Unless you’re genetically blessed with flawless skin, there’s no doubt that many of us suffer from a multitude of skin concerns that don’t come with instantaneous solutions. Or do they?
Just do a quick Google search of ‘laser treatments in Singapore’ and you’ll see how these facials claim to fix your common skin woes — such as acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, and wrinkles — most often with immediate and effective results.
What is it about laser treatments that make them so effective? Is there any downtime? What are some laser clinics in Singapore? How helpful is laser resurfacing?
If you’re brimming with questions such as these, well, rest assured: Daily Vanity has done the homework for you.
What Are Laser Treatments/Facials?
A laser facial is exactly what it sounds like: a laser treatment that addresses top skincare concerns.
A dermatologist or skincare specialist can recommend you a specific treatment to suit your skincare needs, though there are two primary types to take note of: ablative and non-ablative laser treatments.
Ablative Laser Treatments:
Ablative laser treatments work by vaporising the outer layers of the skin. This causes the skin to heal and restructure, which can bring about positive results such as increased collagen production. This makes them ideal for treating visible signs of ageing, acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation.
Depending on which treatment you go for, the effects can last up to five to seven years with proper aftercare. However, it is also more of an aggressive and invasive procedure as compared to non-ablative lasers, so expect a longer recovery time of at least one to two weeks.
Non-Ablative Laser Treatments:
Non-ablative laser treatments, on the other hand, work by heating up tissues in targeted areas of the face without actually destroying them. Likewise, this stimulates collagen production that helps fill in unwanted skin imperfections.
However, this also means that more often than not, there are no immediate results. Multiple treatment sessions are often required, though there is a reduced recovery time and risk.
What Do I Need To Know Before Going for Laser Treatments?
Suitable candidates for laser treatments depend largely on an individual’s skin condition rather than their age, so you can rest easy knowing that now (or the future!) is a good time as any to go for a laser facial.
Another important point to note? It may have the word ‘facial’ in the title, but the key difference between a normal facial and a laser facial is the definite need for recovery time.
Post-treatment care is a must, though the steps vary depending on what treatment you opt for. An underlying theme between most aftercare procedures for laser facials is to avoid sun exposure.
Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally, and schedule some recovery time (at least a day or two) directly after the procedure. And of course, the most frequently asked question when it comes to laser treatments: will it hurt? Well, there might be some pain involved.
Most reports show that the pain level is equivalent to ‘a rubber band snapping against your skin’, but it really depends on the laser, depth and area of treatment as well.
What Are Some of the Risks and Side Effects Associated With Laser Treatments?
The risk level is significantly higher with ablative laser treatments, of course.
Common side effects for ablative laser treatments include:
- Redness, swelling and itching;
- Acne;
- Infection;
- Changes in skin colour;
- Scarring; and
- Ectropion: this a rare occurrence where the procedure can cause the eyelid to turn out and expose the inner surface.
Common side effects for non-ablative laser treatments are more towards redness, swelling, and infection.
How To Prepare for a Laser Treatment?
Preparation procedures mostly vary based on which clinic and procedure you pick. Have a thorough consultation with your doctor to discuss your expectations, and make sure to inform them about what you’re looking to get out of this procedure.
A reputable clinic will also conduct a physical exam and review your medical history to ensure that you’re a good candidate for laser treatments.
A majority of clinics recommend staying out of the sun a couple of weeks prior to and after the procedure, while some recommend smokers to stop smoking at least two weeks before the treatment.
This is due to the fact that smoking can dry out the skin, thus causing the procedure to be less effective while also prolonging recovery.
Where To Get Laser Treatments in Singapore?
Laser Treatments for Hyperpigmentation and Pigmented Skin Lesions:
MODE Medical Clinic
Get your Beauty in Mode at MODE Medical Clinic. MODE takes beauty to the next level with their revolutionary award winning treatments and 5-star services.
The Q-Switched Toning Laser is an advanced laser treatment that employs RTP (Real Twin Pulse) Technology, offering a comprehensive Skin Laser Toning Treatment for a fairer and smoother complexion. Distinguished by its unique RTP feature, this laser produces two identical waves of energy, a feat not easily achieved with conventional laser toning technologies.
