'I'm a cosmetic physician. Here's every question I constantly get asked, answered.'

When it comes to Dr Shobhna Singh's job, she garners a lot of interest. And questions.

Based in Melbourne, Dr Singh is a registered General Practitioner with specialised interest in cosmetic medicine and skin cancer. She's worked as a cosmetic doctor for 18 years, and throughout her extensive time in the industry, she has treated hundreds of patients. 

Dr Singh spoke to Mamamia about the 8 questions she's most frequently asked right now. Here's exactly how she answers them.

Will cosmetic treatments make me look 'fake'?

“The main thing clients ask me and worry about is looking 'fake'. They are scared of that 'fake' look,” Dr Singh says.

Dr Singh says this concern though is unwarranted.

"A 50-year-old never actually wants to look like a 20-year-old." She ensures any concerns are heard from the client's consultations, and those components are taken into account when discussing any relevant cosmetic treatments the client is considering. This is something Dr Singh is committed to.

“The aim of cosmetic procedures is to give clients a natural and subtle result. It is about looking what a client may phrase as "good for their age", rather than aiming to appear younger. That's been my experience when talking to clients,” she says.

Do you do any of the treatments that Kim Kardashian has?

Since Kim posted on her Instagram Stories late in 2021 about receiving facial radiofrequency (RF) microneedling treatments, there has been an uptick in the treatment's popularity.

Known as the Potenza treatment, it's based on the most up-to-date technology radiofrequency and microneedling.

Potenza is world’s first RF microneedling system that combines monopolar and bipolar RF at 1 or 2MHz frequencies in a single device (for those who love the nitty gritty on numbers!). The treatment is also carried out with precision tip technology to treat more skin tissue at multiple depths.

This device allows for collagen induction therapy through controlled thermal and mechanical injury to the skin via radiology frequency, and the tiny needles on the probes. It allows the infusion of growth factors, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and in some cases PLLA (a type of dermal filler).

Potenza aims to trigger your body's collagen and elastin levels, and can aid in a variety of skin concerns and treatments, including skin tightening, acne scarring, pore size reduction, wrinkle reduction, and the reduction of redness and pigmentation.  

"It's most commonly used on the face, it can treat any part of the body including arms, abdomen and legs,” says Dr Singh.

The duration of the treatment will depend on area being treated, usually between 45-60mins Dr Singh advises, and it can be used on any skin type, with limited aftercare required. 

"There is no downtime with this procedure, which I suspect has enhanced its interest with clients too. Sunscreen is recommended with a healing cream and no makeup for 24 hours [after the treatment].” says Dr Singh.

The treatment is available at Cynosure providers across Australia.

What cosmetic treatments do you offer most often? 

“We're providing such a range of non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including cosmetic injectables and laser and energy-based treatments for skin rejuvenation and body contouring,” explains Dr Singh.

With more word-of-mouth discussion and education in the public domain, Dr Singh notes the significant increase in clients interested in treating their skin, particularly with medical skin issues such as acne, acne scarring and rosacea.

Other popular choices Dr Singh sees being requested are in the anti-ageing category, such as anti-wrinkle and pigmentation treatment.

If you're more comfortable and happy with your skin, it'll have big positive impacts on your self-confidence, Dr Singh attests.

Is there a 'best practice' way to rejuvenate my appearance?

“I think a lot of people think they can have one thing, and nail the results they're seeking, but that’s not always possible,” Dr Singh says.

While it is always down to the individual client's goals, suitability and budget, she suggests considering a combination approach. 

“What I explain to clients is that one thing can't 'fix' everything… A combination approach can give us the best results that the client is seeking, and the most natural results too.

"We usually combine injectables with energy-based devices, and good skincare too! And coupling that with the client's own lifestyle and wellbeing (things like sun exposure, sleep and movement), that’s really what is going to show them the results they are aiming to get."

Dr Singh also places importance on consistency – "everything takes a course of treatments; it's not just going to happen across one session."

Are cosmetic treatments painful?

“Most of the procedures are relatively pain-free because it is all non-surgical, and we can usually manage the pain with local and topical anaesthetic,” Dr Singh says.

“We use topical anaesthetic for all our microneedling and radio frequency treatments, vascular, anti-wrinkle, filler, laser and vascular treatments and a local anaesthetic for cosmetic mole removals and chin treatments,” she explains. 

Is it expensive?

“Growing up, I always used to think that cosmetic treatments are just what the Hollywood stars did. It wasn’t something that would be available to all of us I thought, but with options being a lot more affordable now, everybody has access to it, to some degree,” says Dr Singh.

This is evidenced by the wide range of clients who she treats every day. 

“I see people from all walks of life, and all ages.” While her clients are so varied, Dr Singh says there is one thing they all have in common: how they say they're feeling after their treatment. 

“Everybody goes home feeling better, they tell me, and also more confident or empowered.” 

What are some of the more unusual or surprising treatments you offer?

Dr Singh says people are often surprised when she says that tattoo removal is a popular part of her job – something she has been doing for around 15 years.

“We get quite a few patients who might regret getting a previous partner's name tattooed onto them, or because a tattoo wasn’t up to the standard they had hoped, or just because they have changed their mind,” she says.

And in 95 per cent of cases, they can be completely and permanently removed.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

“The best part of my job is that I can offer safe, life-changing experiences. Patients experience improved confidence and self-esteem. This results in positive follow-on effect on various aspects of their life such as jobs and relationships,” Dr Singh says.

This is particularly evident in the women she personally treats.

“They vocalise that it makes them feel more confident and empowered, especially for those women that say they are working longer and harder than ever, looking after families and continuously giving, so they see a treatment as taking a little bit of care for themselves, so they can give a lot more back.”

This article is intended as a guide to be used only for general information purposes. The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for qualified healthcare professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Feature Image: Supplied/Mamamia.