Shiro Aesthetic Clinic - Lift Your Spirits (And Face) with HIFU!

More often than not, passion usually comes with a price.

Riding to a village in Philippines

I'm ever thankful for the indescribable joys that motorcycling around the world brings me,

Shooting a ride scene with Channel NewsAsia under the blazing hot sun

but it pains me to see my skin suffer because constantly being very exposed to different weather climates, riding long hours, removing and putting on the helmet over years can actually speed up the skin's aging process.

Not having mention that as we age, our skin produces less collagen and supporting fibres of our skin grows weaker, causing everywhere to sag UGH.

And I don't know if I've been indulging in too much sinful food or what but I've started to notice double-chin appearing! Like omg wth I need to rid it immediately.

So, like every vain pot woman who desires to defy the signs of aging, I decided to try Shiro Aesthetic Clinic's highly raved HIFU Toning treatment, along with my favourite 2 in 1 Aqua Luxe (Hydropeel) + Diamond Microdermabrasion facial!

HIFU - meaning High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a treatment that has gained quite a lot of popularity across the world of aesthetics because it's non-invasive, yet delivers fast results, that lasts.

To me, I've always understood that the same treatment type can be available across different clinics, but under the hands of a trusty well-trained professional applying the right technique, the results could be so different!

I've been visiting Shiro Aesthetic Clinic for my facial needs and have been a pretty satisfied customer, so when I decided to try out HIFU, I was delighted that they have it on their menu list!

In fact, they are the first in Singapore to pioneer HIFU Toning technique that provides an extraordinary lifting effect for the skin while tightening up any sagging and droop.

What I love hearing about the HIFU treatment is that it aims to slim the face, giving that V-shape effect, while being non-surgical and requires zero downtime, so I can resume work and other activities right after!

Off we start with the Aqua Luxe (Hydropeel), a luxurious deep cleansing anti-oxidant treatment that effectively cleanses my entire face and neck.

Followed by a gentle exfoliation with Diamond Microdermabrasion that gets rid of all those dead skin cells with a diamond-encrusted applicator and a powerful suction force that removes all sorts of dirt accumulated, especially near the hairline area where I tend to sweat a lot too.

Finishing off with a deep nourishing mask that replenishes all the nutrients that my skin has been lacking.

Fresh face! I personally love this treatment because my skin feels super squeaky clean and bright right after that. Plus, it almost immediately lightens those acne/pimple scars!

HIFU is up next!

But first, some numbing cream is applied to minimise discomfort during the HIFU process as Dr. Zhang did advise that first-time patients do usually experience different intensity of it, depending on how much fat cells you have. The more fatty tissue you have, the less pain.

I'd say my tolerance level for pain is medium, so I'm waiting to see how I'd fare with HIFU.

After the numbing cream set in, got my inner cheeks stuffed with some cotton gauze to "push out" the fatty parts so that the HIFU application process can evenly reach every part of the area to treat.

And HIFU Toning begins!

How It Works

Now this is the delivery of advanced high intensity focused ultra sound waves being sent to as deep as depths of 3.0 - 4.5mm of the skin, penetrating to the deeper layers of the targeted skin area.

Sending concentrated HIFU energy to deeper skin layers effectively stimulates higher levels of collagen production, resulting in a longer lasting lift.

My targeted areas are mainly the lower cheek and chin, in hope to have more V-shape effect.

Upon first contact of HIFU, I experienced some tingling prickly sensation.. followed by yes, some form of aching discomfort. My facial nerves where the HIFU energy was penetrating through felt rather uncomfortable, but it got better after awhile.

Skin starting to turn a bit red, which Dr.Zhang advised normal

When the HIFU moved over my under chin area, I felt the inner part of my throat itch a bit. But it is all still bearable.

The HIFU treatment lasted about 20 minutes for each side of the face, so the total treatment process was about 40 minutes. The surface of my skin experienced mild rash and some redness due to slight sensitivity of the HIFU, so I felt the need to cover my face while walking back to my bike and riding straight home LOL.

Thankfully (phew!) the skin rash and redness subsided by the end of the day.

Left: Before // Right: 1 day post HIFU + Hyropeel Facial

Here's the results!

I loved that my skin is glowing, thanks to the Hydropeel Facial treatment!

As for HIFU, I noticed slight lifting, more likely because there's still a bit of swelling at the treated area after the procedure which gets better after a few weeks.