Adding to its excellence, it boasts a uniform pattern that significantly minimise side effects such as hyper- or hypo-pigmentation.
Additionally, the laser doesn’t just deliver on aesthetics, it safely targets and eliminates melanin deep within the dermis without affecting normal cells. Its versatility extends to effectively treating pigmentation, acne, pores, scars, brown spots, and more. Beyond that, the Laser Toning treatment actively stimulates fibroblasts to generate collagen, addressing concerns like open pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
According to MODE, this treatment is relatively comfortable, with minimal discomfort or pain. Most people describe it as feeling gentle energy taps on the skin during the procedure.
Plus, the procedure is carried out by licensed and well-experienced doctors who are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise.
Try two sessions of the Q-Switched Toning Laser at S$99 at MODE Medical Clinic.
Radium Medical Aesthetics
At Radium Medical Aesthetics, they are dedicated to helping every one of their clients to feel good and look the best with the help from their wide range of treatment options.
For individuals dealing with hyperpigmentation or pigmented skin lesions, you can consider trying out their 660 nanometers (nm) Pigment Removal Laser.
The 660nm Pigment Laser is a type of laser that uses red laser pulses to precisely target and remove skin pigmentation like age spots and freckles. This laser operates at a wavelength of 660nm, which is considered safer than the 532nm wavelength for treating skin pigmentation as it does not absorb as much melanin from your skin.
The advantage of using the 660nm wavelength is that it specifically targets melanin in the skin without affecting blood vessels, like oxy- and deoxy-haemoglobin.
This means that the laser treatment does not damage the blood vessels, hence reducing the risk of side effects like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that can occur when skin becomes inflamed post-treatment.
Mizu Aesthetic Clinic
Mizu Aesthetic Clinic aims to inspire confidence by helping you look and feel your best.
A quick scroll through Mizu Aesthetic Clinic’s Instagram page shows that this is the place of choice for several notable influencers such as Christabel Chua, Jessica Tham, Hashy Yusof, and Nicole Chang Min.
Operates at a 1064nm wavelength, the Discovery Pico Laser, with its patented Quanta Pico-Boost Technology, can deliver up to 1.8GW of power, making the Discovery Pico a powerful laser. It is known to tackle and clears pigmentation conditions in several sessions, with there being apparently close to no downtime needed after the procedure.
You can read more about the procedure here.
Joyce Lim Skin & Laser Clinic
With a variety of laser treatments available to address specific skincare concerns, Joyce Lim Skin & Laser Clinic is certainly the place to go.
One of which, is their Picosecond Picoway Laser—delivering laser light energy in one trillionth of a second unlike the conventional nanosecond laser, which delivers light energy in only one billionth of a second.
The ultra-short picosecond pulses effectively, and efficiently disperse pigment particles without overheating surrounding skin. This procedure is able to break down pigments the likes of tattoo ink, skin pigments, age spots, as well as brown birthmarks.
You can read more about the procedure here.
Freia Medical
Led by a team of aesthetic doctors, they are dedicated to bringing out the best in your skin and enhancing your facial appearance. Their skin treatments are designed to help you achieve a more youthful and radiant glow, effectively reducing the visible signs of ageing and providing you with a rejuvenated look.
With a full set of established lasers as well as a skincare range available at Freia Medical, it’s safe to say that the experts are here to help you tackle hyperpigmentation head-on with its range of laser treatments.
While pigmentation can be addressed with lightening creams, it’s important not to view laser treatment as a last resort for tackling pigmentation.
In fact, with early intervention and the selection of the appropriate laser type tailored to one’s skin type, laser treatments can effectively clear pigmentation quickly and prevent further pigment formation.
Laser Treatments for Acne Scarring:
Neu Age Clinic
Proudly carries 19 years of clinical practice experience and 12 years of pharmaceutical industry experience, Dr Ngui has a number of solutions to offer for acne scar treatments.
Acne is a very common skin condition that affects over 90% of teenagers during puberty as well as 20 to 50 % of adults during their adulthood.
