COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY

Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are clinic-based procedures where a chemical solution is used to exfoliate the dead cells on the outer layer of the skin, removing superficial pigmentation and other skin blemishes in the process, leaving the skin clearer, softer, and smoother. Specialized booster peels are also available for the treatment of acne and acne scars, as well as for treatment of stubborn pigmentation. Most of our peels have no downtime, except for the TCA peels for scars, which can cause redness and flaking for a few days. As with all laser and chemical-based procedures, it is important to follow up with sun protection.

Cosmelan Peel
Cosmelan peel is a specialized chemical peel that is administered by the dermatologist. It works by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase which causes hyperpigmentation, so it effectively treats melasma, brown spots and blotchy skin. The first day the patient will have a “sunburn” look, followed by flaking and peeling for about 1-2 weeks. The Cosmelan 2 home maintenance cream is to be used for the next month for continued treatment, leaving the skin looking clearer and rejuvenated. It is compatible for most skin types with very little side effects.

eLight/eLaser
These are the next generation of non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatments that simultaneously combines IPL, Diode Laser and RF energy to improve the colour, tone and texture of the skin in a manner that is virtually painless and more effective than previous techniques. This procedure results in instant rejuvenation of the face, neck, hands, decolletage because it plumps, smoothes and clarifies. By stimulating collagen production, it improves the appearance of wrinkles, scars and pores, and it also safely treats pigmentation, spider veins and rosacea. There is no downtime associated with this procedure. The recommended number of sessions is 6 times at monthly intervals.

Fillers
Fillers are the newest and fastest way to achieve a more youthful, rested, healthy appearance. They are versatile, and they help to restore lost collagen for areas such as nasolabial folds (folds next to the nose), nasojugal grooves (groove lines under the eye), marionette lines (lines running from the corner of mouth to the chin), and malar groove (groove under the cheeks). Fillers can also be used for volume augmentation of the chin and cheek, as well as to enhance the shape of the lips and nose. Newer methods of injection can also affect a facelift (Hydrolifting), and tightening of the jowls, which are popular with patients who want to see an immediate lifting result without surgery.

All fillers used here are Singapore HSA and US FDA approved. Our dermatologist will pick the appropriate one depending on the needs of the patient. Fillers not only increase volume, they also stimulate the growth of new structural components, helping your own skin further enhance its youthful appearance.
Prep time may include use of a topical anesthetic cream to numb the face. Results are immediate though there can be a slight risk of bruising for a few days.

HydraFacial
HydraFacial is the only hydradermabrasion procedure that combines cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration and antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime. The luxurious medical treatment is soothing, moisturizing, non-invasive and non-irritating, so it is suitable even for sensitive skin types. The HydraFacial treatment improves the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, congested and enlarged pores, oily or acne-prone skin, hyperpigmentation and brown spots. This is also gentle enough to be used on the lips, to slough off dead skin cells, and smoothen the lip contour.

Laser Hair Removal
In our clinic, we have 3 types of hair removal machines - DSL (laser), DS (IPL) and PPX (IPL). They emit IPL, laser and/or radio-frequency energies to damage the hair follicle, which disable the follicle from growing hair. Gradually over several treatments, there will be a permanent reduction in the amount of hair in that area. Most people achieve satisfactory clearance after 6-8 treatments, but individual results vary depending on medical and genetic factors. Lighter colored hair may require more treatments than darker colored hair. Patients are advised that laser hair removal is a medical procedure which requires knowledge, skills and experience to perform, hence it is strongly recommended to go to a certified medical facility rather than a spa, as not everyone is a suitable candidate for this procedure.

LVA Vascular Laser
The LVA Applicator combines safe and effective levels of laser and radio-frequency energies to remove facial spider veins, unsightly leg veins and other unwanted vascular lesions. Spider veins and small blue-green vessels on legs will gradually fade and can be treated until patient satisfaction has been reached. Treatment sessions are typically 4-6 weeks apart. LVA is the clear choice for patients who do not like needles or who have had adverse reaction to solutions that are injected into the vein during Sclerotherapy.

Matrix IR
A painless and non-surgical procedure that uses fractional diode laser (915 nm) combined with Bi-polar radio-frequency to heat the connective tissue within the targeted treatment area. This stimulates the production of collagen that produces a filling and plumping effect, resolving the conditions and leaving the skin texture smoother and more elastic with no downtime.

Matrix RF
Matrix RF is the world's first radio-frequency (RF) only, non-laser and non-light-based aesthetic procedure that is FDA-cleared to treat a range of skin conditions and skin types safely. This Fractional Sublative Rejuvenation is different than traditional resurfacing as the latter removes the complete skin surface resulting in longer recovery time, while the fractional technology reaches deeper into the skin, and covers the skin area in patterns of dots which brings about faster healing. Matrix RF is customized to various skin types, with varying intensity depending on what the problem is and how much downtime patient can afford. In the milder setting, it can be used for enlarged pores, fine lines, and improving skin texture. This can be done once every 2-3 wks for 3 times to achieve a smoother and finer complexion. The down time is about 1-2 days of looking "tanned", after which there will be slight flaking off of the skin. For patients with acne scars, the machine can be set at a higher intensity, which causes slightly more redness and 1-2 days more downtime. The indications for this treatment are stubborn pores, deep acne scars and uneven skin texture.

Medlight Q-switched Nd-Yag Laser
This laser is most commonly used for removing brown age spots, "liver spots", freckles and other brown birthmarks. Most common pigmented lesions are removed within one or two treatments. Some deeper lesions will require more treatments. It can also be used for removing tattoos.

