Selecting your derma is as crucial as choosing your life partner’

In the medical industry, dermatology is often labeled as a “superficial” specialty, dealing primarily with the skin, hair, and nails. However, this perception couldn't be further from the truth. Dermatology, as it turns out, is a serious science and one that's gaining prominence in the world of medicine for its life-changing impact.

“For me, Aesthetic Dermatology became a focus when I saw how it impacted my patients' lives. Confidence, self-esteem, and socialization are all affected by some skin conditions like severe acne, eczemas, and dandruff, to name a few,” relates board-certified doctor Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas, a fellow of the Philippine Dermatological Society.

Board-certified doctor Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas

Early in her practice, Vitas — now medical director of dermHQ Makati and partner at Beautique MD in BGC — found her passion in lasers and injectables, such as botulinum toxins and fillers. This passion drove her to continuously seek knowledge and further training, speak about these procedures, and share her expertise with colleagues. She is currently a clinical instructor in a dermatology training institution and is recognized internationally as a speaker and trainer in laser and energy-based devices, injectables, suspension threads, and dermatology-related products.

The pandemic offered Vitas a unique opportunity to both learn and teach. She started a YouTube channel to share her extensive dermatological knowledge on various topics and conditions. Her vlogs encompass beauty and aesthetic tips, procedures, products, and professional medical advice for those seeking guidance. Vitas uses her platform to dispel myths and misconceptions while providing insights from her experiences. Her channel boasts more than 80,000 subscribers.

“Training is very important not just to understand how to do procedures correctly on the right patients but, of course, to learn the science of how things work, what to do in case there are complications, and to be prepared for anything undesirable that might happen,” she emphasizes.

Vitas underscores the importance of practitioners comprehending worst-case scenarios for treatments, as it's a matter of patient safety.

All that said, Dr. Gaile Vitas underscores that selecting the right dermatologist is as crucial as choosing a lifelong partner. Her advice is clear: “You should investigate, ask, and understand. Trust your skin to someone who sees you, not just your skin. Do not trust those who overpromise and oversell. In my opinion, these have no place in true care. Sometimes, it's not about a complete overhaul but a subtle tweak that aligns with your lifestyle and habits.”