I have been plagued by back acne for almost three decades. Over the years, neglect and a lack of proper treatment have left stubborn acne scars on my back. In fact, some of these scars have been around for 10 to 20 years, leaving me very self-conscious about them.
I have tried back facials in a bid to get rid of the scars to no avail. I have pretty much given up hope until I recently had the opportunity to experience scar treatment at EHA Clinic in Singapore, under the expert care of Dr. Elias Tam.
During my first consultation, Dr Tam assured me that it would be possible to lighten and remove scars. He meticulously explained the process, addressing my concerns and setting realistic expectations. He decided that he would use Pico laser therapy for the very reason that Pico laser has the ability to break down pigmented cells without causing damage to the surrounding tissues.
To complement the Pico laser therapy, Dr Tam has also chosen an LED light therapy and chemical peel for a more holistic treatment for me.
Dr Elias Tam leads EHA Clinic. Photo © EHA Clinic
The Treatment Session
The first treatment I underwent was the Pico laser therapy, a cutting-edge procedure renowned for its effectiveness in treating various skin concerns. Now, I must admit – I was initially a tad sceptical on the effectiveness of laser treatments. I had a previous experience at an aesthetic clinic where I developed an allergy to laser treatments. I was scarred – figuratively speaking – after that incident.
But as I was about to find out, things are different at EHA Clinic.
The procedure itself was surprisingly quick and virtually painless. The Pico laser technology works by delivering ultra-short bursts of energy to the skin, targeting imperfections like pigmentation and acne scars with remarkable precision. At the same time, Pico laser is known to stimulate collagen production and promote skin rejuvenation.
During the session, I experienced a mild tingling sensation – similar to those tiny static shocks you get on your skin in a dry climate. But it was entirely manageable. And before I knew it, the Pico laser treatment was over in about five minutes.
Immediately following the Pico laser, my back was put through a LED red light therapy for 20 minutes. What LED red light therapy does is that it makes use of low-level wavelengths of red light, which penetrates the dermis easily.
LED red light therapy enhances the healing process. Image generated with A.I.
The reason why Dr Tam has chosen for this to go with the Pico laser therapy is because LED red light therapy complements other treatments by enhancing the healing process and reducing inflammation. Basically, the heat and light boost circulation and bring more blood and nutrients to the treated area. It also sets in motion the release of chemical messengers called cytokines, which in turn stimulate collagen production.
During the LED light therapy, the only discomfort was probably more for the eyes due to the strong LED light. I was provided with a pair of dark laser protective eyewear to wear. Other than that, I practically felt nothing other than a gentle warmth on my skin as the light worked its magic. Dr. Tam’s team ensured that I was comfortable throughout the process.
A chemical peel is applied on the back during the treatment. Photo © Asia 361
The final step was a chemical peel for my back. As scary as it sounds, a chemical peel is one of the most non-invasive and gentle skincare treatments around. In essence, a chemical peel involves the application of an acid or enzyme (or a mixture) that exfoliates the skin, remove dead skin cells and stimulate healthy skin cells to surface.
There are different types of chemical peels for different skin needs. In my case, Dr Tam has prescribed the application of a non-blended beta hydroxy acid (BHA) treatment using salicylic acid. And no, my skin did not literally peel after application nor days after. The acid works over the course of three to five days to resurface and refine the skin, stimulating collagen and encouraging new epidermal growth. It also helps the skin to achieve a more even skin tone.
The non-invasive nature of these three treatments was comforting; there was no extensive downtime or recovery time required.
The Results
To set the tone right, immediate results cannot be seen after just one treatment session. But I definitely saw extremely visible results after a series of treatment sessions.
In the months following the treatments, I noticed a progressive improvement in my skin’s texture and tone. The results were gradual yet remarkable, reaffirming the effectiveness of the procedures. Most of my scars have lightened or completely disappeared, save for a few stubborn ones. But it was good enough for me to not feel conscious about baring my back anymore. (Time to get some bareback outfits.)
Before (left) and after (right): The series of treatments work to lighten and remove most of the back acne scars.
I was impressed by how the treatments addressed my skin concerns without causing any undue discomfort or inconvenience. Dr. Tam’s expertise, coupled with state-of-the-art technology and personalised care, exceeded my expectations.
As the adage goes, good things come to those who wait. In my case, my patience in going through the series of treatments over the course of a few months paid off.
EHA Clinic is located at 1 Scotts Road #15-01 Shaw Centre Singapore 228208. For more information, visit their website.
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