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.

Laser Treatment

After so many years of hiding behind foundation, I decided to go ahead and do something about the pitted holes left behind by the best friends of my teenage years.

It just happened one day during work. I was so free that I took a mirror and start examining my face very closely. I got quite fed-up with the obvious holes even with thick foundation, and decided that I must do something, whatever it takes.

I thought of filler injections. I don’t really know exactly what is it, but I thought it will be just injecting something into each of the holes and voila, perfect skin!

I began to call each clinic and plastic surgeon to enquire about the price. Average price quoted is about S$600 for one jab that can last 4 to 6 months. Wow, that’s like super high maintenance.

Nevertheless, I booked myself for an appointment with Dr. Andrew Tay. No reason why him of all clinics, perhaps just ‘caused he is good looking? Hehe. He used to be with Pacific Healthcare when I was seeing him, and now he moved on to Novena Medical Centre. Perhaps his own clinic now? Gentle saw him at Novena Medical Centre. Read her review to find out more.

During my first appointment, I didn’t know what to expect. Maybe just a jab and perfect skin? And then the doc will be earning my money every half a year.

During the consultation, I asked Dr. Tay about filler injections straightaway. He explained that filler injections are a temporary measure, expensive to keep up and also more for deeper holes. This is because the amount of filler will not fill into each hole so precisely that it will be just nice at “skin level”. Some holes might just be filled up too much and become a bump instead of a hole.

He then went on to recommend the laser treatment for the holes. It consists of lasering off the very top layer of the skin so that the holes are shallower and hence skin will appear smoother, and there is guaranteed results. Just difference in how much improvements depending on one’s skin.

The amount of downtime varies with the depth of the skin cut. And the depth of the skin cut depends on the condition of the skin and also your own choice. Some might think that since you are going to do it, might as well just go all the way and cut as deep as possible.
Well, you will have to take into consideration the downtime and also the risk involved.

For me, because I am working and not able to afford such a long leave, and MC due to cosmetic purposes are not acceptable, I wasn’t able to be down for too many days. Also, the risk for complications such as infection and such are higher as you cut deeper. Taking all these factors, I chose to do the minimal of 20 microns (IF I remember correctly, it was 20). And of course, the deeper you cut, the more expensive is the cost. Dr. Tay did not push me to cut deeper just for the sake of earning, but instead advise me not to go too deep to risk complications, which made me quite comfortable.

I made an appointment for the treatment on an eve of a public holiday at 630pm, so that I can save a day’s leave. A few days before my appointment date, the nurse from the clinic called and asked if I could be re-scheduled as Dr. Tay has a meeting to attend to at about 7pm. I was quite hesitant and explained to the nurse honestly that it is because I want to save a day’s leave. She said she’ll check with Dr. Tay and called me 10 mins later to say that my appointment timing will remain. I was quite happy that Dr. Tay is so accommodating.

On the day of the appointment, I was very excited. It was like… “at last, after all these years” that kind of feeling.


I didn't take any photos of the process, so read on and use your imagination. I shall describe as best as I can with words.

After washing off my make up (I came from work. For those who can go straight from home or your work do not require make up, it’ll be best I think), the nurse proceed to apply numbing cream on my face. The numbing cream requires 30 mins to take effect. So the laser will begin 30 mins after application of the numbing cream.

Before the laser, Dr. Tay took several pictures of my face as preparation for comparison with the results after the treatment. Then, it was time for the long awaited laser to begin.

I was given 2 metal round things to cover my eyes with and also ear plugs. Dr. Tay explained that ear plugs are essential as the sound of the laser can be quite deafening and scary to some people.

The whole process took less than an hour. Dr. Tay explained that he will go deeper on the holes and then do an overall “burning” of the skin. So there was 2 parts of the treatment.

The first part was a series of short, sharp shooting at the problematic holes. The first shot came as a shock. It was like someone took rubber band, stretched it ridiculously and shot you in the face. But definitely not as pain. The process is more of shock than pain. The nurse held my hand throughout the process and that gave so much comfort. =)

Part 2 is the overall lasering of the face. This is like a machine gun going fast and around your face. I think the numbing cream is good at masking the pain. The nurse missed a few spots at the edge of my face when she was applying the numbing cream and when the laser reached those spots, it was pain~. Bearable pain, but can feel the pain like an ant’s bite. Other parts of the face were okay, so I guess the numbing cream they used was really good.

After the laser, I was given this cream/ oil that I have to keep it on my face. I was advised to wash my face with Cetaphil (which I am still using it now) and have to immediately apply the cream/ oil back after washing. So this part is a bit tricky for people who have no control over tossing and turning in their beds and have the tendency to rub their face on their pillows, bolsters and blankets.

Dr. Tay estimated that my downtime would be roughly about 2 to 3 days. So for 2 days and 2 nights, I hid in my room with curtains drawn down and slept straight with face up like a mummy.
On the third day, the ‘burned’ skin came off while I was washing my face. Just like if you cut or burn your skin, the top layer will dry and peel off after days. After the peel, my skin is visibly fairer. Some of the queen of holes are also visibly shallower.

My skin is not perfectly smooth after that, but at least I was able to go work with just sun block and not feel so conscious about it. The skin will continue to improve for about 6 months after the treatment as the laser will also stimulate the production of collagen.



Here are some photos for comparison


Left side of face

Right side of face

Conclusion: I would say it’s worth it for S$700++ (cannot guarantee it’s still the same price now).