Face

Rosacea

A chronic skin disorder that causes inflammation of the skin particularly affecting the “blush” areas of the face, especially cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, and is more common in people who flush easily. This skin condition is characterized by symptoms including:

  • frequent flushing, irregular redness (erythema)
  • burning
  • inflamed swelling
  • papules and pustules
  • small cysts
  • thickening of facial tissue especially the nose
  • fine red vascular lines (telangiectasia)
  • rhinophyma (enlarged, bulbous red nose)
  • swollen, reddened eyelids
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Our Doctors

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Dr. SK Tan

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies

Dr. SK Tan

Dr Tan graduated in 1971, with a Bachelors of Medicine (MB) and a Bachelors of Surgery (BS) from the University of Malaya. Dr Tan’s interest in dermatology led him to train at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in London in the 1970s and he has since been focused in the field of aesthetic dermatology.

  • MBBS
  • Diploma in Venereology (University of London)
  • Diploma in Dermatology (University of Wales)
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology (FAAD)

He is a member of numerous medical associations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and the International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology. Dr Tan was one of the first local doctors to be certified by the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. His personal interest in pigmentary disorders and acne has also led him to become an International Member of the Pigmentary Disorders Society of India, the Asian Society of Pigment Cell Research, and the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS).

Dr Tan’s work has led him to be invited to speak at numerous international conferences in the US, Europe and throughout the Asia Pacific region. He is a co-editor of “Handbook of Cosmetic Microbiology”, a reference book published by Marcel Dekker, and his papers have been published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, International Journal of Dermatology, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, and Expert Review of Dermatology, and has contributed a chapter in the reference book ‘Pigmentary Disorders: A Comprehensive Compendium’.

Special Interest

  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Anti-Aging
  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Ingredient Studies
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Dr. Ben Yim

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction

Dr. Ben Yim

Dr Yim graduated from Monash University in Australia with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He has also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Dermatology from the University of London and more recently in Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics from Anglia Ruskin University in UK, as well as a Graduate Diploma in Family Physicians in National University of Singapore.

  • M.B.B.S (Monash University) 1994
  • Diploma Practical Dermatology (University of Wales College of Medicine) 1998
  • MSc. Clinical Dermatology (University of London) 1999
  • MBA (University of Chicago) 2011
  • MSc Non-Surgical Facial Aesthetics (Anglia Ruskin) 2018
  • GDFM (NUS) 2019

Dr Yim has been practicing aesthetic medicine in private practice since 2000. The former director of Clinical Aesthetics & Laser Centre has been offering a wide armamentarium of aesthetic services including Botox, fillers for facial enhancement, skin tightening with Thermage FLX, Ulthera and fractional lasers, threadlifts, and non-invasive body contouring treatments.

As a trainer for Allergan Medical Institute in Singapore, Dr Yim has been invited to speak and train for numerous aesthetic workshops and conferences including “The Advanced Facial Anatomy and Injectables Workshop”, Botox and Filler injectable training workshops organized by Allergan, “The Singapore Disease Conference 2008” and “1st International Conference on Healthcare Transformation 2008” and Forum for Professional Self-regulation jointly organized by the SingHealth Centre for Health Services Research and the NUS Medical Society, to name a few.

Dr Yim comes from a family of four doctors, all in private practice in family medicine. Despite the move into full-time aesthetic medicine, Dr Yim has also taken an interest in family medicine pursuing a Master degree in Medicine in Family Medicine in NUS in which he hopes to complete in 2020.

Outside of his profession, Dr Yim also actively participates in social projects such as tattoo laser removal for prison inmates and teenage delinquents. For leisure, he enjoys golf, reading, playing the piano and running – he has participated in several half-marathons.

Special Interest

  • Anti-aging
  • Hyper-pigmentation
  • Body-Contouring
  • Fat Reduction
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Dr. Liz Lum YX

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring

Dr. Liz Lum YX

Dr Liz Lum YX graduated from Trinity College in Dublin with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. She has also earned a graduate diploma in aesthetic medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM). Apart from these, Dr Lum has also attained certification by the Ministry of Health accredited bodies under the Singapore Medical Council’s Aesthetics Dermatology Education Group for various aesthetics procedures. Before joining IDS, Dr Liz Lum YX was a surgical trainee with the hand surgery department in SGH.

  • MBBCH BAO (Trinity College Dublin)
  • Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine, American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

Jean Cocteau once said, “If there is a defect in the soul, it cannot be corrected on the face; but if there is a defect on the face and one corrects it, it can correct a soul.” For this reason, Dr Liz Lum YX has a special interest in acne treatment that dates back to times when she had to deal with her own acne problems and breakouts. This drove her to identify the need for innovative products and treatments to treat acne problems. She strongly believes that many acne prone patients will benefit from a combination of innovative dermatological products, lasers and medications.

