Filler Rejuvenation

Filler is a liquid to gel-like substance that is injected into the skin to restore youthful appearance. It works by lightening wrinkles and restoring firmness and volume.There are permanent and non-permanent fillers. Permanent fillers (Artecol, Dermalive, silicone) may not blend in with future facial changes hence, giving an unpleasant appearance. Remember, physiological ageing can be optimized but not stopped. Hyaluronic acid (HA), calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-L-lactic acid and collagen are some of the non-permanent fillers. Collagen fillers are sourced from animal or human and have high risk of allergy causing painful and unsightly reactions.

Synthetic hyaluronic acid (HA) filler is by far the most popular. It is chemically similar to human HA which endows a low incidence of allergy. HA filler is produced in the lab by microbiological engineering (and not from other human or animal) hence, there is no risk of disease transmission. It is the only filler that is reversible or adjustable after therapy. HA is excellent at absorbing and retaining moisture in the skin. A well hydrated skin glows from within. It feels and looks natural too!

Local anaesthetic cream is applied onto skin for 45 to 60 minutes. For some cases, local anaesthesia may be applied upon patient’s request or on Dr. Kent’s suggestion.

Your skin should feel numb when the anaesthesia is working. A fine needle is then inserted into the skin with minimal to painless sensation. The filler is slowly injected to achieve the desired effect which typically takes 10 to 20 minutes per treatment area.

There may be unnoticeable swelling to mild swelling with redness for 1 – 5 days. Bruising may occur (typically pinpoint size) and usually resolve in 7 days. Bruising can be concealed with skin-tone make up or sunscreen.

3 months to 2 years depending on baseline severity, choice of HA fillers, volume, depth and technique of injection, facial muscular activity and individual patient ie. smoker may have shorter duration.

Infection, painful red lumps, acneiform appearance, scarring, blood supply compromise, lumpy texture, blindness (extremely low risk). Having a qualified and experienced doctor to perform this task cannot be overemphasized.

Pure HA filler performed adequately by a qualified doctor does not cause extreme widening of nose bridge. HA fillers are not the same as silicone and collagen fillers. The latter two fillers are rare these days due to the excellent efficacy, safety and adjustability of HA fillers.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers should not be used in patients who are pregnant, nursing, trying to get pregnant, have experienced this hypersensitivity in the past, those with severe allergies. Skin areas with active inflammation or infection (pimples, rash) should be avoided. Notify Dr. Kent if you have had major dental work (excluding routine cleaning or tooth whitening) 2 weeks before/after proposed injection procedure. Avoid applying any irritating chemical or irritating soap to area for the week prior. Discuss with Dr. Kent if you have had any recent procedure (cosmetic, surgery, laser or other) or any recent illness.

Swelling and/or redness are normal for 1 to 5 days. You may have minor bruise which typically resolves within a few days. Do not massage treated area for 2 weeks. Gently cleanse the area twice daily with gentle cleanser. We recommend Kent’s Nourishing Cleanser. Avoid irritants (glycolics acid, retinoids, salicylic acids, hydroquinone) until all redness/swelling resolves. You may apply cool compresses/ice for 15 minutes/hour for comfort and to reduce swelling. Make-up may be used as long as skin is not broken or irritated. Avoid use of oral aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), St. John’s Wort, and high doses of vitamin E for one week. Avoid strenuous exercise, sauna and alcohol for 24 hours after treatment. HA filler usually gives immediate improvement but better result typically peaks in 4 – 8 weeks when it attracts more moisture to the skin. Avoid direct pressure on treated area when resting at night. Do not have major dental work (except routine cleaning or whitening) for 2 weeks after HA injection. You should immediately notify Dr. Kent if you have any questions or concerns, or see any signs such as severe or extended pain, redness that last for more than 48 hours, bluish to dusky skin discolouration, lumpiness, discharge, blood supply compromise (blanching), headache or visual distubance. Signs of blood supply compromise include blanching or whitening/darkening/blackening of the skin, any discoloration, pain, or skin break/sloughing. Dr. Kent is happy to see you at any time with any questions or concerns.

DR KENT CLINIC contact: +(60)3 – 8052 3082, +(60)3 – 7497 8788, +(60)12 – 395 4223, +(60)12 – 221 1841.

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