Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore

What is PROFHILO?

It is the first revolutionary bio-remodelling “injectable skincare” that addresses skin laxity and signs of aging through the bio-stimulation of collagen, elastin and adipocyte (fat) stem cells that are lost through skin aging.

• BDDE-free stabilised hybrid hyaluronic acid (HA) cooperative complex
• Uses 100% pure hyaluronic acid
• High hyaluronic concentration with 32mg of high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (H-HA) and 32 mg of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid (L-HA)
• With 64mg of high and low molecular weight HA in 2ml, it has the highest concentration of HA in the market

Why choose PROFHILO?

Formulated with patented NAHYCO Hybrid Technology, the stabilised hybrid HA cooperative complex is produced without the addition of any chemical cross-linking compounds (i.e. BDDE-free).

Hybrid HA cooperative complexes are:

• More resistant to degradation by hyaluronidase enzymes, and last longer
• BDDE-free and more biocompatible
• Less viscose and more spreadable
• Less risk of inflammation and granulomas 

What are the benefits of PROFHILO?

1. Bio-stimulates elastin and 4 types of collagen
2. Provides firming, tightening and lifting effect to the skin
3. Improves overall skin quality and hydration
4. BAP injection technique allows for fast and effective treatment with minimal pain and downtime
5. Provides tissue repair process, ideal for acne scarring

Profhilo is most suitable for:

• middle age individuals
• mild to moderate skin laxity 
• poor skin quality  
• fine lines
• dull and dry skin 
• those keen for natural looking enhancement, without an overfilled look 

The BAP Injection Technique

Bio Aesthetic Point (BAP) is an application technique developed by Profhilo for the lower face and neck. The 5 BAPs are specially selected areas of the face that have no large blood vessels or nerve branches. This allows for maximal diffusion of Profhilo’s hybrid HA complex, while minimising the risk of bruising and complications.

With 5 injection points on each side of the face (total of 10 points for the entire face, with 0.2ml in each point), the procedure is quick with minimal discomfort.

Topical numbing cream is applied 15 to 30 minutes before the procedure for analgesia.

Where can Profhilo be injected?

Profhilo can be used for skin rejuvenation for the following areas:

• Cheeks & lower face
• Neck & Décolletage
• Hands
• Depressed acne scars

What is the downtime after Profhilo injection?

Most patients are able to continue with their usual activities immediately after treatment.

As with most injectable treatments, there can be some bruising and soreness at the injection points for 1-2 days after the procedure. 

A small bump at the injection site may be observed immediately after the procedure. It usually resolves in a few hours as the product diffuses and spreads under the skin. 

Suggested Treatment Protocol

A full protocol is usually 2 treatments with 1 month interval.  

How long does the effects last?

It is recommended to repeat the treatment protocol after 6-9 months for maintenance. Results may vary according to the individual’s lifestyle and level of aging.

Are there any side effects?

Profhilo is a pure hyaluronic acid, without any chemical cross-linking compounds. It is bio-compatible  and broken down by our body completely. Compared to other bio-stimulating dermal fillers, it has little to no risks of causing inflammatory granulomas.

Comparison with Fillers, Skin boosters & Rejuran Healer

Profhilo is neither a dermal filler or skin booster treatment. It is a bioremodelling skin treatment that hydrates and stimulates collagen and elastin formation in the skin.

Can it be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Botox®, dermal fillers, Thermage®, Ultherapy®, HIFU and lasers can be performed in combination with Profhilo. It is best to consult your doctor to discuss which treatment should be performed first to optimise your treatment results.

PRICE LISTS

$2,000 for 2 syringes

In Singapore, you’ll find a plethora of facials and aesthetic procedures to help women achieve their skin goals. In recent years, radiofrequency has become an increasingly popular treatment for skin tightening, as well as softening fine lines while firming the facial contours instantly.

WHAT IS RADIOFREQUENCY?

Radiofrequency is the transfer of a type of energy that is measured in “frequency” or wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum, also commonly found in low levels in our cell phone, television, WIFI, etc. This technology has since been widely used for non-invasive skin tightening facials, also popularly known as the non-surgical facelift.

