The eyes are often the first things to give away our mood and how we’re feeling (tired, excited, hung over!). They’re also the first feature to show signs of ageing, such as eye bags, dark eye circles and crow’s feet. We speak to top aesthetic doctors in Singapore about popular anti-ageing eye treatments, and review non-invasive ways to bigger and brighter peepers, namely eyebrow embroidery and eyelash extensions.
Aesthetic & Reconstructive Centre
According to Specialist Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Dr Andrew Khoo, one common complaint from patients who want to remove dark eye circles is that they’re often told that they look “tired” or “sad”. Thankfully, this can be easily resolved with the array of remedies available.
For mild cases, he suggests non-invasive Broadband Light (BBL) or the Starwalker picosecond laser. The latter is administered in very short pulses, which achieves better results with greater safety and comfort. If the tear trough is deep, this can be masked with soft filler injectables such as Juvederm.
For moderate to advanced cases, surgery is often a better option to rejuvenate and refresh the eye area. A combination of fat redistribution to the tear trough, eyelid tightening and the removal of excess skin can be used for lasting results. This is often done as a daytime surgery under local anaesthesia and oral sedation in the clinic.
How can you maintain the results after your treatment? For Dr Khoo, the answer is no secret: a healthy lifestyle and adequate rest.
#13-08 Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre (Orchard)
3 Mount Elizabeth
6733 3712 | andrewkhoo.com
The Wellness Clinic
Suitable for those with moderate to severe eye bags, TWC 3D Non-Surgical Eye Bag Removal is a great alternative to blepharoplasty surgery.
The treatment tackles three main factors: fat protrusion in the under-eye area, skin laxity and dark eye circles caused by skin pigmentation. A combination of proprietary techniques is used, including high-intensity focused ultrasound-guided energy and a subdermal laser. This helps to target fat and tighten the skin at the same time without disrupting the surrounding cells, resulting in a visible reduction of the eye bags.
As the procedure doesn’t involve any incisions or stitches, there are fewer risks of complication than there are with surgery. Downtime is minimal with minor swelling that usually subsides in two to three days.
Furthermore, as fat in the under-eye area doesn’t have the ability to regenerate once it’s reduced, only one treatment is needed. If the excess fat is treated comprehensively, the fat protrusion shouldn’t recur.
#04-01 Wheelock Place
501 Orchard Road
6732 0812 | twcaesthetics.com
W Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
According to Dr Wong Chin Ho from W Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, upper eyelid rejuvenation is a delicate procedure that needs to consider the physical changes caused by ageing.
With age, the skin on the upper eyelid becomes crepey and lax, draping and falling over the upper eyelid crease, resulting in a hooded upper eyelid appearance. The eyelid margin drops and narrows the eye. This condition, also known as ptosis of the upper eyelid, is a result of age-related weakening of the upper eyelid opening mechanism. Coupled with hollowing of the eyelids caused by the loss of facial fat, the result is a tired and sleepy appearance.
Dr Wong believes that upper eyelid surgery should be precisely designed for the needs of the individual. It may comprise of removing excess upper eyelid skin, repairing or tightening the upper eyelid opening mechanism (ptosis correction), fat grafting to increase fullness and a brow lift to correct droopy brows. By addressing these aspects, a more harmonious and natural rejuvenation can be achieved.
38 Irrawaddy Road
#08-42 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Center
6570 2528 | waesthetics.com
Beaute Hub
Looking for a quick fix to lines, wrinkles and dull skin around the delicate eye area? Beaute Hub’s PDRN Soluble Microneedle Treatment is a minimally invasive procedure that safely delivers beneficial, active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides for cell renewal. The soluble microneedles particles surpass the skin barrier, enabling the PDRN serum (the acronym stands for polydeoxyribonucleotides) to penetrate effectively into the treated area and work on repairing damaged tissue.
The intensive treatment concludes with a bio cellulose sodium DNA mask, which helps with skin regeneration. Originally manufactured solely for medical purposes like treating burns and chronic wounds, this unique mask also contains sodium DNA for rapid relief on trouble skin. This means you can look forward to instant brightening and smoothening effects after just one session!
Multiple locations island-wide
6555 1515 | beautehub.com
Alternative solutions
Our editors test drive brow and lash treatments for naturally enhanced eyes!
