Wrinkles, sagging and pigmentation of one’s skin are signs of premature ageing. Due to this, skin tightening is a popular cosmetic procedure to improve one’s appearance. However, while surgery has long been able to restore a youthful appearance, many prefer non-surgical face lifting and skin tightening treatment because it provides immediate results with minimal or no downtime.
Dr. Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist and an expert on cosmeceutical skincare research and development. She is the author of “Skincare Bible – Dermatologist’s Tips for Cosmeceutical Skincare” which was published July 2019 by leading bookstores Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor and Apple Books and available in bookstores islandwide from January 2020. She heads up Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a specialist cosmeceutical skincare line with evidence-based active ingredients for anti-ageing and skin health. Its subsidiaries, the Pi- Cosmeceutical Custom Makeup Lab and the Conscious Mask Bar are part of the Conscious Concept Pharmacy launched in December featuring environmentally sustainable makeup and skincare materials. In this series “Dermatologist Talks” she shares her top tips on common skincare topics. In this article, she talks about non-surgical skin tightening treatments.
What are the alternatives to surgical skin-tightening?
1. Non-invasive skin tightening procedures
Unlike surgical skin-tightening, patients will not incur puncture wounds, incisions or raw skin after the procedure. Temporary redness and swelling, would usually be the only side effects of the procedure. When performed by a board-certified dermatologist, little risk of other side effects is involved. This procedure can be performed on almost any part of your body and the results of the procedure tend to appear gradually. Regarding the details of the procedures, a session takes approximately 1 hour or less. Some patients may face some discomfort during the procedure.
Common procedures include:
Ultrasound
Heat produced by ultrasound treatments can stimulate collagen production. After one session, most people see modest lifting and tightening within 2 to 6 months. You may get more benefit from having multiple treatments.
Radiofrequency
A device is used against your skin to heat the tissue beneath. Most patients feel an immediate effect after the first session. Collagen production in the body takes time, the best results show in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. The results from radiofrequency treatments can last 2-3 years when accompanied with appropriate skin care.
Laser treatment
Certain lasers allow heat to penetrate into the skin without damaging the top layer of the skin. These lasers are utilised for skin-tightening treatments all over the body and can be especially helpful for tightening loose skin on the belly and upper arms. 3 to 5 treatments may be needed to get results, which gradually appear between 2 and 6 months after the last treatment.
2. Minimally invasive skin tightening procedures.
Although they are unable to give you the results of a surgical procedure like a facelift, these procedures result in more evident changes than non-invasive procedures. They require less downtime than surgery while carrying less risk of side effects. Patients will be sedated during this type of procedure and will have a few days of downtime.
Radiofrequency
A thin tube (or needles) is inserted into the skin which provides heat to tighten loose skin at a precise location. This procedure is often used to tighten the skin at the neck or upper arms. Results are noticeable in a month. In some research studies, patients see gradual tightening and lifting for close to 1 year. After the procedure, you’ll need someone to drive you home and you may need to wear a compression garment for 4 or 5 days. You’ll also need to care for the wound.
Laser resurfacing
This is the most effective procedure for tightening loose skin. Unlike the laser treatment, this procedure requires some downtime. You’ll need to stay home for 5 to 7 days. Laser resurfacing gives you the fastest results. After you heal, your skin will appear tighter with less wrinkles within 2 weeks. Laser resurfacing can effectively tighten skin, usually showing more prominent results than any other skin-tightening procedure. Laser resurfacing diminishes fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots on the skin, such as age spots. The tradeoff is that it requires downtime and has a greater risk of possible side effects, such as scarring.
Do skin-firming creams and lotions work?
Despite their promising claims, face-lift like results from a mere jar are highly unlikely. The result, if any, you see from a skin-firming cream will be subtle. These products tend to be good moisturisers at best resulting in plump skin and less noticeable fine lines and wrinkles. This result is temporary. To continue seeing any benefit, you need to apply the product every day. Dermatologists dispute the claim that a cream or lotion can lift sagging skin as these products are unable to penetrate the skin deeply enough to do this. Still, a small change may occur if the product contains a retinoid, such as retinol, which stimulates collagen production.
Who should avoid skin-tightening procedures?
Skin-tightening procedures should not be done on pregnant individuals, those with skin infections or patients with certain medications.
Meet with Dr Teo Wan Lin, an accredited dermatologist at TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, for a thorough consultation to determine the most suitable treatment for your skin.
To book an appointment with Dr Teo, call us at +65 6355 0522, or email appt@twlskin.com. Alternatively, you may fill up our contact form here.
Dr Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist and expert on cosmeceutical skincare research and development. Author of “Skincare Bible – Dermatologist’s Tips for Cosmeceutical Skincare”, published Jul 19 online by Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor, and available in bookstores islandwide from Jan 20. Heads Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a specialist cosmeceutical skincare line with evidence-based active ingredients for anti-ageing and skin health. Subsidiaries, Pi-Cosmeceutical Custom Makeup Lab and Conscious Mask Bar are part of the Conscious Concept Pharmacy launched in Dec 19 featuring environmentally sustainable makeup and skincare materials.
