Hello!

As promised, I'm back with another post on the other treatment I've done at Lux Medical Aesthetic Clinic. ^^

It is called High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, also known as HIFU.

Some of you might have heard of this, but let me give you a short overview for those who have no idea what HIFU is.

HIFU is the use of Ultrasound to perform an non-invasion face lift. It penetrates deeply into the SMAS layer, which is deeply into the Dermis and Foundation layer of the skin, without damaging the skin surface.

SMAS Layer

What are the benefits of HIFU?

- It targets deeply into the skin without damaging the surface, hence all skin types are suitable for it.
-It is completely non-invasive, with no downtime, meaning you can go back to your daily activities immediately after the treatment. However, it can result in slight swelling and bruising for a week-or-so, depending on individuals. That said, this swelling usually only visible to yourself.
- It is clinically proven to stimulate collagen, leading to lifting and tightening of the face.
- It can help to burn fats, which is thus helpful in reducing double chin, eyebags, etc.
- The results last between 9-12 months.

When are the results of HIFU available?

It usually takes 3 months to stimulate collagen, hence the best result of the treatment will be 3 months later after it.

What is the brand of HIFU am I doing?

The brand I am doing is by Ultraformer III. It is a new technology that aims to be less painful with better results that last longer.

HIFU Ultraformer III

Okay, that being said, you might be wondering, I am 20 years old, my face have not started sagging (/touchwood), why do I want to do HIFU?

This is because of my chubby cheeks. Take a look this photo:

Squeezable cheeks

I was initially thinking of Botox Jaw to be done to result in a more V-shaped face, however, Dr Kellyn Shiau advised that my jaw muscles are not considered big/strong. It is more of the baby fats at my lower cheeks that results in the squishy-looking face heheheh, especially when I smile, as you can see even when I am expression-less, the fats are prominent.

Hence, she suggested the HIFU treatment, targetting the baby fats.


HIFU Procedure

As picked up from the previous post, I was first place on numbing for 40 minutes for my whole face.

Then it was gel application time, for better gliding of the HIFU machine catridge!

Applying gel

It's time to start the treatment!





Halfway through! Look at the difference between the left and right! (:

Hello guys!



As promised, I am here to talk about how my thoughts on beauty has changed over the years.
Disclaimer: This is just my point of view on the topic currently. It may change in a few years, months, or even weeks time, as we are constantly changing. I do not wish to harp my opinion on others, but just share my thoughts. Feel free to share yours too, so we can learn more. After all, life is all about learning, right?

When I was younger, I was surrounded by the notion of "Plastics", whereby people that went through Plastic Surgery are seen as "vain", and are judged by others. At the same time, when I was young I never had much insecurities, hence plastic surgery / tweaking features weren't in my "Wants" list.

Then came puberty, where it was a mixed of hormonal change and messages from the society, whereby we were bombarded with the beauty "ideal". The perfect facial proportions, V-shaped face, small and sharp nose, fair skin.. (etc. etc.) So I started seeing imperfections in me through the mirror, especially my nose, which I undoubtedly feel that it is too big for my face. I was blessed with nice skin with some blocked pores, but I was applying skin care products religiously, so that kinda helped it. For my nose, I was kind of determined to have it done under the knife (I hadn't heard of less-invasive procedures then) when I grow older and have the money to.

Yoona from SNSD (with her oh-so-perfect features)

As I lose myself deeper and deeper into this hole of low self-esteem, I began looking for ways to make myself feel better, and less self-absorbed. I went to look into my favourite source of entertainment - YouTube, where I try to find encouraging YouTubers to feel less insecure and better about myself. This brought me to YouTubers like Bubzbeauty (Lindy - my all-time favourite), Kale (Kalyn Nicholson), Superwoman (Lilly), Bonny Rebecca, Happyandhealthy96 (Steph Yu).. Okay I have close to 100 Subscriptions, so I will not list all of them one by one, but you get the gist. I wanted to be surrounded by positivity clear my mind from my lack of confidence.

Let me side track while I link my favourite video of all time:

Note how brave Bubz is, for showing her tummy. She really is someone I look up to and aspire to be, for her energetic and kind soul, spreading love and positive energy. ^^

So I tried my best to advocate "Embracing your flaws", "Accepting who you are", "Love yourself for who you are", "You don't need to change for others' view of Beauty".


However, as the saying goes, it is easier said than done.

