No loss in business for aesthetic docs, beauticians
Aesthetic treatments came under the spotlight lately, after a Singapore health official warned of doctors carrying out a range of untested treatments, including those that claim to fight ageing, flab or skin flaws.
Dr Tan Chor Hiang, senior director for health regulations at Ministry of Health (MOH), had said doctors should provide scientific evidence that these treatments work.
MOH then said that it will regulate tightly riskier procedures, such as liposuction, but will leave medical professionals to draw up rules for others.
Right now, there are more than 1,000 general practitioners (GPs) and specialists have taken to offering aesthetic treatments in an industry that is estimated to be worth $200 million a year, The Straits Times reported.
Despite the recent concerns, seven GPs who offer such treatments told The New Paper on Sunday that they have not seen any drop in business.
Dr Roy Chio, a GP who has been practising aesthetic medicine for almost 10 years, said: 'It hasn't affected us very much.
'Some of my patients have expressed concern, but they do not doubt my treatment because we only do what has been backed by scientific evidence.
'My patients come back because they see the results. The procedures have benefited them, and they get the value for the fees they have paid.'
Dr Chio, who performs endermologie for his patients, shows his patients a portfolio of his work, such as that in treating the appearance of cellulite.
The president of the Anti-Ageing Aesthetic Medicine Society of Singapore said the machine he uses for the treatment has been approved by the American Food and Drug Administration.
During an endermologie, a handheld device with motorised rollers and controlled suction is used to massage the patient. This procedure is supposed to stimulate lymphatic circulation, which leads to the elimination of metabolic waste.
Dr David Eu, who uses bioresonance therapy to help his patients quit smoking, said that he has not received any complaints either.
Dr Eu said: 'Patients trust us. We are not out to do something that is not effective. We are not out to pull a fast one on them and run away with their money. For most of these patients, we have been their family doctor and we have been treating them for years.'
Beauty salons offering such treatments also claim they have not been affected negatively.
Ms Wenchi Tang, owner of two aesthetic salons, told The New Paper on Sunday: 'Some former clients have called to make appointments for next month.'
However, Ms Tang asked that we do not name her salons, which provide mesotherapy, endermologie and skin-whitening injections.
Mrs Sarah Lim, who runs an asethetic clinic in Singapore and two outlets in Kuala Lumpur, said that the only time her business suffered was the time she lost clients to GPs when they started offering aesthetic treatments a few years ago.
'It was difficult retaining some clients but, thankfully, there are always people, especially women, who want to look good and beautiful,' Mrs Lim said.
It is for this same reason, she said, that 'the demand is not going to slow down'.
Mrs Lim added: 'I think clients are more concerned that they have to look for other alternatives, such as going overseas, rather than worrying if the treatments are proven or safe.'
Like the woman who goes to South Korea for her treatments, 30-year-old beauty salon owner Lim Yen Yen finds it worth her while to seek treatment overseas.
CHEAPER OVERSEAS TREATMENT
Ms Lim, who has been to Malaysia for whitening injections, said: 'I prefer going overseas because it's cheaper than in Singapore. My vitamin C whitening jab in Malaysia costs around $800 for five sessions, compared to $250 to $300 per session in Singapore.'
Ms Lim, who has also tried radio-frequency treatments and dermarollers, said: 'Every treatment has its risks. My friends have done it before, and it turned out well for them.
'I looked very average before, but these treatments have improved my skin texture and have improved my outlook on life. That's why I will still go for them.'
A GP, who only gave his name as Dr Chan, cautioned against turning to beauty salons should doctors be unable to perform certain aesthetic procedures.
Dr Chan, who treats skin problems at a clinic in Kovan Road, said: 'With doctors, if they do anything wrong, they will be called up to be investigated. But with beauticians, where can you go for help?'
- additional reporting by Maureen Koh
This story was first published in The New Paper on Mar 29, 2008.
