The pandemic stress has impacted us in more ways than one — financially, mentally and even physically. While reports of burnout and strained relationships are on the rise, there’s an unspoken and serious side effect that’s clearly underreported — hair loss. 

In a recent report by CNA¹, doctors around the world are seeing a rise in stress-related hair loss. Yet, it’s not taken seriously because it’s not a life-threatening condition — though it can cause crippling psychological distress. 

When people seek hair loss treatments in Singapore, they tend to follow this route: beauty salons, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), over-the-counter hair sprays and oral medication — basically anything to avoid spending a lot of money. Does this sound like you? 

Don’t be misled. In this article, allow me to explain why most ‘affordable’ hair loss treatments don’t work, and why I personally recommend Secret RF microneedling for hair loss. 

Why does hair loss happen?

The most common form of hair loss is telogen effluvium, hair loss that’s usually caused by: 

• Childbirth, or postpartum hair loss. This either resolves on its own or transitions into female pattern alopecia
• Stress 
• A diet low in protein and iron 
• Side effects from medication 
• Acute or chronic illness 

Fortunately, telogen effluvium is temporary and should not persist over 6 months or once its root cause is eliminated. What’s more worrying, however, is androgenic alopecia, a common hair loss condition that develops due to hormones and genetics. 

Androgenic alopecia is more severe and is usually more prevalent in men as the condition onsets earlier and progresses faster. 95%² of hair loss in men is caused by androgenic alopecia. We refer to androgenic alopecia in men and women respectively as: 

Male pattern hair loss 

• Balding occurs in a well-defined M shape 
• Hair loss starts from the front of the head and recedes to the back 
• Complete baldness is possible 

Female pattern hair loss 

• Hair is lost from all over the head, starting at the temples and frontal scalp with retention of the frontal hairline
• Generalised thinning instead of going bald 

We often think alopecia only affects older individuals, but make no mistake — youths are not spared as well. In fact, because it is a genetic condition, male pattern hair loss usually already starts from adolescence and worsens as boys grow older. In women, while female pattern hair loss begins in midlife, it can start as early as when a woman is in her 20s³. 

When should I seek hair growth treatment in Singapore?

Rate of hair loss 

How many strands of hair are you losing? If you lose an excess of 80-100 strands a day and the rate seems to be getting worse, that’s a warning sign. 

Reason behind hair loss

If the reason for your hair fall is situational and easily fixed (e.g. once the stressful situation blows over or once you get on diet on track), I wouldn’t be too worried. However, if the cause is something like genetics, I highly recommend you see a doctor. 

Hair loss from male and female pattern baldness is permanent; the earlier you take action and seek treatment, the more hair you can keep. 

Many lose faith in hair loss treatments and think this condition is a lost cause due to previous failed treatments. Well, that’s because most conventional hair loss treatments marketed on TV or in beauty salons do not even treat the condition in the first place! 

Types of hair loss treatments in Singapore: Chinese vs Western 

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)

In TCM, it is believed that the main cause of hair loss is blood deficiency, so treatment usually revolves around restoring the patient’s blood, kidney ‘qi’ and essence⁴. While more research needs to be done on its efficacy, studies⁵ show that TCM works best as a complementary therapy. 

Oral and topical medications 

These include finasteride (oral) and minoxidil (topical). They are commonly prescribed at clinics but merely control instead of treat the condition; hair loss will eventually recur once the medications are stopped. In addition, oral medications for hair loss often come with side effects like decreased sex drive, erection problems and rashes. 

Salon hair treatments 

These only nourish the hair and do nothing for hair loss. 

Low-level laser light therapy (LLLT)

LLLT uses laser light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage hair growth, but efficacy of results are poor and might not be enough for moderate to severe hair loss. 

Hair transplant

A hair transplant actually provides very distinct results, provided the transplant is done well by a skilful surgeon. It’s one of those high risk, high rewards procedures; if anything goes wrong, complications include scarring folliculitis which causes permanent loss of hair. A hair transplant is also extremely expensive. 

Secret RF microneedling

Radiofrequency microneedling is a scientific, proven treatment that’s been shown to work for androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. 

How does Secret RF treat alopecia?

Microneedling RF itself is a therapy that uses tiny needles and radiofrequency waves to create controlled damage on the treatment area. This damage stimulates collagen growth and growth factor production. When used on the scalp, microneedling triggers stem cells in hair follicles, encouraging hair growth. 

