Cover Here are some expert tips to know before jumping into doing aesthetic treatments while on vacation. (Photo: Getty Images)
Here are some expert tips to know before jumping into doing aesthetic treatments while on vacation. (Photo: Getty Images)
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What to look out for and how to efficiently and effectively maximise the number of aesthetic treatments to do, especially when time is limited
These days, more people are incorporating beauty treatments into their overseas holiday plans, be it a visit to an aesthetic doctor in the midst of sightseeing in Seoul or booking themselves in for a wellness retreat at a resort.
A quick scroll through social media (TikTok or Instagram) and you’ll find videos where content creators share how many aesthetic treatments they’ve done in one session, ranging from as little as three to as many as ten.
This begets the question: Is it safe and how much is too much?
Here are three key things to consider:
#1: Prioritise quality over quantity.
“The safety and effectiveness of combining multiple treatments in a single session depend on a various factors, such as type of procedures, individual health considerations and the expertise of the practitioners involved,” explains Dr Angeline Yong, consultant dermatologist, Angeline Yong Dermatology.
#2: Give skin time respond to each procedure.
“This approach not only minimises risk of complications but also ensures that you can achieve the best possible results from each treatment,” says Dr Yong.
Dr Rataporn Ungpakorn, consultant dermatologist and medical consultant at VitaLife Scientific Wellness Clinic, RAKxa Wellness Retreat, agrees. “It is okay to do one treatment at a time and see how your skin responds before committing to the next one.”
For instance, prominent appearance of naso-labial lines can be reduced through fillers or an non-invasive lifting treatment. Opting to do the lifting treatment first can help lessen the amount of fillers needed or even remove the need for it completely.
When it comes to aesthetic treatments, the experience should be pleasant, not painful, shares Dr Ungpakorn. “If you do everything on the same day, you may not have a good experience.”
Read more: The buzziest anti-ageing treatment for taut skin–here’s what you should know
#3: Tried-and-tested over new-fangled.
While it’s tempting to try new treatments, especially when they aren’t available in Singapore yet, sometimes the tried-and-tested options can reap more effective results for your skin concerns.
“The longer a doctor works with a machine, the better they understand it. This means that they’ll know how to utilise the different settings and protocols to help you get even better results,” explains Dr Ungpakorn.
Above Micro-needling stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture (Photo: Getty Images)
Micro-needling stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture (Photo: Getty Images)
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The Perfect Match
But that’s not to say that aesthetic treatments cannot be combined in a single session. “It is crucial to consult with a qualified medical professional to tailor a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific concerns and skin needs,” says Dr Yong.
Read more: 3 beginner-friendly aesthetic treatments to enhance your beauty routine
Some common combinations that complement each other include:
- Micro-needling or micro-needling with bio-remodelling injectables or skin boosters: Micro-needling stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture while skin boosters enhance skin repair and overall results, especially in skin texture, hydration and radiance.
- Botox with dermal fillers: When used together, they can provide a comprehensive solution in reducing the appearance of wrinkles and adding volume where needed for a smoother complexion.
- High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with radiofrequency: The former targets the various layers of the skin to improve remodelling and lifting while the later, used over thinner areas of the face, like the periorbital region (the eye area), can further enhance the tightening and lifting results.
Above Look out for warning signs that your skin has been over-stimulated from undergoing too many treatments (Photo: Getty Images)
Look out for warning signs that your skin has been over-stimulated from undergoing too many treatments (Photo: Getty Images)
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When Your Skin Needs A Time Out
While it would always be best to err on the side of caution, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment and say yes to everything you’ve been recommended.
And while it’s natural for your skin to feel drier or appear flushed after a treatment, these can also be warning signs that your skin has been over-stimulated from undergoing too many treatments.
Here are five signs to look out for:
- Increased sensitivity: Skin may feel tender, irritated or even painful to touch, persisting or
worsening post-treatment. - Redness and inflammation: Skin appears redder than usual, feels hot or shows signs of
inflammation, such as swelling or puffiness. - Breakouts or acne flare-ups: An increase in pimples, blackheads or other types of blemishes
after the multiple treatments done. - Dryness or flakiness: Skin feels tight or is excessively dry, flaky or rough to the touch,
despite moisturiser application. - Uneven texture or appearance: Pronounced rough patches or fine lines, or an overall
lacklustre complexion due to skin being overworked.
To soothe the skin and help it heal and recover, both doctors suggest simplifying your skincare routine, opting for a gentle and minimalist skincare routine to avoid further skin irritation.
Moisture is also key. “Proper hydration is essential for calming sensitive and irritated skin,” says Dr Yong. Active ingredients to look out for in your moisturiser include hyaluronic acid, ceramides or aloe vera.
Alternatively, consider using a cool compress or soothing masks to reduce any redness or inflammation. And as skin is more sensitive to sun exposure after an aesthetic treatment, sun protection is a must, emphasises Dr Ungpakorn. So it’s important to keep skin well-protected with a sunscreen of at least SPF50 to maintain the results of your procedures.
Above RAKxa Scientific Wellness Clinic (Photo: RAKxa Wellness)
RAKxa Scientific Wellness Clinic (Photo: RAKxa Wellness)
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In addition to clinic and potential treatment research, it is also important to have an open and honest discussion with the doctor, and that includes sharing your schedule for your holiday and when you are heading back to Singapore.
When looking to do a few treatments in-between your trip abroad, Dr Yong advises scheduling your appointment at the beginning of your trip to allow for adequate recovery time. Doing so will also give you time to re-visit the clinic to seek advice or clarification
should any issues or complications arise post-treatment.
Also avoid planning intense activities immediately after your aesthetic procedure to give skin time to heal.
Likewise, arranging other beauty services, such as body massages or wraps, during a wellness retreat, should also be taken into consideration when planning your aesthetic treatments. Explains Dr Ungpakorn, you wouldn’t want to schedule a massage where you’ll be lying face down for at least 30 minutes right after a Botox or filler session.
Ultimately, by keeping all these key points in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy your holiday while incorporating aesthetic treatments safe and effectively.
