Lasers have become an essential component in the aesthetic industry, with some beauty establishments even importing and using them without proper licensing.
If you’re searching for an appropriate laser treatment for your skin condition, this comprehensive guide will provide you with a complete overview of available laser and skin treatments in Singapore.
For those concerned with skin tightening and sagging issues, explore more about the non-invasive treatment known as HIFU.
Why the need for different types of laser machines?
Lasers are essentially concentrated beams of light operating at a single wavelength/type.
Each specific wavelength and laser type typically excels at targeting one particular skin component.
For example, imagine laser A is highly effective for brown pigmentation. However, if you attempted to use laser A to address pore issues, you would experience minimal results.
Laser treatments and costs in Singapore
As a technology geek, I’ve always been eager to experiment with various lasers and aesthetic devices.
Combined with my experience at different clinics throughout Singapore, I’ve utilized nearly every laser machine available in the local market.
The charts below serve as a thorough reference for comparing the costs* and effectiveness of all laser treatments available in Singapore.
*General pricing per session for full face treatment unless stated otherwise.
1. Pigmentation laser treatment
| Types | Treatment | Ratings | Price in Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pico lasers | Discovery PICO, Picolo, PicoSure, Fotona Starwalker | Brown spots ★★★★★ Tattoos ★★★★★ | $200 – $700 |
| Q-switch lasers | Revlite, Helios III, SpectraXT, Pastelle | Brown spots ★★★★☆ Tattoos ★★★☆☆ | $50 – $400 |
| Long-pulse visible light | Fotona VERDE, Pro Yellow, Excel V, Dual Yellow, V Beam | Red spots ★★★★☆ Redness ★★★★☆ Brown spots ★★★★★ Tattoos ★★★★☆ | $200 – $600 |
| Combination long-pulse lasers | Fotona Starwalker, Excel V, Cynergy | Red spots ★★★★★ Redness ★★★★★ Blood vessels ★★★★★ | $300 – $800 |
Read more: 5 Targeted Areas That Can Be Effectively Treated With Fractional Lasers
2. Hair removal treatment
| TYPES | TREATMENT NAMES | RATINGS | PRICE IN SINGAPORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPL hair removal | IPL, BBL, LHE | Hair removal ★★★☆☆ Brown spots ★★★☆☆ | $50 – $200 per area |
| Long-pulse visible light lasers | Soprano ICE (Alexandrite), Ruby lasers | Light hair removal ★★★★☆ | $200 – $500 per area |
| Long-pulse ND:Yag | Fotona VERSA3/ FRAC3, Cutera Excel V, Aileen, GentleYag | Hair removal for all skin types ★★★★★ | $200 – $500 per area |
3. Fractional resurfacing laser treatment
| TYPES | TREATMENT NAMES | RATINGS | PRICE IN SINGAPORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ablative lasers | CO2: Ecoxel, EDGE, eCO2, MiXTO, SmartXide, Fraxel re:pair, Lumenis Erbium: YAG: Lotus 3, Alma PIXEL, SP Dynamis Nanofractional RF: Venus Viva | Wrinkles ★★★★☆ Acne scars ★★★★☆ Skin tightening ★★★★☆ Pores ★★★★☆ Skin smoothening ★★★★★ Pigmentation ★★★☆☆ | $300 – $1200 |
| Non-ablative lasers | Erb-Glass lasers: Sellas Evo, Mosaic, Fraxel re:store Thulium lasers: Lavieen BB Laser, LaseMD Diode lasers: Clear and Brilliant Microneedling RF: Infini, Intracel Combination platforms: De Oro Dual, Fraxel Dual | Wrinkles ★★★★☆ Acne scars ★★★★☆ Skin tightening ★★★★☆ Pores ★★★★☆ Skin smoothening ★★★★★ | $300 – $1500 |
Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Fractional Lasers in Singapore
4. Non-fractional resurfacing lasers
| TYPES | TREATMENT NAMES | RATINGS | PRICE IN SINGAPORE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quasi-long pulsed Nd:YAG | Genesis, SpectraXT, Helios III, Fotona Starwalker FRAC3, Pastelle, Carbon peels | Skin tightening ★★☆☆☆ Skin texture ★★☆☆☆ | $200 – $700 |
| Long-Pulse ND:Yag | Fotona VERSA3, Cutera Excel V, Aileen | Wrinkles ★★★★☆ Skin tightening ★★★★☆ Facelift ★★★★☆ | $400 – $1000 |
| Radiofrequency | Thermage, Exilis, Indiba RF | Wrinkles ★★★☆☆ Skin tightening ★★★☆☆ Facelift ★★★★☆ | $400 – $5000 |
| High intensity focused ultrasound | Ulthera, Ultraformer, Doublo | Wrinkles ★★★☆☆ Skin tightening ★★★☆☆ Sagging fat ★★★★☆ Facelift ★★★★☆ | $800 – $5000 |
| Plasma resurfacing | Neogen | Wrinkles ★★★★☆ Pigment ★★★★☆ Scars ★★★★☆ Pores ★★★★★ Skin tightening ★★★★☆ | $400 – $3000 depending on area |
| Jet puncture resurfacing | Enerjet, AirJet | Scars ★★★★☆ Wrinkles ★★★★☆ Facelift ★★☆☆☆ | $500 – $1500 |
Wow, that’s a lot of lasers. Why the need for so many?
Utilizing specialized lasers for different areas enables faster and superior results, with enhanced safety.
For example, using a CO2 laser (surface resurfacing) to address deep skin issues would require extremely powerful settings to achieve the same effects as an Erbium-Glass laser.
This could result in extended “downtime” and a higher risk of unwanted side effects.
Not all lasers are built alike
The laser machine’s operator and treatment protocol play an equally crucial role in the success of your treatment.
Certain mass-market clinic chains in Singapore offer daily laser regimens. These laser protocols were developed by business people, not medical professionals, who lack understanding of the techniques and expertise required for proper laser treatments. That’s why the Academic of Medicine, Singapore, took issue with it.
Quick laser resurfacing procedures without any numbing cream only treat the skin’s surface. This results in merely temporary improvement in skin texture and can lead to long-term skin sensitivity!
How often should your laser treatment be?
No more frequently than once every two weeks.
Low-powered laser treatments at more frequent intervals do not achieve the same results as a properly powered treatment and can cause severe side effects, including skin mottling and hypersensitivity.
In summary, never try laser treatments at a spa!
The clinic you select should have a diverse range of lasers available to maximize benefits and minimize side effects. Clinics offering a wide variety of lasers also demonstrate their commitment to proper skin treatments.
Whether you consult a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor, ensure that your physician explains all the various options available to you, and verify that the doctor personally performs the laser treatment.