Multiple studies have proven microneedling to be effective⁵ in promoting hair growth. It also promotes the absorption⁶ of products used to treat hair loss, hence it’s fantastic either as a main or complementary therapy. 

In my practice, I prefer using Secret RF due to its gold-plated tips which have made a world of difference for clients in terms of comfort and downtime. It is also a microneedling RF technology - which is superior to micro needling alone in hair stimulation because of the additional radiofrequency effect. The depth and energy with Secret RF is also more accurate, whereas with regular microneedling the penetration depth can be inconsistent. 

This article will tell you more why I use Secret RF to treat not just hair loss but skin conditions like stubborn acne scars. 

Due to regulations by MOH, I cannot show before/after photos here, but please feel free to drop me a line and I’ll be more than happy to show you results from satisfied patients! 

To sum up, alopecia is very treatable — but be wise in choosing the right treatment, and don’t procrastinate any longer as the more you wait, the more hair lost and the more money spent.

References 

1. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/stress-related-more-hair-loss-covid-19-coronavirus-solutions-622636
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/why-do-men-go-bald#main-cause-of-balding
3. Dinh, Q. Q., & Sinclair, R. (2007). Female pattern hair loss: current treatment concepts. Clinical interventions in aging, 2(2), 189–199.
4. https://www.euyansang.com.sg/en/restoring-your-crowning-glory/eysgwhaircare1.html
5. Tan, M. G., Jo, C. E., Chapas, A., Khetarpal, S., & Dover, J. S. (2021). Radiofrequency Microneedling: A Comprehensive and Critical Review. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 47(6), 755–761. https://doi.org/10.1097/DSS.0000000000002972
6. Chandrashekar, B., Yepuri, V., & Mysore, V. (2014). Alopecia areata-successful outcome with microneedling and triamcinolone acetonide. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 7(1), 63–64. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.129989 

If you’re going through puberty or pregnancy, you might have gotten rippling stretch marks across your buttocks, breasts, thighs or stomach which you hate. Or you might have recently lost or gained some weight and noticed that you have additional ridges lining your skin.

For most Singaporeans, it’s not uncommon to turn to creams and ointments that promise to “tighten” your skin and get rid of those unsightly lines.

While such products may have worked to a certain extent for you, there is no solid medical evidence that proves creams and ointments can help with reducing stretch marks or cellulite — not especially if you want obvious results.

If you’re seriously looking for an effective stretch marks treatment, physical modalities must be considered. One of which is Secret RF.

Below, all you need to know about stretch marks and Secret RF as a treatment for stretch marks in Singapore.

What are stretch marks?

Stretch marks are scars on the skin that occur when our skin stretches or shrinks quickly. It happens a lot in women because of growth spurts during adolescence, weight gain, or during pregnancy. 

We lose collagen and our elastin ruptures, and when the skin heals, bam – stretch marks! These nasty indented streaks can make our skin look unsightly, causing distress and allowing them to strip us of our confidence. 

Stretch marks are twice as common in women compared to men and can occur between the ages of 5 to 50 years.¹

What causes stretch marks?

Stretch marks form when the middle layer of the skin, known as the dermis, becomes stretched. They tend to appear when someone gains or loses weight. Growth spurts or pregnancy could also be some causes of stretch marks. 

Some common reasons for stretch marks include: 

• Growth spurts 
• Weight loss or weight gain 
• Pregnancy 
• Exercises that increase muscle size 
• Certain medical conditions 
• Side effects of certain medications
• Smoking 
• Family history of stretch marks 

Other less common reasons why stretch marks may happen may be: 

• Chemotherapy 
• Prolonged antibiotic therapy 
• Contraceptives 
• Surgery 
• Neuroleptics 
• Corticosteroids 
• Cushing’s disease 
• Marfan syndrome 
• Febrile illness 
• Chronic liver disease 

What are the types of stretch marks?

Radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered by a Secret RF device tip deep into your skin to heat up the fatty layers underneath your skin. This helps to increase blood circulation and tighten the skin by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It also causes the fatty deposits to drain out through your lymphatic system, thereby significantly reducing the appearance of cellulite caused by these fats.

How does Secret RF help with stretch marks?

Secret RF is a microneedling technology that administers radiofrequency (RF) heat energy to the deep skin layer (dermis), stimulating growth factors that induce new collagen formation, thereby reducing stretch marks and cellulite. 