When comparing it to visible light, RF energy is about 100 million times slower, but when compared to lasers, the lower frequency of RF can safely penetrate to a much deeper level, stimulating the soft tissues from under the skin to improve skin tone, structure, and lift tissues.  

Thermage is a well-known brand that uses monopolar radiofrequency technology to deliver heat to the deeper dermis to smooth out lines and wrinkles, tighten saggy skin and encourage facial rejuvenation. The latest Thermage FLX however, is the gold standard for tightening and contouring the skin, rebuilding the loss of elasticity in a much deeper, faster, more efficient and comfortable way.

HOW DOES RADIOFREQUENCY WORK?

Radiofrequency facial rejuvenation treatments work by using heat to induce collagen and elastin production in skin’s deeper layers and encourage cell turnover with instant visible results. Thermage treatments are all about focusing that radiofrequency energy into specific areas to jump start the body’s own renewal process. By heating the deep layers of the skin, collagen fibres contract, hence improving the appearance of sagging skin instantly, leaving you with skin that looks smoother, firmer, more radiant and youthful.

Thermage FLX works the same way, with each pulse of the machine delivering RF energy to the area to be treated, but its heat penetrating much deeper into the skin with superior results, efficiently restoring skin’s building blocks - producing new collagen for an overall younger looking appearance. 

WHAT CAN RADIOFREQUENCY DO FOR YOU?

Radiofrequency is widely used for the treatment and improvement of lines and wrinkles (especially the nose to mouth aka laugh lines), laxity in skin (usually through lifting of cheeks and tightening the jawline), stretch marks as well as rejuvenate dull and tired looking skin. RF can be used for both the face and the body (tummy or thighs).

The main difference between using laser or LED treatments and RF is that though they all use heat energy to stimulate collagen and elastin production, the heat energy is electrical for the latter rather than light based. Unlike other non-surgical cosmetic facelift treatments that solely stimulate the facial muscles, the benefit of using RF is that you will continue to see results even after you have completed your treatment course as RF triggers the skin’s own natural healing abilities to continuously stimulate collagen and elastin production. Furthermore, it can also safely treat different skin tones without risk of permanent discoloration.

PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT

The therapist will cleanse your face prior to your treatment. Following that, when face is prepped, a handheld device emitting radiofrequency will be directed over the treatment site multiple times. During treatment, you will experience a comfortably warm sensation as skin is being heated up to between 38 to 40 degrees for optimum results. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to treat a whole face.  

For optimum results, a course of six to 12 sessions will be recommended spread over several months. 

Radiofrequency skin treatments may also be recommended by your healthcare professional to be used along with injectables, microneedling and other minimally invasive treatments.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

There is very little risk as radiofrequency skin tightening treatments are controlled if under the hands of experienced therapist or doctor, who will monitor the machine closely to prevent overheating. Take time and be careful in choosing a reputable clinic or medical practitioner as you would for all the aesthetic procedures as RF carries the risk of burns from the thermal heating effect if the procedure is not performed correctly.

There are some known side effects which are typically minimal and short-lived. Some patients may also experience post-treatment redness, swelling, and tingling sensations which tend to be mild and temporary. As RF is a non-surgical and mostly safe treatment when administered by a trained therapist or medical practitioner, you can head back to work or resume normal everyday activity right after a RF facial. However, be sure to let your therapist or doctor know if you have very sensitive skin that is prone to heat or post-treatment tingling, redness or swelling.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR RADIOFREQUENCY?

• Currently pregnant
• Has broken capillaries
• Suffers from rosacea or sensitivy to heat
• Those with electrical devices such as pacemakers or metal implants - they may cause potential hazardous inteference with the radiofrequency waves

PRICE LISTS

Thermage FLX
600 reps: $2,700
900 reps: $3,200

Thermage CPT
900 reps: $2,700
1,200 reps: $3,200

WHAT IS ULTRASOUND FACIAL TREATMENT?

The ultrasound therapy or ultrasonic facial is a non-invasive medical procedure that is used to lift skin and promote collagen production, leaving skin to look firmer, tighter and younger as a result. Traditionally, ultrasound imaging uses a technology known as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to focus its energy where it is most needed, safely targeting the deeper layers of the skin.