While some acne can be treated with topical skin care products, some may require a little more comprehended treatment. One of the acne treatments that Dr Ngui offers at his clinic is the Acne Laser Treatment. It’s a series of laser sessions that effectively reduces acne inflammation and oil gland overactivity.
The Aesthetics Centre
The Aesthetics Centre offers a range of laser treatments, but one of its most popular treatments is its Laser Resurfacing and Acne Removal treatment.
This non-ablative treatment uses heat to stimulate the formation of new collagen which in return will help increase skin’s elasticity and improve your skin tone. It also eliminates superficial damaged skin cells which aids in preventing future breakout, and at this rate of renewal, dark spots will eventually become lighter.
And since superficial damaged skin cells are removed during this treatment, you’ll notice that you will breakout less. Which is what this treatment is all about!
The Clifford Clinic
The Clifford Clinic’s Medical Directors have been practising aesthetic medicine for over 15 years. Backed by decades of combined experience, their team of professionals are fully accredited and trained to conduct aesthetic procedures, including laser treatments.
Their Edge Fractional CO2 Treatment uses the latest Fractional CO2 lasers. The laser treatment works by activating the body’s natural repair system to replenish collagen in the skin. By delivering minimal thermal damage to affected parts of the skin, it prompts the body to send signals to repair and rebuild the skin in these areas.
This treatment causes minimal redness and scabs, with reviews claiming that the skin appears completely healed just three days after the procedure.
Amaris B. Clinic
Amaris B. Clinic offers various solutions for acne, with one of their standout treatments being the Pico Laser in Scar Treatment Mode.
The Pico Laser is a non-invasive laser treatment known for its speed and remarkable precision in addressing skin imperfections such as pigmented lesions, stubborn acne scars, and sunspots.
For those struggling with acne scars, the Pico Laser works by inducing a controlled “thermal injury” in the targeted area of the skin. This deliberate injury then stimulates the body’s natural healing process.
Not to mention, it also promotes and enhances the production of elastin in the skin, resulting in a more radiant and supple complexion.
Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic
Helmed by founder Dr. Kellyn Shiau, who has trained extensively in medical aesthetics, Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic’s Edge Fractional CO2 Laser Treatment has demonstrated clear improving resulting throughout the next three to six months from your first treatment.
This laser treatment works by resurfacing the skin, effectively remodelling existing acne scar tissues while stimulating collagen growth.
While some clinics may not require the use of numbing cream, Lux Medical has chosen to incorporate it into their procedure. The process begins with the application of numbing cream that’s left on for 15 to 30 minutes. However, the actual treatment only takes up about 10 to 15 minutes of your time and you can expect a downtime of two to seven days associated with this procedure.
KINS Clinic
Dedicated solely to treat acne, KINS Clinic employs a Microbiome-focused approach to acne recovery. The clinic’s personalised acne treatments are developed to help you find long-term relief from acne issues.
KINS Clinic Vbeam laser treatment, also known as pulsed-dye laser (PDL) treatment, is a popular choice for addressing acne redness and marks. The Vbeam laser emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the haemoglobin in blood vessels.
When the laser energy is absorbed, it generates heat, which selectively targets and constricts the blood vessels responsible for the redness. By reducing the blood flow to the affected area, Vbeam helps diminish the redness associated with acne and promotes a more even skin tone, all while requiring minimal downtime.
DRx Clinic
With over 24 years in the industry, the DRx Aesthetic Clinic has been pioneering in Singapore’s medical aesthetics scene and committing to providing their customers with the highest level of care and safety.
Treating acne scars has never been easier, especially with the help of DRx’s PICO Acne Scar Laser Treatments. The skin rejuvenation and pigmentation-shattering effects of the picosecond laser treatment works to improve the appearance of severe acne scars. The pigmentation removal procedure is so comfortable that numbing cream is usually unnecessary.
Additionally, the treatment requires minimal downtime, so you don’t have to worry about interrupting your daily activities or the need to move your schedules around.
Each client will experience a professional consultation to determine the ideal PICO Second scar removal treatment plan before proceeding with any treatment procedures.
Laser Treatments for Ageing Skin:
Halley Medical Aesthetics
Driven by a passion for offering safe and effective non-invasive medical aesthetic treatments, Dr. Terence Tan founded Halley Medical Aesthetics in 2013 and subsequently Halley Body Slimming Clinic in 2019.
