Dermal fillers is one of the most well-received non-surgical alternative to cosmetic surgery as a means to restore a youthful appearance by reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the face. People who are not willing to undergo a surgical procedure can still improve their physical appearance by opting for a dermal filler treatment.

In 2016, there were 15.4 million minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. alone. That’s about nine times the number of people who opted for cosmetic surgeries in the same year.

Dr. Siew Tuck Wah, one of the most sought-after aesthetic doctors in Singapore, has his fair share of clients who are interested in dermal filler treatments. Throughout his 13-year experience as a medical aesthetic doctor, it is not uncommon for some of his clients to ask him about the safety of undergoing dermal filler treatment while pregnant.

We have invited Dr. Siew to tell us more about what exactly is dermal fillers and whether it is safe for women to undergo dermal filler treatment when pregnant or breast-feeding.

What is dermal filler?

Dermal filler is an injection-based treatment that uses a soft tissue filler to inject into the skin to replace lost volume due to aging. It helps to fill in facial wrinkles, restoring a more youthful, smoother appearance.

Most dermal fillers are made of hyaluronic acid, typically made of sugar molecules. Hyaluronic acid is a component that is found naturally in our bodies, and it is responsible for attracting and retaining moisture. Some studies have shown that hyaluronic acid is capable of promoting cell-to-cell interaction and collagen synthesis, which is an essential process for looking young.

There are some dermal fillers that are made of biosynthetic polymers such as Radiesse and Ellanse. Such collagen fillers are effective for plumping the skin and stimulating the body to produce more collagen. In most cases, collagen fillers in Singapore such as Radiesse and Ellanse can provide significantly longer-lasting results as compared to hyaluronic acid fillers.

Benefits of Radiesse Dermal Filler

Dermal fillers are approved as medical devices by the FDA and the treatment can only be performed by a certified medical doctor in Singapore.

Is it safe to receive dermal filler treatment when pregnant or nursing?

There is no certainty whether undergoing cosmetic procedures in people who are pregnant or lactating is safe. Doctors often defer cosmetic treatments until the postpartum period due to the lack of concrete evidence that it has no effect on the unborn child.

According to Dr. Siew, he said that the effects of dermal fillers are unknown during pregnancy. There are no sufficient studies done about the safety of the products. There is also no evidence to show that it is dangerous to the mother or unborn child.

Since undergoing a dermal filler treatment is a cosmetic procedure, most doctors will choose not to administer it if the patient is pregnant or lactating.

It is also worth noting that the FDA does not recommend receiving dermal filler treatment during pregnancy, while breast feeding or in patients under 18 years of age.

Dr. Siew is the co-founder and Medical Director of Radium Medical Aesthetics.

Radium Medical Aesthetics offers a wide range of customized medical treatments such as Botox treatment and  dermal fillers to enhance your anti-aging journey.