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An upgrade on the well known SecretRF treatment is the SecretDUO, which is a multi-purpose 2 in 1 device able to perform both radiofrequency microneedling treatments as well as non ablative skin rejuvenation with a 1540nm Erbium Glass laser.

Each treatment takes about 20-30 minutes in two parts:

Firstly, radiofrequency microneedling is performed to stimulate collagen production in the deep layer of the skin (deep dermis). This is followed by treatment with the 1540nm Erbium Glass laser, which tightens the superficial layer of the skin (epithelium and superficial dermis).

Working together, these two technologies are able to provide a no downtime, effective and safe treatment for: Acne scars, sagging skin, wrinkles, stretch marks, double chin and eye bags.

 

FAQs

  • How many treatments are required?

Typically- 3 sessions a month apart are recommended

  • Is the treatment painful?

A topical anaesthetic (numbing cream) will be applied to the skin before treatment, so most patients find this treatment only mildly uncomfortable

  • Is there downtime?

There is no downtime and patients can return to office work/indoor activities right away, and resume exercise/outdoor sports after 5-7 days. Most patients experience skin redness and tightness that goes away after 2-3 days.

  • How is this treatment different from CO2 laser?

Fractional CO2 laser is another commonly used treatment for acne scars and skin rejuvenation. However, it needs to be used in caution in darker skin types as there is a risk of developing hyperpigmentation. Also, the downtime is longer after a CO2 laser treatment, typically 5-7 days.

 

Rediesse is a long-lasting filler with a proven track record of over 10 million treatments since 2006. This US FDA approved treatment can:

  • Volumise facial areas and deep wrinkles.
  • Help in hand rejuvenation.
  • Help with deep acne scars and skin rejuvenation.

Radiesse works in two steps. The first part is an immediate restoration of volume to the treated location. Then, over the next 1 – 3 months, the Calcium Hydroxyapatite (CaHa) microspheres will act as a scaffold for skin cells to attach to and produce new collagen. This will result in firmed, lifted and radiant skin with less wrinkles. Results last for approximately 18-24 months,  which is why treatments are recommended every 2 years.

FAQs

  • How long does a treatment take? Is there any downtime? 

In experienced hands, the treatment takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on the areas treated. You will experience some swelling of the treated areas for a few days. There is no downtime and you can return to normal activity right away, although it is recommended not to do any facial massages for 1-2 weeks until the product has settled into the skin

  • Is the treatment painful?

This treatment is not painful, only mildly uncomfortable from the injection. A topical local anaesthetic will be applied prior to treatment. In addition, Radiesse PLUS contains 0.3% of lidocaine, a local anaesthetic.

  • Who should not go for this treatment?

This treatment is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with open wounds on the skin. 

  • How is this treatment different from fillers such as Juvederm/Restylane? 

Most fillers on the market are made from hyaluronic acid- they act by volumizing the treated areas. The results typically last for 9-12 months and annual treatments are recommended. 

For patients who are receiving fillers for the first time- it is better to start with a hyaluronic acid filler, which can be reversed. For those who have received fillers before and liked the result, and are seeking a longer lasting (and more value for money!) treatment, then Radiesse would be ideal.

  • How is Radiesse different from Sculptra or Ellanse?

These 3 injectible fillers are similar in many ways- they are long lasting (>1 year) filler treatments that provide volume restoration as well as collagen stimulation. There are slight differences- the active compound is different- Radiesse contains CaHa (Calcium Hydroxyapatite) in a CMC (CarboxyMethylCellullose) gel, Ellanse contains PCL (Polycaprolactone) in a CMC (CarboxyMethylCellullose) gel and Sculptra contains PLLA (Poly-L-Lactic Acid). Radiesse is unique as it is the FDA approved for hand rejuvenation, and can also be hyperdiluted to use for skin rejuvenation. At S Aesthetics Clinic, we provide all 3 treatments (Radiesse/Ellanse/Sculptra), so patients can have a choice of their preferred treatment after a detailed consultation.

7 nutrients to keep your skin looking healthy

Our skin requires a good balance of nutrients to perform its main functions well: protecting our bodies from the rough environment we face. To keep our skin looking, working and feeling good, we need to look after it well, from both inside and outside.


We discuss the 7 nutrients which are important in keeping our skin healthy.

1. Healthy Fats 

Healthy fats are essential for maintaining the ‘glow’ in our skin. Too little fat in our diet and make our complexions look wrinkled and dull. 

Essential fatty acids are fat that our bodies cannot produce and the only way we can get these are from a balanced diet. Omega-3 fatty acids work to nourish our skin and are important in maintaining the radiance and softness of our complexions. 

Omega-6 fatty acids on the other hand are the building blocks of cell membranes which help us maintain healthy and hydrated skin and prevent skin dryness.

Focus on monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from plant sources such as nuts, seeds, avocados and from fatty fish. These help our skin stay moist, firm and supple.


2. Protein

Dietary protein is broken down by our digestive systems into building blocks called amino acids. These are then reused in our bodies to make proteins such as keratin, collagen, elastin that forms the structures of our skin. They also help slough off old skin. 

Certain amino acids also act in our bodies as antioxidants that protect our skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays as well as free radicals caused by exposure to certain foods, medications or even alcohol and cigarette smoke. 


3. Vitamin A
Vitamin A is one of the most important vitamins when it comes to our skin. Both the upper epidermal and lower dermal layers of skin need vitamin A. It prevents sun damage by interrupting the process that breaks down collagen. It is also an antioxidant and gives your skin some protection. It also helps the functions of oil glands around our hair follicles work and may help cuts and scrapes heal. Skin, deficient of vitamin A may get itchy, bumpy and dry.


4. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the essential compounds that helps collagen hold its shape. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects us from free radicals and lowers our risks of getting skin cancer. Insufficient intake of vitamin C can lead to easy bruising, bleeding gums and even slow healing wounds. 


5. Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant as well as an anti-inflammatory. To top that off, it can also absorb energy from UV rays which damages skin and can lead to wrinkles, sagging and increase the risks of skin cancer. It also works in tandem with vitamin C to strengthen cell walls.


6. Zinc
The outer epidermal layer of our skin has five times more zinc than the dermal layer, and for important reasons. Zinc helps our skin heal after an injury. It also plays an important role in the lifespan of cells, in keeping the cell walls stable and in the process of cell division and differentiation. Zinc also protects the skin from UV harm and acts as an antioxidant. When we lack zinc, our skin can look like eczema but the itchy rash will not get better despite moisturisers and steroid creams.


7. Selenium
This is an essential mineral that helps some antioxidants in their role protecting our skin from UV. Deficiency of this mineral has been linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. 
These essential beauty nutrients can mostly be obtained from a balanced diet. Some foods that pack more of one of these goodness as a “many-in-one” include:
– Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines): protein, omega-3, selenium
– Eggs: protein, vitamins A and E, selenium, zinc
– Leafy dark greens (kale, spinach): vitamins A, C, E; omega-3, protein, selenium (in spinach)
– Legumes (lentils, chickpeas): protein, zinc
– Avocados: healthy fats, vitamin C and E
– Extra virgin olive oil: healthy fats, vitamin E

Adjusting your diet to include some of these into your daily foods can help improve and brighten up your complexion while making sure the largest organ in your body stays healthy!