Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’m chronicling my experience undergoing Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) at SL Aesthetic Clinic.
I’ve tried shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction before, but that was more than three years ago, and the effects have since worn off. So when SL Aesthetic Clinic, one of Singapore’s larger aesthetic clinic chains, recently introduced ESWT treatments for male clients and invited me to try the treatment at its Plaza Singapura outlet, the timing felt rather apt. Here’s how the experience went.
ESWT Treatment – Experience with SL Aesthetic Clinic
Founded in the early 2000s with its first clinic at Wheelock Place, SL Aesthetic Clinic has since grown into a sizeable aesthetic group, spanning aesthetic clinics, medi-spas and hair clinics, with 10 aesthetic clinic outlets across Singapore. As ESWT is a relatively recent addition to its treatment portfolio, however, it is currently available only at the Plaza Singapura outlet.
The Plaza Singapura outlet is located on the fourth floor, #04-08B, directly opposite Nando’s. With its large, prominent signage on the exterior, it’s hard to miss.
After letting the staff know that I was there to try the ESWT treatment, I was promptly handed a consent form to sign — fairly standard procedure.
Next, I was handed the IIEF-5 questionnaire, a short five-question assessment designed to help doctors gauge the severity of erectile dysfunction. It’s an internationally recognised framework, making it useful for consistently tracking your sexual health over time — particularly if you’re exploring other ED treatments elsewhere.
For my treatment, I met with Dr. Akira Tan, one of two doctors — alongside Dr. Gabriel Wong — currently offering ESWT at the Plaza Singapura outlet. Dr. Akira explained that while ESWT is new to SL Aesthetic, the treatment itself has been used medically for years and is supported by a growing body of medical literature. Naturally, I cheekily asked if he had tried it himself. He said yes, and claimed to have noticed a personal difference. That said, he stressed that results can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as age, alcohol consumption and blood pressure, among others.
Dr. Akira explained that ESWT could help with both achieving and maintaining erections by improving blood flow and stimulating the body’s natural repair processes within penile tissue (which he sketched out). As a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle acoustic waves, ESWT also requires minimal downtime. Dr. Akira noted that, unlike oral medications, it does not carry the same medication-related side effects, and patients can generally resume sexual activity immediately after treatment. Interestingly, ESWT isn’t just popular among middle-aged men. Dr. Akira also shared that plenty of men in their 20s and 30s also opt for the treatment, with some preferring it as a more discreet alternative to oral medication, which can be awkward to keep hidden from a partner.
After wrapping up the consultation, Dr. Akira brought me into the treatment room, where he showed me the ESWT machine and handpiece used to deliver shockwaves to the penile tissues. He explained that the particular machine used by SL Aesthetic Clinic—whose exact brand and model I am unable to disclose due to MOH guidelines—is an industry-standard device for treating erectile dysfunction and is widely used internationally.
Dr. Akira then demonstrated the device, using a wooden tube as a visual aid to illustrate how the treatment works. He explained that the shockwaves stimulate a process known as neovascularisation—the formation of new blood vessels, in this case within the penis—while also helping to improve the function of existing blood vessels and overall blood circulation. Together, these effects can contribute to healthier erectile tissue and potentially help patients achieve stronger, longer-lasting erections. This is particularly relevant for men experiencing reduced blood flow, which can be associated with lifestyle-related conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
With the explanation out of the way, I proceeded with the ESWT treatment myself. The first thing that stood out to me was SL Aesthetic Clinic’s emphasis on hygiene. Dr. Akira gently cleaned my private area with disinfecting alcohol before covering it with a discreet disposable sheet, which featured a strategically placed opening to allow access to the treatment area. As you can see from the photo above, Dr. Akira also wore a surgical mask and gloves throughout the procedure, while the handpiece was also wrapped in disposable film that is replaced after every treatment. This gave me added peace of mind that proper hygiene protocols were being followed, minimising the risk of cross-contamination between patients.
I found the actual ESWT treatment to be very tolerable. The sensation of the shockwaves reminded me somewhat of my experience with Emsculpt machines, although the treatment itself was more comfortable than I had expected. There were moments when certain areas felt slightly more sensitive—particularly the underside of the penis—but even then, the discomfort was minimal. Throughout the session, Dr. Akira remained attentive to my comfort level and adjusted the handpiece settings accordingly, carefully balancing tolerability with the intensity required for an effective treatment. This was where his medical expertise became particularly apparent, as calibrating the machine to each patient’s condition and comfort level is an important part of delivering treatment safely and appropriately.
Conclusion – so the ESWT Treatment at SL Aesthetic Clinic “shiok” or not?
If you’re looking to achieve stronger erections and improve your sexual stamina, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) at SL Aesthetic Clinic offers a natural, non-medication approach aimed at supporting erectile function and healthy blood circulation. While ESWT is commonly used by men experiencing erectile difficulties, it isn’t necessarily limited to those with ED. Men in their 30s and beyond may also consider shockwave therapy to support sexual performance, boost confidence and maintain healthy blood flow as they age. This can be particularly relevant for men dealing with demanding careers, the pressures of a new relationship or marriage, or age-related physiological changes that may affect sexual function over time. For younger men in their 20s, like myself, ESWT may also be viewed as a proactive option for supporting long-term sexual and vascular health, particularly if lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor sleep, insufficient exercise or chronic stress could potentially affect sexual function.
After three sessions of ESWT treatment with Dr. Akira at SL Aesthetic, I personally noticed a noticeable improvement, with the most obvious (and SFW) difference being more frequent morning erections compared to before. While individual results may vary, my experience with the treatment was positive. If you’re experiencing sexual performance concerns and are considering ESWT, SL Aesthetic Clinic is worth exploring. I appreciated the professionalism throughout my visits, as well as Dr. Akira’s medical expertise and attentiveness during the treatment. You can also read this Straits Times article featuring Dr. Akira discussing ESWT. Currently SL Aesthetic offers the ESWT Treatment (including consultation) from $199, while a standalone consultation with Dr. Akira would cost $50+.
For a closer look at what the treatment involves, check out the short video below.
Book an ESWT appointment with SL Aesthetic Clinic here.
P.S. Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
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