Category: BLOG

A blog post by Dr. Gabriel Wong

What is Cysteamine?

Cysteamine is the simplest natural aminothiol produced in human cells, a metabolite of amino acid L-cysteine. Cysteamine promotes the transport of L-cysteine into human cells, which can be further used to synthesize Glutathione, one of the most powerful antioxidants. Cysteamine inhibits melanin synthesis in skin cells, therefore reducing pigmentation.

Is Cysteamine really that new?

Oral Cysteamine has already been approved by US FDA for human use for cystinosis, a rare genetic disorder. Cysteamine has been shown by researchers in laboratory studies to have significant de-pigmenting activity, but it has never been formulated into a cream due to its very unpleasant sulphur odour. New technology has enabled a stabilized form of cysteamine cream with significantly reduced odour.

Which pigmentary disorders has it been shown to be effective?

Cysteamine cream has been shown to be effective for:

• Melasma, especially epidermal melasma
• Lentigines (sun spots)
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Lighten skin colour overall

How does it compare with other depigmenting creams?

Clinical studies have shown Cysteamine Cream to be superior to traditional depigmenting creams such as Hydroquinone in treating melasma. It is also safer and gentler on human skin due to the fact that it is naturally occurring in human skin cells, and does not have carcinogenic (cancer-causing) potential in long-term use.

How should Cysteamine be used?

Cysteamine Cream can be applied any time of the year regardless of sun exposure and is suitable for all skin tones. The cream is applied to the desired areas with pigmentation once daily and is washed off after 15 minutes using a mild soap and water. After drying the skin, a moisturizer is applied.

Some other tips on applying Cysteamine

• Cysteamine Cream should be applied once a day on rested, calm skin (evening or morning before a shower) to reduce skin irritation
• Exposure time can be gradually increased after 6 weeks if there are no signs of skin irritation such as redness or dryness
• Sunscreen should still be continued daily
• To maintain its effects, cysteamine cream should be continued at least twice a week indefinitely

How soon should I expect to see results?

A reduction in pigmentation is seen after 6 weeks. Optimal results are seen after 8 – 12 weeks.

Are there any side effects?

As Cysteamine is naturally occurring in human cells, it is a very safe medication. It may cause temporary burning sensation or redness that goes away within 30 minutes. More persistent skin irritation should be treated with moisturizers. To date, no serious adverse side effects has been reported with Cysteamine use.

                  Cysteamine Cream should not be used in those with a personal or family history of Vitiligo, a depigmenting skin disorder. It should also not be used in pregnant or breastfeeding women, as no study has been performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Sources:

• Kasraee B. “Deodorized cysteamine* as a depigmenting agent for the treatment of melasma.”Pigment Cell Melanoma Research. 2017;30:e27–e137
• Farshi S. et al. “Efficacy of Cysteamine Cream in the treatment of melasma.”Journal of Dermatological Treatment July 2017
• Mansouri P. et al. “Evaluation of the efficacy of cysteamine 5% cream in the treatment of epidermal melasma: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial.”British Journal of Dermatology (2015) 173, pp 209-217
• Hsu C. et al. “Cysteamine cream as a new skin depigmenting product.”Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2013) 68:4-1 AB189

Having graduated from a leading medical school in the Asia-Pacific region – the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine – Dr Gabriel Wong worked in several hospitals in Singapore where he honed his medical acumen.

Fate was at work when he met Dr Kelvin Chua, which sparked his interest in aesthetic medicine.

Growing from strength to strength under the tutelage of Dr Chua, Gabriel developed an eye for detail and beauty – perfectly in tune with aesthetic medicine, a confluence of art and science.

Despite his young age, Gabriel has garnered a loyal following due to his unique gift, which he applies in a range of non-invasive procedures such as Botox treatments, soft tissue augmentation (Dermal Fillers with the latest virtually painless Cannula Method), skin rejuvenation with lasers, and effective acne and acne scar treatments (Fractional CO2 Laser, subcision).

In his free time, Gabriel loves to travel the in search of that perfect snapshot. His works of art have won praises by many patients.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg.
To contact Dr Gabriel Wong, write to gabriel@slclinic.com.sg.

