You have been searching for methods to keep your skin appearing young, healthy, and fresh because it has been a while since you’ve been satisfied with it.

Although you’ve tried every cream and viewed every guide, something must be fixed.

You’ve even started contemplating cosmetic surgery to combat the issue but have doubts over the costs and process involved.

Asking yourself if there could be an alternative option for acne scar treatment, a miraculous solution to rejuvenate your skin that you haven’t stumbled upon yet.

Let’s talk About Fractional Lasering

Suppose the condition described above is all too similar to yours. If that is your situation, then we have some great news for you: fractional lasering treatment could be the miraculous remedy that you have been looking for.

As suggested by the procedure’s name, several skin-related problems, such as scars, warts, wrinkles, and deeper skin faults, are carefully targeted and treated using specialised CO2 lasers.

In turn, this provides many advantages over other types of treatment, which we will go over with you in this blog post. So let’s get going.

1. It Improves Acne Scars & Spots

Suppose you frequently acquire spots or have exceedingly terrible acne. In that case, lasering treatment can significantly reduce the scarring resulting from both conditions.

2. It Eliminates Wrinkles

When you feel young in heart, why should you appear older? You can now look as old as you think and go back decades in skin quality thanks to lasering treatment.

3. It Provides Uniform Colouring

With fractional lasering treatment, your skin’s colour can meld naturally, giving you a uniform coloration that will enhance your skin’s firmness and general appearance.

4. It Mends Skin Damage

Fractional lasering treatment can address various related conditions such as rosacea to achieve a uniform skin tone. Additionally, the treatment can aid in healing sun damage or scarring, leading to an improved complexion.

5. There Is Little Downtime

After your treatment, you should be able to resume your regular daily activities within around nine days; this is a far shorter recovery period than surgery or other forms of treatment.

6. It Offers Long-Lasting Effects

Expect the outcomes to last for a minimum of one year following the procedure, with the production of fresh skin collagen persisting for as long as three months after the treatment.

7. It Works On Everyone

The procedure can be used on a wide range of patients, including teenagers who want to get rid of their acne scars or older adults who wish to significantly reduce wrinkles and skin laxity.

8. The Pain is Manageable

Overall, the patient is subject to minimal risks that are well-managed, and the treatment is tolerable. Although the sensation is frequently compared to a rubber band snapping against the skin, it depends on the treatment area, the laser depth, and the patient’s pain threshold.

9. It Is Specifically Targeted

The highly specialised nature of the involved lasers allows fractional treatment to target particular skin regions and offer patients a customised treatment option.

10. It May Improve Mental Health

Taking care of your skin by addressing any issues or improving its overall texture can have a positive impact on your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Final Thoughts

Fractional laser is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure, which makes it a beneficial option for those seeking cosmetic surgery. It can make a variety of skin flaws, such as fine lines, wrinkles, scars, and hyperpigmentation, look better. Many patients find it an appealing alternative because it is a less invasive surgery with a speedy recovery. Ultimately, lasering can improve a person’s confidence and self-esteem. This can also aid in achieving a smoother and healthier-looking complexion.

In order to remove acne scars, laser therapy is an effective and non-invasive option. Fractional Laser treatment uses a device that divides the laser beam into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that each target a fraction of the skin at a time. While this treatment may bring many benefits to your skin, it also comes with risks and side effects. Thus, it is important to know more about the fractional treatment that you are getting to avoid undesirable results.

Whether you want to treat your acne scars or improve your skin texture, here are the benefits and risks of fractional resurfacing:

Benefits

Removes Wrinkles

Facial lines and wrinkles are caused by factors such as aging, sun damage, acne and smoking. Some examples include crow’s feet, wrinkles around the eyes, lines and wrinkles on the forehead and laugh lines around the mouth. The appearance of these wrinkles can be diminished with this treatment efficiently.

