In her lifetime, a woman undergoes a lot of changes in terms of the reproductive aspect of her life like menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopausal, etc. During these changes, there are risks of developing gynaecological disorders that may get worse if left unchecked. The branch of medicine that deals with female reproductive health is called gynaecology and the doctor specializing in this medical practice is called a gynaecologist or a “gynae”. A woman at any age can be treated by a gynae. Some teens from 13 or 15 years old are already starting to visit a gynae.

Reasons to see a Gynae

A gynae can deal with a lot of disorders or concerns related to female reproductive health including infertility and pregnancy, menstruation and menopause, family planning, ovarian cysts, and cancer, among others. It is recommended for a woman to have annual screening with a gynae as part of their general health check and to determine possible causes of symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or pain in private areas.

These symptoms might be caused by some very serious conditions such as cancer and taking them lightly can lead to serious problems or can even be deadly. This is why annual screening with a gynae can help in the early detection of a disorder or improve a woman’s reproductive health.

As a guide, here are the most critical symptoms that a woman must look out for and see a gynae for as soon as possible when they experience them. We also listed the possible disorders associated with each symptom.

1. Abnormal Vaginal Discharges

It is normal for women to have vaginal discharges in between menstrual periods. Normally, pregnant and breastfeeding women may also notice more vaginal discharges than usual. The normal vaginal discharge is sticky-white. So, having a vaginal discharge of a strange colour or odour can be a sign of a gynaecological problem.

Common causes include:

• Cervical Cancer
• Bacterial Infections
• Gonorrhoea
• Complications from abortion
• Vaginitis
• Chlamydia

There are instances where soap, body wash, bubble baths, creams, and lotions irritate the vagina resulting in an abnormal vaginal discharge. It is suggested to try to discontinue using them and see if symptoms disappear. See a gynae if these symptoms persist after discontinued use.

2. Excessive or Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

A change in a woman’s menstrual period pattern can cause excessive or unusual bleeding. Irregularities such as heavy bleeding, shorter or longer periods, or unusual pain during menstruation can be signs of serious conditions such as:

• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids
• Ovarian cysts
• Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
• Cancer (if occurs after 40 years of age)

3. Vaginal Itching and Burning

Women should watch out for vaginal itching and burning which is often observed with redness, soreness, swelling or even lumps or eruptions. This condition can be caused by:

• Yeast infection
• Sexual Disorders

4. Pelvic Pains

A dull throbbing around the lower abdomen or pelvic area and some tenderness around the thigh muscles or stomach should never be ignored.Pelvic pain can be a sign of various infections in the reproductive tract of a woman which can result in damage in the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and uterus and can lead to infertility. Example of these infections are:

• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
• Ovarian Cyst
• Appendicitis

5. Frequent Urination

Aside from being a sign for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), frequent urination can also be a sign of several gynaecological conditions such as STDs, fibroids or ovarian cysts pressing on the bladder. If you feel a frequent urge to pee, consider checking with your doctor as this can be a sign of something serious.

The above-mentioned symptoms and conditions are just the most common and obvious signs to look out for. Other symptoms are not that easily observed that is why you must regularly visit your gynae to make sure your reproductive health is taken care of. See a gynae right away if you have been experiencing one or more symptoms for early medical intervention.

Where to go for Gynae Treatments and Advice in Singapore

Every woman is different and a woman needs to have a gynae who can truly understand her concerns and give her personalized treatment. Also, most women feel anxious or fear with the thought of seeing a gynae. This is why a gynae who can provide you a stress-free consultation can make a difference. For a trusted gynae in Singapore, choose PK Women’s Clinic headed by Dr Tan Poh Kok, Senior Consultant Obstetrician, and Gynaecologist. PK Women’s Clinic can provide you both personalized treatment and peace of mind in dealing with your reproductive health.

PK Women’s Clinic caters to a wide range of health issues. Among the services offered at PK Women’s Clinic are the following:

• Pregnancy Care
• Pre-pregnancy Chewock up/ Fertility Screening
• Women’s Wellness Screening
• Contraception / Family Planning
• Female Urinary Incontinence /
• Womb Prolapse
• Gynaecological Surgery
• Other treatments for female reproductive health

With PK Women’s Clinic, you can be assured that your gynae will listen to your concerns and discuss with you your best options. The staff at PK Women’s Clinic will make sure that they can provide you with the care and support that you need. Patients’ trust is PK Women’s Clinic’s trademark and ensures their patients are well satisfied with the health care provided by the clinic.

