Acne Treatments In Singapore

What Is Acne?

Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are all types of acne.

What Causes Acne?

Follicles are what connects the sebaceous or oil glands in the skin to the surface through the pores. Acne happens when the follicles get blocked and a collection of oil, skin cells and other debris clump together into a plug. This plug gets infected with P. Acnes bacteria causing swelling along with the production of pus.

What Is The Difference Between A Pimple & Acne?

While it’s common to get a pimple or two once in a while, some get frequent breakouts of pimples filled with pus. The main difference between the two is that acne is a disease while pimples are one of its symptoms.

The definitions of each are highlighted here:

• Pimple – A small pustule or papule, pimples develop when oil glands become clogged and infected, leading to swollen, red lesions filled with pus.
• Whitehead – Whiteheads occur when skin cells, bacteria, and oil get trapped in your pores, but the pore closes, creating a white or yellow bump.
• Blackhead – Blackheads are almost similar to whiteheads, and are also caused by trapped skin cells, bacteria, and oil in the pores. The difference is that blackheads are comedones that have been exposed to the air, and the material has been oxidised causing it to turn black.
• Acne – persistent and recurring pimples/blemishes (which is a whitehead or blackhead) that are prevalent on the face, neck, chest, and/or back. If acne is persistent or severe, it is recommended you visit a doctor.
• Cystic Acne – painful, pus-filled lumps deep under the surface of the skin. Always see a doctor if you suspect that you have cystic acne, and refrain from trying to remove the pimples yourself.

Possible Side Effects of Acne

• Side effects are mild in nature and short-lived
• Redness, Swelling & Itching
• Pain / tenderness
• May cause some minor lumps / bumps

Our Approach To Treating Acne In Singapore

There are a variety of medical treatments available for acne. At Fusion Medical, our doctors will assess your situation in detail before treating your acne, ensuring you receive the medical care you deserve.

There are a variety of medical treatments available for acne. Generally, these are the approaches used to treat acne:

• Topical Medications
• Oral Medications (e.g. oral antibiotics)
• Chemical Peels
• LED and/or Laser Treatments
• Skincare

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to treating acne, as multiple factors are to be considered when planning a suitable treatment option specific to your needs. At Fusion Medical, our doctors will assess your situation in detail before treating your acne, ensuring you receive the medical care you deserve.

Fotona Dynamis Laser

How does Fotona Nd:YAG treat active acne?

The Fotona Laser reduces active inflammation of acne by destroying the root oil gland at its optimal depth and significantly decreases the chances of new acne formation.

Fotona’s controlled Nd:YAG laser light safely penetrates into skin to:

• Effectively target overactive sebaceous glands and active acne inflammation
• Selectively destroy overactive sebaceous glands
• Reduce the risk of developing new acne inflammation
• Stimulates collagen remodeling to expedite the healing process

In addition to this, the Fotona laser also accelerates the healing process and stimulates new collagen remodelling which is an important step in the long-term treatment of acne.

For the appearance of acne scars, Fotona offers a complementary laser treatment based on a gentle skin resurfacing procedure in which an Er:YAG laser beam is absorbed by the top micro-layers of the skin to vaporise scarred tissue and stimulate the production of new collagen in the dermis.

How long does the procedure take and is it painful?

The procedure itself takes only about 15-20 minutes, and patients may expect a tingling sensation on the skin. There is no downtime and normal activities can be resumed post treatment. Minimal sun exposure is advised.

How many sessions do I need?

The number of sessions required depends on the individual’s skin but generally at least 4-6 sessions about 1 month apart is recommended for active acne after which maintenance treatment can be done as required.

Blue LED Light Therapy

How does Blue LED light treat acne?

Blue LED light effectively treats acne by killing the p. acnes bacteria and reducing inflammation associated with acne prone skin. At the same time, it also stimulates collagen to improve wound healing. Regular treatment results not only in a reduction in acne but also a glowing appearance and improved texture of the skin. LHE is excellent when used in combination with keratolytic agents which gently remove the top layer of dead skin and debris.

How many sessions will I need?

8 sessions are recommended bi-weekly to start seeing results. Depending on your skin condition our doctors may also recommend oral (such as oral antibiotics) or topical agents to further enhance your results. Each session will take about 30 minutes total with face cleansing and post-procedure care.

