Aesthetic and cosmetic injectables are used interchangeably in the beauty industry. Whilst there are differences in the technical terms of aesthetic and cosmetic, the end goal is often the same: improving one’s appearance. The usage of aesthetic injectables is increasingly normalised, with social media being the main attributor [1] to the widespread awareness and normalisation. Gone are the days when we were in awe of Hollywood stars, dumbfounded by their mysterious ways of sustaining ever-green beauty.
In fact, a survey conducted on Singaporean youths showed that the vast majority of people in this demographic are becoming increasingly accepting of aesthetic or cosmetic treatment. This is reflected in the fact that we are a Google search away from knowing which injectable can bring us closer to attaining our dream beauty standard. Whilst the information on injectables is abundant, it can also leave you with dreadful decision fatigue. In this article, we take a deep dive into aesthetic injectables, empowering you on which one is the best fit for you.
Injectables are “injections” filled with specific filler products to treat various dermatological concerns. The intention may be on an aesthetic basis (to improve the skin's general appearance) or to target specific skin concerns such as acne scarring. Although there is no “perfect” injectable that will address all skin concerns within one administration, there are still many options available in the market today, each with different capabilities. Below is a general guideline on differentiating one from the other:
| Types of injectables | Neuromodulator toxin | Hyaluronic acid (HA) dermal fillers | Biostimulator fillers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Blocks chemical signals that contract muscle. It induces muscle relaxation at the target area, smoothing lines and wrinkles. | Attracts water into deeper dermal layers for a hydrating effect. It can also be injected for volumisation, contouring, and smoothening lines and wrinkles. | Works with biological functions of the body to improve collagen production in target areas. |
| Material | Botulinum toxin [2] | Hyaluronic acid [3] | Poly-L-lactic acid [4], calcium hydroxyapatite [5], polymethylmethacrylate [6] |
| Popular brands in Singapore | Botox® | Rejuran (I), Juvederm | Sculptra®, Radiesse®, Bellafill® |
| Concerns | Saggy and droopy skin, wrinkles, crows feet, frown lines, and forehead furrow | Acne, wrinkles, undereye circles, skin volumisation, and smoothing of lip lines | Ageing prevention and addressing deep ageing lines in nasolabial folds, marionette lines, or chin. |
| Durability | 3-4 months | 6-12 months | 12-24 months |
| Prefered by | Patients seeking an immediate remedy for signs of ageing. | Patients seeking to address specific skin concerns such as acne scarring and imperfections around the eyes and lips. Patients are typically prepared to wait longer to see visible results. | Patients keen on improving biological function and are prepared to wait up to 6 weeks to see visible results. |
Now that you are armed with a basic comprehension of the different types of injectables, you can gauge precisely which injectable may best suit you. If you are still confused and uncertain, below are some guiding questions that may provide more clarity. Present the answer to your aesthetic doctor, and they should be able to assign the best injectable for your case.
Selecting an aesthetic injectable is often collaborative work, so expect a solution that best fits your demands and capabilities.
Next comes choosing a professional you can entrust with administering aesthetic injectables in Singapore. This is often the next phase of decision fatigue patients face. When it comes to injectables, we urge patients to refrain from cutting corners or skimping. Strive for quality because handing your skin to the wrong hands can often result in irreparable and permanent damages.
There are a plethora of aesthetic clinics in Singapore, so here are some factors to consider when choosing an aesthetic professional in Singapore:
The risks vary depending upon the injectables chosen and if patients have any specific health conditions that may present side effects. Generally, injectables may present signs of swelling, bruising, and redness. These tend to resolve within a week, depending upon the specific type of injectable.
An adverse effect [8], on the other hand, may include hyperpigmentation, rashes, fillers not dissolving, filler migration, droopiness, vision obstruction, mild tinnitus, and many more. It may be worth reinstating the importance of choosing a high-quality service provider when adding aesthetic injectables to your beauty regime. Opting for a medically qualified professional will reduce your overall risk.
Injectables are no longer just reserved for the rich and powerful. The layman is a decision away from accessing injectables and attaining their ideal beauty standards. However, the accessibility of cosmetic and aesthetic treatments in Singapore has been accompanied by much scrutiny [9].
The beauty industry in Singapore has been critiqued for fueling insecurities and driving the cause of unrealistic beauty standards. Around the world, an even younger demographic is seen uptaking various aesthetic treatments [10] to achieve their ideal beauty standards. As anticipated, where there is demand, supply follows.
Generally, it is best to reserve aesthetic injectables for adulthood. This way, you are more informed and aware of your choices. Working with an aesthetic professional who has your best interest at heart will also go a long way. This includes ensuring you do not excessively alter your face, diminish natural and ethnic beauty qualities, or generally distort your face to the point of no return.
That being said, one should not be shamed or be guilt-tripped for wanting to achieve their highest beauty standard. As humans, it is natural for us to strive for the best and if your journey to seek injectables is fueled to address insecurities and achieve higher confidence, more power to you. We hope this article has empowered you to make your best decision.