Set an appointment with PK Women’s Clinic today and be the healthiest woman that you can be.

PK Women’s Specialist Clinic
2,Tai Thong Crescent, #01-12,
The Venue Shoppes., Singapore 347836
+65 6636 9909

Every woman wants to look beautiful. However, while some women are born with desirable traits, others have to contend what nature gave them…or do they? One of the most sought after facial shapes is the v line face and chin. Not everyone, however, has it. The good thing is that there is something you can do to achieve it.

Let’s take a look at the v-line face and what you can do to get this stunning look.

Why you need a V-line face in the first place

Before you can do something about the shape of your face, you might wonder why you may want to alter your face to a v-line. Well, this is a womanly shape that brings out the beauty and feminine grace of a lady. These are traits that are highly valued in Asian countries including Singapore.

Getting a V-line face

Some women are simply born with a v-line facial structure. However, adding weight can turn this into a more rounded shape. That said, such people are able to regain their look by simply burning off calories.

But what about those that do not have the genes? What can be done to achieve the v-line face?

The only other option is through surgery. Note that a wide face is often a result of the bone and jaw structure. Through a surgical procedure, doctors can alter the shape of the jaw to a more feminine v-line shape.

How about the chin?

However, the chin also has a huge role to play in achieving the ideal v- line face. To alter the shape and width of the chin, the doctor will also perform surgery where he or she will cut a piece of the chin at the center and then bring the two together. This will help narrow down the entire lower jaw resulting in a v-line face.

Are there risks involved?

Because this is an invasive procedure there are some significant risks involved. First off, the doctor will be cutting through the skin and muscle tissue in your face. This can cause damage to nerves as well as veins and arteries. Moreover, this could result in paralysis of facial muscles.

Secondly, there is also a risk of excessive bleeding and infections.

This is why it is crucial that the operation is done by a highly experienced surgeon with many years of experience under his sleeve. They can help mitigate some of these risks. Note that there are highly qualified surgeons in Singapore and plenty of such procedures done every day with great results.

Part of finding the best surgeon is also locating a suitable clinic such as TES clinic with the latest facilities. This can help ensure that the procedure goes efficiently.

Downtime and recovery

The procedure will involve cutting pieces of bone and stitching the face back in place. Therefore, this is a procedure that requires an overnight stay at the hospital. This ensures that the patient receives the best care as the doctor can monitor the situation and determine if the patient is responding well to the surgery.

After this first day, the patient is allowed to go back home. He or she will experience pain in the area. A cold compress as well as taking painkillers can help reduce the pain and swelling.

After a week or two, the doctor will take out the stitching. However, bone and tissue will require several weeks to heal completely. Note that you can expect to feel pain when eating. It is therefore important that you consume nutritious soft foods that will not require too much chewing.

Cost of v-line face surgery in Singapore

Depending on the individual situation, doctor and clinic, the costs of v-line face surgery can vary widely. However, in Singapore, prices are often between $2500 and $ 10000.

What other options do I have?

V-line face surgery provides the most significant changes to your facial structure. However, some patients will only require minor changes others while being a bit sceptical of invasive surgeries.

So what other available options are there?

One of these includes specialized masks worn on the fact that mold the face into the desired shape. Note however that these require quite a bit of work and effort.

Liposuction and HIFU are methods that are used to remove excess skin around the jaw area. This reduces the wide jaw look. However, the results are only minor.

Botox and injections are a third alternative. One of the main benefits of these is that they are less invasive.

Conclusion

A v-line face is a highly feminine and cherished look in Asian countries. There are several options for achieving this ideal look including surgery. After scheduling an appointment with your doctor, they will be able to evaluate your face and advise on the best type of procedure for you.

TES Clinic for Face & Jaw
304 Orchard Road,
Lucky Plaza Suites #05-42, Medical Specialists,
Singapore 238863
+65 9735 9930

Often called the “mask of pregnancy”, melasma is a skin pigmentation condition that causes skin discolouration on the face. It is very common in women 20 to 50 years old and often shows up during pregnancy. It can also appear due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, or if the person experiences hormonal changes.