“I am a strong believer that natural beauty reflects honesty and authenticity, an approach I take as a dermatologist— sharing the truth about skin. Our pursuit of beauty should always celebrate individuality over vanity, I always emphasise that beauty starts with an inner consciousness and empowerment, starting with a scientific approach towards skin health, building confidence and finding peace.”
Dr. Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist by the Ministry of Health and is the medical director of TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, as well as the founder of Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a specialist cosmeceutical skincare line. Want to know the top aesthetic treatments performed by accredited dermatologists? She shares the top aesthetic treatments in her dermatology practice here.
Once I start doing aesthetic treatments, am I reliant on them forever? Will the results go away after some time?
Optimum Face Lift Results with Accredited Dermatologists
“I find two major pitfalls of aesthetic treatments administered in clinical settings– the first relates to the lack of understanding of the total face structure — each layer of ageing skin needs to be addressed individually and dermatologists are well-positioned as MOH-accredited specialists in skin to ensure that correct treatments are administered and combined to each individual’s specific skin age according to the Glogau Photoageing system, developed and used by dermatologists.” Dr. Teo Wan Lin.
Aesthetic Treatments – The Key to Sustained Face Lift Results
“The second pitfall is the lack of maintenance, a touch and go approach, especially without using cosmeceuticals together with aesthetic treatments, is not scientific. While it is a surefire way to fuel ‘repeat treatment sessions’ when signs of ageing quickly recur, I find it unsustainable as results always taper off. I do not use such an approach with my patients. Our joint goal is always, in-clinic treatments for a specific duration until we meet our target, and then home maintenance to maximise the longevity of the clinical results, ”emphasises Dr. Teo.
The Dr.TWL 360 Degrees Face Lift System
At TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre, an accredited dermatologist practice in Singapore headed by Dr. Teo Wan Lin, the favourite of many patients seeking aesthetic treatments is a potent full-face anti-ageing cocktail prescribed by her. All patients undergo a medical consultation and with an objective staging of their ageing process to determine the intensity, duration and maintenance of treatment periods.
What does the Face Lift treatment consist of?
The Dr.TWL 360 Degrees Face Lift System is a full face targeted aesthetic treatment which comprises the following
1. Epidermal/superficial dermal treatment
Beginning with microdermabrasion and an in-house formulated gentle chemical peel) performed by our dermatology staff nurses, lasting 45 minutes including preparation and recovery time.
2. Deep Dermis Stimulation and Muscle Relaxation
The second component is performed by Dr. Teo Wan Lin. It comprises deep laser lifting to stimulate bulk tissue heating and collagen growth. The epidermis is treated for superficial pigmentation and fine lines, wrinkles which are the earliest giveaway signs of ageing. Microinjected muscle toxins are then administered to further stimulate collagen production around the jawline and hairline for a relaxed, natural face lift effect.
“The SMAS is best envisioned as the curtain rail that holds the entire curtain up, it’s what holds up the entire facial structure. It’s important to lift this structure when one is anti-ageing the face because it’s really the support of the facial structure,” shares Dr. Teo. At her dermatology practice, she uses High-Intensity Focussed Ultrasound (HIFU), a Korean technology as well as radiofrequency to achieve a SMAS face lift.
4. Composite Eyelid lifting and Wrinkle removal
The eyes often giveaway one’s age. The reason for this is due to the thinner periorbital skin, as well as the natural facial expressions that cause brow furrows and crows feet. At our dermatology practice, plasma nitrogen technology is used for periorbital resurfacing for undereye wrinkles, sagging, and lid drooping, also known as a soft blepharoplasty.
This maintenance system includes a home medifacial regimen fulfilled by Dr.TWL Pharmacy’s Mask Bar, freshly delivered to your doorstep monthly for a 3-month maintenance regime, with freshly compounded face masks containing oligopeptides to further tighten and lift the dermis. The system includes a full-face set of QRASER lifting patches made of medical grade polymers that mimic the skin barrier and erase wrinkles. The CollagenUP Facial Wand which is a FDA-approved Radiofrequency lifting device is used with the Polysaccharide Mask to increase absorption of Oligopeptides, the star molecule of Dr.TWL Dermaceutical that stimulates collagen production with a tightening face lift effect.
This non-surgical face lift system is designed and tested for proven results by accredited dermatologist Dr.Teo Wan Lin at her practice TWL Specialist Skin & Laser Centre. The number of shots used for each treatment is titrated according to the individual’s specific need. For patients who wish to stay home, they can opt for the home medifacial component which is delivered to their doorstep by the clinic’s specialist skincare pharmacy.
For whom is this aesthetic treatment suited for?
People who want a non-surgical, long lasting approach to a face lift effect with minimal to no downtime. A single clinic session followed by a strict home maintenance regime for 3 months helps boost the efficacy of the treatment. Can be adjusted in intensity and frequency according to individual need.
How long will the treatment results last?