Dr Liz Lum YX’s other interests include injectables such as botulinum toxins, fillers and laser treatments for pigmentary disorders. Outside of her profession, she enjoys travelling and spending quality time with her family, friends and loved ones over good meals, movies, and a cup of coffee.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
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Dr. Ian Tan

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management

Dr. Ian Tan

Dr Tan graduated from the National University of Singapore and is one of the few medical doctors selected to lead the Singapore National Healthcare Group surgical residency program. He had his basic years of training in various hospital surgical specialties and he obtained Membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (General Surgery) in 2013.

  • MBBS (Singapore)
  • MRCS (Edinburgh)
  • GDFM (Singapore)
  • GDFP Dermatology (Singapore)
  • Certificate in Aesthetic Medicine, Amercian Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Accredited by the Aesthetic Practice Oversight Committee (Singapore Medical Council) for Certificates of Competence in Aesthetic Procedures
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)
  • Accredited Family Physician
  • Basic Obesity Management Accreditation 2 (BOMA 2)
  • Certificate Course in Andrology

Through his practice, he developed a keen clinical interest in dermatological conditions and has obtained a Diploma in Dermatology (FP) from NUS. Dr Tan aims to help his patients achieve beauty through science by using appropriate skincare, aesthetic procedures and lasers. He believes his experience in surgery will complement his work in aesthetic and dermatological procedures at the IDS clinic.

A former national, Dr Tan was an avid athlete during his college days and developed him in local and regional canoe competitions. Outside of his profession, he enjoys running and going to the gym.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Anti-Aging
  • Body Contouring
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Slimming and Contouring
  • Hair Regrowth
  • Weight Management
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Dr. Michelle Wong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment

Dr. Michelle Wong

Dr Michelle Wong graduated from The University of Melbourne, Australia with a Bachelors of Medicine, Bachelors of Surgery and Bachelors of Medical Science. She obtained her post-graduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology with Distinction from the Queen Mary University of London, and holds a Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine (AAAM).

  • MBBS from The University of Melbourne, Australia
  • Diploma in Clinical Dermatology from Queen Mary University of London
  • Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine from American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine
  • Diploma in Cosmetic Science (UK)

In aesthetics, Dr Wong believes she has discovered her ikigai – the intersection of what she is both good at and loves doing. Her preferred tools of the trade are injectables such as Botox and Fillers, which she wields with finesse and intuition - often achieving what her patients desire but cannot express through words. Out of passion and interest, she regularly attends conferences and workshops, eager to learn about the latest treatments and techniques to further hone her craft.

Combining the science of medicine with the art of beauty, Dr Wong provides an honest consult to help her patients achieve their skincare and beauty goals. She believes in understated elegance – a focus on a less-is-more approach - and works to enhance her patients’ natural features whilst instilling self-confidence. Her reassuring and gentle approach puts patients at ease allowing her to achieve maximum results through safe and effective procedures.

In her free time, Dr Wong enjoys taking long walks with her dog at the park. Her family praises her inner domestic goddess that can whip up an impressive variety of home-cooked meals. She is also active in church medical missions and believes in contributing back to society through her God-given gifts and talents.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Focused Ultrasound Lifting
  • Skin Brightening
  • Cryo based Treatment
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Dr. Vivian Yong

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement

Dr. Vivian Yong

Dr Vivian Yong graduated from National University of Singapore in 2006, and has an experience of more than 10 years in Aesthetics. She has also accumulated extensive surgical skills and experience from various rotations in general surgery, ophthalmology, and ENT.

  • MBBS
  • GDFM

Dr Vivian has always had a natural inclination towards science subjects and this led her into medicine. During her medical graduate days, she developed a keen interest in Aesthetics and Skincare, and she believes that Aesthetics is one area that allows her to help a patient achieve their ideal artistic expression based on science. While Dr Vivian is always keen to accommodate her patients’ needs, she ensures that their welfare remains the utmost priority. This is why Dr Vivian is loved by her patients for always being meticulous and attentive to details.

Dr Vivian’s eye for beauty goes beyond aesthetics. Outside the clinic, Dr Vivian loves to spend her time in leather crafting and jewelry making, transforming basics into beauty. She also loves spending her quiet time exercising in the gym or chilling at home with her loved one.

Special Interest

  • Acne
  • Acne Scarring
  • Fillers
  • Neurotoxin Injection - Botox
  • Face Lifting
  • Facial Enhancement
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What are the causes?

Health researchers notice that a variety of triggers such as alcohol consumption, spicy foods, certain medications, smoking, as well as climatic changes like strong winds, extended UV exposure and heat, are known to cause rosacea to flare.

