SAFE AND EFFECTIVE, Matrix IR™uses elos fractional technology, which is the first and only technology that simultaneously harnesses the power of both bi-polar radio frequency (RF) and optical energy (either laser or light) to gently reduce mild to moderate wrinkles. The Matrix IR™’s small applicator head precisely heats the connective tissue within the target treatment area, stimulating the production of collagen and producing a firming effect in lax skin – while protecting the epidermis. The result is smoothened skin with reduced pore size and you don’t have to endure the inconvenience of any downtime. For even better results, this treatment can be combined with Sciton Microlaserpeel, an advanced laser resurfacing technique that “peels” away the problematic layer of skin to get rid of scars, fine lines, pores and superficial blemishes for a smoothening effect. However, the Microlaserpeel involves a healing time of two to three days.

The first step is to completely cleanse the face of all traces of make-up or powder. Although Matrix IR™ is known to be comparatively painless, I opted for anaesthetic cream to be applied on my face as my threshold of pain is extremely low. It took about 30 minutes for the numbing cream to take effect. After which, we proceeded to the laser treatment.

A well-known dermatologist in aesthetic circles, Dr Patricia Yuen personally administered the treatment for me, which is the case for all customers. The numbing cream was a wise choice as I initially did not feel a thing as she moved the Matrix IR™ applicator over targeted areas of acne scars and open pores mainly on my cheeks. The applicator tip is small enough to go around the nose area. After a few “rounds” of going over the same areas, my skin was beginning to feel the heat and prickling sensation so cool air was blown over my face until Dr Yuen was finished.

The whole process lasted about 10 minutes and then Dr Yuen asked if I wanted her to do something extra called subcision to treat severe acne scars. The manual technique involved a small needle used to separate the skin tissue in the affected area from the deeper scar tissue, which smoothens out the scar so it is more level with the rest of the skin, and less obvious.

After the treatment, the scar spots that had been treated with subcision were red and I was told they would heal after about two days. During which, I was to apply an antibiotic cream thrice daily. My pores were also visibly much smaller and the skin felt tighter after just one session of Matrix IR™. After a few days, the treated scars had healed and indeed, the original scar depressions were a little more evened out with the rest of the skin.

A total of three sessions, once each month.