. However, it is important to distinguish whether your dark circles and eye bags are caused by loss of volume or due to your natural complexion and prior sun damage. If it is the latter, undereye fillers are not recommended.
3.2 The dos and don’ts after getting dermal fillers done
Knowing where fillers can be injected into the face are not all! It is also equally crucial to take note of the dos and don’ts before you make an appointment to ensure optimum results and avoid complications.
Things to do
- Expect some swelling or bruising
Although the side effects of fillers are often minimal and you can resume normal activities on the same day, it is still important to expect some swelling or bruising around the injection sites. These are completely normal and will usually subside within a few days. That being said, if you do notice increasing pain or redness and abnormal bruising, do not hesitate to get in touch with your aesthetic doctor as soon as possible.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
To speed up healing and reduce swelling, consider using a cold compress on the injection areas intermittently, especially on the first day. But make sure to only apply light pressure and avoid placing ice directly on the skin to prevent frostbite.
- Know that not all fillers last the same amount of time
Fillers can last anywhere from months to years, but some may metabolise quicker than others in areas like the lips where constant movement of muscles can break down the product faster. Deeper injections tend to last longer whereas thinner products used to contour and smooth the skin may dissolve more quickly. Speak to your aesthetic doctor to find out more about how long fillers can last, depending on the type of product you choose and the area you decide to treat.
- Sleep on your back
Make an effort to sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated with an extra pillow after getting fillers done. This is the safest position after any cosmetic or aesthetic procedure, and helps to reduce swelling while keeping your newly-injected fillers in place while they settle.
Things not to do
- Wear makeup immediately after
Avoid applying makeup for at least six to 24 hours after filler injections, as the injection sites need to stay sterile and clear of bacteria to prevent infections and complications. Dirty makeup brushes and fingers should not come into contact with your face so soon either; playing it safe is always better than having to deal with the repercussions of not taking precautions.
- Consume alcohol
It is advisable to avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours after getting fillers done, as alcohol thins the blood and causes blood vessels to dilate, increasing your risk of bruising and swelling. Abstaining from alcohol for a while can speed up healing and aid you in achieving optimal results in no time.
- Engage in vigorous exercise
Like alcohol, it is also recommended to avoid exercising for at least 24 hours to prevent the effects of fillers from wearing out faster, causing the product to migrate and affecting the end result, and putting pressure on the injection site.
- Go sunbathing
Avoid excessive sun exposure for at least one week after fillers as it can reduce their effects and irritate your skin during the healing process.
- Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) medications
Painkillers like Paracetamol are generally fine to be taken to manage pain and swelling, but NSAIDs like Ibuprofen should be avoided as they act as blood thinners and can increase your risk of bruising.
- Go for fillers while pregnant or lactating
Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers have fluctuating hormones that may result in issues with blood flow and swelling. Hence, it is advisable to avoid filler treatments or any other injectables to avoid undesirable or unexpected results.
3.3 How to choose the right aesthetic clinic in Singapore for dermal fillers
If you are convinced to give fillers a try but have no idea which aesthetic clinic in Singapore is the best option, this checklist of things to look out for will help you to narrow down your choices.
1. Consider the doctor’s experience
A keen eye for detail and a pair of steady hands are essential when it comes to aesthetic procedures. Thus, going to an experienced doctor with years of hands-on practice will give you greater peace of mind.
2. Ask for recommendations
Know a friend or family member who has gotten fillers done before? Ask them for recommendations! Word-of-mouth suggestions are oftentimes more trustworthy, as your loved ones will be able to share their real experiences at aesthetic clinics, from consultation to the aftercare process, with you.
3. Check reviews
An alternative to word-of-mouth recommendations is checking online reviews – browse through the aesthetic clinic’s website and look at comments left on the clinic’s social media platforms.
4. Do not prioritise cheap price over quality
The biggest mistake you can make is sacrificing quality and service over price – if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Do your research for the average price of fillers in Singapore and always put the doctor’s expertise, quality of products and service of clinic staff a priority for a good experience.
5. See before and after photos
Always ask to see before and after photos when you are at an aesthetic clinic for a consultation. These photos help you to discern whether the doctor will be able to achieve the look you want and gives you a better idea of what they are capable of.
6. Speak to the clinic staff and doctor
Before committing to an aesthetic clinic, find out more about the filler options available, touch-up prices and any other additional costs that you may have to pay. Speaking to the clinic staff and doctor will also give you a clearer idea of what to expect, especially if it is your first time getting fillers done.
3.4 Price of dermal fillers in Singapore
The costs of dermal fillers vary from clinic to clinic as well as the doctor’s experience. Here are the average prices you can expect to pay at an aesthetic clinic in Singapore.
- Consultation: rates range from $60 to $90, depending on each patient’s needs.
- Fillers: you can expect to pay $750 to $950 for premium brands and doctors with more experience but the final price is largely influenced by the type of filler you choose and the quantity needed.
- Touch-ups: fillers are usually charged based on how much you need and the area to treat, so the cost may vary each visit.
- Additional costs: some aesthetic clinics may charge practice costs, while others do not.
Always make sure the clinic you go to is transparent with its prices and treatment costs to avoid having to pay more than what you had first anticipated.
3.5 Frequently asked questions about dermal fillers
Finally, before you call up an aesthetic clinic to book an appointment, here are some frequently asked questions about fillers answered.
1. Are fillers safe?
Dermal fillers are generally a safe aesthetic procedure, as long as they are performed by a trained professional. With the right communication and preparation between you and your doctor, fillers will be able to help you achieve beautiful and natural results without compromising on safety.
2. How can I ensure a natural result?
Aesthetic doctors recommend not overdoing fillers as a conservative approach tends to render the best results. An appropriate dosage is also the key to enhancements that are natural-looking.
3. What are the possible side effects?
As mentioned before, some possible side effects include redness, swelling and bruising but will usually resolve on their own in a few days. If you notice any abnormalities, contact your aesthetic doctor as soon as possible.
4. Are dermal fillers better than Botox?
Not necessarily. Both fillers and Botox address similar yet different concerns and can sometimes work in tandem to achieve optimal results. A consultation with an aesthetic doctor is required to determine the appropriate treatment method.
Visit Vincere Aesthetics to get fillers done in Singapore
Vincere Aesthetics is your one-stop aesthetic clinic in Singapore for dermal fillers. Helmed by Dr Vincent Tan, our clinic and staff are highly committed to going above and beyond to help each and every patient make their dream a reality.
From dark eye circles removal to nose fillers, Dr Tan is confident that his sincere approach will bring out the best version of yourself.
No hard-selling, marked-up prices or unnecessary add-ons – we only want the best for our patients.