Customized Rejuvenation

At Stephanie Ho Dermatology, we aim to deliver optimal results for each and every one of our patients seeking renewal and rejuvenation of their skin. We use top of the range evidence based lasers and injectables to deliver customized treatments using multiple modalities, for maximal effects with minimal complications.

An honest discussion of what is achievable, coupled with comprehensive skin and complexion analysis marks the start of every treatment. A personalised treatment plan will then be commenced with regular reviews by your dermatologist. Only your specialist dermatologist will be performing these treatments for you

Strategies for Customised Rejuvenation

• Lasers - a wide range of lasers are available to treat pigmentation, redness, remove unwanted hair, as well as to improve scarring, pore size and texture by stimulating new collagen formation.
• Skin tightening techniques – Ultherapy, Profhilo injections, monopolar radiofrequency, radiofrequency microneedling treatments are the broad range of strategies available to restore collagen, elastin and firmness in your skin.
• Botulinum toxin - Used to relax facial muscles that are responsible for wrinkles, it is one of the most popular non-surgical procedures in the world. The treatment is easy, pain-free, and a great solution for reducing facial wrinkles such as frown lines, crow's feet and even dimpled chins. In addition, it can be used to soften a hard square jawline and achieve the coveted V shaped face.
• Fillers - Used to volumise hollows and soften lines to recreate the smooth contours of youthful skin. Also used to create definition, elongation and lifting to create more defined features. Fillers are most popular among those who seek a swift, non-surgical solution to plump up aged skin and to add definition to facial features.

Essential Skin Care

Sunscreen

Use a sunscreen with SPF 50 or above and make it a daily habit. Excessive sun exposure is a major cause of skin aging and skin cancer. We stock a variety of sunscreens at our clinic. For acne prone patients, a lighter gel-based sunscreen is less comedogenic. Thicker water-resistant sunscreens are recommended for water-based activities. In addition to sunscreen, use hats, sunglasses and UV vests or sleeves for added sun protection. We also stock oral capsules that have strong anti-oxidant and sun protective properties.

Hydration

A good moisturiser is essential for preserving the skin barrier function of your skin. Use a moisturiser suitable for your skin type once or twice daily. When travelling to dry temperate climates, consult your clinician for more lipid rich creams or ointments. In addition to stocking a range of ceramide rich moisturisers suitable for different skin types, we recommend hyaluronic acid serums to lock in moisture and plump up the skin.

Antioxidants

To help combat free radicals that can damage skin cells, use antioxidants in topical and oral forms. We stock potent Vitamin C serums, tranexamic acid and hyaluronic acid serums, as well as oral glutathione and polypodium leucotomos, which has been shown in clinical studies to have potent antioxidant, lightening and sun protective effects.

Retinoids

Topical retinoids are the biologically active form of Vitamin A. It includes tretinoin, which is a powerful anti-aging ingredient that increases cell turnover, unclogs pores, even out discolouration and improves fine lines. Use medical grade tretinoin for maximal effects. Choose a suitable concentration and formulation as retinoids may sometimes result in irritation and skin peeling.

Whitening creams

Pigmentation and brown spots often start appearing as we age. We make our own prescription grade, high concentration hydroquinone, a proven pigment lightener. In addition, we produce lightening creams with a selected combination of ingredients that have strong whitening properties.

Skincare can be kept simple and yet effective. Consult your dermatologist for a skincare regime that is personalised for your skin. When used together with rejuvenating lasers, you are on your way to brighter, clearer and radiant skin.

Hair Growth Treatments

Hair thinning can cause significant concerns and worry. We have a variety of treatments available to restore your crowning glory, including topical, oral and procedural strategies:

Topical

We have a variety of serums including minoxidil and growth factors to increase hair growth.

Oral

Supplements which act as proteoglycan replacement therapy and other oral medicines including finasteride, minoxidil and spironolactone can be prescribed to stimulate hair growth.

Procedures

Scalp microneedling with serums can be performed to kickstart hair growth. These can be performed every 2-4 weeks, giving good results after a few months. Regenera Activa is a hair loss treatment that uses autologous hair micrografts to boost hair growth, resulting in thicker, stronger hair. Promising results are seen after a few months and can be repeated annually.

