Is Fat Transfer A Good Facial Filler?

The effects of ageing on the skin and face include skin thinning, wrinkling, sagging skin, and facial volume loss. Many people turn to facial fat transfer and dermal fillers to restore a youthful appearance. What are the differences between these two treatments, and which is right for you?

Dermal Fillers

Fillers: How does it work?

Dermal fillers are cosmetic injectables that restore facial volume loss or enhance facial features. They are artificial gel-like substances made of biocompatible materials, the type of material your body naturally produces, such as hyaluronic acid, polylactic acid, or calcium hydroxyapatite. 

Different dermal fillers are used for various reasons, such as filling in volume in the cheeks or lips, lifting wrinkles or increasing the height of the nose bridge. 

Hyaluronic acid also triggers collagen production, thus giving the skin a hydration boost, plumps up the skin and stretches the skin that can iron wrinkles and creases.

Fillers Longevity

Results are generally immediate but temporary. The results may last a few months to a year. Several reasons that cause dermal fillers not to last long include product, formula, treated area, amount and, most importantly, your metabolism.

Fillers Recovery Time

There is usually no downtime; patients can resume work immediately after their dermal filler injections.

Side effects include discomfort, swelling and mild bruising. They are easily managed with ice packs or painkillers. If the swelling is pronounced, usually for tear trough or lip fillers, give it a few days, and it will go down on its own.

Do not apply make-up immediately after your treatment on the injection sites, as this might cause infection. 

Fillers: Facial Areas

Dermal fillers can be used on various facial areas, such as the jawline, cheeks, chin, lips, nasolabial folds, marionette lines, temples, nose bridges and tear troughs. When used in these areas, it can fill the hollowness, deep wrinkles and lines to plump and volumise the treated area.

Different brands of fillers in Singapore

In Singapore, a variety of filler brands cater to diverse aesthetic needs. Some popular brands include:

Juvederm

Known for its hyaluronic acid-based fillers, Juvederm adds volume, plumps lips, and smoothens wrinkles.

Restylane 

Another hyaluronic acid-based filler that enhances skin appearance and addresses wrinkles.

Sculptra 

Utilising poly-L-lactic acid, Sculptra stimulates collagen production for a more youthful look.

Teosyal 

Hyaluronic acid-based Teosyal is efficacious in improving skin appearance and treating wrinkles.

Profhilo

A unique hyaluronic acid-based filler, Profhilo hydrates, rejuvenates, and enhances skin texture and elasticity, focusing on collagen production.  

Dermal fillers cost in Singapore

In Singapore, the cost of dermal fillers varies based on several factors, including:

Facial Contours

Different areas of the face may require varying techniques, impacting the overall cost.

Filler Quantity

The amount of filler needed to address a specific concern influences the price.

Filler Brand 

Various filler brands are available, and their pricing can differ.

Filler Types 

Different types of fillers serve distinct purposes and may have varying costs.

Medical Aesthetic Experience 

The expertise of the medical aesthetic doctor performing the procedure is a crucial factor. These factors contribute to the varying filler prices used in different areas and purposes.

Remember that choosing the cheapest option may lead to costly consequences. In Singapore, only Ministry of Health-licensed medical clinics are authorised to perform treatments involving injections, such as neurotoxin injectables and fillers. 

It is illegal in Singapore for beauty therapists, spas, beauty salons, and beauticians to provide cosmetic injectables, including dermal fillers. Improper injection techniques can result in severe consequences, including skin necrosis, facial paralysis, and even blindness.

"It's a concerning trend, with a growing number of patients seeking correction for facial issues arising from dermal filler procedures. These issues can range from overfilling and facial inflammation to the presence of granulomas. Beauty therapists or beauticians, no matter their skill, may lack the in-depth knowledge of human anatomy and physiology required for such procedures," Dr Ivan Puah, with over 15 years of injectables experience and as an appointed trainer on injectables and dermal fillers for Merz, underscores the importance of medical supervision.

