Eating well and staying active has always helped me in slowing down the aging process but there’s only so much that it can do.
Therefore, when I got to speak with Dr. Terence Tan, Director of Halley Medical Aesthetics about how dermal fillers can safely help to restore my skin’s volume and youthfulness, I decided to give it a try.
During the consultation, I learnt about how dermal fillers are actually made of safe medical ingredients developed for injection into the skin. It helps not only in smoothening out wrinkles but it is also able to sculpt the face for more definition and restore facial contours, all of which allows one to regain a youthful appearance. I’m not one who goes for drastic options like surgery to slow down the process of aging, so a non-invasive approach like this which allows me to address my issue with laugh lines was a solution I would take up.
The lines around my eyes were bothering me the most although Dr. Terence Tan had also pointed out that when I converse, my facial expressions often result in my forehead scrunching up too. He recommended the treatment areas to include my under-eye area, centre of my forehead as well as the laugh lines around my mouth. He also suggested a tiny bit of filler to my chin, to give it a little more definition.
Honestly, I was concerned that it would involve more than one injection.
You can see in the photo above how worried I was, but Dr. Terence Tan reassured me that the procedures would involve minimal discomfort and I felt even more reassured when he informed me that he would be using a micro-cannula or “magic needle” to administer the dermal filler. This is basically an extremely soft and pliable cannula that slides beneath our skin to allow for a more even distribution of the filler without much discomfort.
Dr. Terence Tan recommended the Juvederm range of fillers to address my areas of concern and we eventually settled on the three types of filler under the Juvederm family for use on different parts of the face.
- Juvederm Volbella – to plump up my tear trough, mid-face and forehead. This was used to rejuvenate my under-eye area especially on my right side where it was sunken in. Notice the difference in the after pictures below. The mid-face filler puts volume to my cheek area, plumping up what aging has taken away. The forehead filler is more for contouring, adding definition to my face.
- Juvederm Volift – to smoothen out my smile lines on the side of my mouth and give a more youthful look.
- Juvederm Voluma – to subtly enhance my chin for a more defined and sophisticated look.
Dr. Terence Tan also used a combination of these fillers in some of my treatment areas. This is because the Juvederm range of fillers varies in terms of firmness, so combining them gives a more nature-looking result.
I was really surprised that each syringe with each box contained only 1ml of filler. You’ve got to be extremely precise and skilful to administer the adequate minute amount in each area.
We proceeded with taking several “before” shots so that we could compare the difference after the treatment.
Much to my relief,skillful the entire process was not uncomfortable at all and I was able to chat with everyone throughout the treatment. Dr. Terence Tan was really great at letting me know what to expect and the interaction kept my mind off overthinking, so before I knew it we were done with the dermal filler treatmentskilful
Very skilful hands at work to ensure minimal discomfort and precise administration of the dermal filler.
This being my first time experiencing getting a cannula poked onto my face, I must say it has dispelled a lot of fear that I used to have especially since the doctor and nurses here are so professional and assuring.
I asked Dr. Terence Tan how long will the effects of the fillers last and depending on each individual, it can stay for as long as 1.5 to 2 years.
Before and after frontal shot.
Before and after. Right side
Before and after. Left side.
Seeing the after effects of the treatment and comparing my before and after pictures taken just less than an hour apart, I was extremely impressed because I can notice the improvement immediately and the best part? No downtime needed! I even went to workout a couple of hours right after I left the clinic.
Taken before the dermal filler treatment at Halley Medical Aesthetics, you can clearly see my tear trough and lines around my eyes and mouth.
Taken just after I left the clinic and without make-up so you can see the difference in my under-eye area as well as the smoothening out of the lines next to my mouth.
All in all, I am very pleased with the results from the session and would recommend those who are looking for “lunchtime” treatments, to try out Halley Medical Aesthetics.