Only 300 doctors accredited in aesthetics' field nationwide, says the Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine

PETALING JAYA: Only about 300 doctors in the field of aesthetics or beauty treatment are accredited under the Health Ministry, says the Malaysian Society of Aesthetic Medicine.

Its president Dr Chin Shih Choon said there are only a small number of certified specialists in the country because strict tests are mandated due to the high-risk treatment procedures.

According to him, aesthetic medical doctors must have a Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) certificate from the ministry before they can offer beauty treatment services.

“Aesthetic medicine doctors must work in a private hospital for at least two years, meet training requirements and pass a licensing examination.

“In addition, they have to attend interviews by plastic surgeons, dermatologists, estheticians and officials from the ministry.

"All those involved in this medical speciality must follow the steps listed to become a certified aesthetic medical doctor," he told Harian Metro.

When asked about aesthetic centres run by foreigners, who claimed to be aesthetic experts from abroad, Dr Chin did not deny that there are doctors with accreditation certificates from their respective countries.

However, he said they are not allowed to practice medicine in the country without the LCP and Temporary Practice Certificate issued by the ministry.

The Malay daily reported that most of the beauty centres in the country were run by unlicensed foreigners with the majority allegedly being profit-motivated.

In addition to deceiving customers with beauty ads that are supposedly run by experts, the ingredients used in the treatment are also questionable, claimed the report.

Commenting on the exact procedure before a client undergoes a beauty treatment, Dr Chin said they need to meet a consultant first to get a medical history.

He said the doctor would evaluate the appropriate treatment and that the surgery must be approved by the anaesthetist.

"Without medical knowledge, an inexperienced or untrained person will cause injury. If a problem arises during treatment, a medical expert can deal with it as best he can.

"It is not suitable to be done in a regular beauty centre or hotel because it is risky when there are problems such as drug allergies, fainting, excessive bleeding and other issues," he said.

Dr Chin also said treatment and surgery should be done at a registered hospital or aesthetic clinic that has complete equipment, including emergency medicine.

He advised those who want to get beauty treatment to check the status of the clinic on the ministry’s website and ask for the aesthetician’s certificate of accreditation.