In Singapore, Ultherapy is a popular skin-tightening choice at aesthetic clinics and medi-spa for the treatment of anti-aging concerns such as loose, saggy skin. Ultherapy is a brand of machine that uses microfocused ultrasound (previously HIFU) or sound energy to generate a thermal effect to lift and tighten any skin laxity on the face, neck and chest. Unlike any other non-invasive aesthetic devices, Ultherapy has unique properties that allow it to bypass the surface of the skin to effectively treat the deeper layers. As such, this is why Ultherapy makes a good alternative for those who cannot or do not wish to undergo facelifts or who want to put off surgery for a few years.

HOW DOES ULTRASOUND FACIAL TREATMENT WORK?

Unlike other laser treatments, radiofrequency and peels that target the outer layers of skin, ultrasound therapy delivers sound waves about 5mm deep under the skin, penetrating into the papillary dermis as well as SMAS (Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System) layer of facial muscles under the fat, gently heating and triggering the dermis to begin producing new collagen. How this happen is that once the cells in the targeted area reach a certain temperature (briefly reaching greater than 60°C), they experience cellular damage. This essentially creates a thermal effect thereby causing a controlled micro-injury which stimulates the body’s natural healing and repair mechanisms to speed up collagen production (a protein that offers structure to the skin). With fresh new collagen, saggy skin then appears firmer and tighter, and there are lesser wrinkles. As the high-frequency ultrasound beams are focused on a specific tissue site below the skin’s surface, there’s no fear of damage to the upper layers of the skin and surrounding issue.

In Singapore, you may find various treatments called Ultraformer, Sygmalift and Ultraskin at various aesthetic clinics and salons, but they are all essentially HIFU, a one-time treatment with results that last for one to three years, depending on the skin condition. Visible ongoing improvements are more evident from three to six months after the treatment, due to the ultrasound energy triggering the skin to rejuvenate itself at the collagen-producing layer.

WHAT CAN ULTRASOUND FACIAL TREATMENT DO FOR YOU?

Ultherapy may be a good idea when you start to notice aging signs like a droop in the eyebrows, hooding of the eyelids, mild sagging in the neck and chin area or some wrinkling on the chest area. Both HIFU and Ultherapy have many aesthetic benefits which include wrinkle reduction, tightening of turkey neck and décolletage, opening up the eye area, elevating your facial features, restoring youthful skin tones and reduces epidermal sagging painlessly. This treatment basically stimulates collagen which in turn helps to lift nasolabial folds, restores fullness to the cheeks, reduce saggy jowl, creating a sleeker and more defined jawline.

Other treatable areas include the arms, breasts, abdomen, inner and the anterior thighs and buttocks for lifts and firming. 

PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT

Before the procedure, your skin will first be cleansed, followed by the application of numbing creaming or cooling gel to help minimize any discomfort and pain, then the ultrasound handpiece will be placed on the skin. The high-energy ultrasound waves penetrate deep into the skin at the pre-planned site, heating the tissues. During the procedure, you may feel sensations of varying discomfort levels where the heat energy is being deposited. The sensations are noticeable only while the energy is being released. However, the intensity of the treatment can be adjusted according to each patient’s pain tolerance.

Depending on the treated areas, the procedure can last from 30 to 90 minutes and there is no downtime because the ultrasonic energy is delivered into the deeper layers of the skin, sparing the surface of the skin. After the procedure, patients typically experience mild and temporary side effects such as flushed skin, some swelling and tenderness on the area, often which will be resolved within a few hours, so normal activities may be resumed that day.

You can see some immediate effects, but it takes two to three months to see the best results. Additional improvements can appear up to six months following the procedure. The effects of the treatment is said to last up to a year. While majority of patients only need one procedure, however, some can benefit from more than one treatment depending on their biological response to the ultrasound and collagen-building process as well as how much laxity they have in their skin.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

There are not many known risks and side effects but as with any treatment, there are still risks associated with it. Although ultrasound is a non-invasive and one of the safest skin-tightening treatments, Ultherapy is a medical procedure and there will be risks and side effects which are minimized in the hands of qualified and experienced medical professionals and doctors. However, if Ultherapy is not performed by an experienced physician or professional, though rare, there may be risks such as nerve injury and thermal burns. 