Melasma manifests as brown, blue-grey or tan patches on the face and is most commonly seen on the following areas:

• the forehead
• the bridge of the nose
• the cheeks
• the upper lip

Whether caused by pregnancy or other factors, men and women need to seek pigmentation treatment for melasma to improve skin their quality. To help you understand better about melasma, its common causes and how to deal with it, this article was prepared by Dr David Ng Cheow Hua, senior specialist, and pigmentation treatment expert at One Face Skin and Aesthetic Clinic in Singapore.

What causes melasma?

The exact causes of melasma are still unknown, but I believe, as well as many other experts, that one factor that greatly influences its appearance is a change in the body’s hormonal balance, which is very common in pregnancy. Hormonal changes can also happen if you are taking birth control pills or are undergoing hormone treatments. Other possible causes for the appearance of melasma are prolonged exposure to the sun or skin irritation due to skin products. I have also read about many studies that show that melasma may be influenced by genetics, so if you have close relatives who have melasma then you are also more likely to develop it as well.

Melasma during Pregnancy

I am writing a separate section for this because melasma is quite common in pregnant women. In fact, it affects an estimated 45% to 80% of all pregnant women globally. During pregnancy, your body secretes hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and MSH, which stimulate increased production of melanocytes. These are cells that produce pigment, and a large influx of them causes your skin to darken and become melasma.

Although melasma can fade away in time, it doesn’t happen always. During pregnancy, the usual time for melasma to disappear is around three to six months after giving birth. If you have melasma during the current pregnancy, or if you have had it in the past one, then there is a high chance you’ll have it in future pregnancies as well.

Managing melasma and other skin pigmentation issues during pregnancy

Pregnant women are not recommended to undergo cosmetic procedures while pregnant. However, there are ways to manage skin pigmentation problems during this time. I recommend the following tips for managing melasma and other skin pigmentation issues in pregnant women:

1. Wear light and gentle makeup to conceal your pigmentation.

You want to avoid irritating your skin as much as you can. So, if you have to go outside and meet other people during your pregnancy, use makeup that is gentle to your skin. This will help conceal your melasma temporarily while avoiding any strong ingredients that can cause complications.

2. Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible.

As a general recommendation, I always tell my patients to stay away from the sun, even for those that do not have melasma because many skin issues are caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. If you have to go outside, use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat for protection.

3. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ regularly.

Wearing sunscreen will not only help protect you from sunlight but will also help prevent your melasma from worsening. It is important to do this every day since most sunscreens are effective for a short amount of time. Make it a habit and takes only a short time to apply.

4. Use skin products that are sourced from natural ingredients.

As I’ve said before, try your best to avoid skin irritation during pregnancy. Irritation often happens when you use products that are too strong or are made of synthetic ingredients. One of the best ways to avoid irritating your skin is by using natural skin care products. Look for products that have ingredients like arbutin, kojic acid and azelaic acid, since these are safe for the bodies of pregnant women.

5. Avoid any skin-bleaching creams or products.

If your cream has hydroquinone, steroids, and retinoids, then you should avoid using them as these ingredients can be harmful to a pregnant woman and her child. You want to be as gentle as you can to your sensitive skin. Look for products with vitamin C or lactic acid, as they are usually very gentle to your skin.

6. Try getting a gentle chemical peel.

A gentle chemical peel can do wonders in reducing the appearance of your melasma. By doing some skin resurfacing, the pigment in your melasma patches is reduced, and multiple sessions can remove your melasma over time. Before getting one though, make sure that you’ve consulted with your doctor to ensure you and your baby’s safety.

Treatments for Melasma outside of Pregnancy

1. Use a topical cream or sunscreen with hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is a substance that works wonders in treating many skin pigmentation issues, such as melasma. The whole treatment process would take about 5 to 6 weeks, and you should expect your melasma to fully disappear or have a reduced appearance after this.

2. Get a specialized laser treatment for pigmentation removal.

If hydroquinone isn’t effective, you might consider getting a laser treatment. These are quite expensive but are very effective in dealing not just with melasma, but other skin discolourations as well. What’s even better is that the treatment has very little downtime, so there’s no need to take leave from your work or studies.

