A PROFESSIONAL’S VIEW
The appeal of such home-based businesses is not lost on Dr Stephanie Ho, a consultant dermatologist who runs her own clinic at Scotts Medical Centre.
These businesses make it convenient for customers as the appointments can fit their schedules, and they can have the treatments in a private setting.
This saves on time and simplifies logistics, said Dr Ho, a skin specialist with more than 25 years of medical experience.
She added: “Without the high rental cost of commercial spaces, the cost of home-based treatments is often a fraction of what patients will pay in clinics.
“They can perhaps personalise their treatments to more detailed specifications, for example, doing a treatment on the face while performing a different treatment on the eye area, and another on the scalp,” Dr Ho added.
Benefits aside, there are several potential risks that must be addressed.
As seen in media reports, certain home practitioners may offer treatments that are not legally permitted, such as unauthorised injectables, unsafe laser procedures, counterfeit Botox injections or unverified skin-lightening products, Dr Ho said.
“Home-based practitioners are less likely to have undergone formal and rigorous training and certification, which can lead to improper techniques and unsafe procedures,” she added.
Such procedures can potentially lead to serious complications such as burns, scarring, infections, or suboptimal results.
She also pointed out that there are no strict industry regulations imposed on home businesses. Tools and equipment may not be properly sterilised, increasing the risk of infections, cross-contamination and skin reactions.
Unlike professional clinics, home-based setups may lack the proper medical equipment or trained staff to handle allergic reactions, burns, or other complications.
There is usually no professional liability insurance, which means that customers may have little recourse if something goes wrong.
The space at home may not always be designed for professional procedures, especially those with improper lighting or ventilation.
“While home-based beauty services are appealing, clients should be mindful of hygiene, product safety, and practitioner qualifications to ensure they receive safe and professional treatments,” said Dr Ho.
