Typically each laser session takes 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions needed to see effects may vary depending on your skin type and severity of the issue.
Pigmentation treatment or pigmentation removal is one of the most popular treatments sought after in Singapore. The truth is most of us are either going to have a pigmentation issue or already have it.
What causes various pigmentation problems? How do we treat them effectively? How do we prevent more pigmentation problems from occurring?
Skin pigmentation by itself is a natural occurrence. Our skin pigmentation cells, called melanocytes, produce melanin, which gives our skin colour (skin tone) and identity.
The extent of melanin pigments in our skin is influenced by genetics, hormones, infection, sun exposure, medical conditions or age.
At a young age, unsightly pigments can occur as a result of birthmarks.
With ageing and accumulated sun damage, unsightly hyperpigmentation can also occur. Sun damage from UV rays is by far the most common cause of unwanted, unsightly pigmentation in the skin.
Effective pigmentation removal will mean addressing all these causative factors. The key to a successful hyperpigmentation treatment is to address the causes of the pigmentation issues and recognise whether the pigmentation is superficial or deep. Below are the types of pigmentations we treat at our clinic:
Acne, which is an infection of the sebaceous glands, can leave unsightly marks on skin areas in its aftermath. After the acne resolves, it leaves a red mark because of the underlying inflammation of the skin. This is because the skin vessels are dilated.This is known as post-inflammatory erythema or PIE. Such red marks post-acne respond very well to pro yellow laser treatment.
In just a few sessions, the marks can almost be completely resolved. We want to treat PIE early, not just for its cosmetic value, but because it will progress to become post-inflammatory pigmentation or PIH when neglected.PIH is a condition when there is overproduction of pigmentation in response to skin damage, and as a result, the red marks “turn brown”.
PIH is treatable with most good nanosecond lasers, but it will require considerably more laser sessions for a good resolution than PIE treatment.
Melanoma is skin cancer of the melanocytes (pigment making skin cells).
They are dangerous and can be life-threatening. That is why it is important that they are diagnosed early and treatment is sought.
Usually they present as fast-growing pigmentation with irregular borders and a “variegated” appearance.
Solar lentigines are large sun-spots that occur due to sun exposure and more commonly found in the older age group. That is also why it is commonly known as ageing spots.
Solar lentigines have a superficial and deep component. Superficial lentigines are easily treated with a good q-switch laser, or pico laser, or long pulse light lasers like pro yellow or Nd: YAG.
Studies show that long pulse lasers have a lower incidence of PIH than pico or q-switched lasers.
Quadralase is Ozhean Zoey’s signature laser treatment in Singapore, a combination of four of our most effective laser treatments formulated for eager result-seekers aiming to achieve porcelain skin.
It yields a more sustained, complete and beautiful result.
With the advent of Pico lasers, the trend is that many patients are seeking this popular medical-grade laser treatment. Pico lasers certainly have their distinct advantages and strengths because of the intensity of photoacoustic power.
While this may work wonderfully on small pigment molecules like in tattoos, photoacoustic energy can be unpredictable in treating larger pigments. Longer pulsed lasers are shown in clinical studies to be more effective in treating larger deeper pigments and associated with fewer complications (temporary side effects).
In addition, with its ultra-short pulses, it is unlikely that pico lasers can penetrate the deep dermis and create collagen remodelling there.
Another limitation of Pico lasers, is that it does not work on skin vessels and redness. With melasma and other age-related hyperpigmentation issues, there is often a background of vascular problems that need to be treated. That is why incorporating a vascular laser not only enhances the results of skin pigmentation treatment– it prolongs the longevity of the result.
In other words, the Pico laser has its limitations as a standalone treatment. It is best combined with other lasers (see below) to yield a more satisfactory outcome. That is why Ozhean Zoey has launched our proprietary Quadralase program.
Pico laser is valued from $350 onwards per session, whereas Quadralase trial starts from $299 nett. Pico Lasers will require 5 to 10 sessions on average.
The total cost of pico laser treatment for pigmentation removal in Singapore would cost from $2500 upwards.
The total cost of pico laser treatments for pigmentation is dependent on the severity of your pigmentation. In general, if you have more pigmentation, you would require more treatment sessions to achieve your desired results.
Just like our fingerprints, each person’s skin is unique and different, which is why there is no fixed treatment formula for everyone.
“Un-customised” laser or skincare program that is insensitive to the skin type will bring about a high risk of undertreatment or overtreatment. Undertreatment leaves unsatisfactory results while over-treatment causes unnecessary complications.
SKIN FIT program by Ozhean is a trademarked program that customises skincare and treatment care for our customers to the smallest detail. This is why Ozhean has enjoyed good success with their clients all these years.
“A good doctor cures the disease, but a great doctor cures the cause.” – Amit Kalantri, Wealth of Words.”
One of the reasons why the patients in Ozhean enjoy longer-lasting results and satisfaction is because SKIN FIT addresses the pigmentation problem and the causes of the condition. We go right to the root of it. A good example of this is the treatment of sun-related problems.
SKIN FIT Program not only treats the excessive pigment; it also emphasises on treatment solutions that reduce DNA damage and sun protection.
The cost of laser pigmentation removal in Singapore can range from $1500 – $2800. The final cost depends on which doctor you go to and the number of laser sessions you require. Typically, one session costs anywhere between $180 to $480, depending on the type of laser you have chosen to go for. Your doctor will go through your treatment plan to see how many sessions you need based on your condition.
Once skin pigmentation is removed, it is removed permanently. However, new pigmentation can recur due to sun exposure, ageing or hormonal factors. You may need maintenance treatments should that happen. Good skincare products (topical creams) for maintenance of results will be adequate sun protection. You can also opt for non-invasive treatments in Singapore like chemical peels to treat sun-spots, freckles, and other hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels also work on all skin tones.
The number of pigmentation treatments really depends on the severity of the different types of skin pigmentations (acne scars, freckles, sun-spots, uneven skin colour) and the depth of it. Typically a good resolution of pigments is noted in 5-6 sessions, while for certain pigmentation like nevus, ten treatments are needed.
You should see results after each session. There is immediate whitening and brightening that is noticeable right after Quadralase. The results improve further 2-3 weeks after.
Most patients find Quadralase very comfortable during the treatment. For the pain-sensitive, there might be mild tingling sensations that are tolerable. Numbing cream will be applied to reduce any pain or discomfort.
Most patients have no downtime or distinct redness after Quadralase. We will minimise downtime where necessary.
Typically each laser session takes 15-20 minutes. The number of sessions needed to see effects may vary depending on your skin type and severity of the issue.
Mon, Wed, Thu & Fri - 10:30 am to 7:30 pm
Tue - 10:30 am - 6:30 pm
Sat - 9:30 am - 3:30 pm
Sundays & Public Holidays - Closed
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