Injectables – Profhilo, Rejuran, Skinboosters

Profhilo (逆時針)– hydrates, firms and lifts naturally

Profhilo is a novel injectable Hyaluronic Acid for hydration and treating skin laxity on the face and neck. With its high concentration of specially formulated hyaluronic acid, it not only delivers a serious boost of deep hydration to plump up the skin, it also stimulates the production of new collagen, elastin fibres and adipocyte cells, resulting in a lifted and firming effect. There is no risk of lumpiness and the results are extremely natural, with the sole aim of delivering a rejuvenated appearance.

Rejuran – anti-inflammatory, aids in wound healing and acne scarring

Rejuran involves the delivery of DNA fragments – polynucleotides – to revitalise damaged skin by promoting cell growth and collagen formation. This helps to boost skin healing and remodel collagen, making it ideal for the treatment of acne scars. Rejuran injections can also be used together with a subcision technique to break apart any fibrous bands under scars to “elevate and fill up scars” at the same time. Rejuran can also be used as a skinbooster to stimulate collagen and for anti-aging purposes.

Skinboosters (水光针)

Skinboosters (水光针) is the technique of delivering precise micro injections of hyaluronic acid into the skin, using a specialised injector device. By injecting microdroplets of hyaluronic acid into the skin, Skinbooster treatment offers intensive hydration to the treated areas, increasing moisture levels and stimulating collagen production.

As a bonus, we are also able to offer combination microdroplet injections into the skin combining Skinboosters. Rejuran, Botox or other injectables to give the perfect personalised cocktail for your skin.

Laser For Acne scarring

We understand how acne scarring on the face can be a source of embarrassment and dissatisfaction. Once active acne is controlled, you can embark on a course of acne scar laser treatments to improve the appearance of scars. As an added bonus, the lasers will usually also improve texture, pore size, pigmentation, fine lines and other signs of photoaging, revealing smoother and fresher looking skin.

Brown marks or scars

Our Picoway laser is highly effective at fading dark brown marks due to post inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is often seen in Asian skin after the active acne has subsided.

Depressed acne scars

We use an advanced fractional laser system (Smartxide Fractional CO2 laser) that creates columns of controlled laser injury into the deeper layers of the skin, stimulating the production of new collagen to plump up and smoothen the skin. This helps to effectively resurface and restore collagen in the skin, reducing the appearance of depressed acne scars and textural irregularities.

Red marks or scars

The Pulsed dye laser (VBEAM) is superb at fading pink or red marks due to post inflammatory erythema which is often seen in the early stages of acne recovery. Excellent fading can usually be seen even after 2-4 treatments.

It is important that you avoid a tan before or after your laser treatment to minimise the risk of post laser pigmentation. Before performing the treatment for you, your dermatologist will have an honest discussion with you about the predicted outcome, the estimated number of treatments required, and the possible downtime or complications. We are highly focused on the delivery of good outcomes with the lowest possible risk.

Scientific publications related to acne scarring

Dr Ho has always had a deep interest in the treatment of acne post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and acne scarring, resulting in collaborative studies with eminent Hong Kong dermatologists and the publication of several articles in scientific journals.

1. Chan NP, Ho SG, Yeung CK, Shek SY, Chan HH. Fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for skin rejuvenation and acne scars in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2010 Nov; 42(9): 615-23
2. Chan NP, Ho SG, Yeung CK, Shek SY, Chan HH. The use of non-ablative fractional resurfacing in Asian acne scar patients. Lasers Surg Med 2010 Dec; 42(10): 870-5
3. Ho SG, Yeung CK, Chan NP, Shek SY, Kono T, Chan HH. A retrospective analysis of the management of acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation using topical treatment, laser treatment or combination topical and laser treatments in Oriental patients. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2011 Jan; 43(1): 1-7

Laser for Birthmarks

Birthmarks may be noticed at birth or shortly after birth. Some birthmarks respond particularly well to laser treatment.