Stretch marks caused by stretching of the skin are also known medically as striae distensae, characterised by thin skin and lack of collagen. 

A study of 30 Korean patients with moderate to severe striae distensae showed significant clinical improvement after the use of a combination of fractionated microneedle RF with fractional CO₂ laser, without serious side effects. Clinical photographs showed distinct differences before and after treatment. Through histological studies from biopsies, scientists revealed that combination therapy greatly increased collagen production, improved skin texture and enhanced dermal (skin) remodelling.² I am pleased to say that all research points to distinct therapeutic effects of our Secret RF technology for striae distensae. 

This is further backed up by our happy clients. Feel free to drop us an enquiry and we are happy to share with you our portfolio of results! 

How quickly will I see results with my stretch marks?

Most patients will see significant results after 2-3 sessions spaced about 3-4 weeks apart. The number of sessions will vary depending on how well you respond to the treatment and the severity of your skin condition. The most optimal results occur 3-6 months after completing 3 sessions due to the time it takes for collagen to be remodelled in your skin.

Will stretch marks totally disappear after Secret RF?

While the results can be stunning and you may see significant improvements, as a medical practitioner, it is my responsibility to manage expectations - it is unlikely that all your stretch marks will completely disappear. However, if your stretch marks are not too severe and your Secret RF treatment is done early enough, you may see dramatic improvements in your stretch marks, close to the point of looking invisible. 

What other applications does Secret RF have?

Secret RF has more applications than other treatments. 

Read this article to find out why I prefer Secret RF over other microneedling devices, such as Potenza and INFINI. 

Secret RF can be used not only on stretch marks, but also 

• Cellulite
• Acne scars 
• Hair loss 
• Sweaty armpits (hyperhidrosis) 

Secret RF has different modes and settings to be used for different skin conditions, so it can be tailor-made just for you!

About Dr. Park Ji-Youn

Dr. Park Ji-Youn is the founder and managing director of the Ozhean group. As a board certified dermatologist, she has published more than 30 scientific papers on dermatology, and is the creator of Ozhean’s SKIN FIT program, which was conceived in 2015, and continues to successfully retain 80% of its original customers.

References

1. Lokhande, A. J., & Mysore, V. (2019). Striae Distensae Treatment Review and Update. Indian dermatology online journal, 10(4), 380–395. https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_336_18
2. Ryu, H. W., Kim, S. A., Jung, H. R., Ryoo, Y. W., Lee, K. S., & Cho, J. W. (2013). Clinical improvement of striae distensae in Korean patients using a combination of fractionated microneedle radiofrequency and fractional carbon dioxide laser. Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 39(10), 1452–1458. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12268 

One of the most common statements I hear from patients when they seek treatment for cellulite is,

“Doc, I’ve already tried losing X amount of weight but still I have cellulite. Are you sure aesthetic treatments can help?”

If you are like one of them, no wonder you haven’t seen any improvements with your cellulite. In fact, studies1 have found that weight loss actually worsens cellulite in certain individuals.

Now, don’t get me wrong - I’m not saying you shouldn’t lose weight (if you have to for your health, please do). But losing weight for the sole purpose of getting rid of cellulite is counterproductive and not the right way to go.

For the most part, excess fat does contribute to cellulite growth. However, the extent of how severe the cellulite is largely depends on our genetics - which explains why tons of skinny fat people get cellulite too.

I’ve written an article on how Secret RF can help with stretch marks. Allow me to now explain how Secret RF can help with cellulite removal.

What is cellulite?

Cellulite is the lumps and dimples that form on the skin. Some common terms coined for cellulite include: orange-peel skin, cottage-cheese skin, hail damage, and mattress phenomenon.

Cellulite affects both men and women but is much more extensive in women due to our proportions of fat, muscle and connective tissues. Up to 80-90% of women may experience cellulite² at some point in their lives.

What causes cellulite?

Cellulite develops because of fat cells that bulge between the connective tissues that hold the muscles and the skin. Although anyone can have cellulite, including those who are lean or fit, it is way more common in women than in men. Common reasons for having cellulite include: 

• Gender – being a woman significantly increases your risk of having cellulite 
• Being overweight 
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle 
• Poor blood circulation 
• Genetics 
• Hormonal conditions 
• Pregnancy 
• Weight fluctuation 
• Diet 

What are the grades of cellulite?

There is a cellulite severity scale that ranks the condition of cellulite based on three grades. The table below explains these three grades. 

How does Secret RF help with cellulite?