This is the very question the Home Mask Bar treatment was created to address. According to Dr. Teo, “I would like to say, for as long as you are diligent to comply. The in-clinic treatment session is completed in a single day, and results peak at 2 weeks. I have seen patients who have maintained the overall face lift results for as long as 2 years. Inter-individual variability exists, due to lifestyle and genetic factors, some individuals have extremely good responses. For those who are at a more advanced stage of photoageing, more frequent treatments should be instituted before attaining the ideal for maintenance.” The effect of regular use of the Dr. TWL 360 Degrees Face-Lift System is sustained improvement.
How many sessions of this treatment do I require?
The in-clinic full sessions can vary from single session to 3-6 sessions depending on the level of skin ageing. The aftercare home system should be used on a daily basis.
Who should not undergo this treatment?
Components such as deep laser toning will be omitted for individuals with photosensitive (sun-sensitive) skin conditions. It is important to consult an accredited dermatologist as he/she is well equipped to manage these medical conditions simultaneously with your aesthetic treatment.
How much does this cost?
Single in-clinic session (expect half-day, 4 hours including recovery time) $2799, with Home Mask Bar Maintenance at $180.50/month, and CollagenUp Facial Wand at $599. All prices before GST.
Dr.TWL 360 Non Surgical Face Lift was featured by Men’s Folio. Read the full article here.
Do you dream of a slimmer face? Is a V-shape face your ideal face shape? What are the ways you have heard of to achieve your dream face shape? I have been interviewed by several magazines and media on how to achieve your ideal face shape and in the process have debunked many myths. I have written this article to shed some light on safe and effective methods, such as HIFU, to achieve and maintain a V-shape facial structure.
Dr Teo Wan Lin is an accredited dermatologist and an expert on cosmeceutical skincare research and development. She is the author of “Skincare Bible – Dermatologist’s Tips for Cosmeceutical Skincare” which was published July 2019 by leading bookstores Barnes & Noble, Baker & Taylor and Apple Books and available in bookstores islandwide from January 2020. She heads up Dr.TWL Dermaceuticals, a specialist cosmeceutical skincare line with evidence-based active ingredients for anti-ageing and skin health. Its subsidiaries, the Pi- Cosmeceutical Custom Makeup Lab and the Conscious Mask Bar are part of the Conscious Concept Pharmacy launched in December featuring environmentally sustainable makeup and skincare materials.
Who is HIFU for?
HIFU is for anyone with mild to moderate sagging skin from all skin types and tones. It is for those looking to:
to improve and tighten sagging skin
to reduce wrinkles
to reduce nasolabial fold
to remove stubborn areas of fat that are at least 1 inch in size
for skin rejuvenation
for cellulite removal
for fat cell reduction
What are the benefits of HIFU treatment?
HIFU is a safe, effective and noninvasive procedure for skin lifting and tightening. It’s a cost effective option in comparison to a surgical face life. It is comfortable and painless and results can be seen after just one treatment. HIFU acts on the SMAS (superficial musculoaponeurotic system) layer which essentially functions as a structure that the entire face tissue hangs onto.
To address the lifting of the SMAS, HIFU targets that specific layer of tissue which helps to reduce surface wrinkles as well as induce the lifting of the facial tissues by the stimulation of collagen production. HIFU not only results in facial lifting and improvement of wrinkles but also in improvements in skin tone, facial contour, and subjective symptoms such as tightness or tension on the skin. Another recent study showed that HIFU could also be used safely and effectively to improve the skin texture and contour of the upper arms, extensor knees, and medial thighs.
HIFU is also ideal for fat reduction on the abdomen and the flanks. It works by inducing rapid cell necrosis which results in fat reduction. This is done by ablasting subcutaneous adipose tissues which cause molecular vibrations in targeted areas and increasing the temperature of local tissues.
How does HIFU treatment work?
HIFU essentially causes the skin tissue cells to die based on a physiological process known as cell necrosis. This results in the subsequent reduction of bulkiness of the affected area being treated. Common areas that HIFU is used for treatment would be the jawline, the cheeks which leads to an aesthetically pleasant shaping and lifting effect.
How long do the effects of HIFU treatment last?
The effects of hifu treatment can last up to a year. I employ less painful methods in my clinic which require 3-6 successive treatments for the full effect, building up on initial treatment. Sustained treatment rather than a touch-and-go approach is my personal practice as this tends to have more long-lasting results without necessitating the need for repeat treatments over a long period of time. I also combine this with adjunctive treatments such as botox fillers and cosmeceuticals. Studies have shown that the average wrinkle and skin laxity score decreased most in the jawline and periorbital (around the eye) areas.
Fig.1 Clinical photographs showing before (A, D), 3 months (B, D), and 6 months (C, F) after high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment.
TWL Specialist Skin and Laser Centre helmed by accredited dermatologist Dr. Teo Wan Lin uses HIFU as a painless way to shape and lift your face with evidence based methods. This is sold in a full face bundle and used in conjunction with our cosmeceuticals, which penetrate the skin, and the Qraser polymer patch which helps to draw moisture to the top layer of skin, causing a multidimensional lifted effect.
