Laser Treatment

Your eyes aren't playing tricks on you.

Yes, both whiney and gentle went for laser treatment with the SAME doctor. Of course, the review won't be a total duplicate. But I will touch on more on the treatment process and the recovery process.

Similar to Whiney, I couldn't stand the scars permanently residing on my face. I have both pigmented scars, pitted scars, box holes, and some active pimples when I decide to consult Whiney's doctor who did her laser. It was a difficult decision because his consultation and treatments aren't cheap. And his consultation fees can't be waived even when treatment is done on first visit. His consultation charge is a whooping S$100.

I was mentally prepared for an immediate laser treatment when I visited him. Yes, I cannot stand inefficacy and love instant results. However, through his examination of my 'damaged' face. He suggests that we should treat those active pimples and pigmented scars via Booster Peels. I obliged. I was running at my wit's end as to how to treat my face. The Booster Peels tuen out pretty ok. It wasn't anything special but chemical peels (Neostrata products) with pre-peel booster applied to strengthen the effect. I was also prescribed Dalacin T and Differin Gel 0.1% to apply too. After 2 peels and the topical medication, I was told I am ready for the laser.

I did mine on 21st Feb 2009. I told him that I'm going to be retrenched and he can perform the laser as deep as he felt suitable since I will have lots of time to spare. And yes, he went all the way. There are 3 parts to the whole procedure. First 2 will be focused on the pitted scars whereby the last part is an overall scanning of the entire face. Prior to the procedure, a numbing cream is applied 30 mins before the procedure. Upon Whiney's advice, I instructed them to apply to the entire face, including the jaw. As Whiney's pain treshold is sky high, I got to prepare for the worse. (When Whiney says not pain, it is pain. When Whiney says slightly pain, it is near-death type of pain. When Whiney says pain, it should be classified as death) Whiney says not really pain, but shocking. My verdict (my pain treshold is normal) is PAIN, to the extend that I almost wanted to stop the whole procedure. The most painful area, to me, is the area below the nose and area near the mouth. The pain almost killed me.

The entire procedure last about 20 mins. Though that 20 mins seems short, it was hell long when you at being shot by the laser gun continuously. After the procedure, it is totally not advisable to take public transport unless you stay so near the MRT that the MRT is less than 100 steps from your house. Mine is, and I received lots of stares, lots! I totally look weird. And I didn't wear a cap. Not that I didn't want to spend on a cab, but taking an MRT is much faster than if I were to take a cab and risk my face in the sun!

Back home, the pain and the burning sensation still lingers. So much that my brother has to go to convenient store at night to get me panadol extra to kill off the pain before I can sleep. Applying the cream that he gave is also a tough job when the skin is in pain. I can't remember how I managed, but I'm glad I pull through. The pain was gone the next day. But he indeed did a deep laser which gave me a downtime of more than 5 days. I appreciate his decision and skill in the laser depth, as it really helped a lot. And the effect is significant.

Below is some pictures of the 5 days recovery process.

The red spots were the deep area that was lasered. They evetually dropped off. The improvements are quite tremendous. Many of those who did not know I went for this treatment ask about the improvement. Even a hairdresser from a Salon I patronize ask me about my skin.
The price for my laser alone is S$1000. (Not including all the medications and Booster peels before the laser

Laser burn my skin (and my pocket). But it is well worth it.

He is located at
The Plastic Surgery Practice
Novena Medical Center
10 Sinaran Drive
#11-33Singapore 307506
phone: (65) 6397 6618
fax: (65) 6397 7076

Verdict: Don't waste money on products on pitted scars or enlarged pores, They'll probably give you temporary effects. Laser is the way to go.