Which dermal filler is for me ?

Which dermal filler is for me? Is the most frequently asked question that Dr Cindy Yang gets. It not never a surprise when patients are confused with all the brands, types and cost of dermal fillers in the beauty aesthetics scene, and the most frequent question we get is ” Which dermal filler is for me?”

What are Injectable Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are fluid gel-like substances that are injected beneath the skin to revive lost volume, smoothen lines, soften creases, or enhance facial shapes. Dermal filler treatments are generally safe and reasonably comfortable.

Why do we need Dermal Fillers?

Ageing causes volume loss and sunken cheeks, with hollowing of the cheeks, temples and eyes, resulting in a withered and aged look.

Fillers can create fullness and bring back volume to locations of the face that have hollowed out. Dermal fillers are suitable for those looking to smooth wrinkles, restore “apple cheeks”, bring back younger facial shapes or subtly enhance features such as a higher nose bridge and sharper chin. It can also help to fill up undereye bags for much better facial proportions.

How Can Dermal Fillers Enhance My Appearance?

There are many fillers in the beauty aesthetic market, and each has its characteristics meeting different needs.

Here are some of the typical issues dermal fillers can help correct:

• Smoothen lines around nose and mouth, i.e. marionette lines, smile lines, smokers’ lines
• Restore volume to sunken cheeks or temples.
• Decrease vertical lip lines.
• Plump & enhance the lips.
• Smooth out a chin crease, or increase chin volume and chin-length creating a V shape face
• Raise a nose bridge

Quick classifications of dermal fillers are :

• Hydration fillers/Skin-boosters
• Collagen-boosting fillers
• Volumizing fillers
• Structural fillers

What are in Dermal fillers?

There is a range of HSA-approved fillers that aesthetic doctors utilize. One basic way of classification is by the ingredient component such as hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and polylactic acid.

A safety note: always make sure that you are getting FDA authorized and trademarked fillers. In Singapore, all dermal fillers are classified as medical devices which must be endorsed by the HSA ( Health Science Authority) and must be administered by qualified licensed doctors.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA)

HA fillers are gel-like, soft and malleable. Many HA fillers are formulated with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during and after treatment. These fillers are commonly used and come in various formulations designed for different aesthetic purposes.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA)

When utilized in a filler, the calcium particles are tiny and suspended in a smooth gel. The consistency of a CaHA filler is generally thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and generally lasts longer as well, which is about 12 months for the majority of patients.

Poly-L-lactic acid

Poly-L-lactic acid is a biocompatible (implying it is safe to utilize in the body), naturally degradable artificial compound. Poly-L-lactic acid items are technically categorized as “collagen stimulators”, as their primary system to smooth out lines is by assisting your skin restore natural collagen.The filler itself dissipates in days after treatment, leaving the newly-stimulated collagen to improve the skin. Poly-L-lactic acid is generally utilized to deal with deeper facial wrinkles, and results can last about two years.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA)

In dermal fillers, PMMA takes the kind of a “microsphere”, or small ball, that stays below the skin forever to offer ongoing assistance. Some PMMA fillers are combined with collagen.

For how long do the results last?

The length of time that dermal fillers last depends upon the type of filler, the location of treatment, and the patient. Typically, the denser the filler is and the more deeply it is injected, the longer it will last. To prolong and enhance the results of the dermal filler, your aesthetic doctor will adjust the type and quantity of filler as well as the injection techniques to ensure optimum outcomes.

Certain hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are formulated to last longer, though they are typically used in specific areas, such as the cheeks.

The consistency of a CaHA filler is generally thicker than that of a hyaluronic acid filler and generally lasts longer as well, about 12 months for many clients. Poly-L-lactic acid items are technically categorized as “collagen stimulators,” as their primary system to smooth lines by assisting your skin restore natural collagen– the filler gel itself dissipates days after treatment. In dermal fillers like PMMA which takes the form of a “microsphere” or small ball, stays underneath the skin forever to offer ongoing assistance.

How long the impact of dermal fillers last depends on the type of dermal fillers, the location of treatment, and the client. Hyaluronic acid fillers are the short-lived choice, and for that reason are frequently suggested for filler clients who are concerned about having long-term foreign bodies within their skin.

However, it is not the case of “longest lasting is the best” with dermal fillers. This is true especially in corrective fillers for chins and noses as these features and looks have their fads too. Some will remember the thick, box-like eyebrow tattoos in the ’80s which were obsolete in the ’90s! We have successfully lasered off many “off-season” brows to make way for new thinner looks. A high thin nose bridge may be fashionable now, but it might be a little round tip that looks cute later. Having semi-permanent dermal fillers gives one’s face more options to stay fashionable.