One Face Skin & Aesthetics Clinic
1 Tras Link, #02-01 Orchid Hotel,
Singapore 078867
+65 6222 2262

When choosing an aesthetics clinic, there are some questions that you should ask yourself. Is the type of aesthetic treatment that I require safe? What are some of the risks involved? Is the doctor and clinic I have chosen qualified to perform the treatment.

These questions will help you when choosing the right aesthetic clinic in Singapore. After all, your appearance is a sensitive issue as you simply cannot afford to trust just anyone with your face and looks. If you are going to go ahead with aesthetic treatment, you need to know that you are getting top-notch service.

Tips on finding the best aesthetic clinic

There are several things you can do to ensure you find the best aesthetic clinic in Singapore.

1. Find out the history

Do your homework and research on the history of the clinic. A clinic that has been around for a long time will likely have a doctor with many years of experience. Also, while at the clinic, ask to see the before and after results of clients. If possible, talk to previous clients, to find out about their satisfaction levels with the clinic.

You can also contact friends in the medical field. They may have valuable information about the quality of services at the clinic.

2. Schedule a consultation

Find out about all about the clinic by scheduling a consultation. You can then sit down with a specialist and discuss the services and treatments available. After doing this with several clinics, you can get a feel of the quality of services offered allowing you to narrow down your search.

3. Find a clinic with an experienced doctor

It is important to receive treatment from a doctor who has many years of experience. Even better choose one who has specialized in your chosen treatment. They can offer top-notch service and help avoid the occurrence of risks involved. If your aesthetics treatment is invasive, then the more important it is to get a highly experienced doctor.

4. Check the clinic’s insurance

A qualified doctor and aesthetics clinic will have a license from the Ministry of Health. The doctor will also have his or her own license. Ask to see the licenses and the clinic should happily provide these to you. If an aesthetics clinic cannot readily show their license, then this is a huge red flag and you should avoid it.

5. What types of aesthetic treatments does the clinic provide?

You may want a specific treatment done or you may want information on the type of treatments that you could have. The doctor should provide you with different options. The best and most reliable clinics will offer different aesthetic treatments allowing you a variety to choose from.

When choosing a treatment, remember that going for the cheapest is not always the best choice. Instead, choose a treatment that has the most effect and benefits on your face and the rest of the body.

6. Are treatments regular?

The best clinic should allow treatment by the same doctor for all subsequent treatments. If the doctor is unavailable during certain periods, then it is best to avoid the clinic. A clinic such 1Aesthetics offers you a single doctor with whom you can work with throughout the treatment period.

7. Ask about your expectations

A crucial part of choosing an aesthetics clinic is to ask your doctor about the type of expectations and results that you can look forward to. A good doctor will tell you both the expectations as well as the risks involved. Avoid clinics that seem to over-promise and guarantee great results.

Aesthetic treatment practice regulation in Singapore

There are two main guiding principles in the medical field:

• The individual should determine if treatment is beneficial to them
• The treatment procedure needs to be safe

Unfortunately in Singapore, aesthetic medicine is not considered a speciality. That said, it is important that the treatment is able to give priority to your wellbeing, safety, not cause you harm and provide the desired results.

Some risks involved in aesthetic treatment

After finding a reliable aesthetics clinic, it is crucial that you are aware of the possible side effects of the treatment.

The good thing is that most of the aesthetic treatments in Singapore are minimally invasive or non-invasive altogether. This means that it is uncommon to experience side effects. In fact, the side effects are more likely to occur with invasive procedures. They include:

• Perforation of the gut when undergoing liposuction
• Arterial occlusion during facial filler injection.

Final word

The potential side effects mentioned above are just one of the many reasons why it is important to choose a reliable aesthetics clinic Singapore. The doctor should have plenty of experience to help avoid any complications. By following the tips above, you can find a clinic offering top-notch services.

1Aesthetics Medical & Surgery
#14-90 The Central,
8 Eu Tong Sen St, Tower 1,
Singapore 059818
+65 6612 5173

Having a complete set of teeth is essential for everyone. It would not only enhance the way you look but would also make eating and chewing easy and comfortable. Dental Implants in Singapore are quite popular especially to the baby boomers. They say it’s a better alternative than dentures or veneers.

