Dermatology stakes claim in Thai medical tourism industry

PHUKET: Dermatology is staking its claim in Thailand’s developing medical-tourism sector, a growth which is due in part to an increasing number of highly qualified dermatologists, state-of-the-art treatments and affordable services.

Romrawin Clinic, with two of its branches located in Phuket, has taken advantage of the demand for dermatological procedures and is now at the forefront of the business with cutting-edge technology and treatments.

The driving force behind Romrawin Clinic is Dr Thanisorn Thamlikitkul, who opened her first clinic in Bangkok in 2004.

“Thailand is well-known for its quality and affordable aesthetic treatments. This, together with skilled dermatologists, brings customers to our clinics,” said Dr Thanisorn.

“We also credit the success of Thailand’s medical tourism to Thai people’s hospitality and politeness. This continues to draw customers from around the world to our clinics.”

Dr Thanisorn Thamlikitkul

After noticing that demand for skin care treatments and other dermatological procedures was increasing among both Thais and international tourists, Dr Thanisorn decided to expand her business to some of Thailand’s busiest tourist spots: Pattaya and Phuket.

The Bangkok branches treat mostly Thai patients – about 70 per cent – while the two Phuket branches, at Central Festival Phuket and Jungceylon, see about 80 per cent foreign patients and 20 per cent Thai.

“Foreign patients tend to opt for non-invasive procedures that are one-time services and involve very little downtime, such as Thermage and Ultera treatments, which are great for skin tightening and face lifting,” said Dr Thanisorn.

“Other popular procedures are Botox and filler. These are short, lunch-time procedures which alter face shape and eliminate wrinkles and fine lines.”

For Thai patients, melasma – otherwise known as dark spots – is a main concern, but Romrawin Clinic has recently introduced technology from Australia to specifically and effectively treat the problem.

“Melasma cannot be permanently treated and is challenging to control,” Dr Thanisorn explained.

“Our new technology, Super Smart FEM, uses a gentle, painless laser treatment to slow down the formation of dark spots, eliminate the root of the problem and rejuvenate, resulting in clear, flawless skin.”

Doctors at the Romrawin Clinic take their work a step further by combining the technological procedures, such as Super Smart FEM, with medical products so that each treatment has a combination that answers individual skin conditions.

“Romrawin is more than just a skin clinic, we also educate our patients so that they can maintain their beautiful, healthy skin,” said Dr Thanisorn.

“Being beautiful from the inside out is what we believe in, which is why we provide our patients with tailor-made combinations of treatments, vitamins and supplements, together with beauty tips and tricks for diet and exercise routines.”

When asked what the next step is for Romrawin, Dr Thanisorn answered that she has plans to open one-stop service centers for overall health and well-being.

“We want to expand Romrawin and turn it into a clinic that combines anti-aging, holistic medicine, alternative health care, plastic surgery, cosmetic dental procedures and hair treatments,” she said.

For more information, please visit https://www.romrawin.com/

— Mauri Grant