Since hitting the beauty scene in the early 2000s, botox and dermal fillers have been like our little miracle workers that we go to for adding plumpness, smoothing out wrinkles and essentially turning back time on our faces. Yet lots of misinformation and confusion remain. What is botox? What’s the difference between botox versus fillers? Can fillers cause blindness? Here, we chat with Bay Aesthetics Clinic’s medical director DR HOE YING MIN, who has years of experience in helping clients look their best with the procedures, to set the record straight. Plus, EL’s own Jacqui gives them a try!
What exactly is botox?
Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA) is a brand of Botulinum Neurotoxin developed by Allergan Medical. It received US FDA approval for cosmetic use in 2002. Other locally approved brands of Botulinum Neurotoxin include Dysport (abobotulinumtoxinA) and Xeomin (incobotulinumtoxinA). Due to its extensive history and widespread use, the term ‘botox’ is often used synonymously with Botulinum Neurotoxin injections by the general public.
And what are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers, meanwhile, are injectable medical devices that typically consist of a crosslinked hyaluronic acid-based gel. Hyaluronic acid is naturally found in the skin and serves to retain hydration. Hyaluronic acid-based fillers are biocompatible and integrate well into the skin. Injected strategically into the face, fillers can restore lost facial volume, gently lift the skin and enhance facial attributes. Examples of locally approved brands of fillers include Juvederm, Restylane and Belotero.
Who are the ideal candidates for botox and dermal fillers?
Botox targets dynamic wrinkles caused by overactive facial muscles, typically seen in clients aged 30 to 60. These wrinkles are noticeable with facial expressions but smooth when at rest. Common treatment areas include forehead lines that appear when the eyebrows are raised, glabellar lines that emerge during frowning (the “angry 11s!”), and periocular lines that show up during smiling (“crow’s feet”). Once the wrinkles become present at rest, the effect of botox is reduced, and resurfacing laser treatments are then required.
Dermal fillers, on the other hand, can enhance facial features. An ideal candidate typically experiences facial volume loss due to natural ageing or high metabolism. This results in a “sunken” and “tired” appearance.
Below are photos of a patient in her 50s displaying age-related facial volume loss in her temples, cheeks and lips, with mild skin laxity and loss of jawline definition. Photos were taken before filler treatment to her temples, cheeks, jawline and lips.
What is botox and how safe is it versus dermal fillers?
Botox, while generally safe in experienced hands, is not without risks. An excessively high dosage would result in near complete facial muscle paralysis, aka the dreaded “frozen” look. Unintended diffusion of botox from the original injection site could lead to drooping of the eyebrows or eyelids. Bruising after botox may last for up to two weeks. Adverse events after botox typically last for two to four weeks and resolve completely with time.
Meanwhile, major risks of dermal fillers often arise from accidental intravascular injection of the filler. This can lead to the blockage of a blood vessel known as vascular occlusion. This typically results in skin necrosis, where an area of the face’s skin becomes non-viable and results in a wound that heals with scarring. Rarely, the filler material travels to the eye via the blood vessel, blocking blood flow to the eye and resulting in blindness.
What do I need to know about botox and dermal fillers in Singapore?
Botox and fillers are considered licensable healthcare services. They can only be performed in medical clinics licensed by the Ministry of Health Singapore. In addition, only accredited doctors who have completed required postgraduate training are permitted to perform botox and filler injections. Botulinium toxin and dermal fillers are classed as Medical Devices by Health Sciences Authority of Singapore (HSA). They are required to undergo the stringent product safety checks before being licensed for use.
Should I do a lot of research before proceeding?
Yes! Botox and dermal fillers are cosmetic medical treatments with potential risks, so the decision to undergo such treatment should not be taken lightly. An unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome may affect confidence.
Can botox and dermal fillers make me look fake and frozen?
Excessive amounts may indeed result in an unnatural look. However, most experienced doctors with a good eye for beauty will know how to avoid this and recommend an appropriate treatment volume.
Aren’t these treatments only for older people with visible signs of ageing?
With the increasing acceptance of medical aesthetic treatments, it’s now common for clients to begin their botox and filler treatments in their 20s. Botox works best for dynamic wrinkles, which typically develop between the ages of 21 and 35. As you age, static wrinkles and skin laxity emerge, requiring calibrations to botox dosages and the addition of skin resurfacing and tightening treatments.
Fillers can be performed from the age of 21. For younger clients aged 21 to 35 with minimal signs of ageing, fillers can enhance facial features. These incluce fuller lips and higher cheekbones. For patients aged 35 and above, fillers are used to address age-related facial volume loss in areas like the temples, cheeks and lips. When strategically injected, fillers also provide a gentle lifting effect on the face.
How much will botox and fillers cost?
The price of botox at Bay Aesthetics Clinic is $180 per area on the face, while the price of fillers starts at $688 per 1ml syringe of Juvederm.
Dr Hoe explains Bay Aesthetics Clinic’s treatment approach towards botox and fillers:
- Patient education, shared decision-making, clarity and honesty: Bay Aesthetics Clinic’s doctors listen closely to our clients and strive to work together as a team to reach their goals.
- Less is more: Our doctors take a cautious and meticulous approach to botox and fillers, treating conservatively over multiple sessions for natural-looking results.
- Continual improvement and lifelong learning: Our doctors regularly attend live injection masterclasses, anatomy workshops and conferences led by international experts to stay updated on the latest techniques in botox and filler injections.
Want to know more? EL’s Jacqui undergoes the procedures with Dr Hoe. Here’s her take!
I’ve become increasingly conscious of my skin sagging and lacking lustre in certain areas of my face, leading me to explore options to freshen these areas. My eyes, in particular, were developing crow’s feet, along with a loss of plumpness in my cheeks and lips.
I was very apprehensive about the range of clinics and products on the market. So I decided to have a chat with Dr Hoe at Bay Aesthetics Clinic to address these concerns. She and Dr Bernard Tan are so knowledgeable in the products used and the areas needing treatment to rejuvenate the skin and achieve a natural look.
The process started with an in-depth consultation of my skin and areas of concern, as it was my first time considering both dermal fillers and botox to rejuvenate these areas. Photographs were taken to compare the before and after looks. Numbing cream was applied to my skin and left for about 30 minutes to ensure a pain-free procedure. My face was then marked to ensure the correct areas were targeted. Then the procedure began.
First, dermal fillers were applied to my temples, around my cheekbones, in my chin to alleviate the double chin, and in my lips to restore lost volume. It’s a strange feeling. Not painful, but quite uncomfortable at times, as they insert a cannula for this before smoothing it out to ensure it reaches the correct places. The botox was then injected mainly into my forehead and crow’s feet. This was not painful at all, just a slight sting at the injection site. It was a very gentle procedure and nothing like the stories I’d heard over the years.
I was amazed by the results. My skin looked overall plumper, my chin more defined and my lips had a slight pout, just the right amount of freshening up I was looking for. I will be returning this week to check the results and see if any additional treatments are needed for further refreshment. But I must admit, I’m very impressed with the results.
Bay Aesthetics Clinic is at #B2-12 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Boulevard.
8428 7811 | bayclinic.sg
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