Some common and minor known side effects include slight swelling for a few days, tingling or tenderness to the touch for a few weeks and temporary small areas of bruising or numbness.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR ULTRASOUND FACIAL TREATMENT?

• Currently pregnant or breast-feeding
• Those under 20 (best for people older than 30 or has mild to moderate skin laxity)
• Older people with extensive photo-aging, severe skin laxity, or very saggy skin on the neck 
• People with malignant growths, open wounds or lesions, severe or cystic acne in the treatment area
• Has cardiovascular issues
• Individuals with active implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or metallic implants in the treatment area

PRICE LISTS

To help us achieve our desired body shape and contour, there are a variety of aesthetic procedures available—ranging from invasive procedures, like liposuction, to non-invasive procedures such as radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound and cryolipolysis.

WHAT IS CYROLIPOLYSIS?

“Cryo” means cold, and “lipolysis” refers to the process of fat breaking down.

Freezing fat tissues to a temperature as low as -11°C causes programmed cell death of the adipocyte (fat cell). This triggers an inflammatory response and our immune system removes the dead cells over a period of time (up to 3 months from clinical studies).  

FAT REDUCTION USING COOLSCULPTING®

WHAT IS COOLSCULPTING®?

It is the ONLY patented technology by the US company Allergan, that uses cryolipolysis to treat unwanted fat on our body.  Other forms of cryolipolysis from various companies are not called CoolSculpting.

CoolSculpting is FDA approved for fat reduction for the following areas:

1. Abdomen
2. Flanks
3. Thighs (inner & outer)
4. Double-chin
5. Underarms
6. Banana-roll at the buttock

In addition, CoolSculpting®utilises the patented CoolControl® and Freeze Detect® systems to ensure appropriate treatment temperatures. These systems  minimise the risk of tissue damage during treatment by detecting abnormal temperature changes within the treatment applicators during treatment.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

It works by safely freezing the unwanted bulge of fat and causing the fat to undergo a 'programmed death'. Our immune system then removes the dead fat cells from the area over a period of time.  Studies show at least a 20% reduction in the thickness of fat (measured by ultrasound) with a single treatment.  The best results can be seen 3 months after a single treatment. 

The Coolsculpting system has five different applicators for treatment over different areas. Each applicator has its own treatment cycle duration:

1. CoolsmoothPRO 

Placement : Outer thigh (Saddlebag)

Cycle Duration : 75 min

2. Cool Mini

Placement : Submental fat, axilla fat, distal thight (knee fat)

Cycle Duration : 45 min

3. CoolAdvantage petite 

Placement : For small to medium areas of the upper arms, back, flanks, abdomen, banana roll, inner thigh, bra fat and chest

Cycle Duration : 35 min

4. CoolAdvantage

Placement : For large areas of fat in the upper arms, back, flanks, abdomen, banana roll, inner thigh, bra fat and chest 

Cycle Duration : 35 min

5. CoolAdvantage Plus 

Placement : For very large areas of fat in the flanks, abdomen and back

Cycle Duration : 45 min

Depending on the size and location of the area to be treated, our specialised team will assess and recommend the number of treatment cycles required to achieve your desired body contour.

As each treatment cycle varies between 35 to 75 min, we will stage the entire treatment plan into multiple sessions. 

During treatment, a gel pad and applicator are applied to the targeted area. Applicators that use vacuum will draw the tissue into the applicator cup where you may feel pulling, tugging and mild pinching. With a non-vacuum surface applicator, you may experience a mild pressure sensation. Controlled cooling is then delivered to the targeted fat, so you may feel intense cold, along with sensations like tingling, aching or cramping initially. These sensations typically subside after the area becomes numb, usually within 4-5 minutes.  The Coolsculpting® treatment process is relatively comfortable and pain free thereafter.

WHEN CAN YOU NOTICE RESULTS?

