Yesterday (20/2) Dermatologist Appointment

Let me refresh you guys a little bit on how and why I wanted to see a dermatologist that is under government subsidy.

Obvious reason #1 is money. I've been to a private dermatologist in Hougang and it was expensive + far for me. So I went ahead to get a referral letter from a polyclinic and she suggested KTPH instead of National Skin Centre (NCS) because of the long waiting line. I was skeptical at first because if it is not direct from a specialize place, normally these people are hmm how do I put it...QUESTIONABLE. For example, the dentist in hospital are like student grads of some sort and it is way better to go to a dental clinic.

But at that point of time (3 months ago), I was desperate on my under the skin bumps, so I agreed hastily. I clearly understand that some creams and procedures are not subsidized as it is a cosmetic thing. Only medicines and consultations are subsidized. Which I don't mind because like I mentioned in my earlier posts, I was concerned on what was going on with my skin and wanting to continue with more antibiotics.

But as time passes, my reason for going changed. As you may know, my cystic acne got way better and left with tons of scarring. Reason #2 is to then ask for advice and options for scar removal.

Boyyyyy was I correct on being skeptical!!!! Yesterday in KTPH, felt like a nightmare that I could not wake up. Firstly, the night before I went ahead and compiled a list of pictures of my skin progress so that the derm can examined. And guess what. He does not even care!! He took a glanced and asked me to put away my phone!!!

Secondly, I asked him regarding Differin why it made me break out so bad. I knew the answer from the tons of research I did. But I just want to hear it from the derm himself. See how the convo went out.

Me: Do you know why when the moment I took Differin my acne went berserk? pointing at phone picture.

Derm: *Glances* Mmm okay but your skin is getting better. Can you please put away your phone now.

Note: at this point he was annoyyed and kinda have a disgusted look on his face because I shown him too much picture that he didn't really care. I was telling my acne story earlier with references from my phone pictures. And he really seem disinterested by interrupting me and asking me basic questions like what meds I have taken, when it started, how was my menstrual cycle. Just. Joting. Down. Notes. No further explanation of any sorts.

Me: So is it okay for me to continue using Differin? 

Derm: Mm if it breaks you out, you can stop using for now.

Me: Mm.. oh kay... 

Me: So what is the cause of my acne? Is it hormonal or products?

Derm: * gives long ass vague answer * so ya basically it could be anything.

Me: alright, so what do you suggest now since I still have acne on my forehead? (before, he inspected my face and noticed some active acne)

Derm: I will give you a 2 month antibiotics. If this doesn't work you can consider isotretinoin.

I'm just like wtf and in disbelief. Inside my heart, I'm like really? Accutane? You're going to suggest accutane that freaking fast?

Me: *gave up on wanting to know more* Okay, so can we discuss on my options for treatments that can remove my acne scarring?

Derm: Oh you can't do that now. You still have active acne. It will aggravate more. Just eat the pills okay. And see me in 2 months time and we will discuss. Anyway this hospital do not do any treatments.

By now I was too shocked by what he said. And just let him suggest all the products and pills. I was really in wtf mode. 

Derm: So what do you think has helped you the past few months? which meds?

Me: *thinking..isn't that your freaking job to know? what works best? How would I freaking know ass.* mm I think Differin did help me to resurface the gunks out.

Derm: Oh okay, then I'll give you another Differin and continue using it.

Again.. WTF??? Just moments ago you told me not to use it? I was ready to cry by now. Too frustrated with this Derm. To think I went ahead waiting for 3 freaking months for this?! All he can give is the same thing a normal polyclinic can give???!! Simple antibiotics, an antiseptic facial wash, another Differin, and some acne gel that I can get OTC.

The hospital don't even do treatments!! He wasn't even helpful in any sorts of questions and advices.

When I was waiting to pay for my pills, I really wanted to cry. What kind of shitty Derm is he?! To think back my Hougang doc, Dr Chin suggested me chemical peels even when i had active acne!! Means it is possible for treatments right?!! I'm so pissed.

I mean 3 months into waiting and all I could get are things form polyclinic arghhhhhhh!! And argh I'm even angrier that there was no treatments that could be done in the hospital. So i might as well seek private clinic from the start???! It is non subsidize anyway.. So I do not need to wait in line for govt hospital. Haisssssssssssssss.

So I quickly called Hougang clinic for an appointment with Dr Chin for consultation for his advice and his thoughts on this. I was desperate and angry because wow 3 months in line and I was down to this.

Dr Chin Consultation

Wow, just wow. A total 360 degree experience. I mean before I always knew he was nice it's just his clinic was too far. Also being a private niche skin clinic, it was also expensive for my student ass.

Anyway wow.. I showed him pictures and also apologise for not seeing him earlier. He politely check on my picture and told me it's okay since my skin has improved alot. He also mention and explains how Differin works. And it was perfectly normal that i breakout that bad. He also mention how he try not to ask his patients to use it because of this side effect. This made me remember how nice he was to tell me options on what pills i can consume to make my skin better before the last resort, accutane. He did gave me chemical peel options but back then I was still a student that's why he suggested on the pills.

Like how great is he? He explains how medication works and also advices the best thing to consume or apply on the face. 

I told him about what the KTPH derm told me how I can't go laser bla bla. He gave out a chuckle and told me that was weird and told me that in fact right now, my skin is the best time to go on laser treatment. 

I could almost cry when i hear that. I. Should. Have. Gone. Sooner. I had a 3/4 months break before work start. And all this could have healed before my work. I could have good skin before work. I could even maybe avoid my cystic explosion? But what's done is done. :/

The great news was that I could do laser. In fact on the day itself. He went through patiently how the laser work and such. And made sure I was calm during the laser treatment.

So I ended up walking out of the clinic $1.4K poorer but also happier towards better skin. It's a course of 5 treatment with 3 weeks interval.

Just a little bit of info on why I'm desperate for acne scar removal is because I'm starting work tmr and I am not allowed to wear makeup. Yes, no makeup. I'm working in a cleanroom. I don't know how it's going to be tmr. You guys know how insecure i am with my skin.That is the reason for my BB cushion purchase. So that i can remove and reapply easily. But i dont even know if that is allowed. And honestly, the scar covers the whole of my cheeks. So wish me luck. 

PS: I've missed a day of differin because of laser. I'll still continue with differin update. And also!! look out for my laser updates every 3 weeks after treatment from now on. :)

PPS: PLEASE WISH ME LUCK FOR TMR!!! :(