A blog post by Dr. Gabriel Wong

Melasma patch on the forehead.
Credits: American Medical Aesthetics

Do you suffer from patchy pigmentation on your cheeks or forehead? Have you tried many whitening products, lasers and even chemical peels without significant improvement? If you do, you may benefit from a new treatment which has been shown to help with your pigmentation problem.

Melasma is a fairly common skin condition affecting mostly ladies in their 30s and 40s. It is also prevalent amongst pregnant women. Melasma appear as patchy brown pigmentation on the cheeks, forehead and nose bridge. These patches of brown pigmentation adds a “dirty” look to an otherwise well-kept complexion and can affect the self-esteem of its sufferers.

What’s more, over-the-counter whitening products used to lighten pigmentation show limited results on Melasma, and even topical medications and medical laser treatments can sometimes produce marginal improvements. Melasma is also challenging to treat as it tends to recur with time and sun exposure.

Fortunately, researchers at Singapore’s National Skin Centre found that the oral medical Tranxenamic Acid, commonly used in treating heavy menstrual periods, show significant lightening of Melasma in over 90 per cent of patients it studied. Side effects are minimal with the medication it is generally suitable for those in good health. Contraindications include those with a personal/family history of blood disorders, pregnant women, and ladies on oral contraceptive pills.

Do you suffer from patchy pigmentation and want to know if you’ll benefit from this treatment? Speak to any of our doctors at SL Aesthetic Clinic and we’ll be happy to give you professional advice on the best treatments available.

Source:  Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2016 Aug;75(2):385-392

Having graduated from a leading medical school in the Asia-Pacific region – the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine – Dr Gabriel Wong worked in several hospitals in Singapore where he honed his medical acumen.

Fate was at work when he met Dr Kelvin Chua, which sparked his interest in aesthetic medicine.

Growing from strength to strength under the tutelage of Dr Chua, Gabriel developed an eye for detail and beauty – perfectly in tune with aesthetic medicine, a confluence of art and science.

Despite his young age, Gabriel has garnered a loyal following due to his unique gift, which he applies in a range of non-invasive procedures such as Botox treatments, soft tissue augmentation (Dermal Fillers with the latest virtually painless Cannula Method), skin rejuvenation with lasers, and effective acne and acne scar treatments (Fractional CO2 Laser, subcision).

In his free time, Gabriel loves to travel the in search of that perfect snapshot. His works of art have won praises by many patients.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg.
To contact Dr Gabriel Wong, write to gabriel@slclinic.com.sg.

A blog post by Dr. Mark Lim

From facials, skincare products, to medical aesthetic procedures bearing the Skin Booster name, it’s a wild wild world of skin hydration treatments. Many of such mimic the original Restylane Skinboosters™ treatment, at varying levels of success.

Here, I give you a low-down on three medical aesthetic Skin Booster treatments, the latest being Juvederm’s Volite.

But first. What exactly is a Skin Booster?

Not to be confused with the cosmetic product, medical grade skin boosters are meant to be injected rather than applied. Skin Boosters contain a sugar molecule called hyaluronic acid, or H.A. in short.

H.A. is a naturally occurring molecule in our skin, and one of its functions is to bind water to keep our skin hydrated. However, with the ageing process, the quality of the H.A. in our skin deteriorates. Over time, skin loses its glow and suppleness, and develops fine lines.

Skin Boosters are designed to be injected intradermally either via manual injections or assisted by an injector device. Once in place, it soaks up water like a sponge, and continues to hold it in place.

There are 3 Skin Booster treatments available at the point of writing. Here’s a short summary:

As individual needs, expectations, and concerns vary, there’s no one-size fits all Skin Booster treatment. Speak to your preferred healthcare professional for an individualised assessment to pick the best product for your needs!

P.S. another similar product called Rejuran Healer from South Korea has been making waves in the Skin Booster sphere. But that’s a story for another time!

He may be young, but Dr Mark Lim is definitely not a greenhorn.

As a local graduate of the National University of Singapore, Mark is also a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh and is also on the Singapore Registry of Family Physicians.