Most people start to notice results after one to two weeks.  Clinical studies show that the fat reduction results continue to improve over a period of 3 months. However, one can choose to repeat the treatment of a similar area after a 1-month interval. 

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects:

1. Mild swelling and redness over treated areas. This usually disappears within a couple of days by itself.
2. Numbness and tingling over treated areas.  This usually resolves spontaneously in 2-3 weeks.
3. Tenderness and aching over treated areas. This usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.
4. Shooting pain sensation over treated areas. This is uncommon and can be triggered with movement of the body (eg. when turning in your sleep).  Usually no medication is required as symptoms are tolerable and can take up to 4 weeks to disappear by itself.  Sometimes an oral antihistamine may be required for patients who may find it unbearable.
5. Bruising. Usually resolves in 1-2 weeks.

Less common side effects include paradoxical hyperplasia, late onset pain, freeze burn, hyperpigmentation, fat hardening.

ARE THE RESULTS PERMANENT?

Studies have shown that the results on the abdomen and flank can last for several years if the patient does not increase their weight from the start of treatment. 

CAN I REPEAT THE TREATMENT ON THE SAME AREAS?

Yes, at 1-monthly intervals.  Since we know that a single treatment helps to reduce the fat thickness by 20%, one can repeat the treatment on bigger areas to achieve the desired result.

HOW DO I GET THE BEST RESULTS WITH COOLSCULPTING®?

CoolSculpting® treatments need to go hand-in-hand with lifestyle measures to maintain an ideal weight.

It works best when combined with regular exercise and a well-balanced diet.  Our doctors will advise on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle while doing CoolSculpting®.

WHO SHOULD AVOID IT?

Patients with fat skinfold of less than 2cm are not suitable for Coolsculpting® as there is insufficient subcutaneous fat to fill the applicators.

Conversely, Coolsculpting® is not a treatment for obesity. Coolsculpting is effective for fat reduction and body contouring over targeted areas, but is not considered a form of weight loss.

The following conditions are not recommended for Coolsculpting®:

• Recent surgery or scar tissue in the are to be treated
• Hernia in or adjacent to the treatment site
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Cryoglobulinemia, a disorder where proteins in the blood react to cold by causing the blood vessels to block up
• Cold agglutinin disease, an autoimmune condition, where temperature change destroys red blood cells
• Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria, a condition where red blood cells die in response to temperature change
• Raynaud’s disease, where the fingers turn white or blue when exposed to cool temperatures. This symptom can be associated with other autoimmune diseases. 
• Chilblains
• Impaired circulation or skin sensation at the treatment area from vascular diseases
• Neuropathic disorders, where the nerves on the skin are damaged by medical conditions(eg. diabetes mellitus).
• Rashes, eczemaor psoriasis in the area to be treated
• Blood disorders, or use of blood thinning medications
• Implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers or defibrillators for the heart.
• Allergy to propylene glycol or isopropyl alcohol
• Chronic pain conditions
• Severe anxietydisorders

Signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles, and sagging skin are one of women’s greatest skin concerns. In Singapore and elsewhere in Asia and in the West, more and more people are turning to doctors for aesthetic solutions over and above skincare, to address those concerns. Injectables such as Botox is one of the most popular and accessible in-clinic procedures used to combat the signs of aging.

WHAT IS BOTOX?

Botox is the brand name of a neurotoxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. This neurotoxin is known as botulinum toxin type A.  There are currently three HSA-approved brands of botulinum toxin in Singapore: Botox by Allergan, Dysport by Ipsen and, Xeomin by Merz. The three approved labels are prescription drugs, for use only in a clinic and performed by a licensed and trained doctor.

The first and most well-known brand in the market is Botox. It got its first FDA approval for treating upper facial wrinkles in the 1990s  and its aesthetic indications have expanded in the ensuing 20 over years.

HOW DOES BOTOX WORK?

Essentially, it is a protein produced by a unique strain of bacteria that blocks the release of chemical signals from the nerve to the muscle, thereby making the muscle unable to contract.  This resultant relaxation is used to treat selected hyperactive or hypertrophic muscles on our face, and even other parts of the body.

