Guide · Non-surgical fat reduction
SculpSure in Singapore: how 1060 nm laser fat reduction works, the evidence, and the other options
SculpSure uses laser heat rather than cold to damage fat cells under the skin. Here is how it works, what it changes, and how it compares with the non-surgical options at SkinRev Lab.
In short
- SculpSure is a 1060 nm diode laser that heats the fat layer to a temperature that injures fat cells, while a cooled plate protects the skin; the body clears the damaged cells over weeks.
- Studies show a modest reduction in fat thickness on areas such as the flanks and abdomen, visible from about six weeks and building to around twelve weeks.
- SculpSure is not offered at SkinRev Lab. Similar heat-based fat reduction is done here with SKINSHAPE® (microwave, by our therapists) and Onda Pro (microwave, by Dr Sin Yong).
- Like other non-surgical fat reduction, it suits pinchable fat in people near a stable weight; it is not weight loss and does not tighten loose skin much.
Prepared by the SkinRev Lab team · Updated 9 November 2026
Dr Sin Yong, Global Key Opinion Leader
MBBS (Singapore) · MRCS (Edinburgh) · MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) · MSc Aesthetic Medicine (University of London) · 15+ years in clinical practice
This guide is prepared for SkinRev Lab. Dr Sin Yong sees patients at SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, and IN Eternity Clinic, and has been appointed a Global Key Opinion Leader by device makers including CLASSYS, DEKA and HIRONIC; he trains doctors at their academies in Europe, Asia and South America. General information only, not medical advice. Your own suitability is assessed at consultation.
Global Key Opinion Leader for
- CLASSYS
- DEKA
- HIRONIC
- FOTONA
- ALMA
- LUTRONIC
- ILOODA
DEKA Academy, Florence 2026
CLASSYS Academy, São Paulo 2026
HIRONIC VVIP Partners Meeting, Seoul 2026
CLASSYS APAC Symposium, Bangkok 2026His conferences and KOL certificates →More about Dr Sin Yong →
How it works
How 1060 nm laser fat reduction works
The 1060 nm wavelength passes through the skin and is absorbed in the fat layer. Holding fat at roughly 42 to 47 °C for several minutes injures fat cells, which the body then clears. Histology studies have shown fat cell injury and a gradual inflammatory clearance after treatment. A study on the flanks measured a modest reduction in fat thickness on ultrasound. For microwave fat reduction in Singapore at SkinRev Lab, see SKINSHAPE®.
Compared
SculpSure and other non-surgical fat reduction
| Method | Energy | At SkinRev Lab? | Points to weigh |
|---|---|---|---|
| SculpSure | 1060 nm laser heat | Not offered | Modest change; tenderness for days |
| Fat freezing (cryolipolysis) | Controlled cooling | Performed by Dr Sin Yong | Rare paradoxical adipose hyperplasia; often other options first |
| SKINSHAPE® | Microwave | Yes, by therapists | No needles; a course of sessions |
| Onda Pro | Microwave (DEKA Coolwaves) | Yes, by Dr Sin Yong | Fat, cellulite and mild laxity |
| 4K Body Lift | Radiofrequency microneedling | Yes, by Dr Sin Yong | Treats fat and the skin over it |
Suitability
Who it suits, and side effects
- Suits: pinchable fat on the tummy, flanks, back, inner and outer thighs, in people near a stable weight.
- Does not suit: visceral fat, loose skin, weight loss goals, pregnancy, or skin conditions in the area.
- Side effects: tenderness, swelling, firm nodules that settle, and rarely burns.
For which option fits your area, see non-surgical fat reduction in Singapore and body contouring.
Sources
References & sources
- Decorato JW, Chen B, Sierra R. Subcutaneous adipose tissue response to a non-invasive hyperthermic treatment using a 1,060 nm laser. Lasers Surg Med. 2017;49(5):480-489
- Katz B, Doherty S. Safety and efficacy of a noninvasive 1,060-nm diode laser for fat reduction of the flanks. Dermatol Surg. 2018;44(3):388-396
- Singh SM, et al. Paradoxical adipose hyperplasia secondary to cryolipolysis: an underreported entity? Lasers Surg Med. 2015;47(6):476-478
Common questions
Your questions,
answered
Does SculpSure work?
Studies show a modest reduction in fat thickness in treated areas, seen from about six to twelve weeks. Results vary and it does not replace weight loss.
How many SculpSure sessions are needed?
Clinics offering it often plan one or two sessions per area, several weeks apart. Your own number depends on the area and the amount of fat.
SculpSure or CoolSculpting: what is the difference?
SculpSure uses laser heat and CoolSculpting uses cold to injure fat cells. Both give modest, gradual results; fat freezing carries a rare risk of paradoxical adipose hyperplasia.
Does SkinRev Lab offer SculpSure?
No. SculpSure is not offered at SkinRev Lab. Heat-based fat reduction here uses SKINSHAPE® microwave or Onda Pro, performed by Dr Sin Yong.
Is laser fat reduction permanent?
The fat cells destroyed do not come back, but remaining fat cells can grow with weight gain.
Does SculpSure hurt?
Most people feel cycles of warmth and tingling or cramping heat during treatment, and tenderness for a few days afterwards.