Reduces Acne Scars and Dark Spots

This treatment helps to significantly improve the scarring associated with both acne and spots, especially if you have severe acne. This is done by triggering the production of collagen, which aids in the tightening and smoothening of the scars. This also improves your skin’s health over time.

Repairs Skin Damage

Ultraviolet (UV) light may make visible signs of ageing on your skin appear, such as wrinkles, sagging and uneven skin texture. Laser resurfacing can also help to improve your skin’s complexion by repairing sun damage or scarring. This treatment also combats a variety of related conditions, such as rosacea.

Prevents Skin Cancer

Overexposure to Ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. The skin’s tissue can be destroyed and shrunk during the treatment, without causing any bleeding or damage to the surrounding tissue, to treat or prevent skin cancer.

Short Downtime

After treatment, recovery typically takes one to two weeks depending on the type of treatment that you get. The majority of non-ablative lasers require a series of treatments to produce the most satisfying results, although, in some instances, a treatment of single laser will resolve a patient’s issues. You will reduce your risk of complications and heal quicker if you follow the aftercare instructions provided by your dermatologist.

Risks

Pain, Swelling and Redness

Skin that has just been treated may swell, itch, or feel burning, thus causing redness. After an hour or two, treatments typically cause no pain and the redness may last for up to 10 days. However, in severe cases, the redness may last for several months. You should immediately contact your provider if you experience fever, extensive swelling, or pus after your treatment.

Hyperpigmentation

Melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour, is produced by skin cells. Fractional treatments can affect these skin cells and make your skin darker or lighter than it was before the treatment (hyperpigmentation). People with dark skin are more likely to experience permanent changes in their skin colour. Thus, you should have a discussion with your doctor about which method of laser resurfacing lowers this risk.

Infection

An infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi may result from fractional treatment. A recurrence of the herpes virus, which causes cold sores, is the infection that occurs most frequently. The majority of the time, the herpes virus is already in the skin but is dormant. Even though these conditions are uncommon and mostly preventable, it is important to discuss your risk factors with your doctor before starting any treatment.

Scarring

Scarring may occur after superficial treatments, as they will leave a new scar over an existing one. The new skin should, however, develop more uniformly. In the weeks and months to come, you will need to take extra care of your skin after your treatment. Thus, applying sunscreen before leaving the house is a must because your skin will be more susceptible to sun damage.

Inflammation of the Skin

Folliculitis is another known side effect of this treatments. The hair follicles are inflamed as a result of the actual procedure, which irritates the skin. Most of the time, folliculitis will look like acne. However, it should go away in a few weeks or months.

Overall, if you improve any skin issues that you are having, it could help to boost your self-esteem and confidence! The most effective method for determining whether this treatment is right for you is to meet with a qualified dermatologist. Our doctors at Gangnam Laser Clinic receive excellent training and are supervised by Korean medical professionals. Using cutting-edge Korean aesthetic technology, we provide treatments for your body, face, and skin that are both safe and effective. For more information about our treatments, contact us right away!

What is Botox?

Botulinum toxin, or better known as Botox, is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. Having grown in popularity around the world, Botox in Singapore has been a topic of interest and also a punchline for jokes. Often touted as a miracle procedure, Botox therapy have been thought to tighten loose or sagging skin, remove wrinkles, and create a more youthful appearance. However, there are many misconceptions about what Botox really is and what it can do.

Botox treatment in Singapore should be administered by a qualified professional. It is a prescription medicine and cannot be bought off-the-shelf.

Myth #1: Botox is Immediate

We often think that cosmetic treatments involve walking into a room, getting the treatment done, and walking out completely youthful and unrecognisable. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Botox may sound like a quick fix, but it actually does not provide immediate results. You can expect to wait for three to five days before seeing any results, with full results usually taking from seven to ten days to appear. Sometimes, more than one Botox therapy may be necessary to achieve the desired results.

