Two board-certified dermatologists weigh in on a common concern that often keeps people from consulting a dermatologist when they have skin problems: Is it expensive?
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) interviewed dermatologists at Komyo Aesthetic and Medical Institute in Mandaluyong City about the most common misconception surrounding dermatologists.
“Mahal magpa-derma,” Dr. Jerlyn Maureen Servas replied without hesitation.
Her colleague, Dr. R-Jay Agbon, agreed, but noted that this is just one of the many misconceptions about their profession.
Dr. Jerlyn and Dr. R-Jay are among the 10 dermatologists at Komyo, which also has three resident surgeons.
They then went on to explain the reality.
Cost is the main reason so many people look for cheaper services and products to help address skin problems.
As a result, many people resort to self-diagnosis and “do-it-yourself” treatments, believing these to be more practical.
Admittedly, finding products that suit our skin and deliver good results takes time, effort, and money—and it can also come with risks.
Read: The dangers of relying on social media for skin care
MORE COST-EFFECTIVE
Dr. R-Jay Agbon broke down the path to achieving healthy skin.
“Of course, there’s a certain initial cost because you have to pay your doctor, you have to pay the products that are prescribed.
“But here in Komyo, we don’t hard sell naman na, ‘You have to buy this; buy that from our clinic or do this treatment in our clinic…’
“As board-certificate dermatologists, we carefully plan treatments for the patients on what they need and even consider the economics of it.”
He then added, “I think that’s one of the things that many doctors fail [at], considering the economic burden to the patient.”
Dr. Jerlyn then interjected, “That’s why doon din papasok yung personalized and compassionate way of treating our patients.”
She advised, “So you just have to find the correct doctor that you will be comfortable with also; that will build a good rapport with you.”
Dr. R-Jay Agbon pointed out something many clients often overlook when consulting a professional for skin treatments.
“Eventually, it’s going to be more cost-effective seeing a board-certified dermatologist from the get-go, kesa magta-try tayo ng iba't ibang treatments and doctor-hopping and clinic-hopping.”
ADVICE WHEN SEEKING A DERMAtologist
PEP asked the two doctors what a patient should bear in mind when he/she decides to see a professional dermatologist.
Dr. Jerlyn replied, “I guess the most important thing… first, is to have that assessment [from a dermatologist], and then, like R-Jay said, hindi naman pipilitin din the patient [to push through with the treatments].
“It’s still their decision, in the end, on what they decide to do, if they’re gonna go with the treatment, or they're gonna go with the skin routine that would be advised to them.”
For his part, Dr. R-Jay said the patient should ask himself if he is ready to “undergo the journey with their doctor.”
The two emphasized that having skin treatment is usually a “journey” and resolving a skin issue does not happen in a snap of a finger.
Dr. R-Jay continued: “Minimum would be, siyempre, consultation fee for the doctor.
“They have to understand na merong cost and then hindi naman namin sila pipilitin to buy from the clinic, even purchase from the pharmacy or from the drug store…
“’Yun yung kagandahan po ng personalized treatment, if they have their products already, we can tailor the treatment to their current products.
“But, of course, there are certain recommendations na, ‘Ah, kailangan mo na ng gamot, so ito yung mga kailangang na gastos.’”
Dr. Jerlyn added, “Of course, there should be changes. If it’s not working, why should we push or keep using the products that you’ve been using for the longest time?”
Dr. R-Jay was quick to add, “And, of course, the treatments would be add-on na lang din for their specific concerns.”
As a reminder, Dr. Jerlyn remarked: “You have to be patient also. It’s not a one-time thing.
“It will take a while, so you have to communicate well also with your doctors kung ano yung extent din on what you can give—the time, the money, the resources—so that we can work better with you also.”
“It’s not magic, overnight,” said Dr. R-Jay.
In the end, the decision lies with the patient.
“Kasi, siyempre, kondisyon mo iyan. You have to be involved kung ano yung mga gagawin natin in the process of getting you better,” he said.
Dr. Jerlyn threw in, “And whatever treatment we will give, if the patient will not comply, treatment failure… Adherence is very important.”
Bearing these in mind, the two doctors assured that it will be worth it in the end.
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