What Are Fillers, What Are Their Benefits, and What Should You Know Before Your First Injection?
Dry, dehydrated skin, enlarged pores, wrinkles, or an unbalanced facial structure can all lead to a lack of confidence, prompting many people to seek effective solutions. One of the most popular options today is filler injections, which offer quick skin improvement without surgery. However, before deciding to undergo the procedure, you should know several important things to ensure safe and satisfying results. This article covers everything you need about filler injections to help you make a confident and informed decision.
What Are Fillers?
Fillers are medical-grade substances used to restore volume to the skin or underlying tissues. The most commonly used filler is hyaluronic acid (HA), which is known for its excellent water-retention ability and stability. It helps smooth out wrinkles and gives the skin a more hydrated, plump appearance. In addition to treating fine lines, fillers can be injected to enhance the nose, reshape the lips, or add volume to the forehead.
Benefits of Fillers
With its water-retention properties, filler can help replenish moisture, make the skin look plump and hydrated, reduce wrinkles, acne scars, and pores, resulting in smoother facial skin. In addition, its good stability allows filler to be injected to enhance certain facial features to look more proportionate without surgery.
Where Can Fillers Be Injected?
Someone may think that fillers are only injected into the cheeks, lips, or chin. But did you know that besides these areas, fillers can also be injected in other parts? The commonly targeted areas for fillers to address skin issues and shape enhancement include the following:
Under the Eyes
This involves injecting filler under the eyes to reduce wrinkles that may develop due to aging, stress, or lack of sleep. Additionally, under-eye fillers help diminish dark circles, making the eyes look brighter and more lively.
Lips
Filler injections not only help address dry, chapped lips and restore moisture but also help reshape the lips for a more defined appearance.
Forehead
Filler injections in the forehead not only reduce wrinkles but also add volume to create a more prominent forehead without the need for painful surgery.
Chin
This involves injecting filler to enhance the chin, making it longer and more defined. Although the results don’t last as long as surgical chin augmentation, the ability to dissolve the filler if the outcome is unsatisfactory is an advantage that makes chin fillers just as popular as fillers in other areas.
Nose
This involves injecting filler into the bridge of the nose to enhance its height and shape the nasal tip to the desired form. It’s ideal for those with minor nose imperfections who prefer not to undergo surgery.
Nasolabial Folds
For those dealing with deep smile lines, filler injections in the nasolabial folds can help reduce their appearance, making the face look more youthful.
Facial Skin and Acne Scars
Facial fillers help the skin appear more hydrated and plump. They also quickly fill in acne scars, making them less visible. This is ideal for those who want smoother skin but don’t have time for extensive skincare routines.
Temples
Filler injections in the temples help restore volume in sunken or hollow areas, making the face look more balanced. This is suitable for those with hollow temples or facial asymmetry.
Penis
Filler injections in the penis can increase size, enhance length, and reshape it to achieve the desired appearance.
Collarbone and Shoulders
Filler injections in the collarbone and shoulder areas have become increasingly popular in China. For many Chinese women, having well-defined collarbones and shoulders not only creates a slimmer appearance but also enhances posture and elegance, without the need for exercise.
Side Effects of Fillers
Possible side effects after filler injections include:
- Mild redness and swelling
- Pain or tightness at the injection site
- Needle marks in the treated area
These symptoms usually subside on their own within 2–3 days. However, if they persist or become more severe, you should consult a doctor immediately for proper treatment.
Filler Allergies
Allergic reactions to fillers are uncommon when genuine fillers are used, as hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally found in the body. However, certain factors can still trigger allergic reactions, such as the use of counterfeit fillers or in individuals with highly sensitive skin.
Common signs of filler allergies include:
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
- Rash, itching, or burning sensation
- Abnormal lumps or nodules in the treated area
- Migration of the filler, causing facial asymmetry
- Infection at the injection site
Pre-Filler Injection Guidelines
Before getting filler injections, it’s important to follow these precautions to reduce the risk of serious side effects:
- Avoid certain vitamins, medications, and supplements that affect blood clotting
- Refrain from consuming alcohol for 1–3 days
- Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications
- Always remove all makeup before the procedure to prevent post-injection infections
How Long Do Fillers Last?
Typically, fillers can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. However, the exact duration depends on several factors, including overall skin condition, the quality of the filler used, and post-injection lifestyle habits that may accelerate the breakdown of the filler.
