Dermal fillers are used to rejuvenate the face by reducing facial lines and restoring volume to the face. As a natural process of aging, our faces naturally lose subcutaneous fat (volume). The facial muscles are then working closer to the skin and hence smile lines and crow's feet become more apparent. The facial skin also stretches a bit, adding to this loss of facial volume. Other factors that affect the facial skin include smoking, sun exposure, heredity and lifestyle.

There are numerous dermal fillers (consult our board-certified Plastic Surgeons on the different types available) and they can be used for the following indications

• Improve or eradicate tear trough deformities, Nasolabial lines and marionette lines
• Rejuvenation of thin lips by increasing volume and reducing fine lines
• Augmentation of nose or chin to create a more harmonious looking facial shape eg. heart shaped face
• Soften facial creases and wrinkles
• Improve the appearance of recessed scars
• Reconstruct contour deformities in the face

Dermal fillers can be very helpful in those with early signs of aging, or as a value-added part of facial rejuvenation surgery. However, in some patients the appropriate treatment would be a surgical option, such as a blepharoplasty or facelift. Nonsurgical rejuvenation treatments, such as soft tissue fillers, cannot achieve the same results, but may help delay the time when consideration of a facelift becomes appropriate. Over injection of such fillers beyond it’s treatment indication will lead to puffy appearance which can be unnatural and unaesthetic.

It is important to remember that dermal fillers are temporary treatments for facial aging and that surgical treatment will be needed for long-term results. Consult our board-certified Plastic Surgeons to understand what can be done to rejuvenate your looks.

We understand that cost is always a consideration in elective procedure or treatment. The average cost of dermal fillers vary depending on the brand and also the type. We carry several brands of fillers, approved for use in Singapore by HSA, as well as other types of fillers. The cost of dermal filler injections may also vary based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the treatment, the type of procedure used, time and effort the procedure or treatment requires. 

Your satisfaction involves more than a fee. When choosing a plastic surgeon for dermal filler injections, remember that the surgeon's experience and your comfort with him or her are just as important as the final cost of the procedure.

A good candidate for dermal fillers is: 

• Physically healthy
• Doesn't smoke
• Have a positive outlook and realistic goals in mind for the improvement of your appearance
• Committed to maintaining good skin health

Recovery time varies for each patient and for each type of filler injected. You can resume most activities right away, but it is generally recommended that you avoid hot drinks, intense physical activity for the first 4-6 hours to minimize swelling and bruising. Be sure to discuss your specific recovery plan with your physician prior to scheduling your injections.

After the treatment with any dermal filler you may have the following: 

• An "overfilled" appearance to treated areas
• Swelling or bruising ranging from mild to severe
• Temporary numbness or redness
• Palpable lumps or hard areas at the injection sites
• Hypersensitivity reaction that can seem like an allergic reaction with hives and swelling

Most conditions can be alleviated with topical icing and massage and will improve within a matter of hours or just a few days. Some reactions may require more aggressive treatment with medications or injections. Be sure to discuss your recovery and treatment plan with your physician.

When your own fat is the injected filler, the healing process is longer and may take a few weeks. Get more information about fat injections.

The results of soft tissue augmentation using dermal fillers are apparent immediately and will last from several months to several years depending on the filler used and the patient injected. Maintaining good overall health and maintaining healthy and strong skin with appropriate products and skin treatments will improve the results and longevity.

Step 1 – Facial assessment & mapping

If you choose to utilize packaged soft tissue fillers, the plastic surgeon, or his specially-trained nurse, will evaluate your facial appearance and skin tone and examine the areas of your face to be augmented. Strategic points on your face may be marked as the appropriate injection sites for the filler. Photographs may be taken of the areas to be treated.

Step 2 – Cleansing & anesthetizing

The injection sites will be cleansed with an antibacterial agent. Pain at the injection site may be ameliorated by use of a very cold instrument to chill the skin, anesthetic ointment to numb the skin or injection of local anesthesia. While not painless, the injections are usually easily tolerated.

Step 3 – The injection

Injection usually takes only a few moments per site. The process of injecting, massaging, and evaluating the result is performed, and additional filler added as needed. Depending on the number of areas to be treated, the whole process may be as short as 15 minutes, or as long as an hour.

Step 4 – Clean up & recovery

Once the results are deemed satisfactory, any markings will be cleansed off. You may be offered an ice pack to reduce swelling and alleviate discomfort. Although the area may feel a bit tender for a day or two, it is usually not painful enough to require any medication.

There are several different types of dermal fillers. The most common types are:

1. Hyaluronic acid e.g. Juvederm, Beloterol, Restylane

2. Calcium hydroxylapatite e.g. Radiesse 

3. Polylactic acid e.g. Sculptra

Dermal fillers differ in chemical makeup, longevity and have varying degrees of softness. Softer fillers are used in the lips, for example, while sturdier fillers might be desired to enhance cheekbones. Your plastic surgeon will determine with you the best type and volume of filler needed for your particular areas of concern.

Some patients may want to consider fat injections, which use fat harvested from the patient's own body which can then be re-injected to enhance facial fullness, fill creases or build up shallow contours. Please check out our Q&As for fat injections.