Following my earlier article about acne scar treatments, I’ve received numerous emails asking about fractional laser clinic recommendations and associated costs in Singapore.
(You might want to check out my previous post which features a comprehensive table of available laser treatments and their costs throughout Singapore).
A quick internet search reveals that pricing and treatment information for aesthetic procedures in Singapore lacks transparency. This opacity makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
To shed light on this situation, we conducted a survey among several Singapore-based doctors to demonstrate how treatment approaches and pricing can vary significantly. The responses below should provide you with insight into the range of costs and treatment plans available.
Pro tip: Consider sending these same four questions to several reputable fractional laser specialists in Singapore to obtain different perspectives on treatments and costs!
Our survey questions
We asked the following four questions:
- How much would a session of fractional laser cost at your clinic, and how much is the consultation fee?
- What is the preferred fluence settings of the fractional laser used at your clinic?
- How many sessions are required on average at your clinic for wrinkles vs acne scars?
- Years of experience with the fractional laser?
I always emphasize to my friends and family the importance of asking all your questions before beginning any treatment regimen.
Generally speaking, the more forthcoming and transparent your doctor is in addressing your concerns, the more likely you are to achieve satisfactory treatment outcomes.
Unfortunately, Singaporeans often struggle with asking thorough questions during medical consultations. This communication gap frequently results in significant misalignment of expectations!
For more comprehensive information on fractional lasers, I recommend reading our Complete Guide to Fractional Lasers in Singapore.
Survey results
1. How much would a session of fractional laser cost at your clinic, and how much is the consultation fee?
Doctor A: The consultation fee is $100 and the cost for the first session of fractional CO2 laser is about $250 before GST. Subsequent sessions are in the $500 range depending on the package signed.
Doctor B: 1 Session: $600, 4 Sessions: $2300. Consultation fees is at $80 but will be waived off if you are signing up for treatments at the clinic.
Doctor C: The price starts from $950 for a full face. Generally, a few sessions are required to achieve an optimal result. Good skin care will also help in maintenance after laser. My consultation starts from $100.
2. What is the preferred fluence settings of the fractional laser used at your clinic?
Doctor A: Depending on the depth of the scars, I use fluences ranging from 10J/cm2 all the way up to 60J/cm2
Doctor B: Every machine has different settings and every patient will have customized settings depending on the the skin condition.
Doctor C: Acne/ surgical, chicken pox scars and stubborn pigmentation are best treated with a fractional laser. I like the Profractional XC laser as it has good results with some downtime of about 7 days of crusting and redness.
The fractional laser works by controlled ablation of damaged skin, and resurfacing scars, renewing skin collagen and allowing new skin cells to grow.
It is US FDA and HSA approved and ideal for scars, open pores and even sun spots, and also causes skin tightening and reduction of fine lines.
The fluence would depend on the severity of the skin damage and scar depths, and chronicity of the lesions.
3. How many sessions are required on average at your clinic for wrinkles vs acne scars?
Doctor A: I usually recommend that my patients go for between 5-10 sessions, and adjust the downtime and fluence individually based on the patient’s preference.
For indications like wrinkles, I prefer to use low fluence to give patients lower downtime and for acne scars, I usually use higher fluences.
Doctor B: For acne scars, we see a significant improvement usually after 4 sessions. As for fine lines, quite often we are able to see some improvement after a single session.
Doctor C: I use the Sciton Profractional XC Laser which is a fractional, tunable Erbium Yag laser, with less complications and down time than traditional CO2 lasers, which I avoid in Asian skin.
4. Years of experience with the fractional laser?
Doctor A: I’ve been using Fractional CO2 laser since 2009 (8 years in total).
Doctor B: More than 10 years.
Doctor C: Experience with the Profractional XC laser for the last 8 years.
Summary
- Price variation: Fractional laser treatment costs in Singapore can range from $250-$950 for a single session, with many clinics offering package deals for multiple sessions.
- Consultation fees: These typically range from $80-$100, with some clinics waiving the fee if you proceed with treatment.
- Treatment approaches: Different doctors prefer different technologies and approaches based on their experience and training.
- Sessions needed: Most doctors recommend multiple sessions for optimal results, particularly for deeper acne scars.
- Experience matters: All surveyed doctors had substantial experience (8+ years) with fractional laser technology, indicating the maturity of this treatment option in Singapore.
Remember that finding the right doctor for your specific skin concerns is crucial. Don’t hesitate to consult multiple specialists before making your decision, and always ask detailed questions about the treatment process, expected outcomes, and potential side effects.