All posts in Non-Invasive Treatment

Introducing A New Hair Removal Treatment By Dr David Loh

by Shirleen on October 22, 2011 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

David Loh Surgery, a leading aesthetic brand, offers a quick and painless way to remove unwanted and unsightly hair using the Super Hair Removal (SHR) technology.

Suitable for the face and body, SHR removes unwanted hair permanently and painlessly giving you the confidence to flaunt your body. Smooth fuzz-free skin, without the need to shave and wax, is now within everybody’s reach.

SHR is not quite an Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and it is definitely not a laser. It is built upon the technological breakthrough where broad-spectrum light is used to warm up and destroy the hair follicles. Because it is not an IPL treatment, it can be used on darker skin. Because it is not a laser, the treatment is not painful.

SHR has been safely used in more than 20 countries for the last 5 years. And now, Dr David Loh who is more commonly associated with bringing in cutting edge technology in Aesthetic Medicine introduces the Super Hair Removal (SHR) to his clinics in Singapore.

About Permanent Hair Removal

Hair removal whether it is by laser, IPL or the SHR technology will typically need several sessions. The reason for this lies in the hair’s growth cycle. About one third of all the hairs in the skin are in the growing phase. The other two thirds are either “sleeping” or in between growing and sleeping. Lasers, IPLs or SHR, can zap only hairs in the growing phase. So each time when we do a hair removal treatment, we are only able to zap the one-third of the hairs that are growing.

In theory, once the hair follicle is destroyed, it will never grow again. In real life some of the cells in the skin can regenerate hair follicles that have been destroyed by Laser, IPL or SHR. So, over time, even after the best hair removal treatment, some fine hairs regenerate. But we are talking about months or years later. So some doctors have preferred to call hair removal – hair reduction — in order not to give the patients too unrealistic an expectation. But whether it is reduction or removal, we are talking about the same thing – 80%-90% reduction that may need touch-ups yearly.

David Loh Surgery’s SHR service is available at #11-01 Liat Towers.

Charges? Well an estimation of S$200 per session for both armpits.

Dr David Loh’s New UltraShape Centre For Body Sculpting & Contouring

by Shirleen on June 20, 2011 in Non-Invasive Treatment with 3 Comments

Two Thursdays ago, I was privileged to be invited to a private lunch event with Dr David Loh and to preview the new 3rd Generation UltraShape, a non-invasive body sculpting and contouring, at their new clinic located at #11-01 Liat Towers. This newly opened branch clinic is just a stone’s throw away from their main clinic at #05-16 Wheelock Place.

Three other bloggers, including a male blogger, were also invited to this private luncheon event at Sun Moon Japanese Dining @ Wheelock Place.

This is my first up-close and personal with Dr David Loh and I’m glad to have gotten this opportunity to know him better. It was enlightening and I truly enjoyed this short private event.

After the luncheon session, we then proceeded to the new branch clinic @ Liat Towers for a live demonstration on the new UltraShape.

Dr David Loh opens this new UltraShape Centre especially dedicating to the 3rd Generation UltraShape which is a completely non-invasive alternative for body sculpting and contouring. This new 100sqm branch of David Loh Surgery at Liat Towers is conveniently located in the heart of Orchard Road.

To cater to a segment of his clientele who are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery, Dr David Loh introduces the 3rd generation UltraShape. With clinically proven results and an excellent safety record, UltraShape has been used extensively in many countries since 2005. Its underlying technology utilizes focused ultrasound to break up stubborn fat deposits accurately, effectively, safely and most importantly – non-invasively.

Dr Loh was holding the 3rd Generation UltraShape applicator.

According to Dr Loh, who has years of experience in sculpting beautiful bodies with liposuction techniques, the 3rd Generation UltraShape works particularly well on men’s bellies and is now a very popular alternative to the invasive methods.

The therapist performed UltraShape on the male blogger’s belly. He claimed the treatment is rather comfortable and there is no pain at all.

