(cross-posted to r/tokyobeauty )
I’ve only gotten into skincare in the last 6-12 months, but now that I have my basic, at-home routine down I’m looking to level up and start seeing a derm regularly. Since it’s my face and a lot of these treatments aren’t cheap, I’m holding out until I find a derm that can feel very confident in, but finding it hard. I’m looking for someone who will actually take time to analyze my face and issues properly, and won’t just try to upsell me on possibly unnecessary treatments.
In order of priority I’m looking to:
1 -> treat hyperpigmentation w/chemical peels/lazers
2 -> Tretinoin and hydroquinone prescriptions for hyperpigmentation
3 -> botox (more to prevent new wrinkles than treat existing ones, but I’m 33 so have a few)
4 -> any other “anti-aging” treatments that might be appropriate for me
5 -> treat nasal folds (ideally with filler)
Thus far I’ve tried:
[Shinagawa skin clinic, Shinagawa branch](https://www.shinagawa.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjww_iwBhApEiwAuG6ccCt7VNjoBPiT1hpGua7Uqv2IcBp9w6rtjf3hfYWLLEOPu_-29smnOBoCA84QAvD_BwE): okay, but I was a bit alarmed when they very causally suggested I get a thread lift. They basically sold it to me as being a ‘similar but more effective’ version of filler for my nasal folds, but my understanding is that it’s a more invasive procedure. Upselling wasn’t terrible, but I did feel they wanted to push me towards more treatments. I am also a bit worried about how good the injectors will really be, I don’t know how skilled they are and am worried about e.g. Botox ending up over-done.
[Megruo derm:](https://meguro-derm.jp/en/)
it might have just been a busy day, but I felt quite rushed and like she didn’t take time to really listen to my problems. Just told me summer isn’t a good time to do peels/hydroquinone etc. (without asking me what my sun protection is like or my lifestyle (I’m WFH and basically only go out during the day like max 2 times per week, never for long periods and never got to the beach etc)). Just offered to start doing ‘Healite therapy’ and gave me a piece of paper about it. Did appreciate their non-nonsense approach, but did not feel like they were assessing my issues well.
Dem in Gotonda (forgot the name): Felt like they spent a very good amount of time talking to me, looking at my skin, etc. but really just seemed to be willing to do anything and everything without any kind of recommendation/advice (I always ask for 1 thing I think is really not at all necessary (i.e. treating a problem that isn’t there) to see how they react, this derm was basically willing to do anything no question).
I know I will never find somewhere ideal, but looking for someone who will:
(1) take time to assess issues properly and advise on appropriate treatment
(2) not do ridiculous upsells
(3) be someone I can work with long-term to help me age gracefully, rather than just treating the immediate issues I have
Would really appreciate any recommendations
by applePie_SpiceGuy