Naevus of Ota often present as grey, blue or brown birthmarks on the face. They are usually located to one part of the face and are composed of pigment cells in the deeper layers of the skin. The hyperpigmentation may sometimes affect part of the eye or other parts of the body as well. Early treatment of such birthmarks using a Q-switched or picosecond laser can result in excellent results.

Port Wine Stains are red birthmarks that can be effectively and safely treated using a vascular laser. These birthmarks are permanent and will gradually darken with lumpy areas if left untreated. Early treatment of such birthmarks can result in aesthetically pleasing results.

TREAMENT & Laser for Birthmarks

• Sun protection is important before and after any laser treatment.
• Pigment lasers with a very short pulse width (Q-switched or picosecond lasers) are effective for the treatment of naevus of Ota. Studies have supported the treatment of such birthmarks at an early age, to reduce the number of treatments required and to shorten the duration of treatment. There is a small risk of recurrence after a good result has been obtained. Sometimes hyper or hypopigmentation post laser may occur at the treated areas.
• Vascular lasers such as the VBEAM laser can be very useful for the treatment of red birthmarks such as port wine stains or haemangiomas. Early treatment in childhood when the birthmarks are lighter is recommended so that less number of treatments are required.

Such laser treatment of birthmarks is most effective when performed by a trained and qualified doctor. Your dermatologist will have an honest discussion with you about the laser treatments, the predicted outcomes, the estimated number of treatments required, and the possible downtime or complications. Your dermatologist, using reliable and high-grade lasers, will perform all laser procedures.

Laser for Mole Removal

All moles should first be examined by a trained dermatologist to ensure they are harmless before any laser treatment is carried out. Laser treatment should not be used to treat any suspicious or changing moles. Harmless moles however can be treated with lasers for cosmetic removal. Surgical removal is also sometimes used to remove harmless moles.

The different treatment options for mole removal will be discussed in detail with you and a decision can be made based on the location, type of mole and patient preference.

Treatment Options for Mole Removal

Laser or surgery can be used to remove moles for cosmetic reasons. Laser involves the use of laser light to target and remove the mole cells. Surgery involves cutting out the mole, closing the wound with stitches, and the final result is a small scar that fades over several months.

For flat moles, our pigment laser can be used to laser off small flat moles successfully without scarring in the large majority of patients. Most flat brown moles will require 1-2 treatments. This can be done in a simple, quick procedure in less than 5 minutes.

For raised moles, either laser or surgical removal can be performed. The advantage of a surgical approach is that recurrence is very rare as the entire mole including the deeper cells are cut out. However there will be a scar. Lasers can also be used to remove raised moles safely and effectively. Depending on whether the moles are flesh coloured or pigmented, one or two lasers may be required. This is especially recommended for raised moles in certain locations eg around the nose or lips.

With our on-site facilities, we are able to remove moles effectively and safely on the same day. We can also show you before and after pictures during your consultation to help you make up your mind.

Laser for Hair Removal

Choose the GentleLase - fast, effective and virtually painless

Laser hair removal provides an effective long-term solution to the common problem of unwanted or excess hair. It is suitable for both men and women, and most areas of the face, body or genitalia can be treated, making regular shaving or waxing a thing of the past. Patients with fair skin and dark hairs respond best to laser hair removal as the laser energy is picked up intensely by the target hair follicles. We are confident our laser is one of the best on the market for fast, effective and comfortable removal of unwanted hair.

Effective Laser for Hair Removal

We utilize the fast, powerful and virtually painfree GentleLase 755nm Alexandrite Laser to remove hair from all skin types effectively and safely. Most patients are able to tolerate the procedure without numb cream due to its patented Dynamic Cooling DeviceTM. Numb cream can be applied for ultimate comfort, or when sensitive areas are treated. A course of 6-8 treatments at 4-6 weekly intervals will reduce the number, size and density of hairs, leaving your skin feeling smooth, soft and free from both unsightly and painful ingrown hairs. Your dermatologist will first have an honest discussion with you about the predicted outcome, the estimated number of treatments required, and the possible side effects. Your dermatologist will then perform the procedure, ensuring your utmost privacy and comfort, whilst minimizing any mess, pain or risks.