1 week post HIFU

Dr. Zhang did advise that for patients trying HIFU for the first time, it could take up to 3 - 4 weeks for the skin's inner layers to heal. During the wound healing process, it stimulates skin tightening and collagen regeneration, leaving the skin firmer and facial contours more defined in time.

It's great for double chin too! Which I still have :..(

After which the post-treatment results could be more visible, varying from patient to patient. It is recommended to see optimal results after 2 - 3 sessions of HIFU, and the natural lifting effects could last pretty long if you maintain your skin well!

Very happy to try my first trial HIFU session today at just $388.00!

Looking forward to my next visit because this treatment sounds like a pretty good investment to me ;)




Shiro Aesthetic Clinic

Address: 333A Orchard Road #03-35 Mandarin Gallery
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 5655
Email: enquiry@shiroaestheticclinic.com.sg
Website: http://www.shiroaestheticclinic.com.sg
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The Accident That Made Me Switch to DirectAsia Insurance 5 Years Ago

My very first motorcycle at 18 years old was a pre-loved KTM200EGS. 

Back then, it didn’t really mattered to me which company I purchased my motorcycle insurance from. Besides, at that young of an age, there were very limited insurance companies to choose from.

As a student then, I went for the cheapest option - 3^rd party coverage, which cost me close to $1,000 per annum for my dirt bike.

Yeah, it’s steep. I know. 

I guess the calculation was based mainly on age and having zero riding experience.

Over the next few years, despite obtaining my Class 2 motorcycle license, I remained riding my trusty Suzuki DR200 as I never had the thought of riding bigger capacity motorcycles because they were all so big and heavy.. I just never thought I could handle it.  

Until one day, I decided to..

I wiped out a chunk of my savings, and got myself a Ducati Hypermotard, while having two other bikes - a KTM200EGS and a Suzuki DR200. 

Owning a Ducati was indeed a dream come true.

Now, Ducatis, the Ferrari of motorcycles, are expensive machines, and so are their spare parts which could easily cost $300 and above, per part.

That was when I saw the need to be insured by a fully comprehensive coverage to ensure my pockets won’t go up in flames from motorcycle repairs should an unfortunate incident happen. 

You know.. its an unexplainable feeling of freedom and pleasure riding a motorcycle but we can’t deny the fact that it comes with a pretty high share of risks. 

Furthermore, I was an everyday-rider, which inevitably increases my chances of getting caught in an accident.

From the comfort of my home, I went online to search for the best insurance policy.

It was really convenient that many companies offered instant online quotes! 

The first company I tried gave me a quote of $2,500 for a comprehensive policy with $600 excess, which blew my helmet away.

Next, I tried DirectAsia Insurance and was quoted $1,300 for a $300 excess comprehensive policy. 

What?! That’s almost a whopping 50% difference.

Lastly, just to be sure I found the best deal, I went onto one other insurance company that quoted $2,000 with similar terms. 

My choice was obvious.

DirectAsia had exactly what I needed – It was the most competitive-priced policy with the widest coverage. 

pc: shutterstock

But, like many skeptical motorists out there, I wasn’t sure if DirectAsia would live up to my expectations when it comes to claims. So I asked some people about its attractive pricing but instead of rejoicing, quite a number of them said “So cheap! Sure very hard to claim one if anything happen!”

Well, I was certainly not intending to be ripped off by a $2,500 policy. Hence, with a leap of faith, I purchased my comprehensive policy with DirectAsia! 

I recalled it being such a breeze – Fill in the basic details, a few clicks, made the payment online and viola! The policy was e-mailed to me within minutes. Faster than me frying scrambled eggs!

As much as none of us wish any motorists to meet with an accident, I unfortunately did, some time later.

That was when the voices of  critics and scepticism about DirectAsia started to sound in my head, and I started to get a little worried.

“How do I go about this?”

“What if they won’t assist me in my claims?”

“What if they’re going to take a few years to settle this?”

“How much would I have to pay for my hospital bills and vehicle repair?”

Then I realize, those who shed negativity on DirectAsia with me weren’t even their policy holders, and have never been.

pc: directasia

Unsure of what I should do, I made the call to DirectAsia and explained the whole situation to Juliana Wee, the claim specialist who attended to me.

Distressed, I told her how unconfident I was in claiming against the third party despite the fault lying in his inconsiderate driving, and if need be I will claim against my own policy before bearing the consequence of my premium soaring upon the next renewal. 