Is it painful?

No, there is no pain and no downtime with this gentle treatment.

Enerpeel® Peel

How does Enerpeel® PA treat acne?

Enerpeel® PA is a pyruvic acid peel excellent for addressing oily and acne prone skin. It is a medium depth chemical peel which has been clinically shown to reduce oiliness of the skin and improve pustular papular acne with minimal side effects of redness and peeling.

How many sessions will I need?

We recommend 4-6 sessions about 1 month apart. Each session will take about 30 minutes total with cleansing and post procedure care.

Is it painful?

You may feel a slight tingling sensation but treatment is generally painless.

Is there any downtime?

No, while some minor peeling of the skin can occur after the acne treatment, there is no significant downtime.

Carbon Peel Laser

How does Carbon Laser Peel treat acne?

A Carbon Laser Peel involves the application of a thin layer of carbon lotion onto the skin followed by laser light from a Q-switched Nd-YAG laser. This causes tiny multi-explosions of the carbon particles which exfoliates the skin. This removes the layer of dead skin and clears out debris from the pores. The Laser energy then works to improve acne by shrinking the pores, reducing inflammatory acne and at the same time stimulating collagen regrowth. The immediate effect of the treatment is a brighter looking complexion and tightened skin.

How many sessions will I need?

About 5-10 sessions are recommended 2-4 weeks apart depending on your skin condition. Each session will take about 30 minutes total with face cleansing and post-procedure care.

Is it painful?

No there is no pain, other than the multi-explosion sound from the carbon (which we can provide ear plugs for) the procedure is very well tolerated.

Is there any downtime?

Some patients may experience mild redness of the skin from the thermal energy which will subside within a few hours.

HydraFacial

A HydraFacial is more than just a facial. It is a multi-step procedure that uses a patented vortex technology to deeply cleanse the skin and remove unwanted debris and dead skin that may clog the pores.

At the same time, it also delivers a nutrient solution rich in botanical vitamins and peptides that infuses into the skin where it hydrates and strengthens the skin.

Powerful antioxidants are also delivered to counteract free radical damage from pollution, sun and stress which can damage the skin and accelerate the ageing process.

A gentle extraction process is also included that will not damage the skin or pores yet effectively clears out loose comedones.

FAQ About Acne Treatments In Singapore

Is my acne severe enough to see a doctor?

Severe acne is indeed a troubling issue to deal with alone. More often than not, despite your best efforts to control acne on your own, acne outbreaks don’t get better, and may even seem to get worse.

Do not hesitate to see a doctor if your acne does not improve after 6 to 8 weeks of using over-the-counter acne products.

Is there anything I need to do before treatment?

Do not pick or squeeze your pimples. This increases the probability of acne scars.

Generally, you should also avoid any prolonged sun exposure prior to treatment, and always use a sunblock of at least SPF30 when you are out. This is especially so in Singapore, where we experience a sunny climate all year round.

What do I need to be aware of after treatment?  

All our treatment options are designed to effectively combat acne with minimal-to-zero downtime. There could be mild dryness, flaking or some light sensitivity of your skin after treatment, but it should subside in a few days. Generally, stay protected from prolonged sun exposure. Our doctors will recommend a customized post-treatment care accordingly, to ensure you get the best results.

How soon can I see results from my acne treatment?

A single procedure can make a significant impact on your complexion. Your complexion may be brighter-looking and skin may be tightened immediately after. However, consistent treatment is key to see improvements in the long run. Generally, you will see a reduction of inflammatory acne after 2-4 months with our treatments. Results will continue to progress following more treatment.

Are these treatments safe for sensitive skin?

All our treatments are clinically designed to treat acne problems effectively and safely. Skin is a personal issue, we recommend that you come in for a consultation with our doctors who can offer comprehensive and customized treatment plans for all types of skin.

My skin is cleared, do I need to continue treatment?

Once your skin is cleared, this episode of acne may be over, but it does not mean that your skin will not relapse. We recommend getting maintenance treatment every few months and keeping to a skincare regime to ensure that the effects of your acne treatment are preserved.