From The Straits Times    |
fillers T


 (Photo: 123rf.com)

#1 How It Works
Injecting a significant volume of filler material into certain areas on your face can make a big difference to the way you look.

Fillers can heighten your nose bridge or cheekbones, define your chin and jawline, plump your lips, and fill in the lines and sunken areas under your eyes and cheeks.

The material is broken down and absorbed into the body over time. There are different types of fillers: hyaluronic acid, poly-l-lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite.

Dr Dylan Chau, medical director of Celevenus Wellness and Aesthetic Clinic explains: “Hyaluronic acid adds volume to the areas it is injected into and can potentially last six to 18 months. Poly-l-lactic acid works as a collagen stimulator; it requires three to four treatments and a few months to see maximum results, and may last more than two years. Calcium hydroxylapatite gives instant results and has a little collagen-stimulating effect; it lasts up to a year in practice.”

 

#2 What Happens at the Appointment 

Your skin is first assessed, then a suitable filler is prescribed. Numbing cream is applied to the target areas, which are also iced before the fillers are injected, says Dr Shiau Ee Leng, medical director of CSK Laser Aesthetic Clinic.

Hyaluronic acid fillers come in syringes containing 1ml of the filler; you would usually require about two syringes to fill the mid- cheek area. A filler treatment is like a work of art.

Dr Benjamin Yim, medical director of Dr. Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics and Laser Centre explains that he first injects small amounts of fillers into the specified area, then pauses to re-examine the patient’s face contours from every angle, and will perhaps mould the filled area with his fingers as he sees fit, before injecting more filler.

 

#3 You’ll Feel Minimal Pain
Filler injections are like regular injections but are made more bearable with a topical numbing cream. If you have a very low tolerance for pain, you can ask your doctor for local anaesthesia.

The perioral region, which is the lower part of your face that consists of the lips, nasolabial folds and chin, is usually more sensitive than other areas, says dermatologist Dr Eileen Tan of Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant Clinic at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.

 

#4 Results Are Instant
Results are immediate, says Dr Lee, but it is best to do the procedure two to four weeks before a big event, to allow side effects such as bruising and swelling to subside, says Dr Tan.

 

#5 Prolonging the Results
You can gently touch the treated area, but avoid intensely massaging it as this might re- mould the intended shape of the area and speed up the breakdown of the fillers, says Dr Shiau. The way you treat this area also depends on the type of filler used.

For instance, you should not remould nose fillers that have been sculpted to suit you.

Poly-l- lactic acid collagen stimulators, on the other hand, must be massaged for up to five days for best results.

 

#6 How Much Does a Filler Injection Cost?
From $800 to $1,200, depending on the type and amount of filler used.

 

This article was adapted from Simply Her May and August 2014.

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