A well-known proverb states that “beauty comes from within.” Regardless, it is natural to be preoccupied with our appearance, whether we have a wrinkle, eyebags, or acne. Because they are so visible, they have the potential to make one feel insecure and unconfident.
People can use aesthetic medicine to correct these “flaws” and boost their confidence in their appearance. With technological advancements and aesthetic treatments no longer being as “taboo” as they once were, an increasing number of people have turned to aesthetic medicine to help them with the various aesthetic problems that they wish to improve. The global aesthetic market is expected to be worth USD 86.2 billion in 2020.
Not only globally, but also in Singapore, the aesthetic market was expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5%, demonstrating its limitless potential for growth. This is in addition to Singapore being one of the top destinations in Asia for medical tourism, which includes aesthetic treatments. This demonstrates how aesthetic medicine is becoming more accepted and popular in Singapore.
If you want to get rid of your “blemishes,” keep reading to learn everything you need to know about aesthetic medicine, from the different treatments available to what to expect during your consultation.
What exactly is an Aesthetic Doctor?
Aesthetic doctors are not the same as plastic surgeons or dermatologists. Aesthetic doctors are general practitioners who specialize in aesthetic medicine. They typically obtain certification to provide specific services in aesthetic medicine, but they can also practice general medicine.
Aesthetic doctors typically provide non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures such as Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, dermal fillers, chemical peels, and aesthetic lasers.
Not everyone wants to go through the ordeal of plastic surgery, which can be fraught with complications, pain, swelling, and lengthy recovery times.
Non-invasive and minimally invasive procedures, on the other hand, offer a wide range of advantages, including There is little pain or discomfort. There are no incisions, stitches, or scars, Complications are unlikely, Cost savings, and There is little to no downtime.
These are just a few of the reasons why more people are choosing non-invasive procedures. Most of these procedures can be completed in less than an hour with little to no downtime and can be done during your lunch break, which is why more people are open to the idea.
More importantly, an aesthetic doctor is unable to perform major aesthetic procedures such as breast implants. An aesthetic doctor’s primary focus is usually on the rejuvenation of aging skin, dealing with issues such as pigmentation and wrinkles.
What kind of education does a certified Aesthetic Doctor receive in Singapore?
First, the doctor must complete medical school and obtain his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees (MBBS).
They become a certified aesthetic doctor after receiving their MBBS and obtaining their certificate of competence (COC). Doctors can obtain their COC by participating in 1–3-day courses that include theory, live demonstrations, and hands-on practice on the fundamentals of aesthetic medicine, such as Botox injections, chemical peeling, and lasers. Doctors will also be required to take a multiple-choice question exam at the end before being awarded a certificate.
COCs are only recognized by two-course providers in Singapore: The Aesthetic Dermatology Education Group (ADEG) and the Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS). Each certificate is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional four years. Renewals after that will grant permanent accreditation.
Doctors who want to perform aesthetic procedures must fill out a notification form and submit it to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), detailing their experience and certification. If a doctor has performed a certain number of procedures in a given time period, he or she can perform these aesthetic procedures without being certified. Depending on the procedure, the number varies.
COCs are only recognized by two-course providers in Singapore: the Aesthetic Dermatology Education Group (ADEG) and the Dermatological Society of Singapore (DSS). Each certificate is valid for two years and can be renewed for an additional four years. Renewals after that will grant permanent accreditation.
Doctors who want to perform aesthetic procedures must fill out a notification form and submit it to the Singapore Medical Council (SMC), detailing their experience and certification. If a doctor has performed a certain number of procedures in a given time period, he or she can perform these aesthetic procedures without being certified. Depending on the procedure, the number varies.
- Fat removal: Fats around the stomach, also known as “love handles,” are removed with a non-surgical, cooling device that uses precisely controlled temperatures to eliminate unwanted fat cells.
- Rejuvenation of aging skin: Without surgery or anesthesia, aging skin is treated with a laser to provide illuminated and youthful skin.