Under his leadership, both clinics have received multiple prestigious awards and have treated hundreds of patients.
Dr. Terence Tan’s expertise extends beyond clinical practice; he serves as a member of several medical aesthetic and healthcare advisory boards and committees. At Halley Medical Aesthetics, their laser treatment tightens and sculpts your face with this US FDA-approved, non-surgical facelift.
This non-invasive skin tightening treatment uses micro-focused ultrasound energy to trigger collagen production, lifting saggy skin and rejuvenating the face and neck.
MODE Medical Clinic
Get your Beauty in Mode at MODE Medical Clinic. MODE takes beauty to the next level with their revolutionary award winning treatments and 5-star services.
The Q-Switched Toning Laser is an advanced laser treatment that employs RTP (Real Twin Pulse) Technology, offering a comprehensive Skin Laser Toning Treatment for a fairer and smoother complexion. Distinguished by its unique RTP feature, this laser produces two identical waves of energy, a feat not easily achieved with conventional laser toning technologies.
Adding to its excellence, it boasts a uniform pattern that significantly minimise side effects such as hyper- or hypo-pigmentation.
Additionally, the laser doesn’t just deliver on aesthetics, it safely targets and eliminates melanin deep within the dermis without affecting normal cells. Its versatility extends to effectively treating pigmentation, acne, pores, scars, brown spots, and more. Beyond that, the Laser Toning treatment actively stimulates fibroblasts to generate collagen, addressing concerns like open pores, fine lines, and wrinkles.
According to MODE, this treatment is relatively comfortable, with minimal discomfort or pain. Most people describe it as feeling gentle energy taps on the skin during the procedure.
Plus, the procedure is carried out by licensed and well-experienced doctors who are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of care and expertise.
Try two sessions of the Q-Switched Toning Laser at S$99 at MODE Medical Clinic.
Aesthetic Studio
Laser treatments are highly versatile and can effectively address a wide range of skin conditions, promoting flawless skin health and combating signs of ageing. These treatments can help you look years younger than your actual age.
Some of the conditions and concerns that laser treatments can target include fine lines and wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation, skin tightening, and more.
At Aesthetic Studio, you can conveniently undergo these treatments during your lunch break as their procedures typically take only about 5 to 10 minutes. Moreover, they require only topical surface anaesthesia, ensuring a quick and comfortable experience.
To address wrinkles, fine lines, and the effects of ageing skin, Aesthetic Studio offers the Intense Pulsed Light PhotoFacial™ (BBL), which consists of a series of gentle full-face pulsed light treatments designed for skin rejuvenation.
This innovative treatment effectively improves the appearance of sun-damaged and ageing skin by reducing redness and flushing on the face and neck, targeting broken capillaries, enhancing fine wrinkles, and shrinking enlarged pores. PhotoFacial™ BBL treatments are known to result in more youthful-looking skin.
This treatment is particularly suitable for busy individuals as it is quick and requires no downtime, making it a perfect on-the-go solution for achieving radiant skin.
ENSOUL Medical Clinic
Another trusted medical and aesthetic clinic for laser treatments targeting ageing skin is Ensoul Medical Clinic.
Nestled in the heart of Orchard Road, Singapore, Ensoul Medical Clinic boasts over 30 years of medical expertise in providing exceptional care to patients. Their founder and Medical Director, Dr. Kenneth Thean, has instilled his vision for excellence into the very fabric of the clinic’s ethos.
More than 90% of their treatments are dedicated to addressing complex skin problems such as pigmentation, acne, acne scars, and skin laxity. The experienced doctors at Ensoul Medical Clinic bring a wealth of medical knowledge to every consultation.
With over 50 medical-grade treatment modalities at your disposal, they can create customised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Their Diamond anti-aging treatment effectively diminishes fine lines and wrinkles through the utilisation of Multi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF) and Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF), which work together to generate uniform heat beneath the skin’s surface.
This process effectively stimulates the natural production of collagen and elastin fibres. With a unique electrode placement, the applicator can target smaller and more challenging-to-reach areas of the body.