3 Key Takeaways
- Your injector is everything.
Always choose a licensed medical professional. The safety and success of your filler treatment depend on the skill, experience, and qualifications of your injector. - Most fears come from misinformation.
While concerns such as looking fake and filler migration are valid, they are preventable when fillers are done correctly. A skilled injector tailors the treatment to enhance, not change, your natural features. - You have options and control.
Fillers are not permanent, and many (like HA fillers) can be adjusted or dissolved if needed. With the right provider, you’ll be part of a process that’s safe, reversible, and suited to your needs and goals.
Are you thinking about getting dermal fillers but are concerned about what you’ve been seeing online? You’re not alone, and your fears are valid. With so many stories circulating on social media, from botched procedures to fake, overdone results, it’s completely understandable to feel hesitant.
The good news is when done right, by trained professionals in a safe, clinical environment, dermal fillers can offer subtle, natural-looking results. Continue reading as our aesthetic clinic in Singapore addresses the most common fears about dermal fillers to help you make informed, confident decisions.
First things first: Your injector matters
For safe and natural-looking results, dermal fillers should only be administered by licensed, experienced professionals in a clinical setting.
- Always choose a licensed, experienced professional – go with a board-certified dermatologist, plastic surgeon, aesthetic doctor, or trained medical injector. Avoid DIY fillers/ injectors or anyone who claims to have learned techniques through online videos.
- Treatments should be done in a clinical setting – avoid providers who offer treatments at home or in casual environments.
- Avoid unverified providers, “filler parties,” or bargain deals – if the deal/price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Quality injectables are not cheap, as you are paying for authentic products, the provider’s skill, the clinical setting, and more.
- Inexperienced or unqualified injectors increase your risk – going to anyone without the right knowledge, skills, and experience increases your risks of getting infections, lumps, asymmetry, or even long-term damage.
For further reading: 13 Most Common Questions About Facial Fillers in Singapore
8 Common Filler Fears
1. “I’m scared I’ll look fake or overdone.”
This is the most common concern, and fortunately, it’s completely avoidable. As previously mentioned, when fillers are administered by an experienced injector who understands facial anatomy, the results are subtle and natural. They are tailored to enhance your features, not completely alter your appearance.
2. “I’m worried it will hurt too much.”
Many fillers today contain lidocaine, a local anesthetic that makes the treatment more comfortable and less painful. In addition, aesthetic clinics also offer topical numbing creams, ice, and cooling devices to help ease any pain. Most patients describe the feeling as a slight pinching or prickling, not painful.
3. “Fillers are expensive.”
While it is true that fillers are more expensive than botulinum toxin, they are long-lasting and are considered an investment. Filler longevity varies, but most last between 6 months and 2 years, depending on the type, treated areas, and other individual factors. Maintenance treatments often require less product, which can reduce the overall cost.
4. “What if my dermal fillers settle weird or look lumpy?”
It is normal for the area to have initial swelling and bruising, making your fillers look lumpy or settle unevenly. This can resolve in 1 to 2 weeks, as your body adjusts and the filler settles into place. A skilled injector knows where and how to place the product for smooth, even results once healed.
5. “What if I don’t like the results?”
Doctors always recommend waiting at least 2 to 4 weeks post-treatment to assess the final look. This is the period when initial swelling and bruising subside, allowing the filler to fully integrate and the final results to become visible. This avoids over-correction or getting additional treatments that can lead to unnatural results.
If you, however, are truly unhappy, you may be glad to know that hyaluronic acid or HA fillers can be dissolved safely. This is performed by injecting an enzyme called hyaluronidase to dissolve the fillers and reverse the procedure. Results can be seen within days.
6. “I’m scared of the complications.”
Serious complications are rare, especially when you choose a skilled injector. Normal side effects include swelling, bruising, and redness, while serious ones include infection and vascular occlusion. A licensed injector with years of experience and a strong understanding of facial anatomy knows how to prevent and manage these.
7. I’m worried about filler migration.
Filler migration occurs when the filler moves or migrates from the original injection site to another area of the face. While it has become a popular topic online in recent years, it’s important to know that migration is rare, especially when the treatment is performed by a qualified injector.
- It’s most likely to happen with poor technique or overfilling, often by untrained or unlicensed providers.
- If migration occurs and you’ve had hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, the issue is usually reversible.
- Hyaluronidase can be injected to dissolve the filler, either on its own or alongside other medical treatments, depending on the severity.
The best way to avoid migration, of course, is to choose a skilled injector who understands facial anatomy and uses conservative techniques.
For further reading: Filler Migration: What is it and Why is it Trending?
8. “I don’t know who to trust.”
Your injector’s experience, skills, and training matter more than the brand of filler in the syringe. Look for board-certified providers who specialize in injectables and ask about their credentials and experience during your consultation. Your provider’s knowledge of choosing the right fillers, determining the right amount, and knowing the correct placement is crucial for safety and optimal results.
At Cutis, we have aesthetic doctors with years of experience performing aesthetic injectables. Our medical and scientific director, Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, is a US board-certified physician with years of experience performing injectable treatments. She has also headed training, given talks/lectures, and published papers on injectables and aesthetic treatments.
Want to explore dermal fillers more?
If you’re thinking about dermal fillers in Singapore, get in touch with us to book a consultation with one of our aesthetic doctors. We’ll listen to your concerns, walk you through the process, and help you feel confident every step of the way.
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