By using Botox to relax specific muscles, we can make a person look:

1. less tired (open up the eyes)
2. less angry and stressed (treating the frown lines)
3. more feminine (treating the square-jaw appearance)
4. less 'gummy' when they smile (reducing the excessive gingival show)
5. less sad and saggy (treating the muscles that pull the face down).
6. younger by reducing the appearance of wrinkles

WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?

Beyond the aesthetic applications listed above,  Botox can be used to treat many other different medical conditions including chronic migraines, eye squints, strabismus (crossed eyes), facial tics, bruxism, muscle spasticity in stroke patients. Research has also shown that Botox can affect sebaceous or oil glands.

Facial contouring

Women with a square jaw might find their appearance too masculine and would much prefer a slimmer and more feminine jawline. Chewing on foods such as dried squid or teeth grinding can result in over developed muscles in the jaw area also known as masseter hypertrophy or ‘square jaw’.   

Hyperhidrosis(Excessive sweating)

Botox can be injected to block nerve impulse in the sweat glands to temporarily reduce sweat production in the treated area. Patients reported a substantial decrease in sweating within two days and even stopped perspiration following the treatment. Repeat treatment is usually recommended within five to seven months.

Frozen shoulder

Frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis, is a disease of chronic inflammation and scarring of the ligaments of the shoulder joints. Patients experience significant pain and reduction in the movement of the shoulder. Depending on the cause of frozen shoulder, Botulinum toxin (BTX) may be used for pain management and it is also found to retard the process of fibrosis.

Bruxism

Bruxism is the medical term for subconscious teeth clenching and grinding, whether awake or asleep. It can lead to painful and severe dental problems such as loss of tooth enamel, increased tooth sensitivity, flattening, chipping or cracking of the teeth, sore jaw, earaches, and migraines. Bruxism can also lead to hypertrophy of the masseter muscle or severe square jaw. Treatments with Botox can help to soften the appearance of the jaw line and provide tremendous relief to these painful and unpleasant problems associated with Bruxism.

Stroke Spasticity

Post stroke patients often have increased muscle tone in their limbs. Worsening of this problem may cause contractures and loss of function. Botox relaxes the spastic muscle and also preserves the function and range of movement of the affected joints. Research shows that repeated treatments of botulinum toxin over one year after a stroke can improve muscle tone and reduce pain in the arms and hands, making it easier for patients to perform personal hygiene and simple tasks such as dressing oneself. 

Migraine:

Botox is injected to specific muscles at the sides of the face and the neck to reduce muscle tension around the head.  This treatment option may be offered by the neurologist when medical treatment fails.    

Facial tic/involuntary spasm:

Botox can be used to relax certain facial muscles that contract involuntarily, making it socially embarrassing for these patients.

In general, the most often requested areas for Botox injections in aesthetic clinics would be for ‘frown lines’, forehead lines and ‘crows’ feet’ (lateral canthal lines). Other popular Botox treatments include jaw muscle reduction.    

PROCEDURE AND TREATMENT

Botox comes in a powder vial and is reconstituted with saline prior to injection into the targeted muscle(s). Botox is administered through many tiny injections, using the finest needles.  It feels like little ant-bites and most if not all patients tolerate the procedure.

The procedure takes only a few minutes to perform but may take up to three days to take effect - ‘frown lines’, forehead lines and ‘crows’ feet’. But in very rare circumstances, it may take as long as three to seven days or even as long as two weeks to take full effect - jaw muscle reduction.

A review is usually done 2 weeks after the first injection and adjustments are made if required. The muscle-relaxing effect of Botox lasts between four to six months. As Botox is not a one-time fix and the effects wear off with time, repeated treatments two to three times a year are recommended.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Botulinum toxin injections are generally well tolerated with very few known side effects.

Common side effects like bruising, erythema (reddening of the skin) and slight pain and swelling at the injection site may be experienced but are transient. Headaches can also occur but this is rare and it usually goes away in 24 to 48 hours. Depending on where the Botox is injected, eyebrow or eyelid drooping, drooping of the corner of the mouth, or inability to use a straw may be experienced. Patients are usually advised to refrain from rubbing the treated area and avoid lying down for three to four hours after injection.

