Dermal Filler

About Dermal Filler

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance that delivers nutrients to the skin, helping the skin retain moisture and softness, and adds volume. As we age, our skin loses hyaluronic acid stores in the dermis, and also lose it through degradation of our collagen structure within the skin. This development is further worsened by extrinsic factors like smoking, stress, and hormonal changes.

To combat this change, at The Ogee Clinic we provide hyaluronic acid dermal filler procedures. By delivering hyaluronic acid back into our skin, it can help restore hydration and improve firmness that was previously lost. Over time, hyaluronic acid has the ability to attract water molecules, bind them, and improve volume to our skin.

What is Juvederm?

Juvederm is an FDA-approved hyaluronic acid gel-based filler licensed under Allergan. It has an advanced cross-link formula (Vycross technology) that has been proven to last up to 12 months. It comes in a range of different products to target different problems and areas of the face. Through the latest bioengineering process, the Vycross technology within Juvederm fillers supports a wide range of dermal filler types that can address various unique needs of our patients, from feature contouring, to volume filling, and finally superficial hydration. At The Ogee Clinic, we use predominantly the Juvederm brand of fillers for facial rejuvenation.

Why does volume loss matter?

Overtime, your face will change in many ways. This is part of the normal aging process, but genetics and environmental process also play a role. You may notice a change in the appearance of your skin, typically in the form of deepening parentheses lines and wrinkles, and also mid face volume loss.

What are the signs of volume loss?

Flattening of the cheeks

Sunken eyes

Deepening of tear troughs

Jowls

Facial sagging

Sunken temples

Marionette lines

Smoker’s lines on the lips

Dermal fillers replace lost volume in the aging face and enhances hydration in the dermis layer of the skin, while stimulating collagen.
– Dr. Heng Wee Soon
Medical Director, The Ogee Clinic

Are dermal fillers same as Botox?

No, though both dermal fillers and Botox are popular aesthetic injectable treatments, they have very different uses. Botox, or botulinum toxin is a neuromodulator that exert its functions by relaxing facial muscles thus reducing dynamic lines and wrinkles. It also has skin benefits like sweat and sebaceous (oil) gland regulation. Dermal fillers are able to replace lost volume in the face, enhance many facial features and boost hydration in the dermis, while stimulating collagen. Frequently, we use both treatments together to achieve the best results in facial contouring and rejuvenation.

What are the signs of volume loss?

Eye Rejuvenation

As we age, volume loss around the eyes cause it to look sunken, and shadows created worsen dark eye rings, fat pads start to droop and cause it to herniate and become visible as eyebags. Fillers done for the eye rejuvenation will have to address the above issues. A well-done filler procedure will give immediate results, be relatively pain-free, and safe.

Nose Bridge and Nose Tip Reshaping

A flat nose bridge, a rounded nose tip, a dorsal nasal hump or crooked nose can all be easily corrected by a facial filler. In these scenarios, a filler with higher density (aka. G’) will be used for reshaping and augmentation of the nasal structure.

Cheek Augmentation

Mid face volume loss is one of the first signs of aging to take place. Loss of volume in the cheeks cause the underlying support for the skin to decrease, causing the skin to sag, and making the face look old and tired. Juvederm fillers done correctly can restore firmness to the skin, fullness to the cheeks, to achieve a younger complexion. Specifically, Dr Heng will aim for the face to regain its Ogee Curve at the cheek area. Once the Ogee curve is achieved, the face tends to look younger and more attractive.

Chin Contouring

By reshaping the chin, one can accentuate the facial shape to a more feminine heart shaped face, or the V—shaped face. This is a subtle change that causes noticeable improvements in aesthetic facial proportions.

Jawline Reshape

Usually done together with chin contouring, defining the jawline helps to overcome fat deposits and irregular sagging at the jowls, further contributing to the V-shape of the face. This is a versatile procedure and can be done in male patients to achieve a more manly or masculine jawline too.

