Acne scars can have a significant impact on people’s lives, as they can cause them to feel self-conscious and unhappy with their appearance. These scars, which are often a reminder of past struggles with their skin, can weigh heavily on a person emotionally and affect how they view themselves and others. The pursuit of clear skin can feel like an endless battle in a society that places a great deal of importance on appearance.
In this blog, Dr Justin Boey, Medical Director of Sozo Aesthetic Clinic, will share insights from his personal experience about how dermal fillers can improve the appearance of acne scars, resulting in increased confidence, better facial skin, and a significant emotional boost.
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What Are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, and enhance facial contours. They are typically composed of hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly-L-lactic acid, or polymethylmethacrylate microspheres. Hyaluronic acid is one of the common choices due to its natural occurrence in the body and ability to attract and retain moisture, resulting in a plumping effect that smoothes the skin’s appearance.
The primary purpose of dermal fillers in cosmetic procedures is to rejuvenate the face and reduce signs of ageing. As we age, our skin loses its natural collagen and elasticity, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles and lines.
In Dr Boey’s experience, dermal fillers improve skin smoothness and boost patients’ confidence by reducing the visibility of scars and enhancing overall facial contours. His approach emphasises careful filler selection based on individual facial structure and desired outcomes, ensuring that treatments are personalised and achieve natural-looking results.
How Do Fillers Work?
Dermal fillers are injectable substances that treat deep wrinkles, add volume, and enhance facial contours by supporting areas that have lost structure over time. These fillers, such as hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxyapatite, integrate with the skin’s natural structure, providing an immediate plump and smooth appearance. Hyaluronic acid filler treatments, for example, bind with water molecules to create a hydrated, volumised effect that supports collagen production, improving skin elasticity and firmness. Calcium hydroxyapatite fillers offer a scaffold for natural collagen production, adding volume and contributing to a youthful look.
The effects of dermal fillers are typically temporary, lasting from several months to a couple of years, based on the type of filler and individual lifestyle factors. Results are visible almost immediately, with subtle improvements in skin texture continuing over the following weeks. Dr Boey often recommends maintenance treatments to ensure sustained results, tailoring each session to meet patients’ evolving aesthetic needs.
Who are Suitable for Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers are suitable for a broad range of individuals. Typically, candidates range from their late 20s to those in their 60s and beyond who are starting to experience the early signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and volume loss in areas like cheeks and under-eye hollows. They can also be a valuable option for people with specific conditions, such as deep acne scars, to help smooth skin texture.
However, certain individuals are advised against undergoing dermal filler treatments. Pregnant or breastfeeding women, individuals with severe allergies, or those prone to bleeding disorders should consult with their healthcare provider before considering fillers.
Additionally, anyone with an active skin infection or inflammation should refrain from treatment until the condition is resolved. Consult a qualified professional to determine personal suitability and explore the best treatment options.
Benefits of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers offer a wide range of applications in cosmetic dermatology, which Dr Boey frequently observes among his patients. By understanding dermal fillers’ various types and uses, individuals can make informed decisions about the treatments best suited to their goals.
Enhances Facial Volume
Fillers play a crucial role in restoring facial volume, particularly in areas where the skin tends to lose its youthful plumpness over time, such as the cheeks, lips, and under-eye areas. Injectable fillers effectively counteract the signs of ageing by replenishing volume and providing a lifted fuller look.
By mimicking the natural substances in the body, fillers fill in these depleted areas, rejuvenating the facial structure and contour. Fillers can add definition and fullness to the lips. At the same time, in the under-eye regions, they can reduce the appearance of dark circles and hollows, creating a more refreshed and vibrant appearance.
Smoothes Wrinkles and Fine Lines
Dermal fillers are adept at reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, transforming tired and aged skin into a smooth and youthful canvas. These injectables work by filling in lines and creating a seamless surface on the skin. Areas typically affected by these age-related changes, such as the nasolabial folds, marionette lines, and crow’s feet, can be softened effectively. The fillers act beneath the skin’s surface to physically fill creases, restoring the tautness.
This immediate smoothing effect results from the filler’s ability to replace lost volume and stimulate collagen production, promoting elasticity and suppleness that diminishes the visible signs of ageing.
Types of Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers come in various types, each designed to target specific areas and concerns. Understanding the different types of fillers available allows individuals to choose treatments that best meet their cosmetic goals and facial anatomy. Below are the main categories of injectable dermal filler treatment, each with unique properties and benefits:
1. Hyaluronic Acid Filler
Hyaluronic acid fillers are widely used dermal fillers due to their natural composition and well-established safety profile. This clear, gel-like substance is a naturally occurring component in the skin, essential for retaining moisture and supporting elasticity. As a filler, it hydrates the skin and adds volume, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid fillers are versatile, allowing for contouring and adding volume to various facial areas, including the lips and cheeks.
2. Collagen Filler
Collagen fillers are designed to restore the skin’s natural structure by replenishing collagen, a protein that diminishes with age. Collagen is a fundamental building block that strengthens and supports the skin’s framework. These fillers work by plumping the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles, and enhancing facial contours. While they were once a common choice, collagen fillers are now less frequently used than newer formulations. However, they remain suitable for those seeking subtle enhancement and improved skin texture.
3. Poly-L-Lactic Acid
Poly-L-lactic acid fillers offer a unique approach to facial rejuvenation by stimulating the body’s natural collagen production. Unlike traditional fillers that add volume directly, these biocompatible and biodegradable agents encourage the skin to rebuild its collagen network gradually.
As a result, Poly-L-lactic acid fillers provide long-lasting volumisation. They are especially suited for addressing deeper facial wrinkles and folds. They are effective for individuals looking for a gradual and progressive enhancement.
Costs of Dermal Fillers
Aesthetic clinics in Singapore estimate the cost of dermal fillers to range from $600 to $1,000 per syringe. The total cost depends on the individual’s needs, as the required syringes vary. Ensuring you receive a new, HSA-approved syringe for each treatment is crucial to guarantee safety and efficacy.
The exact amount of filler needed varies from person to person, depending on the targeted area and the desired outcome. Each treatment is uniquely tailored through a thorough assessment, emphasising a customised treatment plan over a predetermined quantity of filler.
Additionally, the practitioner’s expertise plays a significant role in determining the cost of the treatment. Experienced doctors typically charge more due to their ability to achieve natural-looking results safely. To obtain an accurate cost estimate tailored to your facial aesthetics goals, it is advisable to schedule a
consultation with our aesthetic practitioners at Sozo Clinic.
3-Step Dermal Fillers Process in Sozo Clinic
The Dermal Fillers treatment procedures at Sozo Clinic are designed to help achieve each individual’s aesthetic needs. Our holistic approach begins with a detailed consultation, enabling us to comprehend the patient’s unique facial structure, concerns, and desired outcomes.
Pre-Treatment Consultation
You can expect a comprehensive skin assessment conducted by our trained professionals during the initial consultation. This assessment involves an examination of your facial anatomy, skin type, and specific concerns, using advanced diagnostic tools if necessary. The consultation allows you to discuss your aesthetic goals and any previous treatments you might have undergone.
After thoroughly understanding your needs, our specialists will devise a personalised treatment plan outlining the recommended types of dermal filler injections, the targeted areas for injection, and the expected results. Transparency is essential, so the consultation will also cover potential risks, side effects, and post-treatment care instructions to set realistic expectations.
During the Treatment
Once the treatment plan is confirmed during the initial consultation, the procedure begins with applying a topical numbing cream to minimise discomfort. Depending on the patient’s preference, an additional local anaesthetic may also be applied to the injection sites.
The actual injection of the filler takes only a few minutes per area. You may feel a slight pinch or pressure as the filler is injected, but these sensations are typically mild and brief. Our experienced practitioners ensure the injections are properly placed to achieve natural-looking results.
The entire procedure can range from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated. After the injections, patients can expect minimal downtime. However, some swelling or redness at the injection sites is normal and usually subsides within a few hours to a few days. Immediate results are noticeable, and final results can be seen once any initial swelling has diminished.
Post-Treatment Care
After receiving Dermal Fillers, following a few post-treatment care guidelines is essential to ensure optimal results and minimal side effects. Immediately following the procedure, patients are advised to avoid vigorous physical activities, such as exercise or heavy lifting, for at least 24 to 48 hours. This precaution helps reduce the risk of swelling and bruising.
To manage any minor swelling or bruising, gently apply a cold compress or ice pack to the treated areas in short intervals. Keeping the head elevated, especially while sleeping, can also aid in reducing swelling. Patients should refrain from consuming alcohol and excessive caffeine, as both can exacerbate bruising and dehydration.