The Lash Icon
“I have naturally thick brows, which I had unfortunately plucked into oblivion, no thanks to the pencil-thin brow trend back in the early 2000s! So I was very excited to be having my brows microbladed as I was beginning to get tired of having to draw them in every morning.
My first experience with The Lash Icon was a very lovely one. The treatment beds are very comfortable, and I especially love the big furry blankets to tuck myself under. I chose the Ultimate Combo ($398), which is a mix of Ombré Misty and Perfect HD microblading. My therapist began by asking me if I had a particular brow shape in mind. I mentioned that I preferred something with an arch. She proceeded to draw on my eyebrows and made sure I was happy with the thickness and shape. Next, numbing cream was applied and left on my skin for about 20 minutes before the microblading process began.
The overall process was oddly soothing and I dozed off a couple of times. However, the numbing cream wore off about 30 minutes into the process and my brows felt pretty sore. My therapist had to reapply more and let it set in while she worked on the other brow. It’s important to communicate with your therapist if you are feeling pain!
However, the result after the two hour session was worth it. I walked out with a gorgeous set of brows in a powdery finish. They did not appear too dark on me, either! I took a lot of precaution with the aftercare, ensuring not to get my brows wet for 10 days and keep the scabs moisturised. My brows only started peeling after five days, but they were still nice and dark. Depending on your skin type, the pigment is said to remain saturated for up to two years.”
– Liana Keddie, Client Services and Production Manager
#02-13 Orchid Hotel | 8833 1260
#03-09 International Plaza | 8833 5253
thelashicon.com (Book online now!)
Browhaus
“My last brow embroidery was about two years ago, so it was high time I had them done again. They were starting to look sparse and were also fading off towards the ends. Browhaus offers four types of brow resurrection treatments that vary in fullness of strokes and boldness. Since I have generally well-endowed natural brows, I went for BR Soft ($1500, with two touch-ups within nine months) that promises to give lighter strokes.
I visited the Paragon outlet. My therapist Charlene began the session by discussing my ideal brow colour, shape and thickness and drew them in with a brow pencil so I could have a look before she started. She made them more defined at the ends and kept their natural arch. For the ink, she suggested to go with a mix of grey and brown, which she said would give me the more natural look I was hoping for. Throughout the treatment, she was gentle and asked me periodically if I felt any discomfort.
The procedure was generally painless, with Charlene applying numbing cream a second time halfway through to ensure I wouldn’t feel any pain. After the numbing cream wore off when the treatment ended, my brows felt sore and were a little swollen. Charlene told me not to worry as this was normal and sure enough, the soreness and swelling went away after about an hour. She also handed me an aftercare kit ($175), which comes with a serum and balm to help the skin heal.
I’m happy with how my brows look now – they are much neater and fuller.”
– Lindsay Yap, Editor
Multiple locations island-wide
browhaus.com
The Lash Company
“What really sets The Lash Company apart is their above-and-beyond approach to quality service and customer care before, during and after application. Upon arrival, my lash artist Nieda takes the time to ensure she understands my desired effect – I already have a healthy set of lashes, but I‘m after more length and curve to open up and frame my eyes without looking too dramatic. I opt for the lightweight Full Classic ($108) to give my existing lashes a boost in dimension and volume.
As I get comfy on the bed, what follows is the full TLC treatment. First, a deep cleansing lash spa to remove all residue and ensure a clean lash line. Next, a lip balm and a hydrating collagen eye mask are applied to my face, before Nieda gets started on my lashes. She’s delicate, precise and ever so gentle, to the point that I drift off to sleep. When I wake, Nieda takes me to the mirror to reveal her work – symmetrical and weightless lashes with the just enough curve and density. What’s more, I’m given a complimentary after-care kit, complete with sponge and a spoolie wand to clean and comb them. Safe to say, this seamless session will have me coming back for more!”
– Leanda Rathmell
#02-00, 101 East Coast Road
#02-01, 9A Kampong Bahru Road
9753 2275 (WhatsApp only) | thelashco.sg (Book online now!)
Want more? See our Style & Beauty section!
Our fav foundations for humid climates
Top wedding day beauty tips
7 anti-ageing treatments to look younger
This article first appeared in the October 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