But his need to push himself further saw Mark develop an interest in aesthetic medicine. And it was a fateful encounter with Dr Gabriel Wong that paved the way that grew a mere interest to into a passion to practice aesthetic medicine at SL Aesthetic Clinic.

With vigorous training under Dr Kelvin Chua while maintaining a job as a family physician, Mark honed his skills (and his needles) and proved himself an adept in injectable treatments such as Fillers and Thread Lift, as well as non-invasive facial contouring techniques and treatments such as HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound).

Further distinguishing Mark from his peers is his innate eye for aesthetics. This is evident in his taste in tailored clothes and suits, which underlines his ability to determine the best proportions for his patients.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg.
To contact Dr Mark Lim, write to mark@slclinic.com.sg.

A blog post by Dr. Charlene Goh

The Facial Ageing Process

How does one lift a droopy face? A common question I get in my practice, we first have to how our face ages.

The ageing process is not a straightforward one. Ageing takes place in the slow degeneration of multiple layers of our face:
1. Your facial bones shrink and lose volume
2. Facial muscles and ligaments that hold fat compartment in place become lax; these fat compartments shift downwards with gravity
3. Your outer skin becomes thinner and wrinkly.

Therefore, in order to reverse ageing with the aim of creating a more youthful look, there is no one-fits-all treatment. More often, we need a combination of treatments for best results. Additionally, what works for one may not work for another. My role as an aesthetic doctor is to examine your face to determine which combination of treatments works best for you.

As we age, our face shape changes from an inverse triangle to an upright triangle due facial bone shrinkage, muscle and ligament laxity, fat migration and thinning of skin.

Here are 5 treatments that can help improve an ageing and sagging appearance.

1. Fillers: As you age, your bone structures change and lose volume. Imagine a table with a fitted tablecloth. This represents your face in your youth. Now picture the table frame (i.e. your facial bone structure) shrinking, while the tablecloth (i.e. your skin) stays the same. Sagging will definitely occur!

With filler injections, these empty spaces are filled to keep the skin taut. Fillers can also be introduced at parts of the face that are sunken such as the tear trough or nasolabial fold. Placing fillers in the right place can help to lift and restore volume, giving you a more youthful look.

There are many different brands and types of fillers on the market with varying longevity and usage. It is important for you to find an experienced doctor to decide which one is suitable for you.

2. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): HIFU delivers focused ultrasound energy into the deeper planes of the face, namely the deep skin (dermis), superficial fat and muscle layer (SMAS layer – Superficial Muscular Aponeurotic System). The SMAS layer is the same site that is tightened in a surgical face lift. By stimulating focal contraction points (as shown in the image below), there is immediate collagen contraction, resulting in SMAS tightness. Delayed wound healing in the next 3-6 months will stimulate new collagen production for even greater results.

The advantage of HIFU when compared to conventional surgical facelift is that the deep structures of the face can be targeted without surgery, and herein without the associated downtime. HIFU is the ideal treatment for needle-phobic patients who want a firmer and more lifted face!

2. Thread Lift: The loss of bone support, shift and fat compartments, ligament laxity are parts and parcel of the ageing process. Thread Lifting involves placing dissolvable surgical threads underneath the skin. These sterile threads are lined with cones/barbs, and introduced into your fat compartments to lift and reposition the sagging fat pads. This effectively reverses the signs of ageing. Immediate lifting is seen. Even greater results can be noticed after a few months as your skin’s production of collagen and fibrosis is stimulated by the threads. This keeps the skin firm and prevents the downward shift of your fats pads.

4. BOTOX (i.e. Botulinum Toxin): Oftentimes, BOTOX injections are thought of as an anti-wrinkle, muscle-relaxing treatments. However, when placed at the right places and in the right dosages, BOTOX can also produce lifting results. Depressor muscles responsible for your frowns can result in the gradual lowering of your brows and the drooping of your eyes. BOTOX injections targeting these muscles can result in what we call a “chemical eye lift”, giving you a fresher, more well-rested look.

