VBEAM Pulsed Dye Laser

What is Pulsed Dye Laser?

It is also commonly known as VBEAM, which is the brand name of the laser machine. Pulsed Dye Laser is a specialised laser that targets the blood vessels in your skin. The laser energy is absorbed as heat by the blood vessels. The heat breaks the blood vessels apart so they can be reabsorbed by your body, leaving behind a natural skin tone.

What is a Pulsed Dye Laser used for?

Any skin conditions that is red due to localised proliferation of blood vessels such as:

  • Port Wine Stain, a form of red birthmark commonly seen on the face
  • Rosacea
  • Post-acne treatment facial redness
  • Red Scars such as keloid scars, hypertrophic scars or burn scars
  • Facial telangiectasia, i.e. small blood vessels visible on the skin
  • Small vascular lesions such as cherry angiomas and spider naevus
  • Polikoderma of Civatte, commonly seen on the neck and chest with pigmentation and redness due to chronic sun exposure

Other non-vascular skin conditions such as:

  • Certain types of melasma, which is a form of facial pigmentation
  • Nail Psoriasis

What are the side effects of Pulsed Dye Laser?

Bruising and swelling are expected skin reactions from this laser, hence it is not a side effect. Downtime for this laser is expected to be between 3-10 days. Certain type of skin conditions, may not have any downtime at all.

As for any other lasers, the side effects that one may experience are burn presenting as blisters, pigmentation (either darker and rarely lighter skin tone), and scars.

It is important to practice good and diligent sun protection before and after laser because tanned skin is likely to lead to the above side effects. Listen to your dermatologists’ advice on skin care, avoiding any harsh wash and cream.

What do I expect from Pulsed Dye Laser?

Different skin conditions, location of the skin conditions, and skin tones will react differently to Pulsed Dye Laser. Two or more treatments are required to achieve satisfactory outcome. However, you must be aware that the laser may not erase all your red marks but it can lighten it down, for example port wine stain, and rosacea. Treatment interval is about 1- 2 months apart. There is a chance of recurrence in some skin conditions, such as port wine stain and rosacea and further treatment can be administered.

Where can I get my treatment for Pulsed Dye Laser?

It is recommended to get this laser treatment by a qualified dermatologist so that proper diagnosis and counselling can be done before commencing on this treatment. Several private dermatology clinics and hospital-based dermatology departments will have this laser machine. You may want to enquire further at SOG-HM Liew Skin & Laser Clinic regarding Pulsed Dye Laser.

Cosmeceuticals

We have a range of cosmeceuticals for different types of skin:

– Oily/acne skin
– Dry skin
– Sensitive skin
– Ageing skin
– Pigmented skin

Our dermatologist, Dr Liew, also believes in preventative measures to delay ageing and prevent pigmentation. These measures come in the form of topical, oral, laser and injectables. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.

We welcome you to take a look at our range without any prior consultation. Our clinic staff will be able to assist you. However, you will need to consult our dermatologist if you want to request for a prescription-only medication/creams, so that you will be assessed, and given the right treatment and instructions.

Cosmetic Injections

The injections are usually very safe and used to treat dynamic lines or wrinkles on the face, like frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines. They are also commonly used to control sweating on the armpits. Please consult our dermatologist, Dr Liew, who can advise you on this treatment.

Laser For Acne Scars

Scars from acne can cause social embarrassment and may be the cause of low self-esteem. Prevention and controlling your active acne is crucial in preventing scar formation. Our dermatologist will be able to assist you and give you the available options.

There is a variety of laser that can help to flatten your scars. However, you will need to know that no treatment can erase your scars. The laser that we can provide will be fractional carbon dioxide laser, which creates minute laser induced injury deep into your skin, which in turn will encourage new collagen to shrink your scars.

Treatment with laser every 1-2 months, for around 4-6 sessions will allow you to see the difference in your skin. Numbing cream and also painkillers will be given prior to the procedure. There will be some downtime between 3-7 days, varies between individuals. Sun protection before and after the procedure is crucial in preventing post-inflammatory darkening of your skin.