Microdermabrasion (MDA)
MDA removes blackheads and whiteheads effectively by gently exfoliating the superficial layer of the skin. This procedure enables the dead cells to be abraded and then whisked away by vacuum suction. New skin growth is subsequently stimulated, leaving your skin smoother, brighter, firmer and with a course of treatments, blemish free. It is used primarily for people with comedonal and papular acne, as well as an adjunct to people undergoing skin rejuvenating procedures.

Refirm Skin Tightening
Approved by FDA in March 2006, this technology uses a revolutionary combination of electro-optical synergy (ELOS) and infrared energies to create skin tightening and lifting effect in a virtually painless and rapid way. It can be used for the face, neck and abdomen, and this procedure should be done 6 times at 2 to 3 week intervals for maximal benefit.

Sciton MicroLaserPeel
The most advanced in laser resurfacing. It is an intra-epidermal erbium laser that precisely ablates the outermost layers of the skin. It is ideal for patients seeking more visible and longer lasting results than microdermabrasion or chemical peels. It is used for smoothening scars, ablating fine lines, tightening pores, removing superficial blemishes and overall facial rejuvenation as it gently "peels" away the problematic skin and promotes healthy and more vibrant skin growth. The face will look very red for the first 2 days, and start peeling off by the 3rd day. It is also known as the "weekend" peel as healing time takes about two to three days. Sometimes it can be used in conjunction with other lasers for optimal treatment of acne scars.

Tattoo Removal
Tattoos are removed by directing laser energy at the tattooed area in very short pulses, passing through the outer layer of the skin and directly targeting the tattoo ink. The laser selectively destroys the tattoo ink. Over the next few weeks, the body's scavenger cells remove pigment residues, resulting in lightening of the tattoo.

The Medlight Q-switched Nd-Yag laser is an established and safe system and considered one of the most effective ways to remove tattoos. Removal of tattoos may require 2 to 4 treatments upwards. All treatments are spaced about 6 weeks apart. The number of treatments needed depends on the amount and density of the ink, the type and the depth of the ink in the skin, the location of the tattoo, and the patient's individual skin type. After each treatment, the tattoo should become progressively lighter.

The 20-minute Facelift (Hydrolift)
Over the years, the face begins to lose collagen and elastin which contribute to sagging facial features. The loss of facial volume and elasticity also lead to the formation of wrinkles, creases and folds. This 20-minute facelift refers to one quick visit to the dermatologist, for two highly effective anti-aging procedures: Fillers and Wrinkle- reduction injections. This combination treatment works by smoothing the skin and restoring the volume lost, lifting up the sagging contours and affecting a "mini-facelift". The results are much more natural looking than is possible with plastic surgery alone. This 20-minute facelift has low risk factor and requires no downtime, except for the possibility of bruising. The results are not permanent, so yearly touch-ups may be necessary.

Thermage for Face/Body/Eye/Hand
The Thermage's ThermaCool System is the only FDA approved non-invasive treatment proven to tighten loose or saggy skin, producing a "lift" without an incision. The Thermage process utilizes radio-frequency energy to activate deeper skin tissue and jumpstart collagen production. This procedure is referred to as a mini-facelift because it is similar to a facelift without surgery. It can be performed on the upper face (for droopy brows and crows feet), the lower face (for deep nasolabial grooves, jawline, and jowls), as well as for tightening lax skin on the neck. Only one treatment is needed, but you can see continual improvement over 6 months. The results can usually last about 3 years.

Thermage is now available for other areas:

Eye by Thermage – the only non-surgical method to treat droopy upper eyelid skin and hooding

Body by Thermage – with the latest Giant CPT tip, it is effective for toning flabby and loose skin around the abdomen, especially in postpartum women. It can also be used for flabby upper arms.

Hand by Thermage – helps to plump up the fine wrinkly skin on the back of the hand

Vitamin C Iontopheresis
It is a treatment whereby high potency Vitamin C is applied to the skin using electrical charges to enhance delivery into the skin cells. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant which helps to repair and regenerate the skin, at the same time lightening pigmentation, dark eye circles and acne blemishes. After the treatment, a hyaluronate mask is applied to skin, enhancing the radiance and glow.

Wrinkle-Reduction Injection
This is a U.S. FDA and Singapore HSA approved treatment for fine lines and wrinkles, and is extremely effective at easing the over-contracted muscles that cause the skin surface to look old and stressed. This injection is widely used in facial enhancement, such as for:

• elimination of frown lines and forehead wrinkles

• unfolding crow's feet (smile lines around the eyes)

• lines ( lines from corners of mouth to chin)

• bunny lines (nasal scrunch)

• excessive sweating (palm, armpit etc)

• facial contouring (square jaw)

• chemical brow lift

• hypertrophic orbicularis (prominent lower eyelid)

• perioral lines

Placed strategically by a skilled dermatologist, this neurotoxin can also gently lift the lower third of the face, the usual target of a surgical facelift. This treatment involves several small injections, which temporarily weakens the treated muscles so that the skin relaxes, and wrinkles and lines become less noticeable. Results can be seen in 5-10 days and last up to 4-6 months. When injected by a cosmetic dermatologist, it is an extremely safe and effective procedure. A dermatologist has years of training in the complex systems of facial muscles and nerves, and can impart a rejuvenated though natural look. This is a part of new the 20 minute facelift procedure.