Dr Shane Abucewicz-Tan has two sartorial extremes. He’s either incredibly dapper, dressed formally in a shirt and tie, or he’s in scrubs. Unfortunately, as he works 12 hours a day at his clinic, he’s almost always in the latter. “I am particular with my scrubs though. They’re always well-fitting, well-cut, and well-pressed,” he laughs.
The medical director and founder of The Aesthetic Loft Clinic has been practising since 2015, doing his tours with different clinics before starting his own in late 2019. It’s a culmination of a journey that began at a young age. The good doctor always enjoyed the rationality of science, but wanted to blend it with the comfort he felt in social settings while helping people at the same time. Being in the medical field ticked all three boxes—science, social service, and public service.
“I hope that future patients, who have yet to get things done, strive to fully understand their issues before taking that leap of faith.”
Dr Shane Abucewicz-Tan on the growing acceptance of aesthetic procedures
They’re the reason he is a little concerned with the current state of aesthetics in Singapore now. The market is experiencing a boom, driven by celebrities and influencers, reduced social stigmas, and technological advancements in the field. However, the downsides are that clinics may push unsuitable treatments or doctors with little or no experience may botch procedures.
Several patients have walked through Dr Abucewicz-Tan’s door with less than satisfactory work done elsewhere and needed help to fix the flaws. “I hope that future patients, who have yet to get things done, strive to fully understand their issues before taking that leap of faith,” he says.
Education is critical. Dr Abucewicz-Tan always emphasises to his patients that outcomes might differ from person to person. “I spend much of my time discussing and clarifying misconceptions about expectations and fluff with them.
“There is also a huge assumption that much of the work is simple, and every practitioner, no matter what their price point, will provide the same level of work. In this situation, the doctor becomes a mere yes-man and operator, and the laser becomes a magic wand. That’s not the case. The importance of a proper learned experience should never be undervalued.”
His robust beliefs have gained many repeat customers. With a bursting appointment book, he’s expanding his clinic to cater to more of his clients. In the next few months, The Aesthetic Loft Clinic will double in size. He’s also thinking about hiring another doctor, but only has one person in mind. Such are his standards of excellence.
He loves Zegna’s clothes for this reason, although he would never wear them in surgery. “They’re too precious to get blood, sweat, and other bodily stains on them. I remember my obstetrics boss back in the hospital years ago getting amniotic fluid all over his tailored pants and shirt during a delivery. That was not a pleasant affair!”
Moving forward, the plan is to eventually explore business possibilities outside of work, so he can have more time for himself and his family. And finally wear his Zegna outfits.
Photography: Cher Him
Styling: Chia Wei Choong
Grooming: Aung Apichai, using Gucci Beauty and Kevin.Murphy
Photography Assistant: May Chong
