Q: What is the best way to remove stretch marks?

Dr Vanessa Phua: Stretch marks are caused by the stretching and expansion of skin with differential pressure over time. Most commonly seen in growing adolescents, post pregnancy and also after severe weight fluctuation. There is no guaranteed magic way of removing them in its entirety, but laser and chemical peels will lighten them and improve the skin texture of the stretch marks over time. The appearance will change due to the renewed skin, and the skin will be healthier in texture and appearance. Several sessions will be required to treat this.

Q: How can I reduce the appearance of nasolabial lines without injecting fillers?

Dr Vanessa Phua: Nasolabial lines are caused by loss of volume in the lines, and also by the downward sag of the skinfold overlying it. Thermage (patented deep radiofrequency) can be used to tighten the skin around it and lift the skin to reduce the deep appearance of the line. More invasive procedures such as the Papillon revitalizing threadlift of the midface (this uses absorbable threads which are barbed along its length) to lift up the soft tissues of the mid face, reducing the appearance of the nasolabial line.

Q: How can I lift the eye area subtly without surgery?

Dr Vanessa Phua: Thermage will tighten the skin around the eyes and lift it subtly. This causes skin and collagen to contract intially, with subsequent remodelling of the skin around the eyelids. No recovery time, quick procedure, non surgical, subtle but noticeable.

Q: What skin treatment is most effective for removing acne scars (ice-pick and orange peel)?

Dr Vanessa Phua: The Sciton microlaser peel using erbium yag laser is my preferred choice. This causes a little redness and crusting around the acne scars but remodels and smoothens the skin. Again, several sessions are required to efface scars.

Q: Can breast fillers be used to lift saggy breasts and will I be able to breastfeed after treatment?

Dr Vanessa Phua: Breast fillers will lift saggy breasts for sure, by filling in the lost volume. As the fillers are injected under the breast tissue under a local anesthetic, breast feeding is still possible after breast fillers. However, I generally encourage my patients to have breast fillers after they have completed their family. Breast size and volume fluctuates with each pregnancy and breast feeding tends to cause the skin and volume of the breasts to alter.

Q: Is there a way to prevent or slow down the progress of sagging eyelids?    Dr Vanessa Phua: Yes, a good eye cream which contains plant hexapeptides or plant growth factors, vitamins C, E and B (Papillon eye elixir for instance) which help in skin cell health and integrity will help to slow down saggy eyelids. Avoid excessive manipulation and tugging of the eyelids as this would loosen the skin, and always wear a sunblock when outdoors, remembering the eyelids. Use UV sunglasses as this protects the eyelids and eyes against UV damage, which can weaken the skin structure and denature collagen. Lastly, Thermage for eyelid skin tightening is also preventive in that you actually tighten skin and build skin strength over time, hence you cheat with ageing eyelid area.