When we think about anti-ageing, slathering on luxurious creams and trying the latest skin treatments usually come to mind. Yet, we forget that what goes on inside our bodies matters just as much! La Clinic, a holistic aesthetic clinic located in Paragon Medical Centre, was founded in 2012 with the goal of fusing these two branches of age management – aesthetic treatments (think Botox and Profhilo) and functional medicine (such as nutraceuticals and therapy for hormonal imbalance). We chat with the clinic’s DR RACHEL HO to find out more.
A holistic approach towards anti-ageing care and medicine
Dr Ho and her fellow doctors at La Clinic, Dr Cecil Wong and Dr Joanne Wong, are experts at harnessing “the two prongs of anti-ageing care – internal and external – to deliver results that positively impact patients,” allowing them to not only look good but feel good from the inside.
Not believing in one-size-fits-all solutions to anti-ageing care and medicine, the team also tailors each treatment or combination of treatments to the patient’s concerns. Dr Ho prioritises enhancing patients’ natural beauty, maintaining the integrity of facial proportions and harmony without over-treatment. “We want our patients to look like themselves but just elevated and enhanced. The goal is to have people wondering: did she or did she not have treatment done? (Or he!)”
Outside in – Botox, Profhilo, lasers, fillers and more
At this stylishly designed clinic, you will find a whole host of advanced and minimally invasive aesthetic treatments that address various external signs of ageing. Dr Ho tells us about four of La Clinic’s signature treatments:
Botox: Botox temporarily relaxes muscle activity where it is injected. This prevents muscular contractions associated with the development of wrinkles and fine lines, resulting in smoother skin with fewer lines. At La Clinic, ‘baby Botox’ is one of its most popular treatments. It involves injecting small amounts of Botox to reduce frown lines and wrinkles while maintaining natural facial muscle movement for a natural finish.
Profhilo: Profhilo is an injectable hyaluronic acid moisturiser. It reduces wrinkles, increases hydration, and tightens and firms the skin, restoring skin laxity and elasticity. Benefits include triggering the production of elastin to regain skin firmness and suppleness, improving overall skin quality, and targeting specific problematic areas such as under-eye wrinkles. Profhilo at La Clinic is tailored to each patient’s concerns and problem areas. Neck Profhilo treatments are especially popular.
Lasers: The Pico laser is a non-invasive treatment that uses ultra-short bursts of energy to target pigmentation, acne scars, wrinkles while improving skin texture. With shorter pulse duration, it offers precise targeting of skin concerns while minimising damage to surrounding tissue. Benefits include smoother skin, reduced pigmentation, and improved scarring.
Fillers: Dermal fillers are composed of hyaluronic acid (HA), naturally found in the skin and helps retain water. When injected, they provide a hydrated complexion and a natural lift. Fillers can help to create fuller lips, define the nose or nose bridge, and smooth wrinkles and folds. They can also restore facial volume for those who have lost it due to ageing. At La Clinic, dermal fillers can be combined with other treatments such as Botox to achieve customised results for each patient.
Inside out – how hormone imbalances affect ageing
Our internal wellbeing plays a pivitol role in how we age externally. And among Dr Ho’s specialities is treating hormone imbalances. This, she explains, is one of the root causes that greatly accelerate the signs of ageing – visually and beyond.
“As both males and females age, hormone levels start to drop or become imbalanced. Hormones play a crucial role in the body, influencing many physiological functions. From an aesthetic perspective, this includes skin texture and structure. An imbalance or insufficient level of hormones can result in skin pigmentation, dryness, wrinkles and loss of youthful glow and elasticity. However, hormones are also vital for brain, kidney and liver function, all of which greatly contribute to overall health.”
As such, La Clinic offers full female and male hormonal screenings which can help determine the levels of your various hormones. Patients can then work with Dr Ho on targeted treatments to tackle their hormone imbalances.
Are you a good candidate for hormone balancing treatments?
Typically, hormone levels start to dip or become imbalanced in our mid-30s, explains Dr Ho. Therefore, both men and women aged 35 and older are ideal candidates for monitoring and adjusting their hormone levels if necessary.
“It’s never too late! The older a person gets, the more important it becomes to check and rectify their hormone levels. It’s worth mentioning that females going through menopause or those who have had their ovaries removed during a hysterectomy benefit greatly from hormone balancing therapy.”
How hormone balancing works hand in hand with aesthetic treatments
Ultimately, Dr Ho is an advocate of holistic ageing – turning to hormone balancing treatments target internal wellbeing and internal ageing, while using aesthetic treatments to slow external signs of ageing such as Botox for wrinkles, Profhilo and lasers for skin texture. “It’s not only important to look good, but also to feel good,” she emphasises.
La Clinic is at #08-01/02, Paragon Medical Tower (Lobby 2), 290 Orchard Road.
6235 4040 | laclinic.com.sg | hello@laclinic.com.sg
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