We would encourage you to be open about all the cosmetic treatments or topicals you have used so that our dermatologist can assess if you are suitable for this procedure.

Laser For Hair Removal

Hair removal can be challenging especially in dark skinned individuals, as the risks can be high if the choice of laser is inappropriate.

Our dermatologist, Dr Liew, will advise on the type of lasers suitable for your skin type, expected number of treatments (depends on individuals and sites – between 4 to 10 treatments every 4-8 weeks), and the expected outcome.

The laser type that we utilize is the Diode laser, with effective and good safety profile.

Sun protection before and after laser treatment is crucial. Numbing cream can be applied to make this treatment more comfortable. Downtime is usually minimal.

Please do not pluck or wax your hair 2 weeks before, shave your hair 3-5 days before your appointment with our dermatologist.

Laser For Moles

Small flat moles can be removed using laser.

The laser recommended is carbon dioxide laser. Sun protection before and after laser treatment is crucial. Numbing cream can be applied to make this treatment more comfortable. Downtime with crusts on the skin is usually between 3-7 days.

Larger and bumpy moles are not encouraged to be removed with laser. Quite often, laser will not be able to go deep to remove the pigment cells that give rise the moles. Excision or shave excision can be arranged. The moles can be removed for histological examination under the microscope to rule out malignancy.

Laser For Pigmentation

Pigmentation is a common problem for any of us living in the tropical climate, and especially in Asians. Many factors can contribute to pigmentations, e.g. lack of sun protection, hormonal pills, pregnancy, menopause, etc.

Two main forms of skin pigmentation is lentigo (superficial) and melasma (deep).

Depending on the types, our dermatologist who is well versed in this will be able to discuss the options available:

1. Oral supplements
2. Topical treatment, usually with short term hydroquinone, retinoid and peptide based.
3. Laser with combination of pigment laser, pulse dyed laser or intense pulsed light.

Sun protection before and after laser treatment is crucial. Numbing cream can be applied to make this treatment more comfortable. Downtime is usually minimal, except for pulsed dye laser where you may bruise for 3-10 days.

Laser For Redness

Redness on the skin, can be due to various reasons. Pulsed dye laser is one of the effective forms of treatment for vascular skin problems, by causing photocoagulation.

We can offer pulsed dye laser treatments for the following skin conditions:

– Rosacea
– Red scars
– Spider naevus
– Port wine stain
– Post-inflammatory redness, e.g. acne

Sun protection before and after laser treatment is crucial. Numbing cream can be applied to make this treatment more comfortable. In children, this laser treatment can be done with general anaesthesia if required. There may be some bruising following the laser, which can last from 3-10 days.

Skin Surgery

Skin surgeries that can be done in out-patient clinic include punch biopsy, shave excision, ellipse excision, electrocautery, and also nail surgery.

Common skin conditions or indications for skin surgery:

  • Seborrheic keratosis
  • Skin tags
  • Viral warts
  • Cherry angiomas
  • Pyogenic granulomas
  • Spider naevus
  • Moles
  • Any form of skin cancers
  • Ingrowing toe nails
  • Nail biopsy to rule out skin cancer
  • Rash that needs confirmation of diagnosis or assist doctors in making the diagnosis before rendering the right treatment plan

Our dermatologist, Dr Liew, will help you in making an informed decision on the most suitable treatment for you.

FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

Living in a tropical climate and with the presence of air pollution, it is important to use some form of facial cream which suits your skin type.

Skin hydration with different properties such as hyaluronic acid, ceramide, vitamin C and E, etc is crucial.

Seek advice from your dermatologist if you are unsure.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

These are mainly botulinum toxin injections and fillers injections. Botulinum toxin injection is used to help relax your facial muscles and therefore improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Fillers are used to fill up any volume loss on your face, for example the nasolabial folds, cheeks and temples, but if injected superficially it can help to hydrate and lift up your skin.

