Being surrounded with people that are quick to judge, it seems to be quite challenging to be part of the small population who are actively trying to change their appearance for different reasons. This may be for a boost of confidence for some, a way to fix injuries for others, or just means to keep up with self-imposed beauty standards. If you’re blessed with naturally beautiful features or are 100% confident in your skin, that’s a good sign but it does not give you or anyone the right to shame those who are using beauty aesthetics for their own standards.
Before listening to other people who only see aesthetics as unnatural and fake beauty, let us share five truths we’ve confirmed during the Merz Beauty Agenda: A Forum on Fillers, which was held at the Grand Hyatt Manila last Tuesday (October 2, 2018). Merz, which has been in the market for 110 years, also brought the popular aesthetic treatment ultherapy to the Philippines. It’s a US FDA-cleared non-invasive procedure that is proven to lift the brows, cheeks, chin, and decollate.
Merz recently shared their view on the truths behind beauty fillers that is gaining popularity in other countries, but are still hesitantly accepted by Filipino families. Driven by the mission to help people live better, feel better, and look better, Merz together with Dr. Wilson Ho, Dr. Gaile Robredo-Vitas, Dr. Gio Dimayuga, and Dr. Gerald Sy, provided an in-depth look on beauty fillers tackling the most common myths that exist today. Here are the truths:
- Natural-looking results are achievable
While there are people getting judged for looking like The Grinch or having an overfilled pillow face, it is still possible to get natural-looking results as long as fillers used are high quality and as long as the attending aesthetic surgeon is accredited.
Dr. Gio Dimayuga, active consultant at the Makati Medical Center and several clinic in Manila, shared that there are aesthetic companies that innovate to achieve as much natural-looking results as possible. Merz has also committed to deliver natural-looking outcomes while putting their patients as the focus of every product. This is evident with the patented technology behind their HA Filler – designed to integrate seamlessly into the skin tissue, and CaHa Filler – which has power lifting and bio-simulated properties for natural collagen production.
2.Only doctors can administer dermal fillers
Going to clinics that aren’t accredited locally can be a huge risk. It’s a common misconception that anyone can do dermal filler treatments because it looks “easy”. The doctors in the forum stressed that such treatments are still considered as a medical procedure.
“It is highly essential that prospective patients only look for experienced doctors who boast of several years in the aesthetics industry for their treatments. This is how we can avoid the horror stories that result from procedures such as the overfilled syndrome,” reminds Dr. Gerald Sy, Vice President of Internal Affairs of the Philippines Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc.
- Not all fillers are safe
“Only certain fillers for certain parts of the face have been approved by the FDA – so any type of filler in the market cannot just be used on your face,” states Dr.Gaile Robredo-Vitas, resident expert at St. Luke’s Medical Center Bonifacio Global City. For safety reasons, the FDA recognition for fillers is an essential factor when deciding to opt for dermal fillers.
- Fillers should be doctor-recommended
Other than FDA approval, doctors’ recommendations are also best to have before getting fillers. There are many fillers in the market – the HA, CaHA, permanent and non-permanent ones. HA filler is considered as the commonly used filler by medical practitioners but only doctors can determine which is best for each patient as it’s a case-to-case basis.
- Getting fillers do not hurt
It may feel a bit numb after the treatment but fillers require minimal to no downtime. This would again depend on the type of treatment you’ll be availing so it’s highly recommended to consult your doctor and to know the procedure before undergoing one.
THE LOCAL AESTHETIC BATTLE
In the Philippines, though there is a growing consumer demand, many still find it a challenge to admit that they have undergone aesthetic treatments (especially when you’re in showbiz). Insecurity is often equated with undergoing aesthetic treatments and the forum served as a platform for filler patients to share their experience and how Merz contributed in battling these issues.
“I have always seen myself as someone beautiful, but there are those days. I never wanted to change how I look but rather, I only wanted to accentuate the beauty that I already have. With Merz and the minimally invasive treatments they offer, I felt more empowered to make the decision of having fillers injected on me,” shared Agoo Bengzon, a beauty editor.
Congratulations on 110 years of beauty to Merz! May you continue to serve as a platform for empowerment and innovations in the Philippines. I personally would consider these treatments in the distant future when I already have the means and the need to turn back aging effects. It’s pretty much like using makeup that alters the way we look but this has longer results.
Would you consider beauty aesthetics, too? Let us know your thoughts by getting in touch with Manila MIllennial on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Follow our pages for instant updates on the latest beauty innovations within the Metro!