Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Last reviewed · 14 min read · Doctor-performed, never delegated · Jump to questions
Dr Sin Yong · MBBS (NUS) · MRCS (Edin) · MSc Aesthetic Medicine with Distinction (Queen Mary, London) · MSc Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) · International KOL
Dual-frequency megahertz ultrasound — a medical-grade facial directed at hydration and skin-barrier support. No heat. Recovery is discussed at consultation.
An LDM facial is a non-thermal, dual-frequency ultrasound treatment: two megahertz frequencies alternate rapidly to create a micro-massage within the skin rather than heat. At Dr Sin Yong's Orchard Road practice it is used for dehydrated, sensitive or reactive skin and for recovery after laser treatment. It does not lift or tighten the face as HIFU does.
LDM® (local dynamic micro-massage) is a dual-frequency therapeutic ultrasound technology delivering precisely calibrated energy at two frequencies simultaneously. Unlike single-frequency ultrasound facials, LDM's dual-frequency mode works mechanically rather than by heating, producing a micro-massage effect within the tissue that has been studied mainly for its anti-inflammatory and repair-supporting effects.
Originally developed for wound healing and dermatological conditions, LDM is now deployed as a premium medical-grade facial at Dr Sin Yong's Orchard Road practice — addressing dehydration, barrier compromise, post-procedure recovery and early ageing signs. Suitable for most skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin, after assessment.
Dr Sin Yong assesses your skin condition and selects the optimal LDM frequency combination and coupling medium. Medical-grade gel ensures optimal ultrasound transmission throughout the treatment area.
The LDM handpiece alternates between two megahertz frequencies across treatment zones. The lower frequency penetrates the dermis, stimulating collagen and elastin. The higher frequency targets the epidermis, improving hydration, strengthening the barrier and accelerating cellular turnover.
Immediately post-LDM, the skin is in an optimal state of permeability. Medical-grade serums — hyaluronic acid, growth factors or niacinamide — are applied and their absorption is supported by the residual ultrasound effect on the skin barrier.
“Not every ultrasound lifts — LDM works the skin's matrix, not the SMAS.”
— Dr Sin Yong
Non-thermal, non-ablative. Recovery depends on the individual skin, and is discussed at consultation.
Megahertz frequencies have clinically demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties — well suited to reactive, post-procedural skin.
Directed at transdermal water retention. How long any change in hydration lasts varies between individuals.
Mechanical vibration at megahertz range stimulates fibroblast activity and collagen synthesis — suitable across Fitzpatrick skin types, including IV–VI.
Used after laser resurfacing, chemical peels or injectables to help settle redness and swelling during recovery.
No pigment target and no meaningful heating, so the risk of PIH is low — suitability is still assessed for each person's skin.
A Bojin facial and an LDM facial are both offered as facials, but they come from different traditions and work in different ways. Bojin (拨筋) is a manual technique drawn from traditional Chinese medicine: a therapist uses firm, rhythmic strokes, often with a smooth tool of horn, jade or stone, along the lines described as meridians, with the aim of easing tension, puffiness and circulation. It is mostly offered by beauty and wellness centres, and the pressure can feel intense.
LDM is a device-based treatment. Dual-frequency ultrasound produces a mechanical micro-massage inside the tissue, and the published studies of it focus on skin hydration, barrier function, redness and swelling after procedures. Dr Sin Yong does not offer Bojin, and the two are not interchangeable: a manual facial works from the surface with pressure, while LDM delivers measured ultrasound energy after a medical assessment of the skin.
Neither is a lifting treatment. Where facial puffiness reflects fluid, allergy or a medical cause, or where redness is rosacea, those are assessed in their own right rather than massaged.
| Option | What it does | What it cannot do | Typical recovery | Who it tends to suit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LDM® facial (dual-frequency ultrasound) | Alternating megahertz ultrasound creates a micro-massage in the tissue, directed at hydration, barrier support and calming reactive skin | Lift or tighten the face, resurface scars or clear pigment on its own | Redness and peeling are not expected; most people resume normal activities straight away | Dehydrated, sensitive or reactive skin, and recovery after laser or injectable treatment |
| Bojin facial (manual meridian technique; not offered by Dr Sin Yong) | Firm strokes, often with a horn, jade or stone tool, along the lines described as facial meridians | Deliver measured energy into the skin, or treat rosacea, scars or laxity | Temporary redness or tenderness from the pressure is common | People wanting a traditional manual facial for tension and puffiness |
| Hydrafacial® | Cleanses, exfoliates and hydrates the surface using suction-based delivery of serums | Calm reactive skin at depth, lift, or treat scars | Usually mild, short-lived redness, if any | Congested or dull skin wanting a surface cleanse and hydration |
| Rejuran facial (PDRN polynucleotides) | Delivers polynucleotides into the skin to support repair and skin quality | Lift, tighten or replace volume | Depends on how it is delivered; injected forms leave small raised points that settle | Thin, tired or recovering skin where quality is the main concern |
| HIFU (Ultraformer MPT) | Focused ultrasound heats points in the SMAS and dermis to prompt collagen remodelling for laxity | Calm sensitive skin or improve hydration | Mild redness, warmth or tenderness that settles | Early to moderate laxity along the jawline, under the chin and across the neck |
| Medical treatment of rosacea or eczema | Addresses the cause of persistent redness or barrier breakdown after diagnosis, sometimes with prescription treatment | Be replaced by a facial; it starts with a diagnosis | Depends on the treatment advised | Persistent redness, flushing, bumps or irritation that a facial alone does not settle |
People wanting a visible lift, tighter jawline or clearance of scars and pigment tend to be disappointed, because LDM works on the skin matrix and not on the SMAS.
