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Are wrinkles and pigmentation driving you nuts? These 5 skin rejuvenating procedures from Singapore General Hospital, KK Women's and Children's Hospital and Changi General Hospital can reduce or erase the signs of time.
 1. Thermage
What it is
Thermage is a unique, non-invasive treatment that has a scarless facelifting effect. It uses a patented radiofrequency (RF) technology called ThermaCoolä to deliver a controlled amount of RF energy to heat up collagen in the deeper layers of the skin and its underlying tissues. This produces healthier collagen, which helps to "lift" the skin and renew facial contours.
Treatments
Results are apparent 2-6 months after a single treatment.
Pros and cons
Thermage is fast, easy and requires no downtime (recovery period).
Side effects
Swelling, redness, bumps and blisters.
2. Intense Pulsed Light
What it is
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is a flash lamp light emitted onto the skin. Melanin present in hair and pigmentation absorbs the light and converts it into heat. It is used for hair removal and ageing skin. For hair removal, this heat is transmitted into the hair follicle, which is then destroyed, and new hairs are prevented from growing. For skin rejuvenation, the heat acts on melanin in pigmentation to treat age spots and freckles.
Treatments
3-6 sessions for hair removal and up to 3 sessions for skin rejuvenation.
Pros and cons
It provides a permanent reduction of hair over time. The effects are generally better for women with lighter skin tones as the distinction is more obvious.
Side effects
Small blisters and pigment changes.
3. Botox
What it is
Botox works in 2 ways. Firstly, it irons out existing lines and wrinkles around your eyes, mouth, nose and forehead. Secondly, it works on the muscles in your face, putting them to sleep. When injected into the muscles surrounding your frown lines, for example, botox binds irreversibly to the neuromuscular junction (nerve plate endings) of the muscles. After it takes effect, you are not able to frown, or "crease up" when you laugh. This prevents further lines and wrinkles from forming.
Treatments
Results can be seen 1-3 days after a session.
Pros and cons
It is an excellent quick fix - all it takes is just 10 minutes. Overuse of botox may lead to an unnaturally "fixed" appearance.
Side effects
If done too close to the eye, botox can create ptosis or drooping eyelids.
4. Aptos
What it is
Aptos is a quasi-facelift done with a specially designed polypropylene surgical thread with cogs or hooks incorporated into its sides, so it looks like the backbone of a fish. The thread is attached to sagging skin to lift it. It is commonly used for the cheeks and forehead. The result is a "lifted" appearance.
Treatments
Results are apparent about 3 days after one treatment.
Pros and cons
Produces some facelift effects at a fraction of the cost of a regular facelift ($2,000 vs $15,000). Although cheaper, its effects are not as good or durable. Threads are sometimes visible if the hooks are not properly secured.
Side effects
Swelling, mild pain and discomfort.
5. Laser
What it is
There are 3 new types of laser rejuvenating procedures: The first uses a light-emitting diode (LED) device to stimulate collagen, decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture and pore size. The second, Microablative Fractional Laser Resurfacing, treats narrow columns of skin, leaving surrounding tissue intact so that the skin heals faster after treatment. The third is minimally ablative erbium:YAG laser. Its high-energy laser pulse is strongly absorbed by the water in the skin tissue. The laser light is converted to heat, which simulates collagen repair. These 2 procedures improve skin texture, wrinkles, pores and skin discolouration.
Treatments
8 sessions are needed for LED, 3-5 sessions for fractional laser resurfacing and 3-4 sessions for erbium:YAG laser
Pros and cons
Lasers are effective in ridding skin of imperfections, but are generally more painful than other procedures. There may be permanent skin damage if administered improperly.
Side effects
There is no side effect for the first procedure. For the other 2 lasers, you may experience a mild, sunburn-like sensation, swelling, redness and flaking. Skin might also take on a tanned appearance. |