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Showing posts with the label CO2 laser

Acne Scar Management: Causes and Treatments

Every year, acne affects more than 50 million people in America alone. Although the number of people who have acne is alarming, it does not get as much attention as other chronic diseases because people see it as a cosmetic problem.  For most people, acne begins around puberty and grow out of it by the time they are n their mid-20s. However, some people may continue to get acne until they are in their 30s, 40s or beyond. In fact, some people may also get acne for the first time as an adult. What causes acne? Picture this - There are about 2,500 to 6,000 sebaceous glands per square of the skin. These glands secrete an oily matter called sebum. When sebum, dead skin cells and bacteria are stuck in the pores or hair follicles, inflammation may occur, leading to acne. Sometimes when there is a breakage in the wall of the pore, deeper lesions may occur, resulting in more serious inflammation of the skin.  These blockages and inflammation of the pores result in acneic sk

How to Get Rid of Post-Pregnancy Stretch Marks

What is a stretch mark? Stretch marks are a type of permanent scar that develops when the skin undergoes extreme stretching during times of rapid weight gain, pregnancy, or growth.  Stretch marks often appear as long, narrow streaks or lines that develop on the surface of the skin, particularly on the arms, tummy, thighs, hips, breasts, and lower back.  When stretch marks first appear, they tend to take on a reddish or purplish hue, depending on your skin color. During the early stages of its formation, stretch marks may be raised or feel itchy.  Over an extended period of time, the color fades and the bands subside to form a depression on the skin. These marks are permanent and they usually appear lighter in appearance as compared to the surrounding skin. Why do we get stretch marks? Such scarring is usually permanent, and the skin cannot resume to the way it was before because the collagen and elastin fibers are ruptured. Some creams and lotions or even m

Pico Laser: Latest Treatment for Acne Scars, Tattoos, Pores, and Wrinkles

One of the latest technological advancements in aesthetic medicine industry is probably the creation of Pico Laser . They are so named because they emit laser energy at super short pulses, at 1 x 10 -12  , or  0.000 000 000 001 seconds.   The Pico Laser produces energy 10 times shorter than the traditional Q-switched Nd Yag lasers, at 400-750 picoseconds instead of 5-10 nanoseconds. This allows the laser to   produce a photo-mechanical rather than photo-thermal effect, to more efficiently shatter pigmentation and tattoo ink, without the associated side effects of Q-switched Nd Yag laser. In particular, the PicoSure Laser was the first picosecond device to become commercially available. It emits red light at 755nm, and has recived US FDA approval for treatment of pigmentation, acne scars and tattoos.  PicoSure Laser: More than just a pigment-reducing laser When PicoSure Laser was first launched in the market, it was created mostly as a pigment-reducing laser. However, the

Non-Surgical Anti-Aging Treatments for Men

Of the two sexes, women are known to be more self-conscious about their physical appearance. However, in recent years there has been a growing trend in men who are increasingly open to using skincare products and receive non-surgical anti-aging treatments to age-proof their skin.  As it is more cost-effective and convenient to start anti-aging journey in the early 30s, many medical aesthetic clinics in Singapore are seeing younger clients, especially male who want to improve their appearance. They are no longer shying away from aesthetic treatments.  Dr. Siew Tuck Wah of Radium Medical Aesthetics, tell us more about the beauty trends that are increasingly popular with men. Acne scar treatment Uneven skin caused by depressed scars is one of the leading complaints men have when they visit their aesthetic doctor. Men, like most women, want smoother skin. According to Dr. Siew,  CO2 skin resurfacing fractional laser  does a good job at smoothening skin irregularities such

Doctor's Guide to Types of Scars and Effective Treatment Methods

Our skin weights about 8 pounds, covering a surface area of about 22 square feet. Most of us take our skin for granted but very few people know its importance in keeping us alive. Our skin is waterproof, insulating us from extreme weather conditions, and keeping out pollutants and harmful chemicals out of our body.  The skin is also very vulnerable because it covers our whole body, shielding us from the harsh conditions. A small injury or trauma can make a big difference in how it looks, leaving unsightly scars that can be etched on the skin for life. Throughout our lives, our skin is subject to injuries, trauma, and acne. Most people are affected by acne scarring because acne scars on the face can be unsightly.   The truth is that these scars will never completely go away. However, there are various treatment options that can help reduce its appearance.  Different types of scars There are several different types of scars including:  HYPERTROPHIC SCARS  are rai