Quite often, both injections can be used simultaneously to improve your facial contour and texture.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

Laser is safe for majority of people with fair – olive skin. Individuals with dark skin may have higher risks of side effects/complications with laser because the laser light will be absorbed by the pigment cells in the cells, leading to burn scars and may develop pale patches on the skin. Please check with your dermatologist if you are unsure laser is suitable for your skin type.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

Diode lasers use a single wavelength of light that has a high abruption rate in melanin in the hair. As the melanin heats up it destroys the root and blood flow to the hair follicle disabling the hair growth permanently.

High quality laser hair removal machines such as the Primelase incorporate crystal freeze refrigeration contact cooling (+5ºC) to protect the surface of the skin, making the treatment a comfortable, pain-free experience for patients.

Diode lasers deliver high frequency, low fluence pulses and can be safely used on all skin types.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

This is because your mole has deep seated pigment cells and they usually present as a raised pigmented bump on your skin, known as compound melanocytic naevus.

Laser will not penetrate deep enough to get rid of such moles hence it is likely to recur.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

It is usually safe but the doctor who handles the laser needs to know what kind of pigmentation you have as not all skin pigmentation will do well with laser treatment.

Laser treatment usually works well for superficial pigmentation, for example sun freckles.

As for the deeper type of pigmentation, known as melasma, it is not easy to amend with laser and there may be complications from it – usually cause darkening or patchy lightening of the pigmentation. In these melasma cases, topical and supplements can be taken safely to improve pigmentation.

Hence it is important to see a certified dermatologist to get an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

See a certified dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. One should avoid topical steroid. It is likely that you have rosacea. There are various topical and oral treatment (antibiotics) that help to shut down the superficial blood vessels on your skin temporarily.

For more sustainable results, you may want to consider pulsed dye laser which can be done 1-2 times per year.

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FAQs with Dr. Liew

FAQs with Dr. Liew

Skin biopsy is a procedure usually done under local anaesthesia to determine the diagnosis of your skin presentation.

The procedure is usually referred to as punch biopsy where a pencil-like instrument with a sharp round edge at one end, measuring between 2-8mm in diameter (4mm is commonly used) to obtain a skin tissue for diagnosis.

The specimen is then sent to be looked at under the microscope to assist your dermatologist on the diagnosis. A stitch will be placed to close up the wound made and you may be left with a tiny scar.

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Dr. Liew Hui Min (Dually Accredited Dermatologist In Singapore)

Dr. Liew Hui Min is an accredited consultant dermatologist from the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council UK. Her clinical interest includes paediatric dermatology, women’s dermatology and general adult dermatology. Having trained in major London Hospitals, Dr Liew returned to Singapore in 2014 as a Consultant at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH) where she specialised in paediatric, women, obstetric and vulva dermatology. Currently, Dr Liew practices at SOG – HM Liew Skin & Laser Clinic located at Gleneagles Hospital.

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Why Choose Our Dermatology Clinic?

Dr Liew and Team does everything to make you feel comfortable and taken care of.

Fully Accredited
Specialist

Dr Liew Hui Min is dually accredited with the Ministry of Health and the General Medical Council (UK) as a dermatologist.

Modern
Facilities

Come visit our clinics, which are equipped with modern and updated dermatology equipment, and a team that will take care of all your needs.

Transparent
Pricing

Get the care you deserve, and know how much you’re paying for our services upfront. We offer fair and transparent pricing. Speak to us to find out more.

Focused After
Care

Aftercare is an important aspect of treatment, expect a consistent quality of care from our team to ensure your well being.

Our Clinic


SOG - HM Liew Skin & Laser Clinic

Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road, #06-01
Singapore 258499

Clinic Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
8am to 1pm
2pm to 5pm

Wednesday and Saturday
8am to 12pm

Contact Information
T: +65 6254 6646
F: +65 6259 9853

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