Rarer side effects include local edema, mild nausea, numbness, temporary weakness or paralysis of nearby muscles, weakness of the lower eyelid or lateral rectus (a muscle controlling eye movement), dysphagia (trouble swallowing), diplopia (double vision), dry mouth, rashes or hives and wheezing.

Our doctors are qualified and well trained to recommend and administer the treatment after a comprehensive medical assessment. 

Patients taking aspirin or oral anticoagulants for their heart problems or stroke are allowed to do their Botox treatment without stopping their medication.  Extra care is taken to do longer compressions and icing the areas to prevent bruising. 

Follow the post-injection instructions carefully and report any persistent side effects (if any) as soon as possible.

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR BOTOX?

• Currently pregnant or breast-feeding
• Suffers from conditions affecting your muscle or nerve
• Has a severe illness or infection
• Has a disorder that increases your risk of bleeding
• People taking amino-glycoside antibiotics
• An allergy to albumin or any ingredient in Botox or another botulinum toxin product
• Has epilepsy
• Chronic breathing difficulties
• Had recent eye surgery in last 6-months

PRICE LISTS

$1,200 for 1 vial

WHAT ARE DERMAL FILLERS?

Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin to help address and correct visible signs of aging such as smooth lines and wrinkles, restore fullness to cheeks and the hollow areas under the eyes as the face starts to sag, plump lips, enhance facial contours for a more youthful appearance. They provide structural support to the aging changes of the face (eg. cheeks, temples, chin, jawline and lips).

Some dermal fillers are made of natural substances and some of synthetic compounds.

Hyaluronic Acid (eg. Juvederm and Restylane) – a naturally-occurring substance in our body, that is found in our skin with the main function of keeping skin plump and hydrated.  Injection of hyaluronic acid into the skin has also been shown to increase the production of collagen and elastin in the skin.  This can lead to improvement in the elasticity of the skin.  Hyaluronic acid fillers have the added option of reversibility with hylase, an enzyme breaks down hyaluronic acid.  This is important when patients wish to reverse some of the changes or when a complication occurs.

This type of filler has the longest history of use and longest track record of safety. The IDS Clinics use Hyaluronic acid fillers almost exclusively.

Calcium Hydroxylapatite (Radiesse) - a mineral-like compound found in the bones – it has a thicker consistency than hyaluronic acid filler and longer lasting correction of moderate to severe facial wrinkles and folds as well as the treatment of facial fat loss.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid (Sculptra) – a biodegradable synthetic substance that is safe for use in the body, which stimulates the skin to produce more collagen – It can be used to treat deep lines, creases, and folds to give a more youthful appearance.  This biostimulator works differently from HA fillers by evoking collagen production by the cells in the skin.  It usually requires at least 3 sessions to get the desired results.

Polycaprolactone (Ellanse) – made of carboxymethyl cellulose, this is a collagen stimulator that works by correcting wrinkles and folds, at the same time stimulate your own collagen production to treat the underlying facing aging with gradual, long lasting effects and a natural youthful appearance.

Polyacrylamide (Aquamid) - a transparent homogenous, hydrogel consisting of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide, that is shown to have long lasting results, well suited for a broad range of facial corrections including minor facial folds and depression, cheek corrections, and lip augmentation and contouring.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Fillers are used to support the structure of the aging face.  As our face ages, bone resorption takes place, making the framework weaker and smaller.  This weaker frame does not hold the facial tissues upright as well as before, causing the tissues to sag at the lower cheeks and the jawline.  Fillers can augment this facial frame and restore the youthful facial contours of the face. 

Sometimes fillers are used to augment parts of the aging face that has deflated (eg. lips, temples or tear trough areas). 

Injection points are strategically placed to support the facial tissues with various fillers (different hardness and cohesivity) to get the best natural result.   Hyaluronic acid fillers from Juvederm integrate nicely with our facial skin, giving a natural and rejuvenated look.  As these fillers are not permanent, repeat refilling can be expected close to every 1-year. 

