Dr Kuljit Singh, Damansara Heights Wellness Clinic

Dr Kuljit Singh

In this interview, Dr Kuljit Singh of Damansara Heights Wellness Clinic sheds light on some of the most popular aesthetic treatments in KL, tells stories from behind the scenes, and also lets us in on what he thinks is the best value for money treatment on the market.

What do you do and how did you get into the industry?

I am by profession a doctor, so people come to see me when they are not feeling well, and in turn I turn their frowns upside down trying to get rid of their colds and other various ailments. Though I still get the odd case of the flu, nowadays, I get more patients wanting me to rid of them of their wrinkles, and other aesthetic problems instead. Though my curiosity and passion have always been towards aesthetics, I officially began treatments and procedures back in 2004 when patients were looking for a safer alternative to unorthodox and unregulated beauty centres in the city.

Why aesthetic medicine?

The demand was definitely a factor, as was the attractiveness and vastness of the industry. With aesthetics, it’s a never-ending learning process for those within it. It’s always evolving and that’s what keeps me hooked; my patients and my craft.

I used to give out medication to sick patients, who I wouldn’t see again until the next time they were sick. Rarely do doctors get healthy patients popping into the clinic after they get better. When it comes to aesthetics, however, more often than not we get to see our patients happy even after a treatment or procedure has ended and we get to see the impact we’ve had on their lives, no matter how small the treatment.

What’s the best/ worst part of your job?

Without a doubt, my patients are the best part of the job. I’ve seen some inspiring cases walk through my door, met some of the most colourful characters, as well as been welcomed into families and family events that only I could have dreamed about.

I do also get patients that give me a headache, because of their expectations. But, without them, life at DHWC would be boring. So no matter the case I am grateful for them. More often than not, they are the ones that force me to think outside of the box.

What’s one of the scariest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?

To be honest, botched up jobs from unqualified centres. I’ve had a 25-year-old come to me after almost losing her sight because the fillers used in her forehead had gotten infected and started to migrate to her brow; causing the skin to balloon with pus. I’ve had countless cases where threads had migrated from their original area, which all had to be painfully taken out one by one.

But the scariest thing I continue to witness is the risk people are willing to take with their bodies, their faces and their health just because the price or poster seemed right. Because of the current market in which the consumer is tempted by cheap prices and false promises, I’ve seen in the last few years a huge increase of health risks as well as irreparable damage walk through my doors Sadly, a good chunk of these cases happens to women below 30, where budget is of concern, not qualifications or quality of the materials being put into their bodies.

What’s the most popular treatment in DHWC?

Without a doubt, the K-Lift.

What treatment do you think gets the best results for money?

K-Lift (minimal discomfort, duration of results), PDRN “salmon sperm” (the results every patient experiences means once they try it for themselves, they’ll forever be a believer) and fillers (because the results are there without the negative side effects).

A day in the life of Dr Kuljit Singh is…

… always different but in essence it’s:

1. Educating my patients, both new and existing
2. Scolding my patients, existing ones and sometimes even walk-ins
3. Laughing with my team and my patients throughout the day

The perfect day off would be…

Anywhere in the world, where the fish would be biting and no jigs or rods were lost in the process. Or a drive on a long stretch of clear road with one of my refurbished classic cars.

What do you do for fun?

Time permitting, I’d usually cater to my daughter’s every whim, try to find time to go fishing, and secretly look at buying more classic cars to refurbish behind my wife’s back! I also cook up a storm when the mood hits and no one’s looking.

What’s something you’d like people to know about DHWC?

That we are open to any and all enquiries, from all walks of life. That though we are here to help you achieve your desired look, should you choose to do something that may harm you or cause irreparable and irreversible damage to yourself, that we will have to turn you away, and we make no apologies for that. Because our patients are an extension of our clinic, as well as our extended friends and family.

When you’re not working, what is your favourite food and beverage pairing?

Gin with anything home-cooked.

What’s your view on the beauty scene in Kuala Lumpur?

Compared to other countries we are still in our infantile stage. We’ve yet to, as a community, go through more trials and errors when it comes to our patients, and the procedures/treatments/risks we are willing to offer them. The industry is not mature enough for our patients to be as relaxed as they are in their research when it comes to current trends in the market.

Patient expectation and culture is also a huge problem. There still is a lack of trust in doctors. Meaning most would rather visit their local spa/salon and undergo unorthodox and unregulated treatments instead of taking the time to do their research and visit qualified clinics.

Where do you see the industry headed?

It can only go upwards. As patients become more knowledgeable in educating themselves, and doctors continue to better themselves and are able to satisfy patient requirements and expectations, we’ll see a bigger interest in the industry not only regionally but globally. We used to be called one of the best Health and Medical Tourism countries in the world, hopefully, we’ll regain that title back again.

What’s in store for you in the upcoming months?

An onslaught of K-Lifts for those wanting a Brazilian butt, as well as more structured K-Lifts for the nose; and hopefully a fishing trip or three.

Find more interviews similar to this one with Dr Kuljit Singh here and check out the most popular treatment at DHWC clinic here.