Dermal fillers now come in mini versions that boost moisture in skin and take care of small imperfections to give you just the right amount of “natural” improvement.
Dermal fillers now come in mini versions that boost moisture in skin and take care of small imperfections to give you just the right amount of “natural” improvement.
Downsizing isn’t always a bad thing. Going small can help you to zoom in on areas that need specific work. It can also help open doors to potential new uses.
This is why in the aesthetics field, certain treatments have spawned miniaturised versions of themselves.
To “inflate” sunken areas (under the eyes, under the cheeks), doctors are leaning towards microinjection fillers, a series of tiny injections using extremely fine needles to deposit hyaluronic acid just under the skin of the targeted area.
While traditional dermal fillers – which are “harder” in consistency – add significant volume to change the shape of the nose or chin, microfillers are ideal for plumping skin, says Dr Jonathan Yong, who has an interest in aesthetic treatments and is under the Singapore Medical Group. They also smooth skin as they enhance its overall quality, because the moisture boost from hyaluronic acid improves skin functions and stimulates collagen production.
A microinjection filler treatment usually involves a series of three sessions done two to four weeks apart. These treatments are for medium- to long-term skin improvement “with results usually lasting around six months from the time of the first treatment”, says Dr Yong. “You may see fuller and more radiant skin as soon as one week after your first treatment. Those with very dry skin may notice improvements after two sessions, or roughly four weeks.”
Microinjection fillers aren’t just handy anywhere on the face, neck, decolletage and the backs of hands; they’re also suitable for all ages and most skin types – except if you have active acne (the skin is already inflamed, so the risk of infection is higher).
A typical session takes around 20 minutes, although you are encouraged to be present 45 minutes before for pretreatment prep. “After numbing cream has been applied, the treatment is quite comfortable. You may feel small pinching sensations during the treatment,” says Dr Yong.
“You may also have some mild redness and swelling that usually goes away after one or two days. Occasionally, pinprick bruising can occur. However, no specific aftercare is needed,” he says. Some of his patients have seen tiny bumps; these eventually settle and smooth out. Post-injection redness may persist for two to four more days on sensitive skin.
When not to do microinjection fillers:
Just before a special occasion, as results may not be immediate, and there could be a recovery period of two to three days.
TEXT GOH YEE HUAY PHOTOGRAPHY ELVINA FARKAS/ANUE MANAGEMENT STYLING BRYAN GOH HAIR CHRISTVIAN GOH/TRIMMINGS SALON & SPA, USING KEVIN.MURPHY MAKEUP MELISSA YEO/FAC3INC, USING BURBERRY BEAUTY MODEL BOGLARKA/LOOQUE DRESS JOSEPH EARRINGS MICHAEL KORS
EYE-CATCHER
Look youthful and bright-eyed with these treatments that help lift, smooth and firm skin, and reduce the look of wrinkles and fine lines.
The eye area is more prone to signs of ageing than the rest of the face as the skin in the area is thinner and is perpetually in motion from blinking or making facial expressions. So how can we tackle aesthetic concerns in the area? Dr Benjamin Yim, founder of Dr Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre, recommends treatments for some common problems.
Problem: Fine lines
Resulting from the natural loss of collagen and elastin as we age, fine lines can be aggravated by squinting or smiling, smoking and sun exposure.
Treatment: Botulinum toxin, Thermage and Ulthera
Commonly known as Botox®, botulinum toxin can be injected into the outer eye area to relax muscles, which in turn minimises the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Thermage and Ulthera can be used as complementary treatments for better results, especially on wrinkles that are not caused by facial expressions, says Dr Yim. Both are non-invasive procedures; Thermage utilises radiofrequency energy to smooth and tighten skin, while Ulthera uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen production.
Problem: Tired-looking eyes
“Patients are often motivated to treat this because of comments from friends,” says Dr Yim. “Often, it’s because the under-eye has become sunken, creating a shadow.”
Treatment: Fillers
Dr Yim suggests using hyaluronic acid fillers to fill out the sunken area. Results, he says, are immediate, improving over two or three days and lasting up to a year.
Problem: Eye bags
These are fat pads that bulge below the eyes, and are caused by weakened collagen fibres and muscles. The skin sags, and fat migrates from around the eyes to under them.
Treatment: Fillers
“If the eye bags are mild to moderate, filler injections in the under-eye area can smooth the transition from the eye bag fat to the cheek,” Dr Yim explains. “This results in a more youthful appearance.”
Problem: Sagging skin and wrinkles on the upper eyelids
Consequently, the eyelids appear droopy and the eyes take on a hooded look.
Treatment: Thermage
Results appear gradually over five months, and the treatment can be done every two years.
Problem: Droopy eyebrows
Downturned brows can make a person look sad and unhappy, and can worsen the look of hooded eyes.
Treatment: Botox, fillers or Ulthera
These can give the brows a naturallooking lift. Results from botox and fillers last up to six months, while those from Ulthera last about a year. To maintain the effects, botox, filler and Ulthera treatments can be done yearly.
