Musee Platinum Tokyo

I went for my first underarm IPL treatment at Musee Platinum Tokyo's Centrepoint outlet on Sunday.

The treatment room was bright and clean, and I was given a blue spaghetti-strapped tank top to change into.



I was a little apprehensive as I had completed a 12-session course of IPL hair removal for underarm at The Best Beauty Centre in Toa Payoh just 2 years ago. While the results were good, the treatment was uncomfortable and I had the misfortune to be slightly burnt during one session. Once bitten, twice shy?

I kept my fingers crossed, hoping that in the 2 years past, IPL machines would have become a lot less uncomfortable.



Unfortunately, the IPL machines used here are similar to those I tried 2 years ago.

My therapist covered my eyes with a special type of goggles, applied cold gel and commenced the treatment. Each short, intense shot of light felt like an ant bite, which was mildly uncomfortable.

After that, she placed 2 cold pads onto the treated area and left me to rest for about 5 minutes.

Finally, the pads are removed and a bit of moisturising gel applied to soothe the skin.

Verdict: Unlimited IPL sessions for underarm at $138 is good value for the price. However, do note that you are only allowed to make an appointment 2 months after the date of your last treatment, and that appointments are very difficult to secure. Recommended as a maintenance package for those who have already completed a full-course of IPL sessions.

Musee Platinum Tokyo

Musee Platinum Tokyo specializes in IPL(Intense Pulsed Light) semi-permanent hair removal for women. It recently opened 3 outlets in Singapore, at Centrepoint, Plaza Singapura and Millenia Walk.


They are having an Opening Special Promotion for lifetime unlimited sessions of underarm hair removal at $138, valid until 30 June 2011.

I went to their Centrepoint outlet for a consultation.

The Consultation Room



I was given a form to fill and after a rather long wait, met my consultant. She explained to me the hair growth cycle, when to schedule my IPL appointments, the treatment process, "do's and don'ts", and went through the terms and conditions of the contract.



Promotion Packages



After making payment, I was given an appointment date for my first session, a welcome gift(mirror) and a copy of my receipt and contract in a sealed envelope.



Plus Points: No hard-selling. Nice stark-white decor. Convenient location. All female salon. Transparent pricing policy(no hidden costs). Cash instalments permitted.

Minus Points: Difficult to get an appointment on weekday evenings and weekends as they are always fully booked, do schedule your appointment at least a month in advance. No credit cards are accepted, but cash instalments are permitted, split into 3 payments, payable upon the 1st, 2nd and 3rd visit(usually spaced 2 months apart). If you're visiting during peak periods, be prepared to wait. No treatment is permitted on the first visit, which is disappointing, especially since payment is made, but the welcome gift is a small consolation. The consultation room is freezing!

Note: It is compulsory to attend the consultation session on your first visit. Treatment commences on the second visit. Latecomers who arrive more than 15 minutes after their scheduled appointment time are made to pay a penalty fee of $10, which will be donated to the Red Cross, in aid of victims of the recent earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in March 2011. No men and children are allowed in the salon.