Our skin is the largest organ of our body. Throughout our lives, it helps to protect us against the vagaries of the external environment, and is the chief projection of our identity to the world.
The skin can be afflicted by many different types of diseases, ranging from eczema in infancy, acne in adolescence, pigmentation and laxity in middle age, and skin cancers in later years.
Many doctors are involved in treatment of skin diseases. Knowing the right one to see can save you time and money, and help your skin get back to health as soon as possible.
In this article, we will introduce you to the various treatment avenues available, with a focus on dermatology clinics and services.
All doctors have a basic medical degree and are trained in recognising and treating general medical conditions. Your neighbourhood general practitioner (GP) can be your go-to doctor when common ailments occur. Many GPs are equipped to treat common skin problems including acne, eczema, and skin infections.
They are also able to determine if the skin condition warrants specialised care and refer you to a dermatologist clinic, especially if the initial treatment did not resolve your issue.
GPs who have an interest in skin conditions may obtain graduate diplomas in dermatology. These are either full-time or part-time distance-learning courses ranging from six months to two years, that teach management of skin diseases beyond that covered in medical school.
Some GPs also concentrate on treating aesthetic conditions. Services in these clinics often focus on cosmetic concerns such as pigmentation, wrinkles, etc.
Dermatologists are specialists in the medical discipline of dermatology, which includes the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails. To be a dermatologist in Singapore, on top of a basic medical degree, the doctor needs to undergo at least another 6.5 years of residency and senior residency training in various dermatology departments in Singapore, such as the National Skin Centre. Because specialists are meant to be experts in their field, specialist training is both broad-based and in-depth. Dermatologists are trained to recognise common, uncommon, and esoteric skin diseases in both children and adults, and are familiar with both standard and advanced therapies for a myriad of skin conditions.
As specialists, they are accredited with the Specialist Accreditation Board (SAB) under the Singapore Medical Council.
Some dermatologists will go for further sub-specialisation in their respective fields of interest. These fellowship trainings are usually done in renowned centres overseas and range from six months to one year. Dermatologic surgery, for example, is a sub-speciality that focuses on the surgical aspects of dermatology, including the surgical removal of skin lumps, skin cysts, and skin cancers.
Plastic surgery is a surgical discipline that focuses on restoration, reconstruction, and alteration of the human body. Plastic surgery is intimately related to the skin, as many patients seek surgical solutions to signs of ageing, such as face-lifts, re-shaping of the nose or eyelids, etc. Plastic surgeons are specialists that undergo further surgical training after graduation from medical school. Like dermatologists, they are accredited with the SAB.
As mentioned in the previous section, many doctors may have the skills to treat your skin problem. Straightforward conditions can often be managed by your GP. Neighbourhood GPs are usually located near to the people they serve, and consultation fees are often lower than specialists’ fees.
If the skin problem is persistent or not better after basic or standard treatment, then it may be time to consider seeing a dermatologist. Dermatologists are familiar with a wide range of skin diseases, and are able to offer treatment options that are not available in general medical clinics. Apart from treating medical skin conditions, many dermatologists also offer aesthetic treatments including laser treatments, chemical peels, etc, and perform skin surgery for common skin lumps including cysts, warts, and skin cancers.
1. Credentials and expertise
The first and most important factor when choosing a dermatologist clinic is the expertise of the doctors. You want to ensure that the dermatologist you choose is accredited to practise as a specialist in Singapore. You can verify this by going to the Singapore Medical Council website, click on ‘Search for registered doctors’ on the left-hand menu, and enter the name of the doctor. The website also provides helpful information like years the doctor graduated from medical school and completed his or her specialist training.
Dermatologists are already specialists in their field and will be able to manage most skin diseases. But as we have mentioned, some dermatologists have special interests or are sub-specialists in certain fields. So, if you think your problem is sufficiently uncommon that it needs a sub-specialist, then a bit more hunting around is needed.
