Dr Wong Jinly – Astria Clinic Bangsar
In this interview, Dr Wong Jinly, an aesthetic doctor at Astria Clinic Bangsar, describes her growth in the industry and gives some recommendations for the best skin care.
What do you do?
I am an aesthetic doctor. I combine science and artistry to help people look and feel their best. Using advanced medical techniques and devices, I work with natural features to enhance beauty in subtle, transformative ways. Think of it as sculpting with precision—my goal is to harmonise a person’s appearance with their unique essence, boosting confidence while keeping the results refined and natural. I believe in the importance of preserving the uniqueness of each individual, enhancing their natural beauty while staying true to what makes them distinct.
How did you get into the industry?
My journey into the aesthetic industry began with a passion for art and science. I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate balance between beauty and individuality. After studying medicine and serving in several government hospitals, I realised that aesthetic medicine was the perfect blend of my interests—allowing me to use advanced techniques to enhance natural beauty while preserving each person’s uniqueness.
Share with us a story from behind the scenes.
Behind the scenes in the world of aesthetics, there’s much more than meets the eye. It’s not just about delivering quick fixes or surface-level treatments—it’s a careful and thoughtful process that blends artistry, precision, and personalised care.
Before I even begin every treatment, there’s a deep consultation process where I take the time to understand a person’s goals, lifestyle, and, most importantly, why they are here.
In the treatment room, it’s all about precision. Every injection and every technique requires a trained eye and a steady hand. The science behind it is just as complex—the face has intricate layers of muscles, skin, and fat, all of which must be carefully considered.
The most rewarding part happens after the treatments when I see my patients rediscover their confidence, not because they’ve drastically changed but because they feel more in harmony with themselves.
What’s the best part of your job?
Helping patients feel more confident by improving their appearance can be highly rewarding. Seeing a patient’s self-esteem boost after a procedure is the highlight for me.
Other than that, building meaningful and long-term relationships with my patients and witnessing their growth over time is highly rewarding, as many aesthetic procedures are part of ongoing care.
What’s one of the treatments you think gets excellent results and is value for money?
Skin boosters are a popular, minimally invasive cosmetic treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid or other substances to improve skin hydration, texture, and elasticity. Choosing a value-for-money skin booster treatment depends on several factors, such as the product used, clinic reputation, and expected results. Here are a few commonly recommended options: SkinVive, Profhilo, REVOK50, Plinest/Newest, and Rejuran
Dr Wong Jinly’s tips for maximising value are:
Choose a reputable clinic: Experience and technique are crucial for optimal results.
Consultation: Consult thoroughly with a qualified doctor and communicate well to determine which booster is best for your skin type and concerns.
Consider Packages: Many clinics offer discounted packages for multiple sessions.
Profhilo, Juvederm SkinVive/Volite and Newest/Plinest are often recommended for their good balance of cost and efficacy, especially if hydration and glow are your primary goals.
What’s one of the wildest things you’ve seen behind the scenes?
One of the wildest stories is when patients come in with very unusual requests. For example, a patient once asked for Botox on their feet because they wanted to reduce the size of their toes to fit better into designer shoes! The request was so unexpected and medically unsound that I had to explain not only why it was impossible but also why it could be harmful.
There are also stories about patients bringing in photos of celebrities asking for exact replicas, regardless of whether it suited their facial structure.
These kinds of requests can be wild but also highlight the important role aesthetic doctors play in managing expectations while ensuring safety and natural results.
There is a wide range of personalities and experiences that aesthetic doctors encounter. Each interaction adds a layer of complexity to our work, making it a dynamic field filled with unexpected moments. It’s a world where patients’ desires can lead to unexpected and entertaining moments while also reminding everyone of the importance of safety and realistic expectations!
The perfect day off for Dr Wong Jinly would be…
… waking up naturally and usually early. Enjoying a slow breakfast and coffee at my favourite spot, taking a peaceful walk outside with my dog and relaxing with light stretching.Meeting up with friends or family for a casual lunch. Ideally a laid-back meal at a cosy café or restaurant, catching up over delicious food.
Spending time doing something I love but rarely get time for—reading, painting or gardening.
Ending the day with a delicious dinner and unwind with a book or music before an early bedtime.
Simple, relaxed, and focused on enjoying the moment!
A day in the life of Dr Wong Jinly…
… typically balances patient consultations, treatments, and some administrative work. Here’s a look at how my typical day might unfold:
Morning
Start of the Day: I begin by reviewing the day’s schedule, reviewing patient files, and preparing for specific treatments. Often, I will have consultations with new patients, where they discuss aesthetic goals, assess skin conditions, and provide tailored treatment plans.
Patient Consultations: I may see patients for various concerns, such as aging skin, acne scars, or facial contouring. I discuss options like Botox, dermal fillers, energy devices for skin lifting, chemical peels, or laser treatments. I explain the procedures, expected results, risks, and recovery times.
Performing Procedures: Depending on the treatments scheduled, I may perform minimally invasive procedures like administering Botox, fillers, skin-lifting treatments or conducting laser therapies. These treatments require precision, a keen eye for detail, and a good understanding of facial anatomy.
Midday & Afternoon
Follow-up Appointments: After initial procedures, patients often return for follow-ups. I check on the healing process, ensure there are no complications, and assess whether further treatments are necessary.
Lunch Break: Often short, and there is no fixed time of the day for lunch. This time is usually spent catching up on emails, reviewing patient records, or staying updated with the latest aesthetic trends and treatment technologies.
Admin Work and Training: Besides patient care, I spend time ordering medical supplies, updating patient records, or even training staff. I am lucky to have an experienced team to assist me with the admin work.