To know more about this, Dental Designs will walk you through the procedure, costs and frequently asked questions.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are posts or frames that are made with metal and used as a replacement root of a missing tooth or teeth. These implants are surgically embedded into the jawbone or skull and serve as a base to support the artificial tooth or custom-made crown.

2 types of implants

Mini Dental Implant

• These are made of smaller and thinner titanium posts. It does not come with an abutment and is basically a one-piece post.
• Requires a small holee for the titanium post.
• Usually heals faster.

Traditional Implant

• A traditional implant is a conventional way of doing dental implants. It is composed of a titanium post and an abutment. The posts are thicker and bigger by diameter and are usually used to patients who have sturdy jawbones.
• Requires a big hole for the titanium post.
• Support bigger teeth like molars.

Do the aforementioned implants have different functions? 

No. A mini dental implant and traditional dental implant function in the same fashion. Both serve as an artificial root to hold a crown, denture or bridge in the same position.

Is the dental implant procedure in Singapore different from the procedures done in other countries?

Absolutely not.  The procedure is the same.

Dental Implant Procedure

First step: The dentist will make an incision on the gum.

Second step: He/she will drill a hole on the exposed jawbone to create a space for the titanium post.

Third step: Insert the dental implant into the jawbone.

Fourth step: Do the stitching process

A list of DON’TS to remember post surgery:

• Don’t do rinsing within 24 hours.
• Don’t spit or don’t poke the surgical site.
• Don’t put pressure on the outside of your face.
• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol.
• Don’t exercise
• Don’t eat or drink hot food and beverages.

Are there certain dental implant brands used in Singapore?

No. There’s no specific brand that’s used by dentists. There are a lot of reliable brands to choose from and this will depend on which clinic you go to.

Here’s a list of brands:

• Nobel Biocare
• Dentsply Sirona (Previously Astra)
• Straumann
• Dentium
• Ankylos
• Zimmer Biomet

How long does it take for gums to heal after dental implants?

Six weeks to six months.

What are the common risks that can hamper the success rate of a dental implant surgery?

• Smoking
• Chronic diseases
• Severe bruxism
• Chemotherapy
• History of Periodontitis

Why do Singaporeans prefer dental implants?

Dental implants are very stable because of how they are implanted to the jaw. This stability makes chewing and eating convenient and comfortable. They do not slip and require dental adhesives which is commonly used when dentures do not fit well.

Is it a good investment?

Yes. Despite it being really expensive and may initially cost you a lot, the effect of having this kind of implant will improve your everyday life in the long run.

Are there dental implant specialists in Singapore?

No. There any of these 3 can perform the procedure: Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon; Periodontist; and a Prosthodontist.

How can I find the best dentist for my procedure?

• Online presence or word of mouth
• Relevant training and qualifications
• Number of dental implants performed

How to ensure the long-term success of an implant?

• Brush and floss twice a day and make sure to keep the implant clean as possible to avoid periodontal disease.
• Do follow through check-ups with your dentist routinely between 3-6 months.
• Eliminate smoking.
• Stay healthy.

How much would it cost to get a dental implant?

It can range from 1,000-6,000 Singaporean Dollars for a non-complex case depending on your dentist or clinic. This is the range for conventional dental implants. This price range does not include other fees such as general consultation, medicines and dental x-rays.

Is there a cheaper type of dental implants?

Mini dental implants are cheaper than traditional or conventional implants. It ranges from 700-1500 Singaporean dollars without additional procedure costs.

It costs lower because it is only used for simple cases.

Would it be possible to use Medisave?

Luckily, yes! It is Medisave claimable. According to the Central Provident Fund (CPF), you can use Medisave for dental implant insertions and removals as long as it is done surgically. However, there are certain limits. The fee that you will pay for this procedure is Medisave claimable with a limit of $1,250 per dental implant.

Conclusion

Needless to say, dental implants or any dental procedures usually come with an expensive tag but it is one of the best investments you can get for yourself.  Hopefully, all this information is useful for you and would help you decide if you want or need to get a dental implant. Also, help you maintain it if ever you will get one.

Dental Designs
120 Telok Ayer St,
Singapore 068589
+65 6221 8284