Temple Contouring

Sunken temples reduces the attractiveness of the upper face, and causes the cheeks in a younger patient to look out of place. In an older patient, temples are the next place to lose volume after the eye region. A simple but precise addition of volume in this area can help correct both issues and return some youth and attractiveness to the face.

Forehead Augmentation

A high, rounded forehead gives a good balance for the rest of your facial proportions. Previously, patients desiring a more attractive forehead means having to go under the knife through surgery and surgical implants. Dermal fillers in Singapore have emerged as a safe, convenient and more hassle-free option for patients to consider.

Dermal Filler

An all-in-one comprehensive program done using dermal fillers to give the face an overall lifted appearance multiple regions described above will be treated at the same session after a thorough assessment with Dr Heng Wee Soon.

What can I expect during the procedure?

During consultation, a thorough facial assessment will be undertaken by Dr Heng Wee Soon to highlight the areas to be addressed. During this time, he will also discuss with you your ideas, concerns and wishes for the treatment, and customize a treatment plan for you. Before you proceed with the treatment, a complete consent form with your signature should be obtained.

How is the procedure done?

The areas to be treated will be marked out and brought to your attention. The dermal filler is injected into the skin through a fine needle or a small micro cannula. The hyaluronic acid gel injected provides additional support and volume for sagging tissues. After the injection is done, Dr Heng may contour the treated regions gently to further enhance the features. The results of the Liquid Face Lift is almost immediate.

Why do it with us?

Injectable fillers are a great alternative to traditional plastic surgery. However, it is not risk-free. When administered by untrained or inexperienced practitioners, they produce a poor visual outcome. If done right, dermal fillers are able to give patients a confidence boost in their looks, and achieve profound anti-aging results.

Dr Heng Wee Soon is board certified under the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine, and has also achieved certification under the Aesthetic Dermatological Education Group. He is able to perform a wide range of injectable treatments, including dermal fillers. Dr Heng Wee Soon is regularly invited as a facilitator injector for Allergan’s symposiums and workshops, where live injections and teaching demonstrations take place. In recent years, he is also more involved in academia, and had been involved in the development of Allergan’s Lip Injection Training Module for the benefit of other aesthetic doctors. His philosophy for dermal filler rejuvenation is grounded on a tripartite of Quality, Safety and Natural Beauty, and shows through in the procedures and results of his patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The procedure is by and large very tolerable. The newer generation of dermal fillers in Singapore has anesthetic agent lidocaine within it, further improving comfort during the procedure. For the occasional patient who is very sensitive to pain, an anesthetic cream will be applied prior to the procedure.

Mild redness and bruising at injection site is usually temporary. There may also be slight tenderness or itching at the injected area, which if it happens, will subside in 2-3 days.

Certainly. Many side effects and adverse reactions can be avoided with proper injection techniques, and correct preparation and precautions. Patients should avoid taking certain supplements before the procedure, and after the procedure, patients are advised not to rub the area for at least 6 hours, and avoid alcohol consumption for 24 hours. Selecting a qualified doctor who has extensive experience in performing this procedure is a crucial factor in keeping the procedure safe and reducing the possibility of adverse reactions.

The procedure usually takes around 20-30 minutes. It varies with the amount of work and complexity of the case of each patient.

The results are visible immediately after the procedure, and will continue to improve in the weeks that follow.

Hyaluronic acid fillers are naturally broken down by our body’s enzymes over time, thus their effect is not permanent. However, with the Vycross technology within Juvederm filler products, their results are long-lasting. In clinical trials, some of the Juvederm products have been shown to last up to 18-24 months. Evidently, the duration of effect is also dependent on factors other than product quality, like patient lifestyle, skin type and individual metabolism.

Before the procedure, you are advised to stop taking supplements that are known to have mild anticoagulant activity like gingko and ginseng. After the procedure, you are advised not to engage in vigorous exercises or workouts for the day. If you are intending facials or massages, you can plan for them a week after your filler treatment.

Juvederm dermal fillers are sold by the number of syringes required for each patient. This will vary based on the unique needs of every patient. Through a detailed facial assessment, Dr Heng Wee Soon can discuss with you on the treatment protocol that suits you best.