Will fillers give me “pillow face”?

Will I get “pillow face” from fillers? Once I’ve started botulinum toxin, will I look worse if I stop? DR STEPHANIE HO from Stephanie Ho Dermatology breaks down some of the most common questions and misconceptions about injectables and what you shouldn’t believe.

#1 Will I get “pillow face” from fillers?

Facial overfilled syndrome (or “pillow face”, which refers to a plump, puffy and unnaturally rounded face) occurs when over-enthusiastic augmentation of the face using fillers takes place. “Pillow face” is not an inevitable outcome from filler use. Rather, it’s usually a result of poor technique, excessive product use, placement in the wrong anatomical plane or lack of aesthetic judgement. An experienced doctor uses a conservative, anatomical approach, focusing on balance, proportion and natural results. The goal is to enhance, not distort.

There are newer, non-crosslinked injectables available at Stephanie Ho Dermatology that use high concentration hyaluronic acid hybrid complexes that do not add excessive volume to the face. Instead, it gently hydrates whilst stimulating regeneration of your own cells to restore natural volume and youthful contours without looking “done”.

#2 What are injectables? Are only dermal fillers and botulinum toxin considered injectables?

While these two may be the most well-known, the category of injectables is much wider. It includes:

• Biostimulators that stimulate collagen production
• Skin boosters that improve hydration and elasticity
• Bio-remodelling injectables that target different layers of the skin tissues to boost collagen and elastin production, hence improving overall skin quality
• Hybrid fillers such as high concentration hyaluronic acid injections that combine hydrating, collagen-stimulating and fat-stimulating components. They improve skin texture, support collagen and fat regeneration, while offering subtle volumisation
• Polynucleotide injections to aid in skin repair and regeneration

Injectables do much more than just volumising; they are multifunctional tools in a comprehensive aesthetic plan. Each injectable has a unique mechanism and purpose and treatment plans are often customised using a combination of these.

#3 Are injectables only for older people?

Preventative and subtle aesthetic treatments are increasingly popular among younger patients. Early intervention can delay the onset of deeper wrinkles, preserve facial structure, promote collagen production, support skin health and improve hydration and skin repair. Injectables are not just about reversing ageing, they’re also about maintaining and enhancing natural beauty at any age.

#4 Once I’ve had injectables, will I look worse if I stop?

This is a psychological misconception. Injectables gradually wear off and your face will return to its baseline – not worse. However, because patients get used to the enhanced appearance, the return to natural ageing may feel like a “decline”. In reality, injectables don’t accelerate ageing or damage the skin when done properly.

#5 Are they very dangerous? I’ve heard they can cause blindness!

Blindness from injectables is a very rare complication, occurring in only a tiny fraction of treatments worldwide. It happens when the product accidentally enters a blood vessel, but this risk is greatly reduced when injections are performed by trained professionals using safe techniques including microdroplet injections, injector gun delivery and cannula technique. In expert hands, injectables remain a safe and effective option for facial rejuvenation.

About this dermatologist in Singapore

Dr Stephanie Ho is a British trained Consultant Dermatologist who is registered as a skin specialist both in Singapore and the UK. She has over 25 years of medical experience and has practised in Edinburgh, London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Her special interests include dermatological and laser surgery, skin cancer screening and treatment, scar treatment and acne treatment, and she’s fluent in English, Mandarin and Cantonese.

Stephanie Ho Dermatology
#08-05 Scotts Medical Center, Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road
6262 0880 | stephanieho.com.sg

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