To still look like themselves, but better. This is Dr Tan Ying Zhou’s philosophy towards helping patients in his medical aesthetic practice. “I always tell them that the purpose of medical aesthetics isn’t to change the way they look,” he says.
If asked to perform exaggerated enhancements, he proffers his preference for a natural look before tailoring a treatment that suits their needs. He also only recommends products and procedures when asked.
“I constantly remind my team that we are doctors, not salespeople. We do not hard sell, which I believe is one of the main reasons our patients keep coming back,” he illustrates. “Before performing a treatment, I’ll put myself in my patient’s shoes and ask myself if it’s something I’ll undergo. If the answer is ‘no’, I won’t proceed.”
Dr Tan broke into the industry coincidentally; he had no intention of entering the industry after graduating from medical school. This changed after a surgical rotation at the dermatology department of a hospital in Taiwan, which has a thriving aesthetics market.
Imbued with a broadened perspective and a desire to start something of his own, he threw open the doors to Mizu Aesthetic Clinic at Ion Orchard eight years ago, launching facial parlour Aeras by Mizu along the way.
Navigating a crowded market meant that he has had to develop a brand that is not only unique, but that resonates with him. His greatest challenges have been internal, like balancing business growth with employee satisfaction to ensure everyone has room to grow. In addition, sacrificing social life and time with his family.
Nonetheless, he finds meaning in his work—he considers relationship building to be the best part of his job. “Every time I see my regular patients, it’s like catching up with friends,” he says. The camaraderie lets him better manage expectations, which in his experience comes down to two things.
First, trust. “When my patients have faith in me, they know I will do what I believe is in their best interest.”
Second, honesty. He makes it a point to be upfront about what can or cannot be achieved.
“This not only spares me from an explanation when results do not match expectations, but also reinforces trust.”
Dr Tan Ying Zhou on never overpromising
Demand for local medical aesthetic procedures peaked last year, he notes, when travel restrictions were in place. It has taken a dip now that patients are able to seek out options overseas.
Either way, people have become much more receptive to minimally invasive procedures such as Botox and fillers over the past decade. “Some stigma lingers, but it is slowly dissipating thanks to the spread of K-pop culture and social media.”
Current popular treatments include injectable collagen stimulators and skin boosters, both of which can effectively slow down the signs of ageing in conjunction with research and technology.
In spite of his profession, Dr Tan’s skincare routine comprises just a facial wash and lightweight moisturiser. And curiously, his top skincare tip doesn’t involve a product or service. The trick, he says, is to lower your stress levels as much as possible as stress can cause acne, accelerate collagen breakdown and reduce skin renewal, resulting in dull, loose, and thinner skin.
“We can achieve this by regulating our sleep patterns and taking part in relaxing activities. This will translate to better skin in the long term.”
Style director: Chia Wei Choong
Videographer: Alicia Chong
Photographer: Mun Kong
Photographer’s assistant: Renjie Teo
Makeup: Keith Bryant Lee using Shiseido
Hair: Aung Apichai
