Good news – with the gradual lifting of circuit breaker measures after June 2, aesthetics clinics are now allowed to open.
But not all treatments are allowed to take place. Dermal fillers and botulinum toxin injections will have to wait, as with other non-invasive treatments like Thermage and Coolsculpting.
What can you see your doctor for?
According to the Ministry of Health, priority will be given to patients who need urgent treatments for conditions that will worsen significantly without intervention. However, this will still be on a case-by-case basis.
You can visit your doctor to treat:
– Moderate to severe acne
– Severe or worsening pigmentation disorders
– Inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
– Viral warts
It’s important to note that not all aesthetics clinics offer the same treatments, so you should check with the clinic to find out what’s available in Phase 1. For example, SW1 Clinic has also included, in this list, patients who suffer from immunobullous conditions, an autoimmune disease that affects the skin.
By appointment only, strictly no walk-ins
Walk-ins will be turned away to prevent overcrowding and minimise contact among patients between appointments.
Plus, not all clinics have resumed regular working hours during this period. For instance, SW1 Clinic has opened only its Paragon outlet while IDS Clinic has shortened its opening hours, from 12pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
What to expect at the clinic
Strict safety measures, for one, to ensure the wellbeing of clinic staff, doctors and patients.
For patients: In addition to having staggered appointments, you can also expect mandatory temperature checks, and having to fill in a medical and travel history declaration.
For clinic staff: Strict hand-washing protocols. The DRx Clinic and Epion Clinic have also upped their protective measures by ensuring that protective gear such as surgical gowns, face shields, masks and gloves are worn by doctors and staff during procedures.
In the clinic itself: All surfaces will be disinfected daily using medical grade disinfectants. At SW1 Clinic, all treatment tips will be changed or cleansed thoroughly after each patient, while The DRx Clinic says that, as an extra precaution, it will change the sheets on the treatment beds after every appointment. The latter has also set up acrylic dividers at their reception area as an added measure to minimise contact.
What you should do to stay safe
Most clinics have implemented the digital check-in/out service, Safe Entry, for contact tracing. Use it.
Other things to take note of: come for your appointments alone, and if you’re unwell, postpone your appointment.
What about your face mask? It can stay on during consultation unless your doctor needs to check your skin. But you’ll have to remove your mask during the treatment itself.
And even though you can’t get your regular Hifu treatments or fillers done at the moment, if you need to seek medical attention for your skin concerns, you can still meet your doctor virtually or do a phone consultation. “Teleconsultation is a good tool for non-urgent issues and follow-ups for well-controlled skin conditions,” says Dr Goh Ching Hoe of The DRx Clinic.
