Instead of stimulating collagen, just add collagen
A Natural Approach
Instead of using energy devices to try to stimulate the production of collagen, why not just inject collagen back into the skin. This is the basis of using collagen fillers.
Designed to restore facial volume and supporting facial structure, collagen fillers like Deusaderm etc are made with cross-linked allogeneic collagen.
Collagen is one of the main proteins responsible for the skin’s firmness, strength and elasticity. As collagen levels decline with age, the face may gradually lose volume and definition, contributing to hollowness, folds and skin laxity.
Collagen filler treatment can therefore be used as part of a broader facial rejuvenation approach, with the choice of product, injection technique and treatment areas tailored to the individual’s facial anatomy and degree of volume loss.
The under-eye region is one of the earliest areas to show signs of ageing. Thinning skin, loss of collagen and gentle volume depletion can create hollows, shadowing and fine lines that make the face appear tired even when you feel well-rested.
At our aesthetic clinic, we use collagen-based dermal fillers such as Deusaderm to rejuvenate the under-eye safely and naturally, focusing on restoring light reflection and skin quality rather than overfilling.
The skin around the eyes is exceptionally delicate. Traditional hyaluronic acid fillers may sometimes cause puffiness, water retention or a bluish tinge (Tyndall effect) in this thin tissue.
Collagen-based fillers offer an alternative approach — one that strengthens the skin from within and provides gentle structural support without heaviness.
Why collagen fillers are preferred in the under eye area
| Feature | Hyaluronic Acid Fillers | Collagen Fillers |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Restore volume, enhance facial contours and soften lines or folds. | Restore volume and, depending on the formulation, provide collagen-based structural support or encourage collagen remodelling. |
| How They Work | HA gel is injected beneath the skin to provide immediate volume and support. | The mechanism varies by product and may involve collagen-containing material, collagen stimulation or a combination of immediate correction and longer-term tissue response. |
| When Results Appear | Volume correction is generally visible immediately, although swelling can temporarily affect the result. | Some improvement may be visible immediately, while additional changes may develop progressively depending on the product used. |
| Common Uses | Cheeks, chin, lips, temples, facial folds and contour enhancement. | Facial volume loss, structural support and selected areas where collagen restoration is part of the treatment objective. |
| Reversibility | HA fillers can generally be dissolved with hyaluronidase when clinically appropriate. | Collagen fillers and collagen-stimulating products cannot necessarily be dissolved in the same way. |
| Which Is Better? | Neither treatment is inherently better. Product selection should be based on facial anatomy, treatment goals, skin quality and the characteristics of the injectable being considered. | |
Collagen provides much of the structural framework that keeps skin firm and resilient. As we age, collagen production and renewal gradually decline. At the same time, changes occur in facial fat, ligaments and bone, contributing to the visible signs of facial ageing.
Sun exposure can accelerate collagen breakdown, which is one reason photoageing may lead to earlier development of fine lines, wrinkles and reduced skin elasticity. Smoking and other lifestyle factors can also adversely affect skin quality.
For women, hormonal changes around menopause may contribute to further changes in collagen and skin thickness.
The result is not simply “loose skin”. Facial ageing involves several anatomical layers, which is why rejuvenation may require a combination of treatments rather than relying on filler alone.
Collagen fillers may be considered for individuals who have developed age-related facial volume loss, reduced structural support or changes in skin quality and would like a non-surgical approach to facial rejuvenation.
Treatment may be considered for concerns such as hollowing of the temples or cheeks, loss of facial definition, deeper folds and other changes associated with facial ageing.
However, not every concern should be treated by adding volume. Skin laxity, changes in facial proportions and underlying structural ageing may require a different treatment or a combination of approaches.
During consultation, the face should therefore be assessed as a whole. The appropriate injectable, amount and placement depend on facial anatomy, skin quality, previous treatments and the patient’s desired outcome.
Collagen filler treatment may not be appropriate for everyone. Medical history, allergies, medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, active skin conditions and previous injectable treatments should be discussed with the treating doctor before proceeding.
Collagen fillers integrate smoothly with the skin’s matrix, creating subtle lift in hollow regions without altering facial identity. After deusaderm, patients often describe the results as brighter, fresher and more awake, not “filled” or artificial.
Unlike fillers that only replace lost volume, collagen-based injectables also:
This leads to a more youthful texture and firmer feel, complementing the cosmetic effect.
Collagen fillers generally bind less water compared to traditional HA fillers. These properties of HA fillers are good in other areas, but not the undereye area. For the under eye area, we recommend collagen fillers. Especially suitable for patients who previously experienced:
With proper technique, collagen fillers help maintain a smooth, flat under-eye contour.
Results typically look increasingly natural as the product integrates
Facial ageing is more complex than simply losing volume. Changes occur in the skin, facial fat, supporting tissues and underlying bone, so effective rejuvenation begins with understanding which structures are contributing to the patient’s concerns.
Rather than adding volume indiscriminately, treatment can be planned around facial proportions and the areas where structural support has changed. Depending on the individual, this may involve collagen fillers, hyaluronic acid fillers or a combination with skin tightening and other rejuvenation treatments.
The objective is to achieve an appropriate improvement while preserving the patient’s natural facial proportions and expressions.
No. Hyaluronic acid fillers primarily use an HA gel to restore volume and contour. Collagen fillers differ in composition and mechanism, so their behaviour, indications and reversibility may also differ.
This depends on the injectable used. Some fillers provide visible correction immediately, while treatments involving collagen remodelling may continue to develop over the following weeks or months.
Longevity varies according to the product, treatment area, amount used and individual factors such as metabolism and tissue characteristics. Your doctor can provide a more relevant estimate after determining which product is appropriate.
Depending on the product and individual anatomy, treatment may be considered for areas affected by facial volume loss or reduced structural support, such as the cheeks or temples. Not every filler is suitable for every area.
Restoring structural support can improve the appearance of selected ageing changes, but fillers do not remove excess skin. More pronounced skin laxity may be better addressed with skin tightening or surgical treatment.
Patients may experience temporary discomfort during injection. Anaesthetic techniques may be used where appropriate to make treatment more comfortable.
Temporary swelling, redness, tenderness or bruising can occur after injectable treatments. The degree and duration vary between patients, treatment areas and products.
Not necessarily. Many hyaluronic acid fillers can be dissolved using hyaluronidase, whereas other filler materials cannot be reversed in the same way. This makes appropriate product selection and injection technique particularly important.
Yes, where clinically appropriate. Injectable volume restoration may be combined with treatments addressing other aspects of facial ageing, such as skin laxity, texture or pigmentation. The timing and combination should be individually planned.
All injectable procedures carry potential risks. These can include swelling, bruising, infection, nodules, asymmetry and, rarely, serious vascular complications. Treatment should be performed by an appropriately trained medical practitioner who understands facial anatomy and can manage complications.
Our Founder
Dr. David Loh founded David Loh Surgery in 2002, during the early days of Aesthetic Medicine. He obtained his Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from the National University of Singapore and has over 30 years of clinical experience, with more than 20 years dedicated to aesthetics.
Dr Loh is Accredited by MOH to perform liposuction. He is best known as an international trainer for BTX and Dermal Fillers. He has published extensively on injection techniques and the management of serious complications, with one of his papers awarded a Gold Medal by the PRS Global Journal. His contributions to the field include serving as the immediate past President of the Society of Aesthetic Medicine in Singapore.
Call us at +65 6733 9114 for further details.
Contact Information
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Email: info@davidloh.sg
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