How to Identify Genuine vs. Fake Fillers
To distinguish genuine fillers from fake ones, consider the following factors for any abnormalities:
- Check if the product has an official FDA registration number
- Verify the accuracy of the Thai label
- Confirm that the Lot number matches in all four places:
- Sticker
- Box
- Packet
- Filler syringe
- Compare the filler price to the market rate and verify the credibility of the source.
If you find any irregularities with the filler packaging, don’t hesitate to discard it immediately to avoid potential dangers from fake fillers.
Dangers of Fake Fillers
- Fillers that don’t naturally dissolve can accumulate under the skin
- Fillers may migrate or form lumps
- Skin deformities and asymmetry
- Swelling and redness caused by infection
- Tissue necrosis or death
If you experience any of these symptoms after filler injections, seek medical attention immediately for diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Where Is the Best Place to Get Fillers?
You should get filler injections at a certified, clean, and reputable medical facility that can be verified. Avoid getting fillers from unlicensed practitioners, as their lack of hygiene and expertise can lead to unsatisfactory results and potential health risks.
Filler Brands Offered at Masterpiece
The fillers used at Masterpiece Hospital come in a variety of brands, each with its unique strengths. The specific brands of fillers we use can be found in the information below.
Neuramis Filler
A highly popular Korean filler, Neuramis, contains hyaluronic acid and is imported by Medytox from South Korea. It’s certified by the US FDA, EDQM in Europe, KFDA in Korea, and Thailand’s FDA. Its standout features include flexible yet stable consistency and a variety of product lines, making it suitable for injections in multiple facial areas.
Flore Filler
A Korean filler manufactured using Multi-Layered Structure technology and imported by Bon-Song Company. Its key feature lies in the structure of its hyaluronic acid, which is strong, flexible, and disperses well. It’s ideal for those who want filler injections while still maintaining a natural look.
Juvederm Filler
An American filler imported by Allergan Thailand and certified by both the USFDA and Thailand’s FDA. Its highlight is the Vycross technology—an advanced innovation that gives the filler a smooth texture and long-lasting stability. It doesn’t migrate or deform, yet still delivers natural-looking results as if no filler had ever been injected.
Restylane Filler
A Swedish filler manufactured by Galderma and approved by the USFDA, EDQM, KFDA, and Thailand’s FDA. This filler brand is produced using two key technologies—NASHA and OBT—which ensure high stability, excellent moisture retention, flexibility, and the ability to mold into various shapes. It’s ideal for areas that require high precision, such as under the eyes and the lips.
Belotero Filler – Revive
Belotero is a Swiss filler brand manufactured by Merz Aesthetics using CPM (Cohesive Polydensified Matrix) technology, a proprietary innovation that gives the filler a smooth texture and effectively reduces facial wrinkles.
At Masterpiece Hospital, the Belotero filler used is the Revive model, which combines two filling agents: hyaluronic acid and glycerol. This blend results in a highly hydrating filler suitable for injections across the face, around the neck, on the lips, and even on the hands. It enhances skin moisture, smooths the texture, reduces pore visibility, and diminishes unwanted fine lines.
Precautions After Filler Injections
- Avoid washing your face immediately after the injection, as the filler may not have fully set and could shift. It’s recommended to wait around 6–8 hours before gently washing your face with clean water.
- After the procedure, avoid exposure to heat such as direct sunlight, saunas, or consuming very hot foods like shabu, as heat may accelerate filler breakdown.
- Refrain from picking, scratching, or rubbing the injection area to prevent filler movement.
- Avoid exercising or engaging in strenuous activities to reduce the risk of swelling or inflammation at the injection site.
- Refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.
- Avoid laser treatments or facial treatments in the injected area to allow the filler to settle and function properly.
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Filler Injections
To reduce the risk of side effects after filler injections, avoid the following:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Fermented foods such as pickled mangoes or fermented fish (Pla Ra)
- Spicy foods
- Extremely hot foods like shabu or grilled meat
- Certain vitamins and dietary supplements
Why Choose Filler Injections at Masterpiece Hospital
At Masterpiece Hospital, only authentic fillers approved by the Thai FDA are used—ensuring safety, minimal allergic reactions, and no harmful side effects. Combined with the expertise of our highly experienced medical team and a wide range of filler options, we can design a natural, beautiful, and safe result tailored to your face.