ABOUT THE DOCTOR
One of the pioneers and a key opinion leader in the local aesthetics industry, Dr Benjamin Yim is a soughtafter speaker at aesthetic conferences in Asia. He is the honorary secretary of the Society of Aesthetic Medicine (Singapore), and has been appointed by Allergan Medical Institute (the maker of botox) as a trainer in botox and fillers for Singapore physicians.
Dr Benjamin Yim Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre is at #06-04 Forum The Shopping Mall. Find out more at www.laseraesthetics.com.sg or call 6737-9181.
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The Masks That Let You Party All Week Long
When you’re partying night after night over the festive season, not sleeping much and too tired to do your usual 10-step skincare routine, a deep hydrating mask is what you need to keep your skin (still) looking good. All you need to do before you fall asleep: cleanse skin (you have to at least get it clean), then mask. Too tired, no time? Mask on alternate nights. Your skin will feel more comfortable, and plumped-up and smooth in the morning, making it the perfect canvas for makeup. The best part about these masks: no rinsing required. – DC
How to Get Healthy Skin Regardless of Your Age
The K-beauty movement is more than just cushions, face masks and bright lipsticks. Koreans are serious about good skin, because they get that healthy skin is the best foundation for good makeup. And in South Korea, dermo-cosmetics skincare brand Lapothicell is tried and trusted. It was founded two years ago by a 58-year-old pharmaceutical company to offer safe, effective and hypoallergenic skincare at affordable prices. The aim: for everyone to have healthy skin. Its products are gentle enough for sensitive skin. Another plus? The hero product, the A.C. Daily Calming Peeling Booster ($32), a skin-renewing toner, has been tested on acne-prone skin – a rarity in the beauty industry. – LY
Micellar Wipes That Make Cleansing Easy
Micellar water is what beauty insiders have been calling the miracle cleanser for some time now. And it still amazes us. This waterlike product for every skin type somehow takes off dirt and even waterproof makeup, leaving skin clean, soft, and never dry or irritated. You don’t even have to wash your face after. How does it work? Super-tiny molecules called micelles grab all the ugly, bad stuff from your skin, and it all glides off with your cotton pad. The only downside: you must never run out of cotton pads. There’s now an easier alternative: wipes soaked in micellar solution and packaged for leakage-free convenience. Here. – DC
M.A.C Gently Off Wipes + Micellar Water, $52
The sheets are extra large, so one is all you need to remove all gunk and waterproof makeup. The wipes contain a combo of M.A.C’s Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover and the brand’s Micellar Water. Scentand alcohol-free, these work well on sensitive skin.
Garnier Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes All-in-1, $12.90
Garnier Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes All-in-1 Waterproof, $14.90
The silk fibre towelettes are softer than the usual cotton wipes and more gentle on skin. One formula is for days when you have zero to minimal makeup, and the other is for taking off waterproof makeup.
Skip the Dewy Base to Look More Flawless
Foundations that give you the dewy look are all the rage in K-beauty. We love them too. But here’s the reality: our weather is hot and humid. Simply heading out for lunch turns your face into an oily mess. It’s worse when skin is already naturally oily. What’s the best alternative to full-on dewy? Go for less shine with a semi-matte foundation, which looks more natural. We have three new compacts here for easy touch-ups and instant flawlessness. – DC
Albion Sweet Moisture Chiffon, $67 for refill, $17 for case
The only two-way cake in our line-up here, it makes skin look smoother, and fine lines more faint. It’s also moisturising, and good for covering an uneven skin tone, redness and deeper blemishes – apply up to three layers without caking. In six shades.
Laneige Powder Fit Cushion, $40
If you tend to press too hard on cushion foundations (wastage and spills!), this one has a flexible mesh net that delivers the right amount every time. Streaks only start to show after four hours of wear. It comes in five shades.
Mamonde Brightening Cover Powder Cushion, $32
Your best bet if you have oily skin. The foundation absorbs excess sebum to give you that semi-matte finish. Skin looks radiant and fresh, not flat and dry. It stays on all day and doesn’t melt away even in the heat. Available in five shades.
3ina: Makeup That Doesn’t Break the Bank
There are three kinds of makeup users: the makeup junkie who spares no expense on her look, the everyday woman who uses the same colours, and the experimenter who wants to try different shades but is on a budget. For all these women, there’s now British brand 3ina (pronounced “meena”). What’s in it for you? Lots and lots of colours: eight for mascaras, 12 for pencil eyeliners, 18 for cream eyeshadows. That’s just three out of 24 types of coloured makeup, not to mention others like base makeup, nail polish, skincare and beauty tools. With so many products to choose from, we suggest starting with these five. – LY
A Lifting Serum That Also Soothes Skin Redness
Shiseido’s Future Solution LX Intensive Firming Contour Serum’s ($370) main function is to strengthen the skin barrier and lift sagging skin. It’s also hydrating, refines pores and is good for all skin types. But we discovered an added benefit: It eases redness in seconds. Just two pumps should cover the face and neck. – LY
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