If twenty-six years of living teaches you anything, it is an acceptance of what you’ve been allotted in life. Heavy-flow periods will forever be my cross to bear; I will never surpass my mother in terms of height; and there’s also the matter of my complexion, which harbours a permanent-flush thanks to its thin, fragile nature. I’ve made peace with my supposed shortcomings — or so I thought.

As it is, I jumped at the chance to try out Sylfirm X. We’re talking a minimally-invasive micro-needling treatment designed to eradicate scars, pigmented and vascular lesions, as well as many forms of redness. All those years acquiescing to an inherited skin type had given way to a single fantasy: to be able to head outside, bare-faced, without having people think that I’d just emerged from a grueling run. If Sylfirm X proved to make good on its word, I knew I’d be kissing at its feet.

The premise
Sylfirm X is the first-ever FDA approved radio-frequency (RF) micro-needling treatment that uses dual wave technology to work its magic. That is, skin rejuvenation, as well as the banishing of acne scars, melasma, redness, roscea, and the like. What’s more, it comprises eight different modes that can tailored according to the patient’s treatment site or present skin condition. It is recommended that you attend up to four sessions to witness visible results.

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The procedure
I was to be treated at EHA Clinic, of which comprises an extensive menu of services dedicated to the hair, body, and face. Dr Elias Tam — the Medical Director of said institution — examined my skin thoroughly before agreeing with my assessment of embarking upon Sylfirm X. He did, however, also recommend adding Rejuran to the mix to deal with some light acne scarring. With the consultation done and dusted, I was led to the treatment room to get my face slathered in liberal amounts of numbing cream.

Dr Tam got to work a mere forty-five minutes later. I felt no pain throughout the procedure beyond a small sting — of which was more evident on certain areas of my visage, such as by my jaw or forehead. Granted, it is still a needle puncturing your skin repeatedly, so some discomfort is to be expected. Once that was done, Dr Tam injected some Rejuran into my scars, and I was out of there within half an hour.

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The payoff
I won’t lie, I was a tad bit startled when I caught sight of my reflection right after. My face appeared redder than ever, and was noticeably swollen. Thankfully, most of the effects died down by the next day, and I was pretty much looking like myself again. I was instructed not to head into the sun over the next few days, and to apply sunscreen extensively even if I was skulking about in shaded areas.

I stuck to Dr Tam’s recommendation and went about the next week or so adhering to his instructions. By the end of the first week, I realised that there was a slight lightening of my scars (of the non-pitted variant) and that I didn’t look as perpetually flushed as before. Less observant folk wouldn’t have been able to notice the difference in my complexion — but as someone who avidly stares at her face on a regular basis, I did witness some mild forms of improvement. Here’s to hoping that the next few sessions bring about even more discernable results than before.