The downtime is minimal and patients can expect to return to normal social and work activities after the procedure the next day.  

The popularity of hyaluronic acid fillers have increased worldwide in the last 15-years as results are immediate with little downtime or complications compared to surgery.  Results are natural, both in animation (smiling) or at rest. 

WHAT CAN FILLERS DO FOR YOU?

The benefits:

1. Lift the sagging cheeks and give a more youthful facial shape.
2. Reduce the tired look around the eyes by lifting the brow and supporting the front of the cheeks to reduce the 'tear-trough' deformity.
3. Making one look less angry or intense by volumizing and lengthening the lips and the chin.
4. Making one look less sad by lifting the outer brows and the corners of the mouth.
5. Making one look more beautiful by enhancing certain features of the face (eg. nose, chin, lips and front of the cheeks) to achieve the ideal facial dimensions.

HOW MANY SYRINGES OF FILLERS WILL I NEED?

It can range between 4 to 12 syringes in 1 session.  It depends on the severity of the structural loss and age of the patient.  Our doctors at IDS clinic will do the assessment and recommend a treatment plan for you. 

With ‘MD Codes’, a newly-evolved technique and protocol developed by renowned Brazilian plastic surgeon, Dr. Mauricio de Maio, it is possible to pinpoint accurately the areas responsible for the changes in aging. These targeted injection areas help treat sagging skin, loss of volume and deep wrinkles, restoring a refreshed, relaxed and youthful appearance.

PROCEDURES AND TREATMENTS

Your treatment will begin with a consultation, during which you will be able to discuss your area of concerns, goals and review your medical history for suitability.

An assessment is done by our doctors and a treatment plan is discussed our patients before proceeding. 

Photos are taken before the procedure and an  anesthetic cream is applied to the areas for 30 minutes.  The injection time is about 15-20 minutes. 

ARE FILLER INJECTIONS PAINFUL?

Most of our patients tolerate the treatment well with topical anesthesia alone. 

Topical anesthetics applied to the skin before the procedure can minimize the discomfort when the needle penetrates the skin. Ice is often used to numb the areas immediately prior to injection – this helps to minimize the discomfort. The hyaluronic acid filler, itself, contains an anesthetic called lidocaine, which makes the injection procedure much more comfortable.

Any swelling or redness can last up to 2 days after the injection.  Patients can use make-up the next day and can return to their normal activities. 

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

The majority of hyaluronic fillers are safe.  Many (eg. Juvederm, Restylane) have gone through rigorous testing and studies to show that they are safe in the short and long term. 

Common side-effects of fillers are:

1. Redness and swelling for 1-2 days (more often on the lips)
2. Bruising. Can last up to 10 days and can be covered with makeup
3. Swelling under the eyes ('sausage deformity’). Due to superficial placement of the fillers under the skin.

Rarer and more serious side-effects:

1. Swelling after weeks or months after injection due to a low-grade infection of the product. This is treated with antibiotics and removal of the hyaluronic acid filler.
2. Infection. This is mostly due to non-sterile technique during the procedure. This is treated with oral antibiotics.
3. Intravascular accidents leading to skin necrosis or blindness. This is extremely rare, and is a result of injecting the product into a major artery in the face. This is recognised immediately during the injection and the hyaluronic acid is dissolved with hylase. This underscores the importance of going to an aesthetic doctor that is qualified and experienced in the injection of fillers. 

To minimise side-effects or complications the following information should be provided to your doctor:

1. Drug allergies
2. Medical history of bleeding disorders, autoimmune diseases or viral infections around the mouth
3. Medication history
4. Past history of filler injections to face

WHO IS NOT SUITABLE FOR DERMAL FILLERS?

• Currently pregnant or breast-feeding
• A history of cold sores in the area to be treated 
• Suffers from skin disease, inflammation or skin related problems
• An allergy or hypersensitivity to any ingredient in the filler or lidocaine (collagen, hyaluronic acids, Artefill) mixed in the syringe of the filler
• Suffers from medical conditions that may lower the body’s immune response or is undergoing therapy that is immunosuppressive

PRICE LISTS

$725 per syringe