Meet Dr Jonathan Nevin Yu, a board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic treatment expert with 15 years of experience at JY Dermatology and Aesthetic Center. As a member of the Philippine Dermatological Society, Dr Jon is no stranger to the best dermatological advances in the market. In this article, Dr Jon answers some quick-fire questions and shares about what patients should look out for when considering dermal fillers!
1. What do you find to be most fulfilling as an aesthetic doctor?
It’s a sense of fulfilment like no other when I see my patients leaving the clinic happy. They often share how I helped them to recapture their youth and boost their self-confidence, and in turn, they share these positive experiences with others.
2. What is your favourite aesthetic treatment and why?
My favourite treatment would be to use dermal fillers! In my opinion, filler injections have advanced leaps and bounds, allowing results to be more natural-looking than in the past.
Common types of dermal fillers that I would prescribe are the cohesive polydensified matrix Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers and the Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) fillers as they can be easily incorporated into treatments and customised according to the patient’s concerns and needs.
3. What are some of the most common treatment areas that are requested by your patients?
Since the pandemic, the most common treatment area has definitely been the eyes!
4. What advice would you give to first-time patients who want to try dermal fillers?
My advice for first-time patients would be to avoid wearing any makeup to their first session, so we can adequately examine their condition and arrive at a more targeted recommendation. Typically, I would spend more time consulting with my first-time patients to better understand their needs and expectations before sharing the different treatment options available that best suit their goals. It is also important for first-time patients to have some notion of what they are looking for.
It is essential to understand the treatment options available for you. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and share the concerns that you have with your aesthetic doctor!
5. Is there any downtime for the use of dermal fillers?
In general, there is minimal to no downtime for both HA fillers and CaHA fillers. In some cases, patients may experience mild bruising that lasts a short time, especially when treatment is done in sensitive areas like the lips and chin.
6. How long do dermal fillers stay effective?
The effectivity of dermal fillers depends on the treatment area and type of filler used. Treatments using CaHA fillers can last between 18-24 months, whereas, for lip treatments with HA fillers, the effects will usually last around 8-10 months.
7. After doing fillers, how long should one wait before starting on other treatments?
It depends on the patient’s recovery process. As soon as two weeks after undergoing post-filler injections, patients can come back for other treatments such as facials and laser therapy.
8. Some patients are worried about the overfilled look. Can you prevent that effect?
What you’ve described, the overfilled look is called the “facial overfilled syndrome” and is very common. However, this effect is easily preventable with the proper technique and preparation. My preparation starts as early as the assessment phase, where I would recommend the optimum number of syringes needed for an even and refreshed outcome to prevent the dreaded overfilled look.
9. What are some myths that you’ve heard about dermal fillers?
Common myths I’ve heard are that filler injections are painful, risky and will make you look strange or unnatural as they can weigh down your face over time. That, I can assure you, is not the case. With proper assessment, modern-day technique and quality products, your experience would be a pleasant one!
10. What are the benefits of combination treatments?
Great question, one that many of my patients ask! Undergoing multiple treatments such as botulinum toxin or micro-focused ultrasound with visualisation (MFU-V) concurrently can save a lot of time and achieve good results. For example, a patient can start with MFU-V to lift and tighten the skin, providing a good foundation. Next, they can proceed with dermal fillers in areas like the cheeks or lips. Finally, they can finish off with botulinum toxin to treat dynamic lines.
With that said, I want to emphasise that though standalone treatments are compelling enough, the real magic happens when you combine treatments that are hyper-personalised to cater to your needs.
– –
After hearing from Dr Jonathan, perhaps it’s time for you to explore dermal fillers treatments! Seek personalised advice from a trusted aesthetic doctor today!
