Source: Strait Times
TREATMENTS which all doctors have been banned from performing:
Mesotherapy: A non-surgical procedure which involves making microinjections into the middle layer of skin. It claims to break down fat, and improve circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Carboxytherapy: This non-surgical procedure, similar to mesotherapy, infuses carbon dioxide through a tiny needle. The process is said to kill fat cells and stimulate blood flow.
Endermologie: A non-invasive deep-tissue massage performed with a machine to reduce cellulite. The procedure claims to break down fat, water and toxins so that these can be drained away by the body's lymphatic system.
Microneedling dermaroller: A hand-held rolling pin, used to make microscopic punctures, is run over the skin. The procedure claims to induce the production of new collagen, and smooth out scars and wrinkles.
Skin-whitening injections: These claim to reduce blemishes like acne, chicken pox and other scars, and to iron out wrinkles.
Growth hormone to 'combat ageing': The hormone testosterone is administered either through injections or creams applied to the skin, and followed up with human growth hormones delivered through micro-injections.
Stem-cell application for skin rejuvenation: Patients undergoing this treatment consume a protein extract which claims to regenerate ageing tissue by using protein or chemical messengers to send signals to cells to 'teach' them to regenerate.
Vacustyler: A patient undergoing this treatment puts his or her lower body in a chamber, which claims to stimulate the lymphatic system and improve circulation. The procedure claims to eliminate cellulite, varicose veins and other leg problems.
Slidestyler: Working the same way as a vacustyler, this uses a mechanical gliding stroke massage technique to 'improve lymph circulation'. The patient is hooked up to a machine which sends pressure waves over the body. It is claimed that the waves are able to decongest the body, improve lymph drainage and tackle cellulite, varicose veins and other leg problems.
Bio-resonance: Patients undergoing this are bombarded by electro-magnetic waves delivered by a machine. The treatment claims to help patients overcome addictions like smoking.
Colonic cleansing for 'detoxification': This procedure involves introducing a tube into the rectum to flush the colon with water. It claims to reduce food intolerance, improve the skin, reduce cellulite, raise energy levels, reduce weight and enhance immune function.
AESTHETIC treatments that doctors can do:
Botox injections: These are administered around the eyes or mouth to banish wrinkles temporarily.
Collagen/filler injections: These are administered to plump up the lips and reduce the appearance of sunken eyes.
Intense pulsed light: The treatment involves targeting the skin with light of different wavelengths to 'rejuvenate' skin or remove hair.
Thermage: This procedure heats the collagen in the deeper layers of the skin to tighten sagging skin.
Chemical peels: Chemicals are applied to remove the fine outer layers of skin.
JESSICA JAGANATHAN
Medical note
The Singapore Medical Council Ethical Code and Ethical Guidelines, Article 4.1.6 reads:
'A doctor shall not in his professional capacity support the services provided by persons or organisations that do not provide legitimate medical or medical support services, for example, beauticians, beauty parlours, health spas, colonic cleansing services, etc.'