LDM is non-invasive and non-ablative, and redness or peeling is not expected. Some people notice mild warmth, tingling or temporary flushing during or just after a session, which usually settles quickly. Uncommonly, skin may react to the coupling gel or a serum applied afterwards, and a pre-existing condition such as rosacea or eczema may flare. Because it is gentle, it does not treat scars, laxity or established pigment, and expecting it to do so is the commonest source of disappointment. Skin suitability is still assessed for each person.
The fee for an LDM facial depends on the area treated (face, or face and neck), how it is combined with other care such as serum application or a laser protocol, and how the plan is set up for your skin concern. A written quote is given at consultation after skin assessment, and the consultation also decides whether an LDM facial is advised at all or whether another diagnosis or treatment should come first.
How quotes work at this practice: how we quote.
LDM is non-thermal and works on the skin matrix, not the SMAS, so it is not a lifting treatment.
Bojin is a manual technique and standard ultrasound facials use a single frequency, whereas LDM alternates two frequencies after a medical skin assessment.
LDM® (local dynamic micro-massage) is a dual-frequency therapeutic ultrasound facial available at Dr Sin Yong's practice on Orchard Road, Singapore. It uses two ultrasound frequencies simultaneously to target different skin depths — stimulating collagen, reducing inflammation and supporting skin repair.
Yes — LDM is generally well tolerated by sensitive skin. Its non-thermal, non-ablative mechanism makes it a suitable option for reactive skin, rosacea and post-procedural recovery states.
Traditional ultrasound facials use single frequencies primarily for heating tissue. LDM uses dual megahertz frequencies creating a resonance effect — stimulating collagen and improving hydration without thermal energy.
It is usually planned as a short initial course at intervals of one to two weeks, then spaced out for maintenance; how many visits you need depends on your skin and goals. Dr Sin Yong personalises your protocol based on skin condition and goals.
Yes — LDM can be used as a pre-treatment primer or post-treatment recovery modality alongside laser resurfacing, RF microneedling or injectables at Dr Sin Yong's practice.
LDM stands for local dynamic micro-massage. The device alternates rapidly between ultrasound frequencies in the megahertz range, producing a mechanical micro-massage within the tissue rather than sustained heating. That is why it is used to calm and support the skin, not to heat or tighten it.
No. LDM is not a lifting treatment. HIFU and microfocused ultrasound focus heat into the deeper SMAS layer to tighten it; LDM uses unfocused, low-intensity ultrasound directed at the skin itself, to settle inflammation and support the barrier and hydration. If lifting is the goal, a different treatment is needed.
It can help as an adjunct. Clinical studies of dual-frequency ultrasound in rosacea and acne-related redness reported lower erythema and reduced water loss through the skin barrier. It does not replace medical treatment of rosacea, so Dr Sin Yong first assesses the type of redness and whether prescription treatment is also needed.
The fee depends on the area treated, how the facial is combined with other care such as serums or laser recovery, and how your plan is set up. A written quote is given at consultation after skin assessment, and the consultation decides whether an LDM facial is advised at all. Figures are not quoted in advance because the plan depends on your skin.
It tends to suit people with dehydrated, sensitive or reactive skin, and those recovering after laser or injectable treatment, who want a gentle, assessed option. It is a poorer fit for anyone wanting lifting, tightening, scar revision or pigment clearance, and for persistent redness that needs a diagnosis such as rosacea.
No duration is promised. Any change in hydration or skin comfort varies between individuals and is influenced by skin barrier health, climate, sun exposure, skincare habits and whether an underlying condition is treated. The plan and the spacing of visits, including any maintenance, are set at consultation and adjusted as the skin responds.
It does not lift, tighten, resurface scars or clear pigment, and it is not a treatment for rosacea on its own. Change is gradual and varies between people. Mild flushing or a reaction to the gel or serum can occur. It may also be used alongside other treatments, which adds to the overall plan.
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Available on Orchard Road, Singapore. By appointment.
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong · Updated 5 October 2026
Medically reviewed by Dr Sin Yong, MBBS (NUS), MRCS (Edinburgh) · Last updated 5 October 2026 · Editorial policy