DIY Fillers: Not a Cheaper Alternative to Professional Treatments

Let’s face it: dermal fillers and other cosmetic injectables are not cheap. The cost of fillers in Singapore, for instance, ranges between SGD 600 to SGD 1500 per syringe. The price can depend on several factors, including the material or brand of filler used and the quantity needed to achieve desired results. 

In an effort to cut down on the cost of dermal fillers, videos of people injecting themselves with DIY fillers have surfaced online. Many of these involved using an online-bought hyaluronic acid and a needle-free pen to administer the treatment on their own. There are also those who repurpose insulin syringes to inject filler. 

While some of these videos show good results, experts advise against administering the treatment by yourself. Continue reading as we dive a little deeper into DIY fillers, the factors affecting the cost of the fillers, and why cheap injectables are not worth the risk.

What are DIY fillers?

DIY fillers simply refer to facial or cosmetic injections performed by people without any medical training, experience, or supervision. The materials needed to perform DIY treatments are available online and claim to deliver the same results as in-office ones. The main advantage is they cost way less or come at a fraction of the cost. 

Hyaluron pens or hyaluronic acid (HA) pens are the most commonly used device in DIY injections. These self-injecting pens are designed to deliver the filler to your skin without using a needle. They rely on pressurized air and high speed to force or push the filler into the skin. The pen creates a stream of HA that disperses within the treatment area.  

Many content creators on social media have used and reviewed hyaluron pens. There were those who had good outcomes and were willing to do them again, while others found the pens weak to pierce through the skin and described the process as intense or painful. 

What are the risks of cheap or DIY fillers?

The US FDA has warned against the use of needle-free devices. The agency has neither assessed the safety and effectiveness of these devices nor approved the marketing on them for administering dermal fillers. These needle-free devices, the FDA adds, do not offer enough control over the area of injection.

The risks of DIY dermal fillers include: 

• Bleeding, bruising, or scarring
• Skin infection due to poor hygiene or technique
• Damage to the area from the pressure of the pen device
• Blockage of a blood vessel, leading to tissue death, blindness, or stroke
• Skin discoloration
• Lump formation in the skin
• Allergic reactions

What’s behind the cost of dermal fillers?

Injectables and many non-surgical aesthetic procedures come at a higher price but for very good reasons. There are expenses needed to ensure quality and safety, as well as training and keeping up with the standards and new techniques. Factors that affect how much fillers cost include: 

• The type or brand of filler –These include hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxylapatite, poly-l-lactic acid, and others. Careful product selection (from licensed manufacturers) is needed to ensure the quality and efficacy of the treatment. Choosing the right type of filler is as important as choosing your injector.
• The amount of filler required – This will depend on the degree of enhancement you are looking for. Those who are in their mid-30s and want a slight improvement will require less than those who are older and desire moderate/major change or looking to address different signs of aging.
• The area being treated – Different types of filler are designed to work well in a specific area of the body. Some are much suited for folds, lines, and lips, while others are specially made for the cheeks, chin, jawline, and others. Your provider will let you know the price of dermal fillers for your preferred treatment area.
• The expertise or the qualification of the injector – It is normal for reputable and recognized doctors to charge a bit more because of the decades of training, education, and experience they have. Cutis Medical Laser Clinics has experienced and skilled aesthetic doctors who tailor treatments for every patient.

Cheap fillers are not worth the risk

Fillers go into your skin, so it is advisable that you only let a qualified professional administer the treatment. You wouldn’t want a counterfeit or bargain product to be injected into your skin and solely hope for the best. These fillers can cause serious harm and negatively alter the look of the area where it is injected. 

When dermal fillers go wrong, the cost of rectifying the issue is likely to cost more than if you go to a qualified injector in the first place. Dermal fillers and other cosmetic injectables are safe and effective when administered by a professional.

And as with any medical procedure, complications can occur with dermal fillers. This only makes it important to avoid DIY injectables and choose a skilled and experienced injector for safety and good outcomes.

Why choose Cutis for your dermal filler treatments

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics in Singapore has experienced aesthetic doctors/qualified injector with a conservative approach. Dr. Sylvia Ramirez, our medical and scientific director, has years of experience administering dermal fillers and botulinum toxin and prefers a natural look for her patients. 

Our clinic also uses authentic injectables and only charges according to the number of syringes/units you need. If you are considering dermal fillers in Singapore or other non-surgical aesthetic procedures, contact Cutis Medical Laser Clinics today and schedule a consultation with our aesthetic doctor.