Undergoing various facial aging can leave us less confident about our appearance. The desire to turn back the clock and regain a youthful look has led many to consider dermal fillers as a solution. While dermal fillers can work wonders for specific concerns, it’s essential to understand that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution.
In this article, we will explore six skin concerns that dermal fillers aren’t designed to fix. Understanding their limitations can help you make informed decisions about your cosmetic journey.
Because dermal fillers are a term that is used rather loosely, in this article the term shall be used to refer to hyaluronic acid based fillers injected for the purpose of creating volume/projection.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are meant to add volume and enhance facial contours, making them excellent for addressing issues related to volume loss.
However they do not directly improve the underlying health of the skin and are not first line treatment for skin texture concerns such as pores and atrophic scars from acne/chicken pox.
HA dermal fillers are only useful after the optimisation of the above therapies where they may be used in minute amounts to fill up any remaining scars resistant to the above treatments.
Deeply injected dermal fillers also fail to address skin concerns like skin hydration. Instead, skin boosters can assist more with this process.
Think of saggy skin like a curtain (the skin) draped over a ledge (the underlying structures supporting the skin). As we age, the skin and the superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) layers lose elasticity and start elongating downwards (the length of the curtain gets longer).
In addition to that, we also lose fat and bone beneath these layers leading to a loss of the ledge and thus causing even more skin to hang loose past the ‘ledge’.
Dermal fillers help to restore this ledge to provide support to the skin and lift it. However for the most optimal and natural looking result, the skin needs to be tightened (length of the curtain shortened) in conjunction with fillers to build the support. This can be achieved using skin tightening modalities like Fotona 6D.
In the event of severe skin sagginess/excess skin, last line surgical procedures like invasive facelifts may also be considered.
If your facial concerns are primarily related to dynamic wrinkles such as those at the frown lines/forehead/crow feet, these are due to repetitive muscle movements in these areas. Dermal fillers are not first line treatments for such indications.
Botulinum toxin injections to relax the causative muscles are more effective. Botox injections temporarily arrest the muscles responsible for forming wrinkles, smoothing out the skin’s appearance.
However in the event of deep static wrinkles which are present even after botulinum toxin injections, any remaining wrinkle can be further optimised with just trace doses of dermal filler.
Dermal fillers can undoubtedly help enhance facial symmetry and balance, but they have limitations when dealing with extreme cases of facial asymmetry such as those resulting from post severe trauma. Surgery may be necessary to achieve more drastic results.
A skilled plastic surgeon can restructure the facial bones and tissues to create a more harmonious and balanced appearance.
Dermal fillers are not designed to treat skin problems like sun damage, hyperpigmentation, or an uneven skin tone. These concerns are better managed through treatments such as chemical peels, laser therapy, or topical skincare products that target pigmentation issues.
A comprehensive skincare regimen combined with professional treatments is often the most effective to achieve radiant and even-toned skin.
Dermal hyaluronic acid fillers provide significant improvements to the facial structure in a safe and reversible manner. However, their results are not permanent. To have sustained results, it’s essential to understand that dermal fillers will require maintenance treatments to maintain the desired look every few years.
Now that we’ve discussed the concerns that dermal fillers may not be designed to fix, let’s look into the issues they excel at addressing. Dermal fillers are highly effective for the following concerns.
Face fillers can restore fullness to areas of the face that have lost volume from ageing or other factors. This includes areas like the cheeks, chin, and jawline.
Dermal fillers are excellent for treating fine lines and wrinkles. When injected into the skin for support, the fillers stretch the skin, smoothening lines and wrinkles. However, they are not optimal for areas where wrinkles are caused by repetitive facial movements as discussed above.
Lip fillers are popular for enhancing lip volume and definition, achieving a plumper and more youthful look.
The tear trough is the line that forms with age as the ligament underlying the skin tethers the overlying skin from a lack of support. The eye is a crucial focal point of the face and the line often causes the patient to appear tired and aged.
Tear trough fillers are customised for each patient and are commonly injected at the cheek/around the eye and along the tear trough itself to provide the support required for the improvement of the tear trough line. This will help patients look more refreshed and rejuvenated.
Marionette lines, deep lines that run from the corners of the lips to the chin, and nasolabial folds at the sides of the nostrils to the corners of the lips, can be softened and improved with dermal fillers. In fact, a study showed that nasolabial folds and marionette lines injected with filler had the highest success rates of 98.4% and 94.4% in aesthetic correction.
Nose fillers can reshape and define the nose without the need for surgery, providing a more balanced profile.
Some dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid-based fillers, can fill in and smooth the appearance of atrophic acne scars. These scars are indented and form below the skin. Fillers can be used to fill in these scars to diminish their appearance.
When administered by a skilled and experienced practitioner, dermal fillers can deliver natural-looking results that enhance your features without appearing overdone.
Most dermal filler procedures require minimal downtime, making them convenient for individuals with busy lifestyles.
Dermal filler treatments are highly customisable, allowing practitioners to personalise the procedure to your specific needs and aesthetic goals.
Dermal filler treatments can be performed gradually, allowing you to control the pace of your transformation and ensuring that results align with your expectations.
The results of dermal filler treatments are often immediate, with minimal swelling or bruising that usually subsides within a few days. However, it’s essential to understand that the longevity of these results can vary based on factors such as the type of filler used, the treatment area, and individual metabolism.
On average, dermal filler results can last from six months to two years. Maintenance treatments are typically required to sustain the desired look.
If you’re considering dermal fillers but are worried about possibly changing your mind or not being satisfied with the results, discussing these concerns with your practitioner before the procedure is important.
A skilled practitioner will consider your preferences and make adjustments to ensure you are happy with the outcome.
In some cases, hyaluronic acid-based fillers can be dissolved using an enzyme called hyaluronidase if you wish to reverse the effects of the treatment.
Dermal fillers can be a fantastic option for addressing specific cosmetic concerns, but they are not a one-stop solution for all skin-related issues. Understanding their limitations and considering alternative treatments when necessary is crucial to achieving the results you desire.
Dermal fillers are widely available in Singapore. However, you must seek a reputable and qualified practitioner adept at injectable aesthetic treatments to discuss your concerns, expectations, and questions about the procedure.
SL Aesthetic Clinic is a qualified aesthetic treatment provider. Our highly skilled experts are dedicated to helping you achieve your personal aesthetic goals with non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
Book a consultation for dermal fillers and its prices today.
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