Disadvantages of dermal fillers

Results, Durability, and Costs

Dermal filler results typically last from six to twelve months. Regular dermal filler treatments are necessary to maintain the results. Over time, this can accumulate, making it a relatively costly option compared to facial fat transfer (fat grafting).  

Side Effects, Risks, and the Potential for Addiction

Dermal fillers, particularly lip and nose fillers, carry a risk of addiction. Some TikTokers document their lip filler journeys in the 2023 trend "Watch Me Get Addicted To Lip Filler." 

People often seek touch-ups to maintain the fullness when the filler's effects fade. When the treatments are too excessive, they may lead to dramatically altered facial features in unintended ways. Well-known facial overfilled syndrome include 'flowerhorn forehead,' 'sunset eyes,' 'witch's chin,' and 'chipmunk cheeks.'

Dermal fillers may lead to complications such as necrosis and vision loss, often stemming from poorly executed nose filler procedures. Dr Ivan Puah emphasises that when filler injections are administered by inexperienced medical injectors or non-medical professionals, the risk of encountering such side effects and complications increases.

Dr Ivan Puah is a co-author of a research paper titled 'Prevention and Management of Vision Loss Relating to Facial Fillers Injection,' published in the Singapore Medical Journal [1].

Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

Facial fat transfer, or facial fat grafting, is a 2-in-1 surgery for those who want to add volume to the face while getting rid of stubborn fat pockets on their bodies.

Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting): How does it work?

Fat transfer takes unwanted fat deposits from the body, commonly the belly or inner thigh and transfers the extracted fat purified to targeted facial areas for skin rejuvenation and revolumisation.  

Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting): Facial Areas

Facial fat transfer can restore that youthful appearance by filling hollow facial areas such as sunken or flattened cheeks, eye bags, saggy jowls and general volumisation of a bony facial structure. It can also fill in deep wrinkles and improve the appearance of a recessed chin. 

Facial fat transfer can also be used to correct botched facial liposuction or victims of accidents with depressed facial scars and skin trauma.

Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting) cost in Singapore

In Singapore, only MOH-accredited lipo doctors can offer fat grafting procedures. The cost of facial fat transfer will depend on the doctor's experience, patient's aesthetic goals, facility, duration and type of anaesthesia used.  

Achieving a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial fat transfer result goes beyond a doctor's credentials. It requires a blend of skills, experience, artistic vision, knowledge of anatomy, and precision to create natural, youthful outcomes with minimal scarring and downtime while minimising post-surgery side effects.

Facial fat transfer is a fusion of science and art. At Amaris B. Clinic, our facial fat transfer surgery is customised based on the patient's facial structure, body fat distribution, expectations, and beauty goals.

Disadvantages of Facial Fat Transfer (Fat Grafting)

Preparing for facial fat transfer, a minimally invasive procedure, is essential for patients. Following the surgery, you can expect a brief downtime of 1 to 2 days. Swelling in the donor site and treated area may persist for several days to a week or two, accompanied by discomfort and soreness during recovery. Over time, the symptoms of pain, discomfort, swelling, and bruises will gradually subside.

Facial fat transfer remains popular despite the initial recovery period due to its long-lasting and natural-looking results.

Facial fat transfer or dermal filler treatment

A comprehensive consultation with an experienced doctor proficient in dermal fillers and facial grafting is essential for a thorough understanding and making an informed decision regarding your ideal treatment.

The decision between facial fat transfer and dermal fillers should align with your treatment expectations and tolerance for post-treatment downtime. To enhance overall facial fullness and plumpness, consider fat transfer to areas such as the under eyes, cheeks, or jawline. Dermal fillers, on the other hand, are more suitable for addressing lines and wrinkles.

In many cases, a combined treatment approach, incorporating fat transfer and dermal fillers, may be recommended to achieve good anti-ageing results without resorting to more invasive surgery.

Regardless of your chosen treatment, we wish you the best in achieving the results you desire. Before embarking on your transformation journey, we encourage you to thoroughly research and choose an experienced doctor based on their expertise rather than mere paper qualifications, low price tags, or clinic location convenience.