What are Fillers?
Fillers are injectable treatments used in cosmetic dermatology. These substances are designed to restore facial volume, smooth out wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. They are composed of biocompatible materials, such as hyaluronic acid, which integrate seamlessly with the skin’s natural structure. The primary function of fillers is to replenish lost volume due to ageing and to sculpt facial features, offering a rejuvenated appearance.
At KM Aesthetics, the focus is on providing dermal filler treatments that are specifically designed to align with each client’s individual skin requirements and aesthetic goals. The clinic prioritises understanding and addressing each client’s unique needs and preferences, ensuring that the treatments effectively enhance their natural facial features. The application of fillers is executed with precision and attention to detail, striving for outcomes that naturally enhance and rejuvenate facial aesthetics.

The Science Behind Fillers

The science behind dermal fillers is grounded in their composition and how they interact with the skin. These fillers commonly contain hyaluronic acid, a molecule found naturally in the skin, renowned for its ability to retain moisture. This property is crucial, as hyaluronic acid can absorb water up to a thousand times its weight, enhancing skin hydration and volume.
Upon injection, fillers go beyond just filling wrinkles and augmenting volume. They assimilate into the skin’s dermal layer, mingling with the skin’s natural water content. This integration aids in maintaining the injected area’s plumpness and hydration, yielding a smoother and more supple skin texture. However, since the body eventually breaks down hyaluronic acid, the effects of fillers are temporary, lasting from several months to about a year.
Additionally, fillers play a role in encouraging collagen production. Collagen, the key structural protein in skin, is vital for its strength and elasticity. Fillers can trigger collagen synthesis, also known as neocollagenesis, enhancing the skin’s long-term firmness and elasticity.
The technique applied in filler injections is equally important. Skilled practitioners with a deep understanding of facial anatomy strategically place fillers to create a balanced and natural appearance. They take into account each individual’s unique facial structure, customising the treatment to attain the desired aesthetic results.
What Can Fillers Treat?
Fillers are versatile in treating various skin conditions, using their unique properties to address specific concerns:
Volume Loss in the Face
As skin ages, it loses subcutaneous fat, leading to a hollow or sunken appearance. Fillers counteract this by adding volume beneath the skin’s surface, especially in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under-eye regions. This volume addition restores a fuller, more youthful facial contour.
Deep Wrinkles and Creases
Fillers are effective in smoothing out deep wrinkles and creases, such as nasolabial folds (lines running from the nose to the corners of the mouth) and marionette lines (lines from the mouth’s corners downwards). By filling these creases, the skin appears smoother and more even.
Thin Lips
For those with naturally thin lips or lips that have thinned due to ageing, fillers can enhance lip volume. This not only makes the lips fuller but also helps in defining the lip shape and improving overall facial symmetry.
Scarring and Skin Irregularities
Certain types of scars, like those from acne or injuries, can create indentations in the skin. Fillers can be used to elevate these depressed areas, levelling them with the surrounding skin for a smoother appearance.
Why Use Fillers
Fillers offer a non-surgical solution for enhancing facial features and addressing ageing concerns, making them a popular choice for several reasons:
Non-invasive with minimal downtime
Unlike surgical procedures, fillers do not require extensive recovery time. Patients can usually resume their normal activities shortly after the treatment, making it convenient for those with busy schedules.
Immediate results
The effects of fillers are visible almost immediately after the injection, allowing patients to see the benefits of the treatment right away.
Customizability
The versatility of fillers lies in their ability to be customised. The type and volume of filler used can be adjusted to suit the specific requirements and aesthetic goals of each patient, from subtle enhancements to more pronounced changes.
Collagen stimulation
Besides providing immediate volume, fillers can stimulate the body’s natural collagen production, contributing to the improvement of skin texture and firmness over time.
Reversible and adjustable
Most hyaluronic acid-based fillers are reversible if needed. This allows for adjustments or complete reversal if the patient desires, adding an element of safety and flexibility to the treatment.
Are Fillers for Everyone?
While dermal fillers are popular for their aesthetic benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain skin conditions and health factors can make the use of fillers inappropriate or risky. For instance, individuals with active skin infections, severe allergies, particularly to the filler’s ingredients, or autoimmune disorders may not be ideal candidates for this treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also generally advised to avoid fillers due to the lack of research on the effects in these conditions.
The suitability of fillers also depends on the specific skin concerns and ageing signs of the individual. People with extremely thin or lax skin, or those with certain types of scarring, may not achieve the desired results with fillers. Moreover, patients with a history of anaphylaxis or severe allergies, particularly to lidocaine (commonly used with fillers for numbing), should consult their doctor before considering this treatment. A thorough consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to assess the appropriateness of fillers for each individual, taking into account their medical history, skin condition, and aesthetic goals.

Price of Fillers
The cost of dermal fillers in Singapore can vary based on the type of filler and the clinic. Below is a general guide to the average cost range for different types of dermal fillers:
Dermal Filler | Average Cost Range (Per Syringe) |
Hyaluronic Acid | $700 – $1,000 |
Calcium Hydroxylapatite | $600 – $800 |
Poly-L Lactic Acid | $850 – $1,000 |
Autologous Fat Injections | $2,500 – $7,000 |
It’s important to remember that the actual cost can vary based on individual treatment needs, the specific area being treated, and the expertise of the provider. To get a precise estimate tailored to your unique requirements, consulting with a qualified provider is recommended. They can provide a more accurate cost assessment based on an evaluation of your specific case.
FAQs
How Long Do Face Fillers Last?
The duration of face fillers varies depending on the type of filler used, but typically, they last between 6 to 18 months. Hyaluronic acid fillers, for example, are absorbed gradually by the body over time. The longevity of the filler also depends on factors such as the individual’s metabolism, the area treated, and the volume of filler used. Maintenance treatments are often needed to retain the desired effect.
When Should I Use Fillers?
Fillers are generally used when signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and volume loss become apparent, or when enhancing specific facial features is desired. They are often considered by individuals in their late 20s to early 30s when early signs of ageing appear, or by older individuals seeking to restore facial volume and smoothness. Consulting with a healthcare professional can determine the best timing based on individual skin conditions and aesthetic goals.
What is the Safest Filler for the Face?
Hyaluronic acid fillers are widely considered the safest option for the face. This is due to their compatibility with the body, as hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the skin. Additionally, these fillers are reversible, allowing for the option to dissolve them in case of any adverse effects or dissatisfaction with the results.
What Happens if You Stop Fillers?
If you stop getting filler treatments, the effects will gradually diminish as the body naturally absorbs the filler material. Over time, the skin will return to its pre-treatment condition. This process is gradual, and there’s no sudden change when you stop the treatments. Regular maintenance sessions are necessary to maintain the effects of fillers.
What Happens to Your Face After Fillers?
After receiving fillers, the treated areas of the face typically show an immediate improvement in volume and smoothness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and folds. The results are generally natural-looking. However, it’s common to experience some temporary swelling or bruising immediately after the treatment. The final outcome will stabilise over a few days to weeks as the filler integrates with the skin tissue.
What are the Side Effects of Face Fillers?
The side effects of face fillers can include temporary redness, swelling, bruising, and tenderness at the injection sites. These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days to a week. In rare cases, more serious side effects like allergic reactions or filler migration can occur. It’s important to have fillers administered by a qualified professional to minimise risks and correctly manage any side effects that may arise.