Myth #2: Botox is Permanent

The desired results will not last forever, either. Botox therapy only produce temporary results for three to six months, after which the effects will wear off and the muscles will begin to tense up again. As such, it is common to go for recurring Botox therapy every few months to touch up the effects.

If you are concerned that a Botox therapy will be irreversible, don’t worry – you can always try it out once to decide if it is right for you, without having to live with the results forever. Ultimately, maintaining the desired effects is a long-term commitment, so it may not be ideal for everyone.

Myth #3: Botox is Dangerous

Yes, Botox is short for botulinum toxin, and the same botulinum toxin can cause botulism food poisoning. In any case, it’s usually unwise to inject something labelled as a “toxin” into your body…right? Understandably, people are often worried that Botox is unsafe and carries health risks. However, Botox is not actually the entire botulinum toxin itself, but is instead derived from a protein found in the toxin. Additionally, the amount of Botox that is typically injected in a Botox therapy is not high enough to cause any health risks.

Botox as a cosmetic treatment has been researched for more than a century and it is FDA-approved, along with several other products that contain proteins of botulinum toxin as well. That being said, it is still important to find a qualified practitioner to perform the Botox therapy and advise you on dosage. Never try to inject Botox yourself due to the high precision needed to avoid side effects – if injected into the wrong place, Botox can result in dangerous side effects that could potentially be life-threatening. Furthermore, each botulinum toxin product uses different dosages, so it is important to confirm your recommended dosage with a professional. In some cases, Botox may trigger allergic reactions, requiring urgent medical aid.

Don’t be discouraged by the potential side effects, however. Be sure to check with your practitioner if you are medically eligible to receive Botox, and only receive treatments under a properly certified practitioner. When administered by an experienced professional, Botox is perfectly safe.

Myth #4: Botox is Painful or Uncomfortable

The thought of having your face injected with Botox can sound scary especially if you’re afraid of needles, but the treatment is not excruciating or overly uncomfortable. The needles used in Botox injections are very thin due to the small amounts of Botox used. Most people report feeling only mild discomfort at most. One Botox session typically consists of multiple injections, so you may feel slightly uncomfortable from having to sit through more than one injection, but it should not be too unbearable even for those with low pain thresholds.

Myth #5: Botox is Only for Beauty

Botox is often associated with removing facial lines and wrinkles, but did you know that Botox therapy are also prescribed for other medical conditions? Most of these medical conditions are not even cosmetic at all! Botox works as a muscle relaxant, by paralysing the nerves and blocking the nerve signals that tell the muscles to contract. It has many uses in treatments for muscle spasms or stiffness, urinary incontinence, excessive sweating in the armpits, migraines, and other neurological disorders. Both men and women use Botox for cosmetic and non-cosmetic reasons. There is no age restriction for Botox either – while Botox is generally not recommended for children unless prescribed for a medical condition, it can be used by adults of any age, even as a pre-emptive measure against wrinkles.

Conclusion

If you are considering Botox, don’t let these common misconceptions hold you back. It definitely pays to do your research on Botox therapy in Singapore. When done correctly, Botox can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience!

It is frustrating to have to deal with acne breakouts. However, what comes after can leave you feeling even more exasperated. If you do not know what we are referring to, it is acne scars. The good news is that there are many effective acne scar treatment around!

How are Acne Scars Formed?

Before you intend to treat your acne scars, it is important to know what type of acne scars they are.

Acne scars are the result of inflammation of acne blemishes. Acne blemishes that are small create scars that are shallow and heal quickly. While sometimes the contents of blemishes spill into the surrounding tissue which may cause deeper scars.

Acne scars take on two main forms. The first type is called atrophic scar. This is when a scar develops when there is a loss of tissue which results in a depression on the surface of the skin. Another type is called hypertrophic. This is when a scar develops that is raised on the surface of the skin. This happens when your skin creates too much collagen (“repair tissue”) to heal the wound.

