Malaysians are pretty much going in for that perfect cut
An increasing number of Malaysians are going for cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures to look younger and better. But experts are warning that some people get addicted to such procedures.
PETALING JAYA: Cosmetics procedures are becoming more popular among Malaysians who want to maintain their youthful looks or be more attractive, with the number of aesthetic clinics in the country increasing at least sevenfold in the past 10 years.
An increasing number of Malaysians are paying for cosmetic surgery to enhance their features and reduce wrinkles or improve their body shape.
Among popular procedures that women and even men go for are injecting botulinum toxin (or Botox), fillers and plateletrich plasma (PRP) into their faces to reduce wrinkles, and laser treatments to lighten dark spots.
The cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine industry is growing in Malaysia due to increased public awareness of such treatments, said Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow.
He said this growth was reflective of the higher number of plastic surgeons being trained, coupled with the Government’s efforts to promote health tourism.
Malaysia Society of Aesthetic Medicine (MSAM) president Dr Hew Yin Keat said many aesthetic clinics were being set up not only in the Klang Valley, but also in Penang, Johor Baru, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Aesthetic medicine has always been popular among the middle and older age groups. However, these days more young people are also willing to spend on such procedures,” he said.
The most popular procedure among young adults are dermal filler injections to create a sharper nose or longer chin for a Vshaped face.
“For those in the older age group, we see a trend of using threads for facelifting,” added Dr Hew.
MSAM immediate past president Dr Chin Shih Choon said while there were more female than male clients now, the latter were “fast catching up”.
Dr Chin said PRP jabs were becoming popular in the past five years, with its cost ranging from RM1,800 to RM2,500 per treatment.
However, while the demand is increasing, psychiatrists warn that these cosmetic procedures can be addictive and may only temporarily boost a patient’s selfconfidence; those planning to go for cosmetic procedures have been advised to seek a medical expert’s opinion first and to make sure they are aware of the side effects or risks involved.
Health Ministry directorgeneral Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah advised Malaysians to seek qualified plastic surgeons.
“In recent years, aesthetic medical practice has gained popularity and as it is a consumerdriven service, the public needs to be protected,” he added.
Those interested in going for the procedures should also ensure that aesthetic medicine practitioners have the Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) from the Health Ministry, which is required before a doctor can practise aesthetic medicine in Malaysia.
MORE Malaysians are turning to cosmetic procedures to look youthful and attractive, with the number of aesthetic clinics in the country increasing about seven-fold the last 10 years.
From about 20 full-time clinics, the number has jumped to more than 150. Among popular procedures that women and even men go for are injecting botulinum toxin (or Botox), fillers and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into their faces to reduce wrinkles, and laser treatments to lighten dark spots.
Many are also willing to go under the knife to enhance features, with top procedures being double eyelid surgery, breast augmentations and facelifts.
Women go for a fuller bosom and more men are now seeking to reduce the size of their breasts by surgery or liposuction.
Malaysians are also more determined to get their ideal shape by going through surgery for liposuction and tummy tucks to remove excess fat.
Those wary of surgery opt for non-invasive procedures like body contouring and fat reduction treatments, which involves using radio frequency to destroy fat or techniques that freeze and eliminate unwanted fat cells.
However, while the demand is increasing, psychiatrists warn that these cosmetic procedures can be addictive and may only temporarily boost a patient’s self-confidence; those planning to go for cosmetic procedures have been advised to seek a medical expert’s opinion first and to make sure they are aware of the side effects or risks involved.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow says the cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine industry is growing in Malaysia due to increased public awareness of such treatments.
“General practitioners also find this field increasingly attractive as it generates more income and helps to meet the increasing costs of running a clinic,” he says.
As for the stronger demand for plastic surgery, Dr Chow says this growth is mirrored by the higher number of plastic surgeons being trained, coupled with the Government’s efforts to promote health tourism.
With more people wanting to look beautiful, he also notes that there is a possibility of patients getting hooked on procedures and constantly wanting to alter their looks.
“There are extreme cases regularly highlighted in the media. That’s why the need for proper counselling by an independent medical professional,” he says.
Malaysia Society of Aesthetic Medicine (MSAM) president Dr Hew Yin Keat says many aesthetic clinics are popping up not only in the Klang Valley, but also in Penang, Johor Baru, Malacca, Sabah and Sarawak.
“Aesthetic medicine has always been popular among the middle and older age groups. However, these days more young people are also willing to spend on such procedures,” he says.
Dr Hew says the most popular procedure among young adults are dermal filler injections to create a sharper nose or longer chin for a V-shaped face.
“For the older age group, we see a trend of using threads for face-lifting,” he says.
Data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery shows that the aesthetic and surgical market for Asia Pacific is expected to
� increase from 860mil (RM4.1bil)
� last year to 1.38bil (RM6.6bil) in 2018.
