Dermal fillers refer to a gel-like substance that is injected into the skin to address various concerns, such as enhancing facial features, reducing facial wrinkles, and revitalizing facial volume and plumpness.
Some popular areas for fillers include:
Are filler treatments painful?
The area to be treated will be numbed with a topical anaesthetic cream and a cold pack 10 – 20 minutes before the injections are given, so pain is minimal and very well-tolerated. Our nurses will also provide you with a small vibrating tool – by creating a buzzing sensation, this helps to distract your brain from the actual pain and discomfort of the needles.
The many uses of dermal fillers
• Facial augmentation (Nose, Cheeks, Chin)
• Enhance shallow contours
• Soften facial creases And wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of recessed scars
Did you know that some fillers can even stimulate collagen production in our skin, resulting in fuller-looking skin? They can also aid in reducing the appearance of dark eye circles.
Dermal fillers and anti-aging
Dermal fillers can be incredibly beneficial if you're dealing with early signs of aging or as an additional aspect of facial rejuvenation. They can help with various concerns such as:
• Smoothing wrinkles
• Enhancing imperfections like scars
• Adding volume to thin or wrinkled lips
• Restoring fullness to the cheeks
• Sculpting the jawline and other facial areas
Generally, fillers last for 12 months. Different type of fillers are meant for different areas of the face and have different longevity due to the filler material.
Typically, fillers dissolve naturally over time as the body breaks them down into water. However, there have been instances where fillers lasted longer than expected. In these cases, a dissolver called hyalase is injected to break down the filler into water.
Most filler injections are typically not painful when numbing cream is applied. However, certain areas like the lips can be more sensitive and may cause more discomfort. Do note that the expertise and technique of the doctor also play a role in determining the level of discomfort. An experienced and gentle doctor can significantly reduce discomfort during the procedure.
Like any medical procedure, injectable procedures carry potential side effects.
The most common side effects of injections include bruising and swelling, which occur when a larger blood vessel beneath the skin is injured during the injection. Typically, bruising and swelling subside within 4-7 days.
One of the most serious side effects of filler injections is vessel occlusion, where the filler obstructs blood flow in a crucial blood vessel, potentially leading to skin necrosis or even blindness.
There's a misconception that only nose fillers can cause blindness, but fillers injected anywhere on the face can pose this risk. Blindness occurs when filler material blocks blood flow to the optic nerve in the eye. The proximity of blood vessels supplying the eye to the nose makes nose fillers particularly risky. Skin necrosis, the death of skin cells, occurs when blood vessels supplying a specific area of skin become blocked.
Understanding facial blood vessels is crucial to minimizing these risks, emphasizing the importance of seeking treatment from experienced doctors.
Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for at least 24 hours. Avoid any facial massage for at least 2 weeks.
There is almost no downtime when undergoing fillers. After the procedure, clients can go back to most of their daily activities except for the strenuous ones. During the recovery period, a proper sleeping position must be observed especially in the first few days. Sleeping facing up is advised. Avoid touching, massaging, or pricking around the injection area to avoid complications or infections.