Which aesthetic treatment suits my concern?

Before you choose

How to read the tables

Each concern below starts with the usual causes, because the cause decides the treatment. The table then lists non-invasive options at SkinRev Lab, CityLink Mall, performed by Aesthetic Specialists whom Dr Sin Yong, SkinRev Lab's Medical Adviser, trains hands-on on the machines, and doctor-led options performed by Dr Sin Yong.

SkinRev Lab prices are standard per-session rates before GST, except waxing, which includes GST. Injectables, prescriptions and medical lasers are performed by Dr Sin Yong at IN Eternity Clinic, 9 Scotts Road, #12-01 Pacific Plaza, and priced at consultation; VF Lift is performed by him at SkinRev Lab and is also priced at consultation.

Typical sessions are general patterns, not a plan. The number you need depends on the cause, the area, your skin and how you respond, and results vary between people.

Lower face

Sagging jowls and jawline

Jowls form when skin loosens, retaining ligaments weaken and fat pads slide down, sometimes with volume loss in the cheeks above. Mild to moderate laxity may respond to energy-based lifting; heavy, hanging skin is usually a surgical question.

Under the chin

Double chin

A double chin can come from soft fat, loose skin, a short or weak chin, or a low position of the neck structures. A pinch test helps: soft, pinchable fat suits contouring, crepey skin suits tightening, and a weak chin may suit chin support instead.

Lines

Fine lines and wrinkles

Lines that appear only when you move are driven by muscle; lines that stay at rest reflect collagen loss and sun damage; and fine criss-cross lines that come and go are often dehydration. Each responds to a different approach.

Pigment

Pigmentation and melasma

Sun spots, post-acne marks (PIH), melasma and Hori's naevus look alike but need different treatment, so a doctor's diagnosis comes first. Melasma is chronic and often returns; daily broad-spectrum sunscreen, ideally one that also covers visible light, is part of every plan.

SkinRev Lab does not treat melasma or deep pigment. Its facials can help with dullness and overall tone alongside a doctor's plan.

Scars

Acne scars

Acne scars are matched by type: narrow ice pick scars, crater-like boxcar scars and wide rolling scars each respond to different techniques, and most people have a mix. Facials cannot fill depressed scars; they need a doctor.

Pores

Large pores

Pores look larger with oiliness and blackheads, with loss of firmness around the pore as skin ages, and after acne scarring. Cleansing treatments help oily pores for a while; ageing and scar-related pores need collagen remodelling.

Skin quality

Dull, dehydrated skin

Dullness usually comes from built-up dead cells, uneven pigment and low water content, worsened by air-conditioning, late nights and sun. Gentle, regular treatments and a steady routine help more than one intensive session.

Body fat

Stubborn fat

Body contouring treats pinchable fat under the skin, not visceral fat around the organs, and it is not a weight-loss method. It suits people near a stable weight with a few areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Body skin

Loose body skin

Loose skin on the tummy, arms or thighs often follows pregnancy, weight change or age. Mild laxity can respond to tightening, sometimes combined with fat reduction; marked excess skin after large weight loss, or separation of the tummy muscles, needs a surgical opinion.

Body pigment

Underarm and intimate darkening

Darkening in skin folds is usually from friction, shaving, tight clothing, hormones or PIH after irritation. Darkening that appears suddenly, spreads, or feels thick and velvety can be linked to insulin resistance or other conditions and should be checked by a doctor first.

Hair

Hair loss

Find the cause first. Gradual thinning at the crown or parting is often pattern hair loss; sudden shedding can follow illness, stress, childbirth or low iron; and patchy loss may be alopecia areata. A doctor can check blood tests and the scalp.

For pattern hair loss, a European guideline gives the strongest recommendations to topical minoxidil for women and men and to oral finasteride for men. Clinic procedures are usually added to medical treatment, not used instead of it.

Hair removal

Unwanted hair

Waxing removes hair from the root and lasts a few weeks; laser hair removal reduces regrowth over a course. Laser works best on dark hair, while grey, white or very fair hair responds poorly. New, coarse hair on the face or body in women can be hormonal and is worth checking with a doctor.

Sources

References & sources

1. Fabi SG. Noninvasive skin tightening: focus on new ultrasound techniques. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2015;8:47-52.
2. Ingargiola MJ, Motakef S, Chung MT, Vasconez HC, Sasaki GH. Cryolipolysis for fat reduction and body contouring: safety and efficacy of current treatment paradigms. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2015;135(6):1581-1590.
3. Ogbechie-Godec OA, Elbuluk N. Melasma: an up-to-date comprehensive review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb). 2017;7(3):305-318.
4. Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS. Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(1):109-117.
5. Kanti V, Messenger A, Dobos G, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men - short version. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2018;32(1):11-22.
6. Gan SD, Graber EM. Laser hair removal: a review. Dermatol Surg. 2013;39(6):823-838.

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