Procedures more affordable now

COSMETIC treatments are no longer just for the rich and famous.

Dr Alvin Wong, medical director of SKN MediAesthetics, said: "The majority of my patients are your everyday Singaporeans who want treatment for common cosmetic problems such as unsightly freckles and pigmentation, body contouring and hair loss."

He added: "The advent of new technology and evolving techniques has also led to many cosmetic procedures becoming less invasive and more affordable than before."

The increase in practitioners has contributed to make many procedures more affordable.

However, Dr Wong cautioned that "there is no such thing as a completely risk-free procedure".

He said: "Most reasonable medical practitioners should as part of explaining the benefits of any treatment also provide a list of the common and less common side effects and risks as associated with the specific procedure."

A spokesman for the Singapore Medical Council said that "aesthetics is currently not recognised as a medical specialty in Singapore".

Guidelines

"However, as more people are coming forward to seek aesthetic services from medical doctors, guidelines have been put in place to regulate the provision of such treatments by doctors."

The spokesman added: "Any doctor who performs any aesthetic procedure that is not in accordance with these guidelines or with any requirements will be deemed by the medical profession as unethical and bringing disrepute to the profession.

"Such a doctor may be liable for disciplinary action by the SMC."

This article was first published in The New Paper.