Ageing and improper care are the skin’s kryptonite. Growing old is inevitable, while not taking good care of our health is a choice. When these two go together, the risks of skin ageing become even higher. Generally, symptoms of ageing will start showing on the different parts of your face: fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin—these are just some of the facial skin problems that can make you look twice your current age.
More patients come to my office to seek advice on how to preserve their skin’s youthful appearance. Some have tried topical creams and even up to 10 steps of a nighttime skincare routine, but have seen very little improvement. I am not saying that these methods do not work, however when the face already starts to lose volume and show wrinkles, then we know that the problem is more than superficial.
Hyaluronic acid filler treatment is a method that I recommend and is one of the top procedures used globally to address skin ageing symptoms. This is also a popular choice among middle-aged women as the recovery time and results are quick, perfect for their fast-paced lives.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a substance that is naturally produced by our body. It is mostly concentrated in the eyes and joints but is also found in the skin. It functions as a water reservoir, enabling the parts of the body to stay hydrated and be lubricated well.
As the body ages, its ability to produce hyaluronic acid also slows down. Add in some harmful external factors, such as an unhealthy diet, smoking, and extreme sun exposure, you can be sure the impairment of this bodily function becomes faster.
The early signs of hyaluronic acid loss become evident as you start seeing your skin to be dull and dry. As it continues to progress, it will affect the layers beneath the skin and result in volume loss, making your skin look shrunk and old.
There are several benefits that hyaluronic acid can do to the skin:
- Improves volume loss
- Moisturises skin from within
- Promotes healthier skin
- Speeds wound healing
Because of these benefits, the development of hyaluronic acid dermal fillers came into existence.
Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers are injectable substances in a gel form that contains high concentrations of hyaluronic acid. When injected into the skin, HA fillers plump hollow areas, smooth wrinkles and fine lines, and retain moisture deep in the skin by drawing water that is almost 100 times its volume, filling the area where it is injected into.
Unlike other dermal fillers that are made up calcium hydroxyapatite and polycaprolactone, which are known for their collagen-stimulating properties, HA fillers do little to none in activating the skin to produce more collagen. Hence, the results of HA fillers last for a short time (6 to 12 months) as compared to dermal fillers made up of collagen bio stimulators (9 to 24 months).
What facial areas can hyaluronic acid fillers be applied to?
I'll have to agree with Dr Israr Wong from Singapore, who has extensive experience in working with various types of dermal fillers. According to him, one of the greatest strong points of Hyaluronic acid fillers is their versatility – they can address symptoms of skin ageing in the many different areas of the face:
- Cheek
- Chin
- Jawline
- Nose
- Submalar region (area below the under eyelids)
- Sides and corners of the mouth
- Sides of the nose
How is the procedure done?
First, the treatment area is cleansed thoroughly. Numbing cream is then applied to minimise pain and discomfort when the needle pierces the skin to inject the HA fillers. Once the numbing cream has taken effect, usually around 20 minutes, the doctor will begin to inject the HA fillers into the skin of the face. The procedure is fast; you will be surprised that your treatment is done even before your lunch break is over.
Cost of Hyaluronic Acid Dermal Fillers in Singapore
The cost of Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers in Singapore is usually decided on individual syringe basis. The cost will depend on what brand will be used during your treatment and the amount that is required to address your skin woes. In general, the cost of HA fillers ranges from $600 to $1,000.
Possible Side Effects of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
Before you get all excited of the brightening effects and other benefits that HA fillers can do to your worn out and dull skin, it is important that we shed light to its dark side. HA fillers can cause some risks and side effects after a session. After treatment, patients may encounter these temporary side effects:
- Bruising
- Itching
- Swelling
- Pain
- Redness
HA fillers, when done by inexperienced hands or administered in wrong amounts, can cause serious damage, such as skin necrosis and blindness. The areas of the face where there is a potentially high risk of these side effects are:
1. Blindness
- Nose area
2. Skin necrosis
- Glabella area
- Nose area
Different brands of Hyaluronic Acid Fillers available in Singapore
There are four brands of hyaluronic acid fillers currently used by doctors across Singapore. These are:
- Belotero
- Juvederm
- Restylane
- Teosyal
It is important to know that your doctor only uses authentic products for your face. Any other brand that has no track record of being used in the market can only bring harm to your skin. Likewise, be sure that your doctor opens a new box or syringe of HA fillers to ensure that the HA fillers injected into your skin are fresh and you get what you paid for.