Emotional factors such as stress, fear, anxiety, or embarrassment may also produce blushing and aggravate rosacea.

Other factors like genetics also play a part so it is possible to inherit the genes for rosacea. The body’s immunity may also play a role as scientists found that most people with acne-like rosacea react to a bacterium called bacillus oleronius. This reaction causes their immune system to overreact.

Rosacea sufferers are also found to have large numbers of demodex a mite that commonly lives on everyone’s skin, especially on the nose and cheeks. Additionally, abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face can also cause flushing, persistent redness, and visible blood vessels.

Types of Rosacea

  • Erythematotelangiectatic rosacea: Redness, flushing, visible blood vessels.
  • Papulopustular rosacea: Redness, swelling, and acne-like breakouts.
  • Phymatous rosacea: Thickened skin with a bumpy texture.
  • Ocular rosacea: Reddened and irritated eyes, eyelids may be swollen, leaving them to resemble a sty.

Treatments

Treatments

Although there is no cure for rosacea, there are treatments available to help reduce or eliminate signs of rosacea, ease any discomfort and prevent the condition from worsening.

Topicals

These help reduce inflammation and redness and are applied to the skin either once or twice a day. They are commonly used in combination with some oral medications. Antibiotics like metronidazole, tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide, and azelaic acid are examples of commonly prescribed topical medications.

  • Azelaic acid. Research studies show that between 70 to 80% of patients have experienced noticeably less rosacea with the use of azelaic acid. You may feel some tingling or burning at first but this tends to go away with continued usage. If it persists, stop using and seek professional help. Another possible side effect is skin lightening. Be sure to tell your doctor immediately if it happens.

  • Metronidazole. Research shows that it can effectively reduce both the redness and the acne-like breakouts. With metronidazole, some patients are able to stop application and keep the results they gained. Possible side effects of using metronidazole gel or cream include itching, stinging, irritated skin, or dryness where you apply the medication.

  • Sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur. These ingredients are considered safe for treating acne-like breakouts and surrounding redness. They are available in over-the-counter treatments such as a cleanser. In research findings, patients typically see a 65 to 78% improvement in 6 to 8 weeks. Possible common side effects include itching, dryness, temporary redness, or irritated skin. These tend to decrease as you use the medication.

  • Retinoid. Primarily a form of vitamin A that though can irritate the skin, can also help prevent flare-ups and reduce signs of aging. This option may not be suitable for everyone so check with your medical doctor if retinoid is right for you.

Oral

  • Antibiotics. Prescribed for their anti-inflammatory properties, oral antibiotics tend to give faster results than topical ones. Patients are shown to have noticeably fewer acne-like breakouts within one month. Once under control, another treatment such as low-dose doxycycline may be recommended to maintain results to prevent antibiotic resistance.

  • Isotretinoin. Although approved to treat severe acne or inflammatory rosacea and shown to reduce the redness and acne-like breakouts, isotretinoin is a powerful drug that inhibits the production of oil by the sebaceous glands. Side effects may be severe such as birth defects so it’s not an option for every patient.

In-clinic Procedures

  • Laser or light therapy. Laser treatment options such as pulsed dye laser and Intense Pulse Light (IPL) can be useful in treating visible blood vessels of rosacea and reducing persistent redness.

    For rhinophyma, Carbon Dioxide Laser may be used to reduce the thickness of the skin. During treatment, you may experience skin tightening, itch, or pain. After treatment, you may see some redness with other side effects like bruising, crusting of the skin, swelling, and rashes. But these effects will usually disappear within two weeks. To achieve optimum results, several treatment sessions may be required.

Is your rosacea affecting your quality of life? Consult our doctors for an accurate diagnosis of your condition and a suitable treatment plan.

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    FAQs on Rosacea

    Can rosacea be prevented?

    • There is no guaranteed way to prevent rosacea, but you can take steps to reduce your risk of flare-ups.

    Is rosacea contagious?

    • No, rosacea is not contagious. It is a non-infectious skin condition that cannot be spread from person to person.

    Can rosacea lead to more serious health problems?

    • In rare cases, severe untreated rosacea can lead to eye problems, such as inflammation and vision loss. However, with proper management and treatment, the risk of complications is low.

    Can rosacea affect other parts of the body besides the face?

    • Rosacea primarily affects the face, but it can also appear on the neck, chest, and scalp. Rarely, it can affect the eyes, causing irritation, dryness, and redness. This type of rosacea is known as ocular rosacea and requires prompt medical attention.

    Can diet impact rosacea symptoms?

    • While there is no specific "rosacea diet," some people find that avoiding certain foods and beverages can reduce their symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, alcohol, caffeine, and dairy products. However, more research is needed to confirm the link between diet and rosacea.