- Skin tightening: To remove wrinkles, skin is tightened using non-surgical lasers.
What can I expect from my appointment with the Aesthetic Doctor?
When you visit an aesthetic doctor, you can expect your doctor to ask you a series of questions in order to better understand your concerns and the treatment you seek.
Some of the questions your doctor may ask to get a better picture are:
- Skincare items that you use
- Your daily skincare regiments
- If you have performed any procedures, please describe them.
- Past and present medical conditions, including surgeries and dental work
- Diet
- Level of relaxation during downtime
- If you are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive,
- Are there any upcoming special events?
- Your financial situation
You can also better prepare for your appointment by making a list of concerns or questions to ask the doctor. You can also read brochures or pamphlets about the specific treatment you’re interested in to get a better idea of what will happen during the procedure.
How do I determine which Aesthetic Doctor is the best fit for me?
Choosing an aesthetic doctor can be difficult, especially when there are so many options. The SMC strictly monitors doctors’ aesthetic practices in Singapore, and all registered doctors must follow the SMC’s strict guidelines.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting an aesthetic doctor to ensure that your needs are met to the best of your ability.
- Doctor qualification: This is perhaps the most important factor to consider when selecting an aesthetic doctor. All aesthetic doctors in Singapore must be accredited by the Singapore Medical Council. This means they must have the necessary COCs for the procedures performed in their clinic.
- Experience: The aesthetic doctor’s experience in the field may be able to give you confidence in their expertise as well as the results that he will deliver. Details such as whether the aesthetic doctor has had any adverse events occur during his procedures can also aid in your decision-making.
- Approachability: The aesthetic doctor’s friendliness and service, as well as that of his nurses and clinic staff, will put you at ease and help calm your nerves before your procedure.
- Communication: The aesthetic doctor should be able to effectively communicate with you, as well as listen to your concerns and desires.
- Equipment maintenance: The clinic and the aesthetic doctor should keep their equipment in good condition and ensure that it works properly. To ensure that patients receive the best possible treatment, equipment should be kept up to date.
- Hygiene: The aesthetic doctor and clinic should be clean and well-maintained to ensure the highest level of hygiene, allowing the patient to receive treatment in a safe environment.
- Clinic location: The location of the clinic will help you choose your aesthetic doctor, especially if you plan to undergo a treatment that requires multiple trips.
What services does an Aesthetic Doctor in Singapore offer?
Aesthetic doctors in Singapore are only permitted to perform non-invasive or minimally invasive aesthetic procedures, as listed in Table 1 of the SMC’s Guidelines on Aesthetic Practices for Doctors.
The following are the treatments that an aesthetic doctor in Singapore is permitted to provide:
Non-invasive
- Chemical or Pressurised Gas/Liquid Peels
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) – Skin Rejuvenation
- Radiofrequency, infra-red, ultrasound and other light-based devices
- Lasers/IPL for hair removal
- Photodynamic Therapy
- Photopneumatic Therapy
- External Lipolysis (Heat/Cold/Ultrasound)
Minimally-invasive
- Botulinum Toxin (Botox) injection
- Filler injection (Face, neck and hands only)
- Sclerotherapy
- Thread Lifts
- Lasers for treating vascular disorders
- Lasers for pigmentary disorders
- Fractional lasers for skin rejuvenation
- Ablative lasers for benign tumors
Invasive
- Free fat grafting (body)
- Hair Transplantation
- Dermabrasion (Mechanical)
Keep in mind that aesthetic doctors are required to notify the SMC if they intend to perform any aesthetic procedures in their clinic, so not all clinics provide the same services.
Summary
Everyone wants to look his or her best, and appearance is one factor that is constantly on our minds. It is now much easier to seek treatment for our “blemishes.” With technological advancements, these treatments are usually more comfortable and produce better results. We hope that this article has shed some light on aesthetic doctors and available treatments.