End of Day Wrap-Up: Usually, patient appointments are ongoing, but when there is time towards the end of the day, I might review patient progress notes, prepare for the next day’s appointments, and respond to any urgent queries or concerns from patients.
I constantly try to balance patient care, technique, and innovation.
What is Dr Wong Jinly’s daily skin routine?
As an aesthetic doctor, I would follow a skincare routine that aligns with best practices for maintaining healthy, youthful skin while incorporating advanced treatments and knowledge of skincare science.
Here’s what my daily routine looks like:
Morning Routine:
Cleanser: Use a medical-grade or gentle cleanser that removes dirt and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture. Cleansers with mild acids like salicylic acid (for acne-prone skin) or hydrating ingredients like glycerin (for dry skin) could be part of the regimen.
Antioxidant Serum: Applying a Vitamin C serum would be key in fighting free radical damage, protecting against UV exposure, and brightening the skin. Other antioxidants like niacinamide or resveratrol might also be used for added protection.
Moisturiser: Choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser for daytime use, possibly one containing hyaluronic acid for hydration or ceramides for skin barrier support. Moisturisers with added peptides for collagen stimulation may also be included.
Sunscreen: Sunscreen is non-negotiable—an SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and preferably with physical blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Evening Routine:
Double Cleanse: If makeup or sunscreen was worn, an oil-based cleanser would be used to dissolve products, followed by a second cleanse with a gentle foaming or hydrating cleanser to remove impurities.
Exfoliation (2-3 times a week): As an expert, I’d likely incorporate chemical exfoliants like AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid) or BHAs (salicylic acid) into the routine to promote cell turnover, help with texture, and prevent breakouts. Over-exfoliation should be avoided to maintain a healthy skin barrier.
Targeted Treatment: This could involve using prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin, known for their anti-aging benefits, increasing cell turnover, and stimulating collagen production. This would be applied sparingly to avoid irritation.
Moisturiser: At night, a richer, more nourishing moisturiser might be used to help the skin repair itself. Ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and even growth factors can be added to aid skin regeneration.
Eye Cream: An eye cream with peptides, retinol, or caffeine can help reduce puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines around the eyes.
Professional Treatments:
Regular Treatments: As an aesthetic doctor, I incorporate professional treatments like chemical peels, laser, or microneedling into my routine every few weeks or months to target deeper skin issues like pigmentation, fine lines, or uneven skin texture.
Injectables: I normally have my Botox done every four months. I have my skin booster injectable treatments done routinely to ensure a youthful and refreshed appearance. Dermal fillers would be used periodically to smooth dynamic wrinkles and enhance facial contours.
If you could give your younger Dr Wong Jinly one piece of advice, what would it be?
If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be: “Focus on adaptability.” The world is constantly evolving, with new technologies, knowledge, and challenges emerging. Being flexible and open to change will allow you to keep learning, growing, and improving, no matter what the future brings. It’s important to stay curious, embrace new perspectives, and continually develop your problem-solving skills.
How have you grown in your profession? What have you learned from your start in the industry until now? Are there any misconceptions?
Here’s a summary of how I would reflect on my growth as an aesthetic doctor, key learnings, and misconceptions:
Growth in the Profession
Skill Refinement: Improved technical skills in injectables and advanced procedures for more natural results.
Expanded Knowledge: Enhanced understanding of skin biology and anatomy, informing better treatment choices.
Patient-Centred Care: Shifted focus from procedures to building relationships and understanding patient goals.
Integrative Approach: Adopted a holistic view of aesthetics, emphasising skin health, lifestyle, and mental well-being.
Staying Current: Committed to continuous education to keep up with industry trends and advancements.
Key Learnings
Communication: Effective patient communication is vital for managing expectations and ensuring satisfaction.
Subtlety Matters: Achieving natural results often requires a less-is-more approach.
Individuality: Customising treatment plans for each patient leads to better outcomes.
Safety: Prioritising patient safety and being aware of potential complications is essential.
Emotional Impact: Recognising the psychological aspects of aesthetic treatments fosters empathy and understanding.
Common Misconceptions
Vanity: Aesthetic treatments are not just for vanity; they can address insecurities and boost confidence.
Results: Treatments require maintenance; results are not always instant or permanent.
Accessibility: Only qualified professionals should perform aesthetic procedures; proper training is essential.
Non-Surgical Risks: Non-invasive treatments still carry risks that patients should be aware of.
Age Range: Aesthetic procedures are sought by individuals of all ages, not just the young.
Overall, my journey as an aesthetic doctor emphasises continuous learning, patient-centred care, and addressing misconceptions to foster a more informed understanding of aesthetic medicine.
What would you like people to know about being an aesthetic doctor as a profession?
Being an aesthetic doctor is a rewarding and nuanced profession that goes beyond the surface. It’s a blend of medical expertise and artistry. Precision and an understanding of anatomy are essential, as is an eye for aesthetics and balance. Besides that, it’s about enhancing a patient’s natural beauty and boosting their confidence while prioritising safety and realistic results. In my opinion, building trust and having strong communication skills are key.
The field evolves rapidly, so staying current with new technologies, techniques, products, and research is essential. Aesthetic doctors commit to lifelong learning. Understanding patients’ motivations and the psychological impact of treatments is crucial. The work goes beyond physical changes—it’s about well-being and self-esteem. The profession is highly rewarding as you help patients feel their best, but it requires patience, attention to detail, and handling high expectations with empathy.
Aesthetic medicine isn’t just about looks; it’s about helping people feel good in their own skin.
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