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Guest Blogger Dr. Irwin – Botox/Filler Injectable Treatments 101

by Shirleen on February 9, 2011 in Guest Blogger - Dr Irwin's Beauty Tips, Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

Do you feel like you looks tired all of the time? Or you don’t look as youthful on the outside as you feel on the inside? I’m sure many of you have heard about using Botox and Fillers to get rid of some of your lines and folds, but would like to learn more.

So here is goes, my fillers and botox 101:

BOTOX

BOTOX is an injectable liquid used to treat frown lines, squint and smile lines, nasal crunch lines, and horizontal forehead wrinkles. It works by relaxing the underlying muscles, and therefore the lines become less deep. Botox can also be used to lift the eyebrows a little and help to fix a smile that shows too much gum on the upper teeth. When injected into a small facial muscle, it doesn’t travel anywhere else in the body, so is considered very safe. It gradually wears off naturally over a 3-6 month period.

The injections themselves only take a few minutes, and use a very small needle (like an acupuncture needle) so there is not really any pain. It may take a few days for the Botox to ‘kick-in’ before you start seeing the results. There is one other form of Botox that is currently FDA-approved in the United States called Dysport.

If you go to an inexperienced injector, you could end up with the ‘frozen look’ we all dread. So don’t go for cheap ‘Botox specials’ as they could be cheap for a reason! And beware of those ‘Botox parties’ held in offices or homes.

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Reshape Your Face Without Going Under The Knife

by Shirleen on December 15, 2009 in beauty blog, Non-Invasive Treatment with 3 Comments

Recently, I’m one of the selected few bloggers to be invited for a Facial Remodeling Workshop conducted by Dr Teo Z’Shen. This workshop demonstrates that we can create a sharper nose, higher cheekbones and slim down the face without going under the knife. This workshop is jointly organised by anti aging website, ReviewAntiAging.com.

During the workshop, Dr Z (often known as) talks about facial remodeling using BOTOX and Fillers, gives some background on BOTOX and Hyaluronic Acid Fillers, the benefits of these procedures without going under the knife and most importantly to do live demos on two patients using BOTOX and Fillers.

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Want Tighten Facial Skin? Try Titan or Thermage. But Which Is Better?

by Shirleen on June 8, 2009 in Non-Invasive Treatment with 2 Comments

Many women in their 30s without fail will start to worry about the loss of elasticity and skin sagging at one time or another. In the quest for ‘perfection’, they will take all means to improve their looks through many non-surgical or even surgical face lifting treatments available to them.

Is skin tightening right for you?

Skin tightening is a very important and popular component of any facial rejuvenation process. Before, a facelift was the only option for tightening facial skin. However new technologies using infrared and radiofrequency energy are showing results as non-surgical skin tightening methods.

Two of these methods, Thermage (which uses radiofrequency energy) and Titan (an infrared device) have been used and results are improving. Reports have shown that they can tighten skin as much as 30% in properly selected patients. However, there have been complications with Thermage consisting of depressions in certain areas of the facial skin, so the doctor’s expertise at and experience with the use of these machines is very important.

As with the other laser and photo techniques above, skin tightening is achieved by stimulating the deeper layers of the skin to remodel and form new collagen, a process that takes time, usually require multiple treatments and often 5 – 6 months to see your final result.

Non-surgical skin tightening is most useful for younger patients who are beginning to have loose skin in the neck, along the jawline, and in the cheek. Older patients with severe facial sagging can be improved, but results will be less impressive.

So before you even rush yourself to Thermage or Titan, why not check out what others have reviewed on these treatments and do a comparison before you decide which is more suitable for you.

Titan v.s. Thermage

RealSelf.com - Titan vs. Thermage, which is better?

Ask Dr. Seckel – Skin Tightening

Medical Spa MD – Titan vs Thermage

Thermage vs. Titan: Which Non-surgical Facelift is Best?

