In modern times, age is just a number. You may be 50 but look 40 if you maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat nutritionally, work out often, stay active and take care of your skin.
And of course, not forgetting, having a positive outlook and attitude in life plays a significant role in staying young too! Dermal fillers (facial fillers) are designed to give you a helping hand to counter signs of ageing.
Dermal fillers (facial fillers) are nothing new. In fact, doctors started using mineral oil and paraffin a long time ago as soft tissue fillers, but there were many permanent side effects. In the 1980s, collagen fillers were invented, but they weren't popular due to the risks of allergies and short lifespan. In the 90s came Hyaluronic acid-based (HA) dermal fillers, which are still used today.
• Replace volume loss on the face due to the ageing process
• Improve skin quality
• Increase hydration to the face, neck, hands and chest
• Smooth out fine lines on the forehead
• Soften moderate lines around the mouth to the chin and from the nose to the lip corners
• Remodel the cheeks and chin for better facial definition
• Improve the appearance of acne and facial scars
• Define and enhance lips
There are many types of dermal fillers (facial fillers) available in Singapore.
Type: Calcium Hydroxylapatite CaHA (Synthetic compound similar to the hard tissues of the body)
• Cheek enhancement and improve facial volume in areas where needed
• Correct moderate to severe creases such as nasolabial folds, frown lines, and marionette lines
Example of FDA-approved Calcium Hydroxylapatite CaHA fillers available in Singapore include Radiesse®
Type: Hyaluronic acid (HA)
• Most widely used type of dermal filler (facial filler)
• Acne scars, cheek depressions (due to facial scarring or injury)
• Crow's feet, nasolabial folds, frown lines, marionette lines
• Forehead lines
• Smoker's lines (vertical lines on the mouth)
• Redefining lip border
• Improve skin's contour
Examples of Hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers available in Singapore include Juvéderm, Restylane, Belotero and Definisse
Type: Polyalkylimide
• Semi-permanent dermal filler (facial filler)
• Lip enhancement
• Treats deep nasolabial folds & depressed scars
• Cheek and jawline enhancement
Type: Polylactic acid
• Treats laughing lines
• Plump thin lips
• Treats deep nasolabial folds
Examples of FDA-approved Poly-L-Lactic acid fillers available in Singapore include Sculptra®
Dermal fillers may be classified as temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent based on their chemical makeup.
Permanent fillers, which are not approved in Singapore, should not be used on the face. Only registered, qualified, and trained medical doctors with knowledge of facial anatomy can administer dermal fillers (facial fillers) in Singapore.
Hyaluronic-based (HA) dermal fillers are much preferred due to safety considerations. Once injected, HA dermal filler acts as a cushion, supporting facial structures and tissues that may have lost volume and elasticity.
In your body, hyaluronic acid fills the spaces between cells, protecting them by retaining water and serving as a sponge. Considered a "natural moisturiser", hyaluronic acid performs different bodily tasks. For instance, it helps maintain healthy joint cushioning and hydrates the connective tissue. Hyaluronic acid can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, keeping our skin's smoothness (moisturising effect) and plumpness (volumising effect).
During the ageing process, the production of hyaluronic acid naturally decreases. The skin becomes drier, and its ability to retain moisture and maintain elasticity depletes. Today, the signs and symptoms of the skin's natural ageing process can be reduced by replacing the lost hyaluronic acid.
There are many HA dermal fillers that medical practitioners offer in Singapore, such as Belotero[1], [2], [3], Juvederm[4],[6], [7], [8], [9], Restylane[5], [10], [11], [12], Voluma[13], [14], [15]. Each of these has its own characteristics and indicated purposes. For example, Belotero and Restylane Silk correct shallow and fine facial lines, while Voluma is recommended for cheek enhancement.
As ethical healthcare professionals, it is important that medical practitioners only provide FDA and HSA-approved HA dermal fillers to their patients. We believe that only quality products that have undergone stringent assessment, with proven track records and multiple clinical studies, will benefit the patients.
Disclaimer: The HA dermal fillers listing is only for educational purposes. It serves to inform consumers about the available HA dermal fillers in Singapore and their indications of use with supporting clinical research and papers, as listed in the Reference section. It is not meant to promote the use of any of the above products. HA dermal filler is marked as a medical device under HSA regulation. The appropriate use of HA dermal filler will require a clinical assessment of the patient's condition and informed discussion between healthcare professionals and the patient.
