Botox, fillers, and chemical peels, available at the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, KK Women's and Children'​s Hospital (KKH), a member of the SingHealth​​ group​​, can reduce or erase the signs of time.

​4​. Botox

Botox works in two ways. Firstly, it irons out existing lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, nose and forehead. Secondly, it "puts to sleep" the muscles on your face. When injected into the muscles surrounding your frown lines, for example, Botox reduces your ability to frown, or "crease up", when you laugh. This prevents further lines and wrinkles from forming.

Treatments

• Results can be seen in 1-3 days after a session.

Pros and cons

• It is an excellent quick fix – it takes just 10 minutes.
• Overuse of Botox may lead to an unnaturally "fixed" appearance.

Potential side effects

• If done too close to the eye, Botox can create ptosis or drooping eyelids.​

5​. Fillers

Facial ageing is frequently associated with deflation of the face which can be corrected with fillers. Various substances can be used as fillers, but the most frequently used is hyaluronic acid which can last about six months to one year. Autologous fat can also be used with good and permanent results.

Treatments

• A joint decision between the doctor and patient can be made on the areas to be treated.
• The injections can be repeated after the filler has been resorbed.

Pros and cons

• Can be combined with Botox to obtain a subtle and immediate rejuvenation of the face.
• Hyaluronic acid fillers are safe but not permanent. If there is any lumpiness following the injection, it can be removed with hyaluronidase.
• Autologous fat is more permanent, but can result in more prolonged swelling and lumpiness.

Potential side effects

• Bruising.
• Pain on injection.

6. Skin chemical peels

Chemical peels are used to rejuvenate the skin by peeling off various layers of the epidermis. It also utilises chemical compounds to treat pigmentation.

Treatments

• Requires monthly treatments.
• Can be done in conjunction with laser treatments.

Pros and cons

• Treats the entire skin surface.
• Peeling of the skin will result in redness and a downtime of some days depending on the depth of the peel.

Potential side effects

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
• Scarring.

Click on page 1 to read about thermage, IPL, and laser treatments.

Ref: R14