Patients are encouraged to avoid exposure to extreme heat, such as saunas, hot tubs, or sunbathing, for at least a week following treatment. Additionally, it’s recommended not to massage or apply pressure to the treated areas, as this can affect the placement of the fillers.
Contact a healthcare professional promptly if any intense or prolonged swelling, bruising, or discomfort arises.
Dermal Fillers Before and After
It’s essential to consult with a qualified aesthetic practitioner to determine the optimal treatment plan tailored to your unique facial contour and aesthetic goals. At Sozo Clinic, displaying before and after images of dermal filler treatments online is not feasible. Nevertheless, during a personalised consultation, our medical director, Dr Justin Boey, will provide a comprehensive overview of the expected results tailored to your needs.
Many patients observe remarkable improvements immediately post-treatment, noticing a rejuvenated facial appearance with enhanced volume and youthful vitality. Emphasising a natural look, the treatment highlights your features and subtly enhances your beauty.
Aesthetic Issues Fillers Can Address
Dermal fillers offer versatile solutions for various aesthetic concerns, enhancing and rejuvenating facial areas. Here are the key issues that can be addressed with fillers:
- Forehead Lines: Fillers can soften horizontal lines on the forehead, offering a smoother and more youthful appearance.
- Crow’s Feet: The delicate lines around the eyes, commonly known as crow’s feet, can be diminished using fillers to create a fresher look.
- Nasolabial Folds: These lines that run from the nose’s sides to the mouth’s corners can be effectively reduced with fillers.
- Marionette Lines: Fillers help to reduce the appearance of lines that extend from the corners of the mouth downward, reducing a droopy look.
- Cheeks: Loss of volume in the cheeks can be countered with fillers, restoring plumpness and a youthful contour.
- Lips: Fillers can enhance lip volume, shape, and hydration, offering a more defined and luscious look.
- Under-Eye Hollows: Fillers can diminish the appearance of tiredness and dark circles under the eyes by filling hollows and brightening the area.
- Jawline and Chin: Fillers can improve jawline definition and enhance chin projection, refining facial proportions and symmetry.
How Long Do Fillers Last?
| Type of Filler | Longevity |
| Hyaluronic Acid Filler | 6-12 months |
| Collagen Filler | 3-6 months |
| Poly-L-Lactic Acid | 12-24 months |
Factors That Affect Longevity
The longevity of dermal fillers varies significantly among individuals. A key factor is metabolism; those with faster metabolic rates break down fillers more quickly, reducing the duration of effects. Your lifestyle also plays a role, as high physical activity, excessive sun exposure, and smoking can speed up filler breakdown.
Additionally, the area treated affects longevity; areas with more movement, like the lips, may see quicker dissipation than less dynamic areas, like the cheeks. Choosing the right filler for each facial zone is crucial for maximising the treatment’s lifespan. Understanding these factors helps plan aesthetic treatments for long-lasting results.
Are Fillers Safe?
Dermal fillers are considered safe when administered by a qualified and experienced professional. Most facial fillers used today, such as those containing hyaluronic acid, are FDA-approved, ensuring they meet strict safety and efficacy standards. Using only quality fillers sourced from reputable manufacturers is crucial, as these products undergo rigorous testing to comply with medical quality and safety regulations.
While dermal fillers are generally safe, patients may experience mild and temporary side effects as part of the body’s natural response to the injection. These include:
- Swelling: This is a common reaction, typically subsiding within a few days post-treatment.
- Bruising: Some patients may notice mild bruising around the injection site, which usually resolves within a week.
- Redness: Temporary redness may appear in the treated area but should diminish shortly after the procedure.
- Tenderness: It is common to feel some tenderness or sensitivity around the injection sites, which generally dissipates quickly.
- Lumps or Bumps: Occasionally, small lumps may form, but these usually smooth out naturally within a short period.
Conclusion
Dermal filler injections offer a safe and effective solution for addressing various aesthetic concerns, providing natural-looking results lasting anywhere from six months to two years. Dr Justin Boey and the team at Sozo Aesthetic Clinic are committed to helping patients achieve their aesthetic goals through tailored treatments, focusing on natural-looking results that boost confidence and revitalise appearance.
For a personalised consultation and to learn more about how dermal fillers can benefit you, consider visiting Dr Boey at Sozo Clinic. Whether addressing acne scars or refining facial contours, his expertise ensures safe, effective, and long-lasting results.
