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).
Then apply all over your face.
And rub...
And rub...
This is the dried mask. I wasn’t able to do a very good macro shot for this. But those white circles are the prominent blackheads that the mask managed to pull out. I also see that there are other little ones stuck onto the mask too.
Overall, it is a worth to buy product.
Upon recommendation from Gentle, I decided to give this product a try as I had this one particular brown mark leftover by an overly friendly pimple that wanted to leave a souvenir.