Another popular use of Botulinum Toxin is by introducing a diluted concentration into the skin layer. This is called DermaLift. This stimulates the fibroblast cells in the skin cells; tightening the collagen fibres. This gives rise to a more lifted appearance in the skin.

5. Resurfacing Lasers: Now that you’ve done everything to lift your facial structures from within, you’ll need a taut, overlaying canvas (i.e. skin). This is when resurfacing lasers come into use. Contrary to popular belief, lasers do not thin your skin! Resurfacing lasers that are commonly in use are fractionated. This means that only a certain fraction of the skin will be acted upon by the lasers. This stimulates the remaining skin to produce more collagen, thereby strengthening your skin’s dermis layer. When performed at an appropriate frequency and power, your skin will be feel taut and smooth after a couple of treatments.

Moreover, the common worry of long downtime is a thing of the past. I personally recommend the extremely gentle Clear + Brilliant Laser, which offers minimal downtime (i.e. 2 hours to a day or two) with great results.

With a plethora of anti-ageing treatments available on the market, which is suitable for you then? As your skin age in your own way and time, consult a trustworthy aesthetic professional who will be able to make recommendations suited to you.

Having obtained her medical degree in Scotland, Dr Charlene Goh returned home to Singapore, where she practiced in several major hospitals and in various departments. But her education did not stop there.

From a young age, Charlene has had a strong interest in skin care and beauty trends. Urged by Dr Kelvin Chua to pursue her passion, Charlene went away to study Practical Dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales.

Not one to rest on her laurels, she returned home and picked up certifications from various aesthetic organisations.

Now armed with the proper certifications and experience, Charlene is adept at a wide range of minimally invasive aesthetic procedures such as laser treatments, dermal fillers, botulinum toxin injections, etc.

A firm believer in presenting one’s best self, Charlene hopes to help others achieve greater confidence through a holistic approach; a wholesome combination of a healthy lifestyle and diet, complemented by clinically proven aesthetic treatments.

Charlene is a self-confessed beauty junkie and fashionista, and will happily discuss the latest trends with friends and patients.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg
To contact Dr Charlene Goh, write to charlene@slclinic.com.sg

A blog post by Dr Sue Ho

Double Whammy – A Pregnant Aesthetic Doctor

Looking a little worried, but glad to have a very supportive husband.

“Why am I suddenly getting these spots on my face, Sue?” a friend asked some time back as she straddled her swollen belly, all bleary eyed and dishevelled. She’s hardly alone in her predicament. Countless mothers around the world suffer from the same, or far worse fate during and even after pregnancy.

I looked at her empathetically; an expression that, on hindsight, probably betrayed a little of my own fear. My husband and I were trying for a kid then. Fast-forward a year later, I was in the same predicament.

Moreover, the responsibility of helping patients take care of their skin problems certainly didn’t help; if I espouse the virtues of good skin care, shouldn’t I practice what I preach and LOOK the part? A double whammy situation indeed.

Thankfully, armed with the knowledge I acquired through years of medical studies, I handled things well and recently manoeuvred my way out of the sticky situation unscathed. More or less.

Now that I’ve experienced and overcome it myself, it’s time to share and spare other soon-to-be mothers from the dreaded “Mask of Pregnancy” – acne breakouts and the appearance of brown spots on the face and neck.

The Boon & Bane of Pregnancy

You may have heard of the term, the Pregnancy Glow. Not every person with child has it – an enviably shiny, dewy, and bright complexion. And if you do sport The Glow, count yourself lucky. The rest of us will have to bear with the unwanted effects of pregnancy on our skin, A.K.A., the Mask of Pregnancy.

A host of physiological changes take place during and after pregnancy – nausea, fatigue, and the swelling of the feet are but a few that come to mind. More importantly, the main reason for changes to your skin can largely be attributed to hormonal surges in the body.

DURING PREGNANCY

When Your Glow Blows – Pregnancy Acne Woes

As the adage goes, too much of a good thing is a bad thing.

In the case of the Pregnancy Glow, a shiny and oily complexion can fast turn into a smorgasbord for acne-causing bacteria.

The increase activity in the skin’s oil glands, which gives you that shiny skin, typically goes into hyperdrive during the first and second trimesters. A buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and dirt clogs up pores, providing a conducive environment for p-acne bacteria to take hold and multiply. The root of your pregnancy acne troubles? A spike in your body’s androgen hormones.

This means that appropriate oil control measures need to be taken to minimise acne formation. A facial cleanser such as a tea tree cleanser helps regulate sebum production and fight acne formation. Do note, however, to avoid the consumption of any edible tea tree products. Just stick to topicals, please.

You should also stay clear from any products containing salicylic acid as it can be unsafe for use while pregnant. Medications for acne, whether topical or oral should also be avoided. This is because many of these common medications (tretinoin and isotretinoin) are derived from vitamin A, which is unsafe in large concentrations during pregnancy.

Pregnancy-Induced Eczema

During pregnancy, approximately a quarter of expecting women with pre-existing eczema see an improvement in their condition. For the rest of the third, those with a history of eczema or whose family members suffer from the sensitive skin condition may see a sudden flare up during pregnancy. Again, hormonal imbalances are to blame.

Symptoms appear as red itchy patches on the body. At times, these can worsen, with pus crusting over the areas. And while there is currently no clinically proven treatment to completely eliminate eczema, its symptoms can be managed with proper care.

These include moisturising often, avoiding hot showers, wearing loose-fitting clothes, staying out of prolonged exposure to the sun, drinking plenty of water, sleeping sufficiently and regularly, and moderating alcohol intake (though I doubt you should even imbibe at all when with child).

In more severe eczema flare-ups, topical steroids can be applied for relief, though it can only be used at the advise of your doctor.

Stretch Marks – Still A Long Stretch From Being Solved

With the inevitable weight gain during pregnancy, stretch marks can start creeping up. These unsightly, reddish-purple marks turn whitish over time and are most visible on the upper arms, thighs, and the abdominal area.

This is caused by poor skin elasticity, where the elastic fibres in the deeper part of the dermis are disrupted from the rapid skin stretching. I call these stretch marks, Pregnancy Battle Scars. Why?

Because stretch marks occur in the deeper parts of the skin, even very aggressive resurfacing lasers show limited results. Currently, the only way to truly remove stretch marks is with surgery. Topical medications containing retinoids or vitamin A derivatives combined with creams containing at least 10% AHA (lactic or glycolic acid) may be used post-breast feeding to lighten the redness in stretch marks.

“So will I get stretch marks?”, you ask. By and large, the chances of stretch marks showing up depend on your genetics. Lucky individuals with genetically stronger collagen and elastin fibres easily dodge the bullet.

The not-so-lucky amongst us will have to take every step to prevent stretch marks from taking hold. Some preventive care include weight control during pregnancy, and good hydration and nutrition as part of a healthy lifestyle. I really don’t have to say it, but this should be practiced way before in your planning stages.

DURING & AFTER PREGNANCY

Wrinkle Me Not

Another major hormone out of whack during and postpartum is the Human Growth Hormone (HGH). Responsible for new cell turnover, the reduction of HGH levels means wrinkles form easier.

The most popular anti-wrinkle solution, AKA Botulinum Toxin injections, can only be done after pregnancy and breastfeeding. One safer treatment that can help lighten fine lines is with Laser, which can be done after delivery and during breastfeeding.

Melasma – A Stubborn Pigmentation You’ll Not Want

Approximately 50% of pregnant women develop melasma; an unnerving statistic, for sure.

With pregnancy-induced hormonal fluctuations, your skin becomes hypersensitive, especially to the sun’s unforgiving rays. Elevated levels of estrogen and progesterone means your melanocytes, the melanin-producing cells in your skin, go into hyperdrive. During this time, it’ll be a lot easier for dark spots to appear on your skin.

The best way to prevent this is to avoid sun exposure whenever (and wherever) possible. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet rays stimulate your melanocytes, which can result in the dreadful hyperpigmentation condition, Melasma.

Realistically speaking however, to completely avoid the sun is impossible. To mitigate this, be diligent with applying sunscreen. This means applying at least 15 minutes before leaving home, and reapplying after every two to three hours when you’re out and about.

But what if you notice that hyperpigmentation such as melasma, has already invaded your skin? I’m afraid you’ll have to wait it out until your hormonal levels stabilise before getting any treatment.

If you’re in a hurry though, breastfeeding mothers can try Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatments at a low power. Always consult your OB on this.

After breastfeeding, there are a few treatment options you can consider, such as the Cosmelan System, or having Laser treatments that target hyperpigmentation.

The topical Triluma cream can be used at the same time to boost lightening of hyperpigmentation. It is a prescription-grade triple-action steroid cream containing the whitening agent hydroquinone; a potent ingredient that decreases the formation of melanin and reduces the appearance of dark patches.

Playing Laser Tag with Skin Tags

Skin tags are simply put, tiny pieces of hanging skin. These harmless lumps can appear anytime in our lives, and usually sprout on the face, eyelids, cheeks, neck, and even breasts.

Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy and nursing can increase the chances of skin tag formation. And although inconclusive, some studies show that skin tags are hereditary.

But what about removing any existing skin tags? Treating skin tags is a relatively simple process, typically involving a straightforward laser treatment.

However, it is in the condition’s nature to recur anytime. This is especially true for someone prone to developing skin tags.

You and your doctor will literally have to play tag with these pesky bumps; repeated laser treatments will almost certainly be necessary. I advise to remove skin tags after breastfeeding, when your hormone levels have returned to norm.

AFTER PREGNANCY

Dullness After The Glow – A Brilliant Solution to The Rescue

For the fortunate Glowers, skin dullness after pregnancy is a common complaint. After all, having gotten used to glowing skin, the sudden loss of said radiance after delivery will be very apparent.

To maintain and for non-Glowers, achieve this glow, a gentle laser treatment such as the Clear + Brilliant Laser can be done on a monthly basis, after pregnancy and during breastfeeding.

I cannot say enough good things about Clear + Brilliant; it was my go-to treatment post-delivery. Why? Indulge me a little as I wax lyrical about Clear + Brilliant.

Compared with similar laser treatments, Clear + Brilliant requires little recovery time and distinguishes itself from the rest with its lower risk of complications.

Clear + Brilliant works by revitalising your skin from inside out. In a gist, it gently replaces damaged skin with healthier, younger-looking skin tissue. The result? Smoother, softer and youthful-looking skin. And the best part is that Clear + Brilliant reduces skin discolouration too!

Almost all of my patients who’ve had Clear + Brilliant treatments say that their skin look younger and feel smoother.

What’s more, their skin achieved a noticeable glow after a series of three to five Clear + Brilliant treatments. This glow owes to the fact that Clear + Brilliant significantly helps refresh skin tone and texture. Within as little as a week, patients notice brighter, softer and more youthful skin texture. With multiple treatments skin discoloration, and fine lines fade and soften.

Clear + Brilliant is the first treatment that I would personally recommend postpartum. But if you’re feeling a little more adventurous and can tolerate a longer downtime, then the Restylane Skinboosters is another great option when your hormones are back in line.

After Thoughts

Aesthetic procedures are definitely helpful in mitigating or resolving intra- and post-pregnancy skin issues. But it’s also important to practice sound skin care outside of the doctor’s office; regular facials are vital to preventing unwanted skin conditions as well as prolonging the results of any aesthetic procedures you’ve had.

Sleeping and eating well (i.e., increasing fruit and vegetable intake) and drinking plenty of water is also necessary to keeping your skin healthy and well hydrated. Plus, cutting down your consumption of oily and processed food will help reduce sebum production. And even if you’re not doing it for vanity, these healthy habits will improve your overall well being!

Having said all these if there’s one takeaway you should do well to remember, this is it:

ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR SUNSCREEN!

Having honed her medical and surgical skills in Ireland and across the straits, Dr Sue has, since 2006, worked in Singapore’s public hospitals, including Singapore General Hospital, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and National University Hospital.

Sue’s passion for aesthetics was sparked by a fateful encounter with Dr Kelvin Chua, founder and medical director of SL Clinic. With rigorous training, Sue is committed to enhancing the natural beauty of each patient, through a personalised and holistic program of treatment and care.

BOTOX treatments, filler augmentation and skin rejuvenation are some of the minimally invasive procedures Sue is interested in. She is also an advocate for active living, often giving patients tips and insights to leading a healthier, more wholesome lifestyle.

Recently married to a Frenchman and having just become mother to a lovely daughter, Sue makes a conscientious effort in keeping a work-life balance.

Sue believes in raising her daughter in a positive and loving environment. Between two jobs and charity work, Sue still manages to find time for her family by going on excursions to the great outdoors. With the appropriate sun protection, no less.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg
To contact Dr. Sue, write to suewei@slclinic.com.sg

A blog post by Dr. Kelvin Chua

To some, ageing gracefully means carrying the “character lines” with pride and quiet dignity. Others seek the help of Botox and Fillers to maintain their natural youthfulness.

The operative word being natural; many aesthetic practitioners ruefully fail to master the art of minimal, precise injections.

Choose Quality, Not Quantity.

Having practiced medical aesthetics for over a decade, I’ve seen and corrected my fair share of sloppy work and botched jobs.

Frozen brows, misshapen cheeks and skewed noses were common sights. These comical sights have decreased in numbers. All, except for one – the overuse of Botox and fillers.

I attribute this to one common misconception among many patients. The belief in getting every single drop of product to maximise the money spent. Regretfully, this is where such patients get it wrong. Quantity does not equate to results.

Allow me to explain.

Patients pay for results, not the amount of product used.

In achieving natural-looking aesthetics, the doctor knows what’s best for the patient (in his or her own opinion anyway, which is a different story altogether). A combination of specialised techniques and a measured amount of products is key.

Less is definitely more; especially for skill-intensive procedures such as Botox and dermal fillers.

Botox

A poker-faced finish is just not what you’d want to sport,unless you’re spending hours counting out those chips in a casino. You’ll want youthful skin that says “Good genes!” instead of a frozen expression that shouts “Botox!”.

Practices of giving larger Botox doses have become a thing of the past as smaller doses are used to achieve a softer look with a touch up later if necessary.

This is why it’s important to seek out ethical and experienced practitioners who understand the interaction of different muscles so as to allow some of the essential muscles to move to maintain natural facial expression.

You’d want compliments on looking younger than your age and less tired looking rather than questions on the number of Botox units you’ve received.

Volumisation and Liquid Lifting with Fillers

With technological advancement, restoring lost volume on the face is ever easier with fillers. And if done right, taking years off the face within minutes with virtually zero downtime.

While some doctors may inject several vials of fillers into a face, newer precise techniques are able to create a natural and yet youthful look without excessively plumping out the cheeks that look like you

belong to the unenviable Pillow Face Club.

Moreover, Hyaluronic Acid-based Dermal Fillers come different degrees of fluidity and hardness. The selection of the appropriate filler for each concern is crucial in attaining the best results, than the quantity used.

Experienced aesthetic practitioners have a good grasp on the different layers and depth of skin to be injected.

The depth is important to create different effect instead of using vials of fillers to simply fill the entire face. The position and depth also determines the type of fillers that are best suited.

Your Face is 3D, not a 2D Painting

This is particularly important as the face is not a 2 dimensional structure but rather a 3 dimensional model. This is made more complex from muscle interactions, varying degrees of sagginess resulting from migration of fats in different layers of the skin and the loss of fats in different areas.

Ultimately, it all boils down to a doctor’s training and natural eye for beauty and proportions. Especially when it comes to such skill-intensive procedures.

Dr Kelvin Chua started his surgical training in Australia, teaching for several years in the hospitals, and spent a considerable amount of time in dermatology and surgical rotations.

Kelvin was fascinated by the boom of aesthetic medicine, and has since garnered over 11 years of experience in this field – with over hundreds of liposuction procedures and thousands of Botox and filler treatments under his belt.

Kelvin is well regarded by his peers in the industry. With a strong passion for inspiring others through teaching, he is a certified trainer for several aesthetic institutions as well as cosmeceutical companies. Kelvin is also a mentor to many aspiring aesthetic doctors.