Additionally, your skin tone can also be a factor. For example, for darker skin types, deeper skin laser treatments will not be recommended due to higher chances of scarring and pigmentation.

Different types of acne scars and your skin tone will respond differently to the distinct treatments. It is understandable that some treatments work better for particular types of acne than others.

Common Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars on the face, chest and back are very common. 80% of people between ages 11 and 30 will get acne, and one out of five of these people will develop scars. Atrophic scars are the most common on the face. There are three types of atrophic scars:

Ice Pick

This type of acne scar resembles the tool. It has a wide top and narrows to a point as it goes deeper into the skin. They are common but also one of the most challenging scars to heal. They are often found on your forehead and upper cheeks where your skin is thinner.

Rolling

These scars typically have irregular edges that make the skin look uneven and wavy. They tend to be found on the lower cheeks and jaw, where your skin is thicker.

Boxcar

Boxcar scars have sharper edges and may be shallow or deep. These scars are common on the lower cheeks and jaw.

When it comes to hypertrophic scars, also known as keloid scars, are most frequently found on the chest and back. They can be itchy, tender, or painful.

Before you think of self-diagnosing and starting any treatment for your acne scars, it is important to be seen by a dermatologist or a healthcare professional like Gangnam Laser Clinic. Healthcare professionals can help you find the effective acne scar treatment for you.

Over-The-Counter Treatments

Finding an over-the-counter solution is always nice. Check with your dermatologist which treatment works best for your skin type and your type of scar. It can be overwhelming on your own due to the variety of treatments out there.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)

AHAs are one of the most common ingredients found in products made to treat acne since they help to remove dead skin and prevent clogged pores. The mild acid exfoliates the outer layer of the skin to help remove discoloration and rough skin. They can be used for all types of acne scars.

Lactic Acid

A small 2010 study found that dermatologist-performed lactic acid peels done once every two weeks for three months can improve the texture, appearance, and pigmentation of the skin and lighten acne scars. A known tip is that diluted apple cider vinegar can be used as a toner or spot treatment due to its natural lactic acid. Remember to test it on a small area as there is potential for irritation if the skin is sensitive. They can be used for all types of acne scars.

Retinoids

Retinoids have scar-smoothing benefits. They have the ability to speed up cell regeneration, improve your skin’s texture and reduce discolouration making your scars less noticeable. When applying retinoids, remember to wear your sunscreen as it can make your skin especially sensitive to the sun. This treatment is best for atrophic scars

Salicylic acid

This acid can clear pores, reduce swelling and redness, and exfoliates the skin when applied topically. It’s considered to be one of the best treatments for acne scars. This can be added as part of your daily routine. They are best for all types of acne scars.

In-office Treatments

There are also in-office treatments. A discussion is needed with your dermatologists to find an effective solution. Common treatments include:

Chemical peels

A treatment that removes the top layer of old skin. When this happens, the new skin that grows in tends to be smoother with fewer scars

Dermabrasion

A special tool is used to remove the top layers of skin through friction

Laser resurfacing

A laser delivers heat to the scarred collagen under the skin. This relies on the body’s wound-healing response to create new, healthy collagen. This encourages the growth of new skin to replace it

In Conclusion

We all have suffered with acne scars at one point in our lives, but there are many treatments out there that can help make them less noticeable. Though most scars are permanent, finding a good healthcare professional can help you find the right acne scar treatment.

The best way to treat an acne scar is to prevent it in the first place. As much as it is tempting, avoid picking, popping, or squeezing any breakout. This increases the risks of damaging the underlying tissue, which can lead to scars.

Looking for effective acne scar treatment? Dermal fillers, also known as soft-tissue fillers, can offer skin-saving solutions that are all natural. They are gel-like substances made from natural and safe ingredients, i.e. hyaluronic acid, which helps to manage skin laxity and volume.

In this article, we are going to discuss the efficacy of dermal fillers for acne scars, the before and after effects, how they work and the best available fillers for treating acne scars.