Tips to prepare for your laser treatment

• Minimise any sun exposure before or after your laser hair removal treatment. Treating tanned areas can lead to burns or uneven pigmentation.
• Prepare your skin by shaving 1-2 days before your laser treatment.
• Do not pluck or wax your hairs 2 weeks before treatment.

Pigment Lasers

Skin pigmentation or brown spots on the face are very common, especially in Asians. Sun exposure, hormonal changes, and previous inflammation in the skin can all contribute to skin pigmentation. Pigmentation may present at different ages:

• Birth - brown birthmarks such as café au lait, naevus of Ota
• Childhood/adolescence – freckles, Becker’s naevus
• Middle age - sun spots or solar lentigines, melasma, Hori’s naevus

Our highly experienced dermatologist will assess you carefully before embarking on any treatment as some pigmentation may worsen after aggressive laser treatment eg melasma.

Treatment of Pigmentation

• Sun protection is the first line treatment of any pigmentation.
• Lightening creams that are of a high medical grade and only available on prescription can help lighten superficial pigmentation.
• Oral tablets such as tranexamic acid and phytofloral are new additions in our battle against melasma, and provides excellent lightening for most patients.
• Pigment lasers can be very effective for skin pigmentation. We use pigment lasers that deliver excellent results and yet have a low risk of post laser pigmentation. As we have a range of lasers available, we can help you choose the pigment laser that best suit your needs. If your busy schedule does not allow for any post laser downtime, we use our gentlest pigment laser that can gradually lighten your pigmentation over several sessions and yet allow you to pop straight to lunch after treatment. If you prefer a more aggressive treatment over fewer sessions, we can adopt a faster approach which entails some downtime. Very often, our patients favour a complete rejuvenation of the entire face. We are experts at combining lasers to improve texture, pore size, fine lines and pigmentation, all in the same session, giving you the superstar treatment.
  
  Any laser treatment is most effective when performed by a trained and qualified doctor. Your dermatologist will have an honest discussion with you about the different laser treatments, the predicted outcomes, the estimated number of treatments required, and the possible downtime or complications. Your dermatologist, using reliable and high-grade lasers, will perform all laser procedures, aiming for optimal results with the lowest possible risk.

Scientific publications related to lasers

Dr Ho has always had a deep interest in the use of lasers for the management of skin pigmentation, tattoos and skin rejuvenation, resulting in collaborative studies with eminent Hong Kong and Singapore dermatologists and the publication of several scientific articles and book chapters.

1. Ho SG, Chan HH. The Asian dermatologic patient: review of common pigmentary disorders and cutaneous diseases. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology 2009; 10(3): 153- 68
2. Chan NP, Ho SG, Shek SY, Yeung CK, Chan HH. A case series of facial depigmentation associated with low fluence Q- switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser for skin rejuvenation and melasma. Lasers Surg Med 2010 Oct; 42(8): 712-9
3. Chan NP, Ho SG, Yeung CK, Shek SY, Chan HH. Fractional ablative carbon dioxide laser resurfacing for skin rejuvenation and acne scars in Asians. Lasers Surg Med 2010 Nov; 42(9): 615-23
4. Chan NP, Ho SG, Yeung CK, Shek SY, Chan HH. The use of non-ablative fractional resurfacing in Asian acne scar patients. Lasers Surg Med 2010 Dec; 42(10): 870-5
5. Ho SG, Yeung CK, Chan NP, Shek SY, Kono T, Chan HH. A retrospective analysis of the management of acne post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation using topical treatment, laser treatment or combination topical and laser treatments in Oriental patients. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2011 Jan; 43(1): 1-7
6. Ho SG, Yeung CK, Chan, NP, Shek SY, Chan HH. A comparison of Q-switched and long-pulsed alexandrite laser for the treatment of freckles and lentigines in Oriental patients. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 2011 Feb; 43(2): 108-113
7. Ho SG, Chan NP, Yeung CK, Shek SY, Kono T, Chan HH. A retrospective analysis of the management of freckles and lentigines using four different pigment lasers on Asian skin. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2012 Apr; 14(2): 74-80
8. Ho SG, Yeung CK, Chan NP, Shek SY, Chan HH. A retrospective study of the management of Chinese melasma patients using a 1927 nm fractional thulium fiber laser. Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, 2013 Aug; 15(4):200-6
9. Ho SG, Goh CL. Laser tattoo removal: A clinical update. Journal of cutaneous and aesthetic surgery, 2015; 8(1): 9-15
10. Chan HHL, Ho SGY. 2008. Special Considerations in Asian/Far Eastern Skin. In: Alam M, Bhatia AC, Kundu RV, Yoo SS, Chan HHL, eds. Cosmetic Dermatology for Skin of Color, 1st edition, Chapter 21. United States: McGraw-Hill
11. Ho SGY, Chan HHL. 2013. Laser treatment of ethnic skin. In: Hruza GJ, Avram MM, Dover JS, Alam M, eds. Procedures in Cosmetic Dermatology: Lasers and Lights, 3rd edition, Chapter 10. United States: Elsevier
12. Goh CL, Ho SGY. Tattoo book chapter – pending publication