Radiofrequency (RF) energy is delivered by a Secret RF device tip deep into your skin to heat up the fatty layers underneath your skin. This helps to increase blood circulation and tighten the skin by stimulating the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. It also causes the fatty deposits to drain out through your lymphatic system, thereby significantly reducing the appearance of cellulite caused by these fats.

How good is Secret RF for cellulite?

There are several studies that prove radiofrequency microneedling works brilliantly for cellulite, with the most noteworthy being: 

• Two months after the second treatment, a patient’s right thigh showed a 5-point improvement from 14 points severity to 9 points severity, which shows highly significant results.³
• Manuskiatti et al reported an average of 50% improvement in cellulite appearance in 27 patients with Grade 2 or higher cellulite of the thighs, arms, buttocks and abdomen after a total of 8 RF treatments. There was also a decrease in abdomen and thigh circumference, with a mean reduction of 10.5% thickness of fat tissues⁴, suggesting RF’s efficacy in fat reduction which also helps with cellulite.

Is Secret RF microneedling safe?

Secret RF is the only technology that uses gold-plated tips, while conventional methods only have gold-coated tips. Gold-plating is of higher quality than gold-coating. The result of this gold-plating is that Secret RF causes less damage on the skin, with less complications and is much less painful. With Secret RF, you’ll find less discomfort with enhanced results. 

Read this article to find out more about the benefits of Secret RF over other microneedling devices. 

Secret RF microneedling is a very safe procedure that has been carried out with minimal side effects and minimal downtime. It is minimally invasive and generally safe for those who are in good overall health. 

However, it isn’t safe for those using certain acne medications or for women who are pregnant. During the consultation, we will assess to see if you are suitable for Secret RF, so you can be assured that we will not proceed if we find any problems. 

During the entire process, the outer layer of your skin is continuously cooled so you do not have to worry about damaging your skin. When the treatment is done, you may resume your daily activities, but there may be temporary redness which should disappear after 24 hours. 

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How many RF microneedling treatments do you need for cellulite?

The more consistent your treatment is, the better and quicker the results will be. For most patients, the ideal treatment frequency for Secret RF microneedling is once every 4 to 6 weeks. Consistent treatment will ensure that your skin continues to build collagen to reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Over time, the body will begin to produce collagen and elastin, therefore, the patient will see continuous improvements after several weeks or months. Depending on the severity of the condition and other factors, most patients require about 5 to 8 cellulite reduction sessions to achieve ideal results. 

How long does cellulite reduction by Secret RF last?

The longevity of the RF microneedling results for cellulite may vary depending on the individual. However, most patients see that their results tend to last for up to 4 months or even longer before a maintenance session may be needed. 

During the consultation, your doctor will go through the severity of your condition with you and what results you can expect with the number of treatments that you are getting. This will give you a better understanding of your treatment and adjust your expectations accordingly.

About Dr. Park Ji-Youn

Dr. Park Ji-Youn is the founder and managing director of the Ozhean group. As a board certified dermatologist, she has published more than 30 scientific papers on dermatology, and is the creator of Ozhean’s SKIN FIT program, which was conceived in 2015, and continues to successfully retain 80% of its original customers.

References

1. Smalls, L. K., Hicks, M., Passeretti, D., Gersin, K., Kitzmiller, W. J., Bakhsh, A., Wickett, R. R., Whitestone, J., & Visscher, M. O. (2006). Effect of weight loss on cellulite: gynoid lypodystrophy. Plastic and reconstructive surgery, 118(2), 510–516. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.prs.0000227629.94768.be
2. Luebberding, S., Krueger, N., & Sadick, N. S. (2015). Cellulite: an evidence-based review. American journal of clinical dermatology, 16(4), 243–256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-015-0129-5
3. Yu, V., Juhász, M., & Mesinkovska, N. A. (2019). Subcutaneous Radiofrequency Microneedling for the Treatment of Thigh Skin Laxity Caused by Weight Loss: A Case Study. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 12(6), 60–62. 
4. Alexiades-Armenakas, M., Newman, J., Willey, A., Kilmer, S., Goldberg, D., Garden, J., Berman, D., Stridde, B., Renton, B., Berube, D., & Hantash, B. M. (2013). Prospective multicenter clinical trial of a minimally invasive temperature-controlled bipolar fractional radiofrequency system for rhytid and laxity treatment. Dermatologic surgery: official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.], 39(2), 263–273. https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12065