Before We Begin…

Before starting, it’s very important that you do a full skin and body check-up and consult a dermatologist. Don’t try anything drastic on your own or buy a treatment without consulting the expert. Also, take adequate note of the risks involved, such as anesthesia, injections, bruising, swelling and other complications.

What Are Dermal Fillers?

Dermal fillers are substances that are injected into the skin to create a more youthful appearance, decrease facial wrinkling, reduce acne scars, as well as give a smoother, fuller appearance.

Although dermal fillers cannot completely eliminate scars, they do help reduce their appearance. Acne scars may be softened and, in turn, make them less noticeable.

How Do Dermal Fillers For Acne Scars Work?

Dermal fillers are used to create volume, restore skin elasticity, and change the appearance of a scar. When injected into the skin, they can help fill the existing voids of missing or damaged skin.

They can make your skin look better after scars have been formed, fade away the severity of the marks and create a smoother texture. They are easily absorbed into the skin and make them look more youthful and supple. They are also proven to be helpful in improving skin laxity in the epidermis and the underlying dermis.

Most fillers have biostimulatory properties which means that they stimulate the skin to grow and develop faster. They also help in accelerating the natural collagen production and they stimulate the production of fibroblasts and elastin, thereby improving the absorption of nutrients and skin-building components.

Efficacy of Fillers versus Other Acne Scar Treatments

All over the world, dermal fillers are becoming a popular alternative treatment for patients suffering from acne scars. The newer, non-invasive treatment are a lot less painful and are very efficient.

Take note that the efficacy also depends on the severity of the scars but it doesn’t mean that other procedures, like laser for acne scars, are ineffective as they work just as well, if not better. No matter, research shows that fillers do show more progression and results compared to microneedling and chemical peels.

Before and After Results

The use of dermal fillers have been shown to be very effective with many patients reporting improvement in their scarred skin. Results are shown in the form of gradual improvements in thickness and reduced pigmentation after treatment. The procedure itself takes around 30-45 minutes and results tend to show up within several months of procedure.

Just like any other treatment, a combination of treatments is recommended for best results.

The skin specialist will guide you thoroughly on the process and you’ll begin to see the difference visually, depending on the severity of the scars.

Types of Dermal Fillers for Acne Scars:

Here’s a quick review of the effectiveness of some dermal fillers for acne that you can try:

Bellafill

This filler is the first dermal filler approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne scars. Bellafill contains bovine collagen and PMMA microspheres. The filler acts like a sponge which sits on top of the scar, providing a cushion which helps diminish the appearance of skin texture and smoothness.

Fillers usually show visible results after 3-5 months of procedure, depending on the severity of the scar. In general, results of this filler are visible right away, and they can last for up to 5 years depending on the patient’s tolerance for the filler and treatment duration.

Off-label fillers

Off-label means using a product or medication that is not approved by the FDA or for its intended purpose. However, this does not mean that a dermal filler that is off-label is ineffective or harmful. Instead, these can be considered as the safest and best options for patients with prominent acne scars, as they are not as invasive as other options available on the market.

Some of the off-label fillers include radiesse, juvederm, and sculptra. Each possess its own benefits and effects. To know the type of dermal fillers you’re going to opt for, speak to your dermatologist.

Who is a good candidate for a dermal filler for acne scars?

The decision to use dermal fillers is a very personal one. Some people who are experiencing severe acne scarring can opt for any type of filler, as long as they are committed to the recovery process and treatment. Others may be scared of trying something new, but it doesn’t mean that a non-invasive procedure is not worth the try.

Takeaway

Developments are constantly being made in the field of cosmetic procedures and this is the proof that the way to go is not to ignore what the experts are saying. As with all treatments, there are pros and cons associated with each type of dermal fillers. The key is to talk to your dermatologist and do your research before proceeding with any of the treatments.