Facelift In 60 Minutes Or Less – A Look At Thermage And Other Facial Treatment

Dr. Rivkin’s Blog – Thermage, Refirme and Titan

How does Thermage compare to Titan?

Cooltouch and Smoothbeam Lasers

by Shirleen on May 16, 2009 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

The beams from the no-injury Cooltouch and Smoothbeam lasers stimulate new collagen under the skin by heating the fibroblasts, which over time thickens the underlying collagen structure – skin is literally being built up from the inside out. The laser energy is absorbed by the water content of the skin. The Cooltouch and Smoothbeam lasers, safe and effective collagen boosters, are used to soften stretch marks, scars, age lines and wrinkles. As these treatments have line-erasing and skin-firming benefits, it helps particularly performing around the eyes and mouth and on crinkled areas.

Tolerable pain is likely to be experienced with these types of laser because the skin is heated quite deeply. This can be overcome by the application of anaesthetic creams before lasers are used. The long-pulsed laser systems have to be cooled very efficiently in order to protect the skin surface from heat blisters, but if the cooling spray itself is not delivered at the correct time, it can lead to cold-induced blisters instead. Some reddening which fades after a few hours and faint markings in the treated areas can remain visible for a day or two afterward, but they can be easily concealed with makeup.

As these treatments are effective in minimizing acne scars. If you consistently go for a series of three to six treatments one month apart. Results are usually visible after three months and may eventually, last forever.

These non-invasive lasers cannot help severe ageing, loose skin, thread veins and red or brown face patches.

Cost : $800 onwards per 30 minutes session

Resurfacing Laser

by Shirleen on February 21, 2009 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

Laser resurfacing involves the removal of layers of sun-damaged or scar-damaged skin, that works by disintegrating the damaged skin to remove wrinkles, discolourations, age spots and crinkling. This controlled injury causes new collagen to form as the skin heals, making a face look smoother and more youthful as a result. Performed correctly, this procedure has several advantages over treatments such as phenol peels or dermabrasion, where is it more difficult to achieve a uniform effect on the whole face.

Laser resurfacing helps to treat deep wrinkles, acne scars and years of sun damage.

The degree of improvement depends on the strength of the laser, the depth they penetrate, and the extent of the damage before treatment. But going all out can have its downsides – the higher the heat of the laser, the greater risks, which might include scarring and hyperpigmentation. This treatment may not be suitable for darker skin tone. It is important to discuss the possible risks with your doctor and to proceed with caution and undercorrect, rather than trying to completely wipe out every last problem and push the odds.

It is essential, therefore, to ensure that this form of treatment is carried out only by someone who has been fully and appropriately trained in its use. Ask to see certificates of training in the use of these lasers, and also to see photographs of previously treated patients. Often, if this treatment is done unprofessionally, it will led to scarring and skin discolouration, which frequently, these conditions are permanent and cannot be concealed with makeup, especially in areas that have been overlapped.

This treatment cannot treat sagging, under-eye bags, forehead lines, nasobabial folds and very deep scars.

While recovery time varies with skin type, your own natural healing abilities, and the depth of the procedure, skin typically remains oozy, swollen, and weepy. It is critical important to avoid sun exposure, which can cause hyperpigmentation and to wear at least SPF 30 when you are outside.

Chemical Peel For A Smoother Skin

by Shirleen on January 31, 2009 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

Chemical peel involves the application to the skin of a chemical that causes a shedding of the surface skin layers. It speed up skin cell turnover when the new skin is formed.

It smoother the texture of facial skin by removing the dead layer of cells on the topmost layer of skin. It used to treat facial blemishes, very fine, superficial lines, hyperpigmentation spots, and smooth uneven or coarse texture. Pores become unclogged, skin is softer, and acne is improved.

Chemical peel comes in different strengths; very superficial, superficial, medium, and deep. The stronger the peel, obviously, the more profound the effect. The precise formula will be customized to each patient’s need.