Sub-speciality information is not usually recorded on official registers, so you will need to visit the doctor or clinic’s website and look around. Most doctors will display the specialised fields they work in (on top of general dermatology). For example, Mohs micrographic surgery is a specialised form of skin cancer surgery that requires fellowship training and is usually only performed by a few dermatologic surgeons in Singapore.
2. Range of services offered
The scope of services a dermatologist clinic offers can also be a deciding factor. Some clinics provide general dermatology services that address common skin issues, while others specialise in cosmetic procedures or specific treatments.
If you are unsure what sort of treatment your condition needs, look for a dermatologist clinic that offers a comprehensive range of services, from general skin care to specialised treatments, including laser therapies, advanced surgical solutions, and the latest biologic-based medications for inflammatory skin problems.
A clinic that offers diverse services ensures that you won’t have to visit multiple places to address different skin concerns.
3. Clinic reputation and reviews
Another important consideration is the reputation of the clinic. A good dermatologist clinic will have a solid track record of satisfied patients. Patient reviews and testimonials can offer valuable insights into the clinic’s quality of care and the dermatologist’s expertise.
Seeking recommendations from friends or family members who have had positive experiences is also a good approach. Personal referrals often come with candid feedback and can give you peace of mind when choosing a clinic. It’s reassuring to know that others have had good experiences, especially if they had concerns similar to yours.
4. Consultation approach and communication
The way a dermatologist approaches consultations is another factor worth considering. You want a dermatologist who takes the time to understand your concerns and offers a personalised treatment plan. Some clinics adopt a more patient-centred approach, listening carefully to your issues and explaining the various treatment options in detail.
Good communication is key in any doctor-patient relationship. A great dermatologist will explain procedures in a way that is easy to understand and will ensure that you are comfortable with the treatment plan. Pay attention to how well the dermatologist listens to your concerns during the initial consultation. If they seem rushed or dismissive, it may be a sign that the clinic doesn’t prioritise personalised care.
5. Costs and insurance coverage
Costs are high in Singapore, and unfortunately the same goes for medical services. For Singaporean citizens, it is possible to obtain subsidised care at restructured hospitals. One would need to first see a doctor at the polyclinic, and get a referral to one of the specialist departments in the restructured hospitals. Apart from the additional number of steps and visits involved, the waiting time to get an appointment is also longer and can sometimes run into a few months.
If your condition is more urgent or serious, seeing a specialist privately is an option. It pays to call or message the clinic first to find out their consultation charges. Most clinics will be able to give you their range of consultation fees for first and subsequent visits.
Be mindful of clinics that offer fixed fee packages to treat certain conditions, because medical conditions can range from mild to severe and require different treatment approaches. A fixed fee may sometimes mean a cookie-cutter approach to treatment, or come with hidden add-on fees later.
It’s also worth checking whether the clinic accepts your insurance plan, which can help offset some of the costs associated with dermatological care. Some clinics (such as ours) are Medisave accredited, which means that certain types of surgical procedures may be partially claimable from Medisave.
6. Location and accessibility
Lastly, consider the clinic’s location and how accessible it is for you. If the clinic is located in a convenient area with good public transport links or parking, it can save you time and hassle. The new Thomson-East Coast MRT Line, for example, now stops directly outside Gleneagles Medical Centre via Napier Station, and connects commuters to the nearby North-South Line and Orchard vicinity.
Additionally, check whether the clinic offers appointment slots that fit your schedule. Some clinics offer flexible hours including weekends, which can be beneficial if you have a busy workweek. Also see if the clinic reception is flexible when you need to change your appointment due to last minute exigencies at work or at home.
Finding the right dermatologist clinic involves looking at several important factors, from the credentials of the dermatologist to the range of services offered, the clinic’s reputation, and more. By doing your research and considering these aspects carefully, you can feel confident in your choice and receive the care you need for healthier, happier skin. If you’re ready to take the next step toward addressing your skin concerns, TSN Dermatology is committed to delivering high-quality care tailored to your needs.
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