I escaped the accident with some abrasions and the damages on my motorcycle were purely minor cosmetic, but I was just so afraid because I’ve heard so many incidents where even though the third party was at fault, after months or even years of claim processing, the end result was a 50-50. Furthermore, there wasn't any collision between the third party's vehicle and mine, I figured it might be tricky.. though I had a witness.

pc: dailymail

Juliana was caring, first asking me if I was okay and told me to see a doctor if I was injured. I was just miserably wailing away “my bike injured my bike injured OMG HELP”

She calmed me down by patiently advising what is going to happen, what I should do from hereon, filing of the GIA report, how the investigation process would be like and so on.

pc: directasia

Through the next few weeks, I followed her advises as she guided me at every step of the way, muting all the uncertainties and worries that arose initially.

8 weeks later, I rejoiced upon receiving an e-mail from her, stating that DirectAsia have successfully made 100% recovery claim from the third party, (HALLELUJAH) and my premium will not be affected at all, even for the following renewals.

I was so impressed with how DirectAsia professionally and promptly handled my whole case. 

I was extremely satisfied with the final outcome and since 2013, ALL my motorcycles are insured with DirectAsia. #truestory. 

Managing my policies has been such a breeze and needless to say, my latest Ducati 899 Panigale superbike is insured with DirectAsia as well.

Truly believing that DirectAsia have their policyholders’ interest at heart, I’ve definitely gained more confidence when I’m out riding on the roads, knowing in my heart that my precious two-wheel babies are well insured.

Because that's what they deserve.

Good things must be shared!

From being able to now customize your motorcycle policy with premiums as low as $9/month, with 24/7 claim support, enjoy 5% OFF any motorcycle insurance with the link HERE at DirectAsia when you sign up now! This promo runs through the whole 2018! 

DirectAsia Insurance Singapore

Address: 88 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058716

Tel: 6665 5555

https://www.directasia.com/vaune/

Saint.CC - Wearing The World's Strongest #Unbreakable Motorcycle Denim

Denim is one of the most common clothing worn around the world; from fashion, to work, to motorcycling.

PC: Matalan

It's such a versatile fabric that could be worn to so many occasions in hundreds of different ways - from jeans, to skirts, to jackets and jumpers varying through different grades of denim.

PC: Saint.cc

Now as we witness the motorcycling culture take a turn towards the direction of lifestyle-based, Saint.cc have claimed to have created the world's first single layer protection for motorcyclists with the world's strongest denim.



That way, neither Fashion or Safety is compromised.

Designed for riders by riders, Saint.cc have produced the latest impact abrasion resistant fibres for motorcycle denims without any bulky layers or liners.

Through stretching, spinning and blending industrial and military application threads with fabrics like merino and cotton, they have created the #Unbreakable Denim, a functional riding apparel for riders who are style-conscious.

Crash test proven, Saint.cc's #Unbreakable 6.0 is their strongest denim to date, with it being 200 times stronger than standard denim.

pc: saint.cc

To back up their statement with their #Unbreakable material, we witness the denim being abused by a belt sander, to being used as a chin-up bar and repeatedly attacked with sharp knives.

Check out their video here .

PC: Dyneema

Adding to the strong factor, Dyneema® fiber technology used in Saint.cc's range of high fashion safety wear is also utilized by both USA and UK military personal and vehicle armor. It is woven through Carbon Fibre to significantly increase resistance, strength and durability.

The Dyneema® fiber is most concentrated on all impact zones on Saint.cc's #Unbreakable collection, such as knees and elbows, while the remaining areas are covered sufficiently to ensure maximum protection while retaining the wearer's flexibility and comfort.

We used to hear about Kevlar denim solutions that has since been outdated and if you've personally tried it like I did, you'd know that it's heavy with little flexibility. Wearing it under Singapore's hot and humid climates makes it even more uncomfortable.

Compare it with Saint.cc's denim that I found to be lightweight and rather breathable, yet offering the same abrasion resistance, I'd take the latter anytime.

It almost feels like wearing your regular denim, just that this is a hundred times stronger!

However, do note that these are fashion apparels that come without armours, unlike the conventional motorcycling gear brands. I think they're great for short city rides but would recommend a more comprehensive safety gear for longer distance touring!

Find out more at Saint.cc here!





Saint.CC

Website - https://www.saint.cc/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saint.cc/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/saintridefastridefree