For further information and advice, contact us on 6262 0880 for an appointment

Laser for Redness, Acne Marks and Scars

Redness on the skin eg rosacea, facial veins, leg veins, acne marks and red scars can be improved using our advanced FDA approved Vbeam Perfecta pulsed-dye laser to target red vessels under the skin. Red birthmarks such as port wine stains and haemangiomas can also be effectively and safely treated using this excellent vascular laser. In addition, it is also highly useful for rejuvenation of the skin, improving texture, colour and fine lines.

Treatment of Redness, Acne Marks and Scars

• Sun protection is important before and after any laser treatment.
• Topical creams such as medical grade anti-redness creams, scar creams, and tretinoin to increase cell turnover can be helpful.
• Vascular lasers can be very useful for skin problems involving enlarged or unwanted vessels. It is most effective when performed by a trained and qualified doctor. Your dermatologist will have an honest discussion with you about the laser treatments, the predicted outcomes, the estimated number of treatments required, and the possible downtime or complications. Your dermatologist, using reliable and high-grade lasers, will perform all laser procedures.

Scar Treatment

Scars can occur from many types of injury to the skin. Although nothing can restore the skin to its original perfection, there are many techniques available to soften the appearance of scarring. In addition, treatments can be given to reduce the itch, pain and tightness that can be associated with some scars.

Treatment for Different Types of Scars

Your dermatologist will assess your scars to determine the appropriate treatment, which may include:

• Acne scars – injections, needling techniques, non-ablative lasers or fractional CO2 lasers may be used to improve acne scarring, including reddish-brown marks and atrophic scars.
• Keloid or hypertrophic scars – Silicone gels are the first line treatment of any scars. Disfiguring raised scars can be treated with steroid injections to soften and flatten. Vascular lasers combined with steroid injections are often used to achieve even better results. In patients with earlobe keloids, CO2 laser and steroid injections can be used in combination to improve its appearance.
• Depressed scars – fractional laser resurfacing can be used to improve the appearance of depressed scars by stimulating new collagen formation.

Skin Tightening

Do you wish your skin could be firmer, sag and droop less? If you are not ready to embark on invasive surgery or a facelift, we highly recommend the only FDA approved, non-invasive, skin-tightening treatment - Ultherapy.

ULTHERAPY (Using the Gold Standard Ulthera device)

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is all the rage in the market, promising a surgical free solution to skin tightening, toning and lifting of the face. Our clinic uses the leading and foremost brand Ulthera, which utilises cutting-edge technology to look beneath the skin and treat the areas of concern with precision. This allows the ultrasound energy to be focused at the correct skin depth to stimulate new collagen production, for maximal tightening results.

Is Ultherapy safe?

Ultherapy delivers good skin tightening effects and is safe. It is the only non- invasive skin tightening treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA). This means that it has undergone stringent testing and has proven its effectiveness and safety as a skin tightening device.

What areas can be treated?

Your dermatologist will perform the whole procedure, targeting the areas you wish to treat. You can choose to treat only small areas such as around the eyes or the entire face. Commonly treated areas include:

• Cheeks
• Double chin area
• Neck region
• Around the eyes

What does the treatment involve?

