After getting pregnant and having a baby, some of us women accept our stretch marks as "battle scars" and may even flaunt them proudly.
But there are also those who are not so comfortable with these angry red lines, wrinkled folds, or silvery marks spread across our skin, making us feel insecure about ourselves and less attractive.
If you've been hiding underneath layers of clothes and wouldn't even think about stepping out of the changing room wearing a skimpy bikini, let alone to the beach with your tiny tot in tow, you'll be happy to know that The Clifford Clinic specialises in many different cosmetic treatments that produces natural looking results.
The best part is that you can be in and out of there within just a few hours and probably won't have to take time off from work!
The Clifford Clinic
Conveniently located around Raffles Place, the Clifford Clinic is an elegant and cosy establishment that looks more like a modern and tranquil spa, rather than a cold and sterile clinic.
It seems like quite a popular place as there was a steady stream of people coming in and out for their consultations or treatments.
The consultation and treatment
Dr Gerard Ee is one of the two main consultants at Clifford Clinic, and there is no need to be shy when you meet him because his calm and friendly disposition will be sure to put you at ease and make you feel comfortable with openly sharing your stretch mark woes with him.
Step 1: Consultation
For stretch marks that most of us mums get after pregnancies, Dr. Ee recommends the Edge Fractional Anti-Stretch Mark Procedure.
He explains that as we age, collagen in our skin breaks down and causes the formation of wrinkles, sagging and loose skin.
The Edge Fractional Anti-Stretch Mark Procedure delivers laser beams into the deep skin layers to kick start the natural renewal process of collagen. This results in an immediate tightening effect and you can see smoother, tighter skin with less sagging.
Those who fear going under the knife, fret not, because absolutely no surgeries or injections are required!
This non-invasive procedure is very safe with over 10 years of clinical experience behind it and you can get back to your normal routine almost immediately following the treatment.
Step 2: Before & after photoshoot
After a quick before (and follow-up for after) photo shoot of your stretch marks in a small room, the attending “nurse” will help to apply some anaesthetic cream on your problem area.
You will then be ushered back into the waiting area to wait for the numbing cream to take effect before proceeding into the treatment room.
After sitting down on the comfortable reclining seat, it will be slowly adjusted until you are laying down flat.
Step 3: Laser treatment
The treatment begins with your problem area being properly sanitised, then the doctor will apply the laser (which only sounds more scary than it actually is).
Dr. Ee cautions that there is minimal pain and some may feel a slight sting when the laser is applied, depending on the location of the stretch marks and your own individual pain threshold -- but then again, if you were strong and brave enough to endure childbirth, then this should probably be nothing in comparison!
There will also be a small vacuum which is used to receive the skin debris that come off during the laser treatment, for hygiene and practical reasons.
You'd be surprised how quick the whole laser treatment is, as everything should be completed in no more than 10 minutes.
What to expect after the treatment
After the session, you may notice a grid of small bumps on your skin for a while due to the laser treatment.
A slight itch in the treated area is also normal and you will be given a topical cream by the clinic to apply over it twice a day after bath time.
Dr Ee advises that your skin might be sensitive to warm water after the procedure and that it will have brown scabs for about ten days during the healing process.
But the results will continue to improve in the first six months and its effects can last up to 12 months according to clinical research studies!
The Edge Fractional Anti-Stretch Mark procedure which works on all skin types and tones, can be done on all parts of your body, such as:
- Face
- Chin
- Arms
- Back of arms
- Tummies
- Thighs
- Knees
- Buttocks
Those who want a quick fix and boost in confidence without taking up too much of your time or disrupting your daily routine during the healing process, should definitely consider this relatively painless laser treatment which is guaranteed to produce visible results after just one session!
The Clifford Clinic is located at 24 Raffles Place, #01-03 Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621 (Exit A from Raffles MRT). It is open on weekdays (Mon to Fri) from 10am to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 5pm, and closed on Sundays. You may contact them at 6532 2400 or thecliffordclinic@gmail.com
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