For more information, write to contact@slclinic.com.sg
To contact Dr Kelvin Chua, write to kelvin@slclinic.com.sg

Smooth, tighten and contour your skin for an overall younger looking appearance in a single treatment without surgery or injection with Thermage CPT at SL Clinic.

The term Thermage definitely needs no introduction, but the old generation of Thermage left a very vivid memory scar: PAINFUL.

The Thermage CPT System represents a leap forward in skin tightening and contouring technology. Improved results and greater patient comfort are at the core of the new system, which leverages on the proprietary Comfort Pulse Technology™ and a vibrating hand-piece for more comfortable treatments.

Experience The Thermage CPT Difference

The latest Thermage procedure offers Comfort Pulse Technology™, clinically proven to significantly improve treatment comfort.

More Heat Where it Matters

As you age, the collagen in your skin breaks down, resulting in wrinkles and sagging skin. Thermage uses patented radio frequency technology to safely heat the deeper layers of your skin, stimulating your existing collagen and promoting new collagen growth.

The Thermage CPT System has enhanced heating for further collagen stimulation. The result is more predictable results and more youthful-looking skin.

 Love the Experience

Doesn’t more heat make it painful? No! Thanks to improved heat delivery and a vibrating hand-piece, you’ll have a more comfortable treatment experience than ever before. In clinical studies*, 100% of patients preferred being treated with the Thermage CPT System!

What kind of results can you expect?

You can expect collagen tightening, and many patients have reported:

• Smoother, tighter skin with less sagging
• Redefined contours
• Softening of wrinkles and fine lines on the face and body
• As with any procedure or treatment, results can vary by individual

How long will the results last?

Results are long lasting depending on your skin condition and the natural aging process.

How long before you can return to your normal activities?

There’s no special care needed after the procedure and most patients return to their regular activities immediately following treatment.

 Is it safe?

Thermage procedures, including the Thermage CPT procedure, have an excellent safety profile. Potential side effects are generally mild and may include redness, swelling, blisters, bumps and rare instances of surface irregularities.

Acne scarring and large open pores can be quite demoralising in a world obsessed with physical appearance, which is why we decided to see if fractional laser could actually help reduce the appearance of acne pitting and scarring.

The Fractional CO2 laser works by treating mainly atrophic scars by creating primary healing in the dermis – which in turn causes more collagen to be produced. This in effect pushes up under-filled scars to form a shallower scar depth, which makes scars look less obvious. On average, a patient would require between three to six treatments, depending on the severity of their scarring.

Fractional CO2 lasers are not limited to treating acne scarring, in fact, they can also be used for tightening pores, reducing fine lines, lightening the skin and rejuvenating the skin.

Dr. Kelvin Chua of SL Clinic began the session by assessing the state of our skin and the depth of scarring, after which his nurse applied a layer of numbing cream on our whole face. After 30 minutes the treatment commenced.

Dr. Chua paid special attention to the deeper scars around our cheeks and forehead. The sensation was akin to that of many little ant bites; quick sharp but bearable pain, especially around the eye area due to the thinness of the skin. The session minus the numbing cream took only 20-25 minutes.

After the session was over, the nurses applied a liberal amount of moisturiser to the reddened skin and the doctor advised us that we should keep the skin hydrated and protected from any sun exposure and under no circumstance were we to pick at the scabs.  We were also advised to avoid using any of our usual skincare products for the first two days and were given a complimentary moisturiser for that time, after which we were allowed to resume using our own products of choice.

When we left the clinic, our face felt very hot with a burning sensation which lasted an hour or two. Expect some discomfort on the first night, but after that, its smooth sailing.

On the first two days, our face was very red and tender, which is why we suggest that you do this procedure on a Friday, so you have the weekend to recover from the redness. By the third day, the redness has lessened and the tenderness was gone and we were able to go back to work. By the fourth day the redness had completely subsided, but we did have some scabbing. By the fifth day our skin had all but recovered, so expect a down time of around five days, depending upon your skin type and condition.

Would we do this again? The answer is yes. Being able to reduce the appearance of our acne scarring in a non-surgical and affordable way is worth the minor discomfort that we had to bear with.