MSAM immediate past president Dr Chin Shih Choon says full-time clinics offering aesthetic procedures have mushroomed from about 20 to over 150.
“Currently, there are more female than male clients but men are catching up fast,” he says.
Dr Chin says PRP jabs have become rather popular in the past five years, with its cost ranging from RM1,800 to RM2,500 per treatment.
The procedure, which involves injecting a client’s own blood platelets back into his or her face, can rejuvenate the skin, reduce fine lines, and plump up sunken areas.
Dr Chin says non-surgical body contouring is also popular today and costs between RM8,000 and RM25,000 depending on the number of body parts treated.
Dr M. Nasir Zahari, the medical director of a franchised aesthetic clinic, says the facility’s total number of patients have more than doubled annually – increasing in thousands over the past three years.
“For cosmetic surgery, 70% of our cases are for the top four procedures – liposuction, breast augmentation, blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) and facelifts,” he says.
As for aesthetic medicine, 68% of cases in the centre are for Botox injections, fillers, and threads.
Dr Nasir, who is a consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon, says almost all private hospitals today have at least one plastic surgeon or aesthetic doctor.
He says he foresees hair transplants to be the next big thing in the industry.
Danny Leong, the country manager of BTL Aesthetics, a manufacturer of aesthetic devices, says the company’s sales for body contouring machines have grown by 50% from 2013 to 2014.
Leong, who is with BTL Industries Malaysia Sdn Bhd, says the popularity of body contouring treatments is partly due to the busy lifestyle of working executives who do not have the time or discipline to go to the gym.
“Many Malaysians are also concerned about pigmentation problems because the scorching sunshine here can cause dark spots and freckles,” he says.
Aesthetic medicine practitioner Dr Kee Yong Seng says he deals with patients from as young as 20 to as old as 70.
“Those in their 20s want to enhance their noses and lips while customers in their 30s to 40s want to address pigmentation and rejuvenate their skin.
“Clients aged between 40 and 50 go for the more holistic approach to look younger,” says Dr Kee.
He says although more people are interested in aesthetic procedures, they want the results to look natural and not so obvious that others will know that they did it.
Consultant plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon Dr A. Ananda Dorai says some patients turn to surgeries like tummy tucks and liposuction after failing to get a leaner body through diet and exercise.
“After hitting 30 or 40 or after giving birth, some people find it difficult to shed the extra flab so they turn to surgery.
“Liposuction is not meant for weight loss. Even though fat is sucked out, fat is actually light. The end result, however, is a more sculpted body,” he says, adding that a tummy tuck will be able to remove stubborn bulges at the abdomen.
Dr Ananda says the increase in popularity for liposuction and tummy tucks could be the result of the unhealthy habit Malaysians have of eating too much fast food.
“There is also a need to look good among working Malaysians above 40. While they are strong in mind and body, they have to compete with younger colleagues at work, so they want to look their best,” he says.
Dr Ananda points out that more women are also interested in getting breast enhancements but some also seek alternatives to implants, which have to be replaced after 10 years.
He also notes that more men are going for chest reduction and tummy tucks to have a more defined body.
While such procedures can improve one’s looks and confidence, psychiatrists urge patients to exercise caution and know their limits.
Consultant psychiatrist Dr Ting Joe Hang says cosmetic surgery may help improve one’s self esteem if a person has always been ostracised or teased for a particular feature on their face, like their nose.
“However, a patient needs to stop if advised to do so by their doctor,” he says.
Malaysian Mental Health Association deputy president Datuk Dr Andrew Mohanraj points out that cosmetic procedures can be addictive.
He says such addiction can be seen among those with a body dysmorphic disorder (when a person becomes obsessed with imaginary flaws in their appearance), borderline personality disorder and obsessive compulsive personality disorder.
“Those with such disorders are incapable of feeling the complete satisfaction of the outcome of the procedure,” he says.
Health Ministry director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah advises Malaysians to seek qualified plastic surgeons.
“In recent years, aesthetic medical practice has gained popularity and as it is a consumer-driven service, the public needs to be protected,” he says.
Dr Noor Hisham says the ministry has worked with the relevant professional bodies and prepared the Guidelines on Aesthetic Medical Practice for Registered Medical Practitioners.
“The main objective of these guidelines is to ensure the safety of aesthetic medical practice in Malaysia,” he says.
Those interested in going for the procedures should also ensure that aesthetic medicine practitioners have the Letter of Credentialing and Privileging (LCP) from the Health Ministry, which is required before a doctor can practise aesthetic medicine in Malaysia.
The Star’s feature section, Star2, also recently reported on the emergence of fake dermal fillers over the past few years, which are easily available through social media like Facebook and Instagram.
The fake filler injections are priced as low as RM80 and, in some cases, administered by unlicensed beauticians and massage therapists.
Such counterfeit fillers are often produced in unhygienic conditions and may contain harmful ingredients which are not naturally absorbed by the body.