Very superficial and superficial peels can definitely give your skin a certain glow and radiance. They can also even out hyperpigmentation.

Medium peels are quite effective for those with fine wrinkling and hyperpigmentation.

Deep peels are used for those with severe sun damage, with many cross-hatched lines and skin with a rough, leathery texture. They will stimulate collagen regeneration, with visible results. They can also provide a slight tightening effect.

Bear in mind there is a real risk for deep peels, especially the stronger ones tackling medium and deep layers of skin. If done improperly, the deeper the peel, the more white skin discolouration and red scarring would occur, especially in those with darker skin tones. However, the result is a severe response, with raw, wounded, oozing skin for two to three weeks, and pinkness for several months.

You must look for a experienced dermatologist who knows what he or she is doing, because the burning can be severe and damage can be permanent if a strict protocol is not followed, as technique here is crucial.

Depending on the type of peel, it may take a few hours or days. It is common to experience temporary flaking or scaling, redness and dryness of the skin. However, these will disappear as the skin adjusts to treatment.

Infection and scarring, while uncommon, are possible. You will need to use sunscreen for several months to protect the new skin layer.

Chemical peel cannot replace lost volume, treat deep wrinkles, prominent scars from past acne, severe discolouration and thread veins.

For superficial peel, it is recommended to go for four rounds of monthly treatments for optimal results. As for medium peel, once a year will be sufficient while deep peel will be strongly advised to go only once or twice in your lifetime.

Cost : $100 onwards depending on the treated area and peel strength

The pain factor varies : very superficial and superficial peel might feel a little tingling; deep peel hurts a lot hence sedation is a mandatory.

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Titan Facelift

by Shirleen on January 21, 2009 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

Titan is a non-invasive broad-wavelength-based infrared-emitting device made by Cutera. It emits infrared radiation to systematically cover the treatment area three times over and cools the upper layers of the skin while heating up the dermis to contract the collagen fibers.

Titan stimulates collagen from under the skin, leaving the face more contoured, improve skin elasticity and giving you a visible tightening of lax skin. This will give the best effect on fine wrinkles and sagging, especially on skin tightening. It’s mainly treated for the entire face and neck, and can also show good results for lifting the breasts, saggy abdominal skin, and saggy knee skin.

The radiation goes six to seven times deeper than normal lasers and can contract collagen immediately while continuing to stimulate new collagen synthesis for months. You may not able to see immediate results. For best results, there should be at least three to four treatments, spaced a month apart, and then once or twice every year for maintenance. Results can last up to two years.

No downtime or pain medication is required.

Cost : $1500 – $2500 per session depending on the treated area

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Fraxel

by Shirleen on December 28, 2008 in Non-Invasive Treatment with No comments

Fraxel, the world’s first fractional resurfacing system, is a laser that produces thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment in you skin. This ‘fractional’ treatment penetrates deep into the dermis while leaving the surrounding tissues unaffected and intact. It allows the skin to heal much faster than if the entire area was treated at once, using the body’s natural healing process to produce new collagen and skin cells.

Before Fraxel, there were two types of available laser treatments; ablative laser treatment, which is risky and requires a long healing process, and non-ablative laser treatment, which is gentler, requires numerous treatments over several months and has widely different results. Fraxel treatments strive to offer the effectiveness of ablative lasers with the benefits of the gentler, non-ablative lasers. Hence, it is said to be less wounding to the skin.

Fraxel can improve skin texture and erase acne scars. It also treats pigmentation caused by aging or sun damage, especially melasma – a skin discolouration commonly found on the upper cheeks, nose and forehead.

Healing occurs quicker so there is very little downtime, and there will be redness, swelling and flaking post-treatment. Skin will appear to be bronzed for about three days. For optimal results, you’ll need at least three to five sessions monthly. Most of the results are permanent.

Fraxel does not work on deep lines and sagging.

Cost : $1,250 – $1,600 per session

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