Dermal fillers are medical devices classified for professional use only and you will always have a consultation with a healthcare practitioner prior to your first treatment. Think through what you want to achieve and any questions you may have. Your healthcare practitioner will inform you how dermal fillers can be used to best meet your needs. You will also be asked about your medical history. When you leave your consultation, you should feel well informed about dermal fillers and you should know what results to expect.

In Singapore, only qualified health practitioners may administer dermal fillers. You may check with the clinic or the healthcare provider for the necessary qualification. Your treatment should be performed in a registered clinic that provides privacy and is spotlessly clean. You can always request to see training certificates to ensure that your healthcare practitioner has received the appropriate training for the treatment.

Your healthcare practitioner should provide you with comprehensive information and give you a detailed explanation regarding your treatment.

• You should be informed of the possibilities and limitations of the treatment.
• You should receive information about possible side effects and precautions for treatment.
• You should be informed of the cost of the treatment and possible follow-up treatments.

There are several important precautions to discuss with your healthcare practitioner to optimize satisfactory results and reduce the risk of complications. Discuss the following with your healthcare practitioner:

• If you are taking immunosuppressive medications.
• If you are taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or any other medication that affects bleeding.
• If you have any questions about precautions related to the treatment.
• If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• If you have a tendency to scar badly.
• If you are planning or have recently had other cosmetic procedures.

First, the healthcare practitioner cleans the area to be treated. A small amount of the appropriate filler is then injected into the skin through a fine needle or blunt micro-cannula. Different fillers are used to fill (reduce facial lines and wrinkles); to volumize (add volume to the cheeks, chin and lips); and to lift (enhance and maintain facial shapes and contours). After the injection, your practitioner may gently massage the treated area.

A treatment with a dermal filler generally does not take long. Depending on the area and indication, it might take 15-45 minutes. A touch-up treatment is sometimes performed approximately 2 weeks after the initial treatment to optimize the results.