The procedure takes around 2.5 hours, including 1 hour for numbing cream to take effect. Before the procedure, numbing strategies will be provided to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

During the procedure, a gel is applied before different transducers are placed over the treatment areas. These transducers will deliver ultrasound energy to the top and deeper layers of the skin, encouraging tightening throughout the skin. The skin may look slightly pink after the procedure. Some patients may experience swelling and a mild aching sensation for a couple of weeks. Most patients will see improvement over the next 1-3 months as new collagen forms.

Is the treatment painful?

One of the most common complaints with Ultherapy is discomfort during treatment. Our clinic has devised excellent techniques to minimise pain and optimise comfort during the procedure which includes the use of oral painkillers, numbing cream, numbing injections in sensitive areas, and cooling strategies. We know our numbing strategies work when patients started telling us they feel like falling asleep during the treatment!

Is there downtime after the treatment?

There may be some mild redness and swelling immediately after the treatment. Occasionally, there can be areas of bruising which will subside over a week. Patients may also feel a little sore over the treated areas for a few weeks. As the downtime is minimal, large majority of patients will be able to resume their usual activities immediately after treatment.

When and what results can be seen?

Ultherapy is an excellent option for patients who are not ready to embark on surgery or a facelift. Typically, subtle tightening can be seen immediately after treatment. However, the full tightening effect usually takes 3-4 months to appear as the body requires time to generate new collagen.

Final results can vary between individuals. While some patients may see very visible improvement in sagging and facial contours, others may only experience mild improvement. The most obvious areas of improvement are usually the cheeks and jawline area. A brow lift can also sometimes be achieved when treated around the eyes. The effects can last for a year.

For further information and advice, contact us on 6262 0880 for an appointment

SuperStar Treatment

Why use a single laser when you can combine several? In our Superstar Treatment, we can combine several procedures in the same session to hasten and optimise your outcome. Over the course of six treatments, 4-6 weeks apart, we use a variety of lasers to bring out the best of your skin each and every time, giving you our Superstar Treatment.

Superstar Treatment with Combination Lasers

Your dermatologist will assess your skin and lifestyle to determine the most appropriate treatment for your needs. We understand some patients may prefer not to have any scabbing, crusting or downtime. Just let us know, and we can tweak the sessions according to your needs.

How do we do it?

Superstar Treatment

We are proud to have invested in a comprehensive suite of the best lasers at our clinic that can help achieve the best results for you. Only top of the range devices are used, including:

• Picoway laser
• VBEAM pulsed dye laser
• Alex Trivantage long pulsed laser
• GentleLase laser
• Excel V laser
• Genesis laser
• Smartxide fractional CO2 laser
• Ultherapy

We aim for a personalised treatment plan for each patient, combining a variety of lasers according to your needs for improvement of the following:

• Improvement of texture, pore size, and glow
• Brightening of skin
• Lightening of pigmentation
• Reduction of redness and broken veins
• Unwanted hair removal
• Skin tightening and collagen remodelling

Ask us for details of our best-selling treatment.

Medical Grade Facials and Chemical Peels

Hydra-Illuminating Facial

By investing in the latest technology, we are able to provide medical-grade, non-invasive, multi-step facials to clear clogged pores and hydrate the skin.

Step 1 – A gentle physical and chemical peel is used to deep cleanse and remove dead skin cells and excess sebum.

Step 2 – A mix of alpha hydroxy acids are applied to chemically break up dirt and clear clogged pores, followed by removal of the impurities and oil using a vacuum suction device.

Step 3 – Nourishing antioxidant serums and peptides are applied to hydrate and brighten the skin.

Step 4 – Blue or red LED light treatment to help calm and soothe the skin. Blue LED lights are used for acne-prone skin as they kill bacteria-causing acne. Red LED lights are designed to reduce skin redness and signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.

After our signature facial, patients are left with fresh, clean and radiant skin.

Chemical Peels

For patients who prefer non-laser treatments, we have a selection of chemical peels to combat pigmentation and brighten the skin.