One of the struggles that most women are facing is aging. Wrinkles and fine lines are just a few signs of aging that most women want to address, especially moms. Being a mother is one of the most fulfilling experiences a woman can have, but we cannot deny that it can be stressful and can take a toll on our skin. Sometimes, there is not much time left to take care of yourself with all the work you have to do for your home, husband, and children. Not to mention the stress of daytime jobs for working moms.
Thinking of restoring your youthful look is a personal decision and it is perfectly okay. It is only right to take care of yourself as long as you are responsible and it cannot harm you or your children. This article is for the mothers out there who are planning to get dermal fillers in Singapore.
Dr. Israr Wong gives us information about dermal fillers, how it works, safety and risk especially to breastfeeding moms.
What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are injection-based treatments that use gel-like substances to add volume to the soft tissues and fill in the wrinkles in your face. They restore lost volume or add a lifting effect to the treated area to achieve a younger-looking face.
Different Types of Dermal Fillers
There are different types of dermal fillers in Singapore that you can choose from. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Let us see which type is suitable for you.
1. Hyaluronic acid dermal fillers
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a healthy sugar found naturally in our skin and joints. It holds water and keeps our joints moisturized and skin hydrated. But as we get older, the amount of natural hyaluronic acid in our body decreases just like elastin and collagen. This makes our skin saggy and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles become more visible.
Hyaluronic acid can provide structure and substantial volume effect to the face and lips because of the consistency of its watery gel-like material. It is injected under the skin of the face mostly around the eye, cheeks, mouth or jawline. After the treatment, swelling can occur which will last for 1-2 days. Outcome and longevity vary from patient to patient and part of the face treated. But mostly it lasts for 3- 18 months and after that time additional injections may be needed to maintain the desired effect. HA dermal fillers are also reversible in case you do not like how the effect looks on you. Due to its convenience, safety and efficacy, this is one of the most used dermal fillers worldwide.
2. Calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse) dermal fillers
Calcium hydroxyapatite is a derma filler consisting of calcium, hydrogen, and phosphate made in the US. This filler has dual effects as it gives instant volume and produces collagen after. Due to its high elasticity, it gives a much stronger lift compared to hyaluronic acid fillers. Calcium hydroxyapatite stays in the skin for 9-18 months and will be metabolized into calcium and phosphate ions that will be absorbed by the skin.
3. Poly-L-Lactic acid (Sculptra) dermal fillers
Poly-L-Lactic acid is commercially known as Sculptra. This type of dermal filler is ideal for people who want a more ‘natural method’ in achieving a youthful look. Poly-L-Lactic acid helps stimulate skin collagen to add volume, structure, and framework to the face. This filler needs a lot of patience because it requires 3-4 sessions (with 1-month intervals) before you can achieve the result which will last for 2 years. Collagen production differs from person to person so lifting effects can also vary.
4. Polycaprolactone (Ellanse) dermal fillers
Polycaprolactone is the longest-lasting dermal filler in Singapore. It is a molecule that is hydrolyzed by the skin to carbon dioxide and water molecules which is then used or expelled by the body. This type of filler has a brand name called Ellanse and it has different ranges that last from 1 up to 4 years, depending on your preference.
- Ellanse S- 1 year
- Ellanse M- 2 years
- Ellanse L- 3 years
- Ellanse E- 4 years
This dermal filler is ideal for patients who want longer-lasting results. Aside from giving instant volume and definition to the treated areas, it also helps stimulate collagen production in 3-6 months. This dermal filler is very versatile and can be used in any part of the face, neck, and hands except for the lips. This is currently the safest absorbable filler that can last up to 4 years as proven by numerous patients who were greatly satisfied with its effects.
What are the risks of dermal fillers?
In every medical treatment or procedure, there are always possible risks and complications. Here is the list of possible risks and complications of derma fillers:
- Swelling or bruising from the injection site
- Infections from the injection site
- Lumps
- Skin rashes
- Skin redness
- Blindness
- Possible Scarring
- Acne-like skin eruptions
With dermal fillers, these risks will be discussed to you by your doctor. However, severe complications with dermal fillers are very rare. Do note that non-hyaluronic acid fillers are non-reversible. Meaning, there aren’t any antidote for them in case you are not satisfied with the results so they will be in your skin for months and even years. This is why, you should remember to choose your doctor carefully. Make sure that he/she is highly skilled and knowledgeable with dermal filler injections.
Are dermal fillers safe for a breastfeeding mom?
Some moms who had just given birth and are still breastfeeding their babies may choose to get dermal fillers. For whatever reason they may have, that is their personal decision. To date, there is no study or there is a lack of research about the safety of dermal fillers for a breastfeeding mom.
However, many doctors agree that it is not safe to get fillers for breastfeeding moms especially pregnant women. Though the content of some dermal fillers is natural and can be found in the body, it is still best not to get any cosmetic treatments throughout your pregnancy and even while breastfeeding. Your child’s life may be put at risk as well as yours and I believe you do not want that to happen. It is better to talk to your doctor about this for more clarification.
Dr Israr Wong
304 Orchard Road, Lucky Plaza Suites #05-42,
Medical Specialists, Singapore 238863
+65 9735 9930