I guess it's human nature to compare. To feel inferior, so that we can be a better version of ourselves. To strive for perfection, so that even if we fail, we are close to it. To constantly question ourselves if we can better, so that we can advance forward.

So I started having second thoughts. What if beauty doesn't actually mean accepting the current state we are at? What if beauty doesn't mean not allowing ourselves to change our features to something that we life? What if beauty doesn't mean loving every single aspect of ourselves?

If we were to judge those that goes through procedures to change their appearance as they are not "embracing their flaws", then why can we be so flamboyantly spreading the love for make up? Isn't procedures like eyebrow tattooing permanent make-up? If a chin filler that hides someone's double chin made her feel more confident about herself and is more willing to go out with her friends, should we criticise her? If a mole removal can allow someone to enjoy taking selfies more, should we condemn her from doing the treatment? If a mother undergoes face threadlift to, in her terms, look younger, in preparation for her daughter's wedding, are we to judge her for being too "vain"? If a 25-year-old-single male undergoes Acne Scar Removal to reduce "How many kids do you have?" comments, do we have the right to say he is not embracing his flaws?

So why are we looking down and judging those that goes through procedures, when we ourselves are performing actions subtly similar to them?

We all have our reasons. If others' decision doesn't impact your life (and shouldn't impact), we do not have the right to shame their actions, for we do not know the whole story in their life.

Hence I've came to conclude that it is beautiful even if you had made alterations into your features since birth. It is beautiful even if you choose to wear make up everyday, even if you are just leaving your house to buy groceries. It is beautiful even if you are bare-faced on your wedding day.

We have to learn how to accept ourselves and our decisions. If  you want to go for a nose implant because you are tired of trying to brain-wash yourself to love the flat and wide nose you see every day in the mirror, go for it. If you want to go for Jaw Botox because you never seem to lose the fats off your face and you really dislike it, then do it. If you are tired of people saying you look "exhausted" with your natural sunken tear trough despite sleeping 8 hours everyday, and wants to go for filler injections, feel free to do so. You don't need to explain your decisions to others, you just need to hold yourself accountable. Love yourself on your journey to become a better version of yourself, to be more confident. Ensure that whatever you are doing is for a reason that is good enough for you to understand and agree 10 years down the road. Do think twice before performing tweaks, because you want the future you to thank you instead of accusing you. If a double eyelid surgery can allow you to love taking more photos of yourself, then I guess the older version of you will appreciate it, for you have gave more photos to reminisce about.

However, once again I reiterate, whatever permanent surgery you choose to undergo, think twice. Because unlike non-permanent and non-invasive treatments that disappear over time, they may not be as easily reversed. Do your research and look for a reputable doctor, someone that you can trust, for you are entrusting your appearance to him/her. Yes, beauty isn't about appearance, but it can have a lasting impact on your self-confidence.
Here's a song that I recently enjoy listening to, about plastic surgery.
Note: It is not for the faint-hearted.

Hello fellow readers!

Ever took photos with the studio ring light and wished that this lighting can follow your everywhere?
Indeed, "bright" is an understatement to describe the light. If you had taken photos under professional setting, you will know how blinding the light is. But you can't deny how beautiful the photos will turn out!



Hence when Lux Aesthetic Medical Clinic recommended this Lavijue Brightening Ampoule that was scientific proven to brighten up one's skin, I was hooked!


You might be wondering, my skin has always been on the bright side (thanks to my daily application of sunblock and skincare products since a very young age), hence why do I need this Lavijue Brightening Ampoule?

The answer is there are many people around me who feel that their skin always look tired and dull. Well, it is true that many people will want to have skin like Kdrama stars. Take a look at the following google search, most of them have skin so bright that seems to shine through your sunglasses when you meet them in real life.

Kdrama

So hmm who wouldn't want dewy looking skin?



(Okay maybe I should stop putting photos of myself ahahah this post isn't about me)


What's the science behind the Lavijue Ampoule?

There are only 7 ingredients in the serum, yet it promises 6 effects.


The ingredients

1. EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) stimulates cell growth, supporting natural skin rejuvenation.

2. TXA (Tranexamic acid) is a protein that fights against pigmentation, and is approved as a skin lightener. It can repair the skin too, but acting as a barrier.


3. PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) is also used in 婴儿针, which literally means "Baby injection". From the name, I guess you can understand more or less what's the use of this ingredient. It is regeneration DNA fragments that is identical to human DNA, promoting collagen synthesis and wound healing, establishing baby-like skin.

4. FGF (Fibroblast Growth Factors) works together with the hormones in our body, giving a holistic anti-aging component in the treatment, as it forms skin structural materials like collagen and elastin.

5. γ-PGA is extracted from the Korean fermented bean paste known as "Cheonggukjang" (fellow kpop fans hands up please!). It helps to retains moisture, which is 5 times more effective than Hyaluronic Acid. Those who are a beauty addict will know how hyaluronic acid is typically used as a hydrating moisturiser as it iknown for its moisturising abilities, hence this shows how useful γ-PGA is! Hydrated skin can allow us to say goodbye to fine lines and wave hello to more glowing skin!


6. Sodium hyaluronate is a water-soluble salt in the form of hyaluronic acid that is more stable, less likely to oxidized, smaller in molecule and hence pentrates into the skin more easily. With more moisture, the skin will less dull, giving brighter skin.

7.Glutathione (GSH) - is an anti-oxidant to improve the skin condition by protecting the skin from toxic radicals and diseases. GSH is used in 美白针, which means "White Jab" It generates other anti-oxidants as well, effectively brightening the skin.


The effects

1. Stimulate collagen
2. Stimulate cell growth
3. Skin brightening
4. Pore tightening
5. Anti - wrinkle
6. Firming and lifting

A bit too good to be true? Well here's a before-and-after photo of my aunt who have used the ampoule for 2 weeks! ^^

Before and after applying for 2 weeks!

And I can safely say even with the same level of brightness in lighting in both photos, the one of the right is definitely brighter and whiter! Please take notice that she is no longer wearing foundation / CC creams (:

"After consistent usage of the ampoule, everyday I wake up looking at the mirror with a smile, because I can see how clear and glowing my skin is looking."

Heheh after hearing this, even though I have never experienced it for myself, I can't help but be happy for her! :D


Let's take a closer look at the Lavijue serum!

Look at how light the texture is!

Just a few rubs

Fully absorbed within seconds! And there is no stickiness feeling ^^

It is a relatively medium-sized bottle, which can last for a month, routinely used for day and night application.


This ampoule is made in Korea, where majority of the people there have skin that shines so brightly, so isn't that the biggest testimony?

So if you are seeking for brighter skin, look no further, as you try Lavijue Brightening Ampoule.

Available at Lux Aesthetics Medical Clinic :D

Opening hours: Monday - Friday [10.30am - 8pm] Saturday [10.30am - 4pm]
 Sunday &P.H. [10.30am - 4pm] (By appointment only)
Contact numbers: [+65 68159922] (Tel) [+65 88669922] (Whatsapp/SMS)
Email: consult@luxaestheticclinic.com 

Because good things must share right? (;

Aloha friends!

Today I'm here to share with you an experience I had never expected myself to have the courage to undergo.

If you know me long enough (or you could just see the previous few posts in this blog written a few years ago), you will know how much I had detest that feature of my face since young. I've always felt that it was too huge, too wide, not fitting for me. Hence I always had this "dream" - when I grow older, pass the legal age, I will save up money to undergo operation  and tweak the feature.

I know I am a huge advocate of "embracing your flaws", and how we should learn how to love our body. But as I grew up, I came to realise that loving ourselves can also mean providing ourselves the  opportunity to gain confidence. I will write another post on this topic, but for now, long story short, I am not against cosmetic surgery or any of that sort.

Anyways, back to what I was saying, so nope I did not went under the knife (probably because I am not sure if I want to do so permanently), but I went to do something to make a slight (or huge, depending on how you want to view it) difference to my face.

Yeap so the clinic I went to is LUX Aesthetics Medical Clinic. Stepping into here feels like coming into uptopian land, with my favourite pink and rose gold theme.

I first had a consultation with Dr Kellyn Shiau, which is the medical director of Lux. She was really patient with me and answered all the questions I had (at the end of this post there will be a short Q&A where you could too learn more about the treatment <: ) So, I've decided to go ahead and proceed on to doing Nose Threadlift.

Final photo before a taller nose bridge from Nose Threadlift!



Then it was numbing time, to reduce the pain from Nose Threadlift!