Certainly! At Amaris B. Clinic, we treat many male patients who opt for dermal fillers (facial fillers) to improve skin texture, enhance their cheeks, and reduce facial lines.
No. Although cosmetic and skin care companies have developed innovative skin care products purported to replace volume or increase skin hydration, it is impossible to achieve that. Increasing volume can only be achieved via injectables such as dermal fillers (facial fillers) or through a minimally-invasive procedure known as ADR-C Facial Enhancement (Facial Fat Grafting). To increase hydration internally, you will require moisturising dermal fillers.
Dr Ivan Puah will assess your clinical condition and ensure that your expectations are understood during the consultation and assessment. He will explain how best to administer your treatment and address your concerns.
During the treatment, he will inject selected dermal fillers[16] into areas of your face where required through careful and strategic injection points for an even and natural facial enhancement and rejuvenation result.
Results and improvements will be noticeable immediately, but allow 7 to 14 days for minor side effects such as bruising or swelling (if any) to dissipate. Your skin will take some time to integrate with the surrounding tissues, and results, in general, will last up to 12 months.
The treatment may take 30 minutes. You will most likely be able to continue your daily activities as soon as your appointment is over.
Nearly all our hyaluronic acid fillers are available with lidocaine to maximise your treatment comfort. The discomfort level is minimal.
No, dermal fillers (facial fillers) are not approved for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
It is possible to remove hyaluronic acid-based (HA) dermal fillers with an enzyme known as hyaluronidase if needed.
Hyaluronidase will break down the filler in a short space of time. However, it will not be possible to remove dermal fillers that are not HA-based.
There is a possibility that the face is overfilled. This should never occur in the hands of skilled and experienced doctors who understand facial anatomy and harmony.
Pillow face (overfilling of cheeks and under eyes), Avatar nose (overfill on the nose bridge), bulging forehead, witch's chin (overly pointed chin), and overly protruding cheekbones are commonly seen in cases of over-treatment. In such cases, loose skin can sometimes be seen if the dermal fillers are dissolved in the areas where they are over-treated. At Amaris B. Clinic, you can be assured over-treatment won't happen.
Your results are very much dependent on the skills and aesthetic sense of your doctor. Not every medical practitioner has the aesthetic sensibility to provide patients with the optimal cosmetic outcome. If someone looks at you and can tell that you look different (but not great), such as your nose or cheeks are totally out of proportion to your face or that your face looks "stiff" and pillowy, this is an indication of a poorly executed job.
A successful and good dermal filler (facial filler) results lie in the doctor's ability to create a subtle, balanced, and natural appearance for the patient, which is what we do at Amaris B. Clinic.
Dermal Filler (Facial filler) is marked as a medical device In Singapore under HSA regulation. Treatments such as dermal filler, injectable neurotoxins, and BioRemodelling HA+ Injection can only be prescribed and carried out by registered and trained medical doctors in Singapore.
Dr Ivan Puah, medical director of Amaris B. Clinic, obtained a Graduate Diploma in Family Dermatology from NUS. He has over 17 years of clinical experience treating patients with skin laxity, wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring issues, and many others.
Dr Ivan Puah is also the appointed trainer-to-doctor by Merz Singapore and Allergan Singapore.
Wanting to proceed with dermal fillers (facial fillers) is a personal decision.
If you have tried various methods to improve your facial contours or correct signs of ageing but are not achieving the result that you yearn for, we welcome you to call us and schedule a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah to understand how dermal fillers (facial fillers) can help you with your concerns.
For a better understanding of the available FDA-approved dermal fillers that we provide, you may contact our medical team at 65364211 for further assistance.
[1] Prasetyo Ad, Prager W, Rubin Mg, Moretti Ea, Nikolis A. Hyaluronic Acid Fillers With Cohesive Polydensified Matrix For Soft-Tissue Augmentation And Rejuvenation: A Literature Review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2016 Sep 8;9:257-80. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S106551. PMID: 27660479; PMCID: PMC5021061.
[2] Lorenc, Z. Paul M.D.; Fagien, Steven M.D.; Flynn, Timothy C. M.D.; Waldorf, Heidi A. M.D.. Clinical Application And Assessment Of Belotero: A Roundtable Discussion. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 132(4s-2):P 69s-76s, October 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829a0bfc
[3] Sundaram, Hema M.D.; Cassuto, Daniel M.D.. Biophysical Characteristics Of Hyaluronic Acid Soft-Tissue Fillers And Their Relevance To Aesthetic Applications. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 132(4s-2):P 5s-21s, October 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829d1d40
[4] [5] Flynn, Timothy Corcoran M.D.; Thompson, David H. Ph.D.; Hyun, Seok-Hee Ph.D.. Molecular Weight Analyses And Enzymatic Degradation Profiles Of The Soft-Tissue Fillers Belotero Balance, Restylane, And Juvéderm Ultra. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 132(4s-2):P 22s-32s, October 2013. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31829e88a3
[6] Lupo, Mary P. M.D.; Smith, Stacy R. M.D.; Thomas, Jane A. A.A.S, C.C.R.A.; Murphy, Diane K. M.B.A.; Beddingfield, Frederick C. Iii, M.D., Ph.D.. Effectiveness Of Juvéderm Ultra Plus Dermal Filler In The Treatment Of Severe Nasolabial Folds. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 121(1):P 289-297, January 2008. | DOI: 10.1097/01.prs.0000294968.76862.83
[7] Bogdan Allemann I, Baumann L. Hyaluronic Acid Gel (Juvéderm) Preparations In The Treatment Of Facial Wrinkles And Folds. Clin Interv Aging. 2008;3(4):629-34. DOI: 10.2147/cia.s3118. PMID: 19281055; PMCID: PMC2682392.
[8] Wolfgang G. Philipp-Dormston, David Eccleston, Koenraad De Boulle, Said Hilton, Helga Van Den Elzen & Myooran Nathan (2014) A Prospective, Observational Study Of The Volumising Effect Of Open-Label Aesthetic Use Of Juvéderm® Voluma® With Lidocaine In Mid-Face Area, Journal Of Cosmetic And Laser Therapy, 16:4, 171-179, DOI: 10.3109/14764172.2014.910079
[9] Li D, Xie Y, Li Q, Sun J, Jiang P, Jia Y, Murphy Dk, Li Q. Safety And Effectiveness Of Juvéderm Ultra Plus Injectable Gel In Correcting Severe Nasolabial Folds In Chinese Subjects. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2017 Jan 16;5(1):E1133. DOI: 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001133. PMID: 28203492; PMCID: PMC5293290.
[10] Yan, Xiaoqing M.D.; Xu, Jun M.D.; Lu, Changsheng M.D.; Ma, Yongguang M.D.; Li, Wei M.D.. A Multicenter Study Of The Efficacy And Safety Of Restylane In The Treatment Of Nasolabial Folds In China. Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery 124(5):P 256e-257e, November 2009. | DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e3181b98cbb
[11] Percec I, Bertucci V, Solish N, Wagner T, Nogueira A, Mashburn J. An Objective, Quantitative, Dynamic Assessment Of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers That Adapt To Facial Movement. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2020 Feb;145(2):295e-305e. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006461. PMID: 31985621; PMCID: PMC7004449.
[12] Wu, Y., Sun, N., Xu, Y. Et Al. Clinical Comparison Between Two Hyaluronic Acid-Derived Fillers In The Treatment Of Nasolabial Folds In Chinese Subjects: Biohyalux Versus Restylane. Arch Dermatol Res 308, 145–151 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1630-2
[13] Ho D, Jagdeo J. Voluma: A Systematic Review Of Clinical Experience. Journal Of Drugs In Dermatology : Jdd. 2015 Sep;14(9):934-940. PMID: 26355610.
[14] Li D, Wang X, Wu Y, Sun J, Li Q, Guo S, Jia Y, Murphy Dk. A Randomized, Controlled, Multicenter Study Of Juvéderm Voluma For Enhancement Of Malar Volume In Chinese Subjects. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2017 Jun;139(6):1250e-1259e. DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000003355. PMID: 28538556; PMCID: PMC5444429.
[15] Callan P, Goodman Gj, Carlisle I, Liew S, Muzikants P, Scamp T, Halstead Mb, Rogers Jd. Efficacy And Safety Of A Hyaluronic Acid Filler In Subjects Treated For Correction Of Midface Volume Deficiency: A 24 Month Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013 Mar 20;6:81-9. DOI: 10.2147/CCID.S40581. PMID: 23687448; PMCID: PMC3610404.
[16] Gold Mh. Use Of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers For The Treatment Of The Aging Face. Clin Interv Aging. 2007;2(3):369-76. DOI: 10.2147/Cia.S1244. PMID: 18044187; PMCID: PMC2685277.