Dr Terence Tan — Non-Surgical Body Contouring Doctor in Singapore

Dr Terence Tan is a registered medical practitioner in Singapore and the founder and medical director of Halley Body Slimming Clinic and Halley Medical Aesthetics. He holds an MBBS from the National University of Singapore, the MRCS from the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, and a Master of Medicine in Surgery from the National University of Singapore.

His clinic focuses on non-surgical fat reduction and body contouring using non-invasive technologies such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing), radiofrequency and acoustic wave treatments.

He is not listed as a specialist on the SMC specialist register in dermatology or plastic surgery.

Clinical focus

Non-surgical body contouring.

Qualifications (as publicly listed)

MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Edinburgh), M.Med (Surgery) (Singapore).

Where they practise

• Clinic / practice: Halley Body Slimming Clinic — Orchard (orchardgateway)

Getting to the clinic

Dr Terence Tan practises at Halley Body Slimming Clinic at orchardgateway on Orchard Road. Somerset MRT (NS23) is the closest station and connects directly into orchardgateway through underground links, while Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24/NE6/CC1) is a short walk along Orchard Road. The mall is served by the many bus routes running along Orchard Road, and taxi stands and ride-hailing pick-up points are available nearby. Taxis can drop off at the orchardgateway entrances. The mall has a paid carpark, with further paid parking in adjacent Orchard developments; as the Orchard belt is busy at weekends, public transport is often the simplest way to arrive. The clinic occupies part of the orchardgateway complex, so it can help to note the exact unit when you book.

What non-surgical body contouring covers

Non-surgical body contouring uses devices to reduce localised fat or reshape the body without surgery or general anaesthesia. Dr Tan’s clinic focuses on non-invasive technologies such as cryolipolysis (fat freezing), radiofrequency and acoustic wave treatments. Cryolipolysis cools targeted fat to reduce stubborn pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise, such as around the abdomen, flanks and under the chin. Radiofrequency devices heat tissue with the aim of tightening skin and may be used to address laxity that can accompany fat reduction, while acoustic wave treatments are often used adjunctively. These treatments are intended for body shaping in people who are near their target weight, rather than as a method of significant weight loss, and they do not replace lifestyle measures such as diet and exercise. Results typically develop gradually over weeks as the body clears treated fat, and more than one session is often needed for a given area. Setting realistic expectations about modest, localised change is an important part of contouring, as is understanding that the treatments do not prevent future weight gain if habits change.

What to expect at a consultation

A first appointment usually starts with your goals, the areas you want to address, your general health, weight history, medications and any relevant medical conditions. The doctor assesses the areas in question, judges whether non-surgical contouring is suitable, and explains which device or combination may help. Expect a clear account of how many sessions are typically needed, the spacing between them, the gradual timeline for results and possible side effects such as temporary numbness, redness or swelling. You should also be told when contouring is not appropriate and when weight management would be more effective, since these treatments work best as shaping rather than slimming. Asking about alternatives, the maintenance of results and realistic outcomes is sensible before starting.

Booking, referrals and fees

The clinic can normally be contacted directly without a referral. Body contouring is elective and cosmetic, so it generally falls outside subsidised care; MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans usually do not apply, and consultations are typically paid out of pocket. Bring a list of your medications and details of any relevant medical history. As fees depend on the device, the area treated and the number of sessions, confirm the full cost and inclusions with the clinic before starting.

Common questions

Is body contouring a weight-loss treatment?

No. Non-surgical contouring targets localised fat pockets for shaping and works best in people near their target weight. It is not a substitute for diet, exercise or medical weight management.

How soon will I see results?

Treatments such as cryolipolysis work gradually as the body clears treated fat, with change usually appearing over several weeks and sometimes needing more than one session.

Are there side effects?

Temporary numbness, redness, swelling or tenderness in the treated area can occur. Expected effects and recovery are explained before treatment.

Body contouring technologies explained

Non-surgical body contouring, the focus of Halley Body Slimming Clinic, uses several different technologies, and understanding how they work helps set realistic expectations. Cryolipolysis, often called fat freezing, cools targeted fat to reduce stubborn pockets that resist diet and exercise, such as around the abdomen, flanks or under the chin; the treated fat is cleared by the body gradually, so change appears over weeks rather than immediately. Radiofrequency devices heat tissue with the aim of tightening skin, and may be used to address the mild laxity that can accompany fat reduction. Acoustic wave treatments are typically used adjunctively, as part of a combined plan rather than on their own.

The most important point to grasp is what these treatments are and are not for. They are intended for body shaping in people who are already near their target weight, not as a method of significant weight loss, and they do not replace diet, exercise or medical weight management. More than one session is often needed for a given area, results are modest and localised, and the treatments do not prevent future weight gain if habits change. A good consultation is honest about when contouring is appropriate and when weight management would be the more effective route.

How to prepare and tips for your visit

• Bring a list of your medications and details of any relevant medical history, so suitability can be assessed safely.
• Think about which specific areas you want to address and what outcome you are hoping for, so expectations can be discussed realistically.
• Be honest about your weight history and current habits, since contouring works best alongside, not instead of, a healthy lifestyle.
• Ask how many sessions a given area is likely to need and the spacing between them, as well as the timeline for visible change.
• Plan around possible temporary effects such as numbness, redness or swelling in the treated area.
• Confirm the unit at orchardgateway when you book, so you can find the clinic easily within the complex.

More questions

How are results maintained over time?

Because contouring shapes localised fat rather than preventing weight gain, maintaining results depends on continuing a stable diet and activity level. Future weight gain can affect untreated and treated areas alike, which is discussed at consultation.

Is body contouring covered by MediSave or insurance?

No. Body contouring is elective and cosmetic, so it generally falls outside subsidised care; MediSave, MediShield Life and Integrated Shield Plans usually do not apply, and consultations are typically paid out of pocket. Confirm the full cost and inclusions with the clinic before starting.

When is non-surgical contouring not the right choice?

When the goal is significant weight loss rather than shaping, or when a large amount of fat or skin is involved, contouring is unlikely to meet expectations and weight management or other options may be more appropriate. A doctor should explain this clearly before you proceed.

Related guides

• HIFU cost guide

See also: our editorial directory of aesthetic doctors in Singapore and our shortlist of aesthetic clinics.

This is an independent, factual profile compiled from the public sources listed above — not a paid listing, advertisement or endorsement. Details can change; always verify a doctor’s current registration on the Singapore Medical Council public register and confirm specifics directly with the clinic. This page is general information, not medical advice or a recommendation of any individual practitioner. See our editorial policy.