Dr Cheng Yu Chua

Thank you for your question. Photobiomodulation has been used in a variety of conditions because of its regenerative properties. It refers to the use of low-level laser light to activate pathways in the skin cell’s powerhouse known as mitochondria, that accelerate tissue repair and healing. Photobiomodulation is used for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing purposes on the skin, and has beneficial effects on active acne, wrinkles, pigmentation, acne marks, as well as sensitive skin.

A dermatologist is a specialist trained in managing disease in the skin. An aesthetic doctor is usually a general practitioner with a specific interest in aesthetic medicine, even though there are some specialists from other medical fields that also choose to focus on only doing aesthetic medicine (commonly general surgeons and gynaecologists). Aesthetic medicine is not recognized as a formal medical specialty yet in most parts of the world, because it is very new, and many healthcare systems in the world do not provide formal training in aesthetic medicine.

Fotona 4D The Fotona 4D is a unique protocol that uses 4 different lasers to target different layers of ageing, from deep cheek fat and retaining ligaments, to the surface fat layers, deep skin and also surface skin layers. It is the only laser system in the world that makes use of various non-ablative lasers that can reach down bone deep to tighten different layers. Thermage Thermage is a branded monopolar radio-frequency device that delivers electromagnetic energy into the different layers of skin to induce heat to cause tightening.

Uptake of topical drugs on the skin is usually limited by the protective epidermis of the skin. Epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin [1]. Fractional CO2 can disrupt this barrier with the ablation of columns of the epidermis and allow better penetration of topical drugs on the skin. Lasers do show great enhancement of skin permeation [2]. It is also proven that lasers help to achieve higher upper uptake within a shortened amount of time with minimal skin barrier [3]. References: 1. Alkilani A, McCrudden MT, Donnelly R.

Microneedling RF can be quite effective in reducing sebum secretion. Heat generated from the RF needles can have a similar effect as heat from various lasers which can cause shrinkage of sebaceous glands and consequently decrease secretion. The Agnes microneedling RF stands out because it can not only decrease sebum excretion but also deliver high enough energy for selective and complete removal of unwanted sebaceous glands. This can provide a more long-lasting solution for patients with skin diseases as a result of sebaceous gland malfunction.

There have been no studies comparing both head to head. Because I use both, I'd share my experience about them. The Starwalker uses a long pulse Ndyag whereas other laser machines that do carbon peel usually uses a quasi-long pulse Ndyag. The long pulse Ndyag goes deeper and has even been shown to help with facelifting. The quasi long pulse in the carbon peel can also reach deep to control the oil glands, but does so with the help of a layer of carbon (black carbon attracts more energy and amplifies the quasi long pulse to simulate a true long pulse effect).

It really depends on the scar shape and size, as well as the exact location of the scar. The most simple factor is size. Punch excisions cannot be performed for scars which are too wide because they would cause "dog ears" to form upon surgical closure. In those instances, an elliptical incision may be more useful and generate better outcomes. Other complex factors include how scars are arranged and in which exact anatomic location of the face. To really know which is most suitable for you, consult your doctor who performs this surgery. All the best!

First, you must wait at least two weeks before removing your tattoo. Tattoos damage your skin and you need time to heal. The good news is that black ink is the easiest to remove, particularly with the highly effective PicoWay laser. The less-good news is that tattoo-removal is a lengthy process. Count on multiple sessions with a month or two between each one. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist will get you a better idea of how much time it’ll take.

Fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes can be referred to as crow’s feet and the best solution for controlling them is Botox injections every 3 to 4 months. I would not use voluma as it is too thick of a solution and will not look natural. For under-eye wrinkles, I would recommend improving those with laser therapy or fillers such as Belotero, Restylane, or Volbella. Sometimes, surgery is required for under the eyes. Be sure to consult with a board-certified dermatologist who will customize a treatment plan specific to you!

CoolSculpting takes a while — up to 3 treatments and about six to 9 months in some cases. If you just want to remove or decrease your love handles/tummy fats, then it could be a good choice for you. If you wanted to completely reshape your figure, I’d suggest starting with a weight-loss program. Consulting with a board-certified dermatologist will help you learn more about the kinds of results you can expect with CoolSculpting and how many treatments you’ll need.

Thank your for your questions. Your acne skincare regime sounds like a decent acne prevention skincare for any average person, but it's important to understand that a good acne skincare regime depends on your individual skin type and acne severity. It is impossible to give you skincare advise without acne proper assessment. Furthermore, from what you have described, you may have acne nodules or cysts below the skin surface. These may require medications, injections or even lasers to the tackle the problem. Please see your skin/aesthetic doctor for assessment and treatment. Hope this helps!

Under eye bags and dark circles are a common complaint and are usually caused by a combination of several factors. These factors include increased pigmentation in the area, increased blood vessels in the area, fine lines and wrinkles, and periocular volume loss. Often times, the main contributors are mild volume loss and increased pigmentation. These two issues can be addressed with injectable fillers and laser respectively. Fillers will need to be re-injected every 6 months or so to start until a level of satisfaction is achieved, then used on an as-needed basis. Good luck!

It depends a lot on the facial/peel/carbon laser setting and operator usage, and your skin type. If your skin is sensitive currently, those are usually not the first line treatments I would recommend, since the hydrafacial uses some gentle peeling skincare, and a proper carbon laser will also cause some exfoliation. These can worsen your skin sensitivity especially immediately after treatment. I would encourage undergoing treatment only after your doctor has properly analysed your skin type and skin problem. Please consult your skin doctor!

Hey Ming Lim, For someone new in trying to do some anti aging, it can be a bit overwhelming. There are various non invasive and minimally invasive treatments that can help in all the layers of aging. These range from laser machines, ultrasound and other energy devices, as well as botox and filler injections. Which treatment to choose or start with really depends on the main cause of the aging appearance, as well as your skin type. For a start, it's really most important to properly start using your skincare (especially sunblock).

Resurfacing lasers are good for tightening pores. The ablative options include the fractional CO2 and Erbium:Yag, the non-ablative options include the Thulium, Erbium:Glass and the long pulsed ND:Yag lasers. Which combination and frequency to treat them depend on your individual condition, but usually the non-ablative options are repeated no earlier than every 2 weeks, and the ablative options no earlier than 4 weeks.