Injections

What are Dermal Fillers & Fat Grafting Injections?

Dermal fillers and fat grafting injections are cosmetic procedures used to enhance facial features and correct volume loss due to ageing. Dermal fillers are gel-like substances, usually containing hyaluronic acid, injected beneath the skin to restore lost volume, smooth lines, soften creases, or enhance facial contours. Fat grafting involves the transfer of fat from one part of the patient’s body to the face. This process adds volume and harnesses the natural growth factors in fat to improve skin quality.

Both treatments offer a minimally invasive solution for those seeking facial rejuvenation. While dermal fillers provide immediate results, fat grafting may offer more lasting improvements, as a portion of the transferred fat integrates into the body’s tissues.

Dermal Fillers & Fat Grafting Injection Procedure

Initial Consultation

During the first meeting, we assess the patient’s facial anatomy, discuss their aesthetic goals, and evaluate their overall health.

We will explain the procedures, outcomes, potential risks, and answer any queries the patient may have. This consultation ensures that the patient’s expectations align with what can realistically be achieved.

Pre-operative Assessment

Before undergoing the procedure, a thorough pre-operative assessment is conducted. This includes reviewing the patient’s medical history, conducting necessary physical examinations, and performing skin tests to check for allergies (particularly in the case of dermal fillers).

Surgical Procedure

The actual procedure for both dermal fillers and fat grafting injections varies in technique.

For dermal fillers, the filler substance is injected into specific areas of the face using fine needles. The process is relatively quick, usually completed within an hour.

Fat grafting involves liposuction to extract fat from a donor site, followed by purification and injection into the face. This procedure can take several hours and might require anaesthesia.

Post-operative Care

Post-operative care helps achieve optimal results and minimise complications. Patients can be told how to manage any swelling or bruising and informed about any activities or substances to avoid post-procedure.

Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and evaluate the results.

Advantages of Dermal Fillers
& Fat Grafting Injection

Dermal fillers and fat grafting injections offer a range of advantages, making them popular choices for facial rejuvenation.

Minimally Invasive: Both procedures are minimally invasive compared to traditional surgical methods. They require no extensive incisions, which reduces the risk of scarring and shortens recovery time.
Immediate Results: Dermal fillers provide immediate results. Patients can see a noticeable improvement in their facial contours and reduction in lines and wrinkles right after the procedure.
Natural-Looking Enhancement: Fat grafting uses the patient’s own fat, which can provide a more natural look and feel. Dermal fillers also aim for a natural enhancement, carefully placed to complement the patient’s facial structure.
Versatility: These procedures can address multiple facial areas, including lips, cheeks, chin, and under-eye hollows. They can also smooth out wrinkles, folds, and fine lines.
Customizable Treatment: The amount and type of dermal filler can be tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Similarly, the amount of fat grafted can be adjusted to achieve the desired outcome.
Long-Lasting Results: The effects of dermal fillers can last several months to years, depending on the type of filler used. Fat grafting can offer more enduring results, as some of the transferred fat integrates permanently.
Enhanced Skin Quality: Fat grafting can improve the quality of the skin, due to the stem cells and growth factors in the fat.
Reduced Allergy Risk: Since fat grafting uses the patient’s own tissue, there is no risk of allergic reaction, a benefit not always applicable with certain dermal fillers.

Ideal Candidates for Dermal Fillers
& Fat Grafting Injection

The suitability for these procedures is based on several factors:

Age and Skin Condition

Typically, candidates are adults experiencing signs of ageing such as volume loss, wrinkles, or sagging skin. Younger individuals seeking enhancement of facial features like lips or cheeks may also be suitable.

Overall Health

Candidates should be free from any active skin infections, immune system disorders, or conditions that could impair healing.

Realistic Expectations

Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about what dermal fillers and fat grafting can achieve.

Non-smokers

Smoking can impair healing and increase the risk of complications. Non-smokers or those willing to quit smoking before and after the procedure are preferred.

Adequate Donor Fat

For fat grafting, candidates need to have sufficient fat in donor areas (like the abdomen or thighs) for extraction.

Skin Elasticity

Good skin tone and elasticity can enhance the results, particularly for fat grafting, as it ensures the skin adapts well to the new contours.

No History of Severe Allergies

Especially for dermal fillers, patients should have a history free from severe allergies, particularly to any components of the filler.

Results and Longevity of Dermal Fillers & Fat Grafting Injection

The results and longevity of dermal fillers and fat grafting injections vary, depending on several factors:

Immediate Visible Improvements: Dermal fillers typically offer immediate results. Patients can see a noticeable enhancement in facial volume and a reduction in lines and wrinkles soon after the procedure.
Gradual and Natural Changes: Fat grafting results are more gradual. As the transferred fat integrates with the facial tissues, the full effects become apparent over several weeks to months.
Duration of Dermal Fillers: The longevity of dermal fillers depends on the type of filler used, the area treated, and the patient’s metabolism. On average, fillers can last from 6 months to 2 years.
Long-lasting Effects of Fat Grafting: A portion of the fat injected during fat grafting is reabsorbed by the body, but the remaining fat can provide long-lasting results, often several years or more.
Variability in Results: Individual factors like skin type, lifestyle, and age can affect the duration of results. For instance, dynamic areas of the face, like those around the mouth, may metabolise filler more quickly.
Natural Aging Process: As the patient ages, they may require additional treatments to maintain their desired appearance.
Maintenance Treatments: Some patients opt for maintenance treatments to prolong the effects of dermal fillers and fat grafting. Regular follow-up sessions can help maintain the aesthetic results.

Our Clinic Location

Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
#10-26/27, 38 Irrawaddy Road
Singapore 329563

+65‎ 6464‎ 8075

+65 9176 1813

enquiry@drmarco.com

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between dermal fillers and fat grafting?

Dermal fillers are synthetic or natural substances injected to restore volume and smooth wrinkles. Fat grafting involves transferring fat from another body part to the face, providing volume and enhancing skin quality.

How long do dermal fillers last?

The longevity of dermal fillers varies, typically lasting from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler, treated area, and individual metabolism.

Is fat grafting permanent?

While some of the transferred fat is reabsorbed, a portion integrates with facial tissues, offering long-lasting results, often several years or more.

Are these procedures painful?

Discomfort is minimal and manageable. Local anaesthesia or numbing creams are often used to minimise pain during the procedure.

What is the recovery time?

Recovery time varies. For dermal fillers, most patients resume normal activities immediately. Fat grafting may require a few days of downtime.

Can I combine these procedures with other cosmetic treatments?

Yes, these procedures can be combined with other treatments like Botox or laser therapy. Consultation can help determine the best treatment plan.

Is the procedure safe?

Dermal fillers and fat grafting injections are recognised for their safety and efficacy when performed by qualified professionals. For dermal fillers, only products approved by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) are permitted, ensuring their safety and quality.

Are there any risks involved?

When performed correctly, both dermal fillers and fat grafting have a low incidence of complications. Common side effects like swelling and bruising are typically temporary and manageable.

How do I know if I am a good candidate for these treatments?

Ideal candidates are in good health, have realistic expectations, and wish to address facial volume loss or enhance facial features. A consultation can help assess suitability.

– Dermal Fillers & Fat Grafting Injection