Adding Numbing Cream

I also did another treatment (HIFU - High Intensity Frequency Ultrasound) on that day hence the numbing was applied on my whole face - I will leave it for another post.

30 minutes later, my numbing was removed and I proceeded with HIFU first.

Then came the star of the show - time for a higher nose bridge :D

Injection of Nose Filler

Dr Kellyn helped me to make a marking first, then I was injected with Juvederm Ultraplus Hyaluronic Acid filler - as my nose was too flat and wide and a combination of fillers plus threads will give a better result.

Making marking on my face

Injecting of filler

Nose Threadlift Procedure

Then I was injected with local anesthesia along my nose bridge and tip, to minimise the pain from the insertion of nose threads.

Local Anesthesia injection

A hole was made at the tip of my nose, then came in the Nose Threads!

Making an entry hole for the nose threads to enter

Insertion of nose bridge thread

Insertion of nose tip thread

TA-DA! :D

Look at my nose bridge O:

I am very pleased with the results of Nose Threadlift ahahah never in my life have I ever have a lifted nose hence you could see how overwhelmed I was with it ^^

Look at my new nose from Nose Threadlift! :D



Okay here's the Q&A section which you might be interested!

Q&A For Nose Threadlift

Q: What is Nose Threadlift?

A: It is a minimally invasive procedure to result in a higher, straighter and more defined nose bridge, smaller nose tip, lifting the nose. As shown above, the threads are inserted into the nose to create a lift. Even when the threads dissolves in the body, collagen fibres are left down, allowing the lifted nose to last 1-2 years.

Q: What's the difference between Nose Filler and Nose Threadlift?

A: Fillers varies based on types and brands, but the one that I did, Nose Filler, is using Juvederm Ultra Plus, which is a hyaluronic acid filler. Nose threads used in Nose Threadlift are made up of PDO (polydioxanone) which is commonly used for medical surgery. Both fully dissolve over time. However, fillers usually dissolve around 9-12 months, while Threadlift threads dissolve in 6-9 months, leaving collagen fibres to maintain results for up to 2 years.

Nose fillers can be placed directly into bumps to smoothen out the bridge of the nose, but there is a chance of spreading, hence resulting in a wider nose bridge. Nose threadlift on the other hand doesn't spread, hence will usually result in a slimmer nose (which was what I wanted in the first place).

The filler I used

Q: What's the pain level for Nose Threadlift?

To be extremely honest with you, there was pain. But no before you go, the pain was bearable. Mind me, my treshold of pain isn't very high so I am unable to tell you how much pain you will feel. For some people, they can feel no pain at all, while others might need pain killers. The most painful part of the treatment was when Dr Kellyn injected the local anesthesia at the bottom of my nose (just above my lips), which felt like extracting a deeply burrowed blackhead that disappeared once the anesthesia came into effect (almost immediately after). This is due to the large amount of nerves at that area. As the Nose Threads were inserted into my nose, I felt nothing (and I really do mean it, not a slightest feeling). Everybody has different perception of pain, so just use my words as reference (: But nevertheless, I feel that this result is definitely worth the pain.



Q: Is Nose Threadlift &/or Nose Fillers safe?

A: The Nose Fillers I've used are from a reputable company, and consist of hyaluronic acid, which is a natural subtance found in the body. PDO threads in Nose Threadlift have been used in the medical field for many years. Both will dissolve by the body overtime and remove through metabolic processes, hence I guess this shows how safe both treatments can be. Of course, as it is still a medical treatment, and there will be some potential risk, hence it is best to get your treatments done by a certified and trustable medical professional (:


For more information, visit their official website Lux Aesthetics Medical Clinic -Nose Threadlift to learn more (:

Lastly, I will once again thank Dr Kellyn for giving me the nose of my dreams (: I can now conquer the world with my nose tip facing the world first.

If you are interested in getting aesthetics treatments here's the information about Lux Aesthetics Medical Clinic :D

Opening hours: Monday - Friday [10.30am - 8pm] Saturday [10.30am - 4pm]
 Sunday &P.H. [10.30am - 4pm] (By appointment only)
Contact numbers: [+65 68159922] (Tel) [+65 88669922] (Whatsapp/SMS)
Email: consult@luxaestheticclinic.com 

Very very pleased ((:

My dreams did just came true!

That's all for now, I will keep you guys updated as my nose adjust itself with the new friend (: feel free to contact me if you have any other questions about Nose Threadlift (: