Botulinum Toxin Injection Workshop

On March 31, 2023, the SCFI residents participated in a Botulinum Toxin Injection Workshop under the guidance of Dr. Beverly Ong-Amoranto and Merz Aesthetics. A lecture on facial anatomy started the event in order to refresh the residents on the muscles, blood vessels, nerves, and other pertinent structures of the face. Afterwards, residents were guided in performing toxin injection procedures on patients.

We are truly grateful for this experience to further enhance our skills and become more knowledgeable on toxin injections, which includes preparation, administration, and management. Thank you very much for this opportunity, Dr. Ong-Amoranto and Merz Aesthetics!

QMMC Dermatology Patch Test Workshop

On March 29, 2023, SCFI residents attended the QMMC Dermatology Patch Test Workshop. Residents learned more about the state of contact dermatitis in the country, and were guided with proper techniques to administer patch tests. A hands-on workshop was also done to practice what was learned. Thank you to QMMC Dermatology and SCFI for this opportunity to further improve our dermatologic skills!

Philippine Academy of Cutaneous Surgery Skin Surgical Mission

On March 26,2023, SCFI residents and consultants (Dr. Desiree Bautista, Dr. Lily Arambulo, Dr. Catherine Chong, Dr. Olive Mendoza, Dr. Rizza Factor, Dr. Marie Millora Evangelista, Dr. Arlene Abella Sauna, Dr. Christine Lopez, Dr. Krisinda Dim Jamora, and Dr. Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell), participated in the Philippine  Academy of Cutaneous Surgery Skin Surgical Mission in General Trias, Cavite. This was held in honor of the late Dr. Vicente Ferrer Poblete, Jr., father of Dr. Christine Lopez. Procedures  like electrodessication and curettage and excisions were performed for cases like lipomas, acrochordons, verruca vulgaris, and epidermal inclusion cysts. A health education lecture on skin malignancies was also conducted for patients. Approximately 40 patients were served during the medical mission. 

We are truly grateful for this experience to serve and hone our surgical skills under the guidance of expert dermatologic surgeons. Thank you PACS and SCFI for this incredible experience.

Generational Aesthetics: Closing the Gap Through Dermatology

Dermatologic concerns are different for each generation, namely, the Gen Z, Millennials, Xennials and Baby Boomers. There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to addressing their aesthetic needs. As social networks continue to grow, people feel their image contributes to success. The Skin and Cancer Foundation Inc 10th Post-Graduate Course entitled “Generational Aesthetics: Closing The Gap Through Dermatology” held last March 24, 2023 at The Legaspi Hall of The Makati Diamond Residences aimed to equip dermatologists to develop the ability to customize skincare for each generation.

The event had a total of 483 attendees (289 online and 194 onsite).

MORNING SESSION

The morning sessions on Gen Z needs started with “Preteen Acne: Knowing the Reasons and Optimizing Outcomes” by Dr. Cindy Jao Tan, followed by “Up-to-date Knowledge on How to Restore the Skin-Gut Microbiome and Harness Its Use for the Aesthetic Patient” by Dr. Patricia Valle-Tin.

For the Millennial generation, Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco had a lecture entitled “Winning Combination in Achieving the Korean Glass Skin Look”, followed by Dr. Ma. Christina Gulfan on “Microtoxin and Skin Boosters: Innovative Strategies to Improve Skin Texture”, then contouring techniques for a chiseled jaw was discussed by Dr. Maria Suzanne Datuin in her lecture on “Redefining Beauty: Approach to Jawline Contouring”, Dr. Johannes Flores Dayrit on “The Red Face: Understanding Rosacea with Evidence-based Insights and Therapeutics”, and “Total Skin Solution: Best in Class Approach to Anti Ageing” by Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas. Dr. Hew Yin Keat from Malaysia gave a lecture on how skin pigmentation can be addressed by “Colourless Carotenoids as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Melasma”.

Dr. Wichai Hongcharu from Thailand discussed “The Real Deal with Non-Surgical Skin Tightening”.
For Xennials, Dr. Christopher Christian P. Aro discussed “Non-surgical Rejuvenation with Suspension Threads: Techniques and Clinical Pearls”, followed by Dr. Ma. Cristina Puyat with her lecture on “Regenerative Aesthetics: Blood, Fat, Exosomes: What is the Key to Turning Back Time”, Dr. Ann Marie Tan-See on “Female Endocrinology: Current Concepts to Delay and Reverse Aging”. The dermatologic issues for the male gender were addressed by Dr. Arnelle Y. Quiambao on “The Complexity of Male Aesthetics: Dos and Don’ts”, and “Unraveling the Mystery of Andropause” by Dr. Stanley A. Chua.

LUNCH SYMPOSIUM

A live demonstration on new generation radiofrequency skin tightening was conducted by Dr. Maria Jennina Francisco-Diaz followed by another live demonstration on insulated radiofrequency needles for Syringoma and Xanthelasma by Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara – Wijanco.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The afternoon session focused on baby boomers, with Dr. Gwendolyn Y. Wong discussing “Decoding Discoloration and Uneven Skin Tone”, followed by Dr. Emy Christine Onishi-Limcho on “Too Much of a Good Thing: Restoring Volume the Appropriate Way”, Dr. Jennina Francisco-Diaz on “Challenges and Solutions in Neck Rejuvenation”, and “The Forgotten Part: Hand Rejuvenation to Complete the Appearance of Youth” by Dr. Ronald O. Rigor. Dr. Gerald Chiong Sy then turned up the volume with “Volu"Me": Mid-Face Volumization and Contour”. Dr. Irene Gaile Robredo-Vitas discussed Body Contouring with Microwave and Shockwave Technology”

PANEL DISCUSSION

SCFI graduates practicing in different parts of the Philippines, namely, Dr. Liberty Sumilang from Northern Luzon, Dr. Bernadette Angustia - De Mesa from South Luzon, Dr. Ma. Henedina E. Belicena from Visayas, and Dr. Neil Oropeza from Mindanao comprised a great panel discussion sharing pearls to address the common concerns for each generation.

To complete the day, functional and wellness-based approach to aesthetics was addressed by Dr. Maria Tricia Manlongat-Malahito on “Hormones and Skin Health: When Topicals are Not Enough”, and Dr. Maria Julieta Arambulo-Cordero on her lecture on “Looking Good-Feeling Good Connection: Wellness-based Approach to Aesthetic Medicine”. Ending the day’s lectures was Dr. Rosalina Nadela’s “Acne’s Dirty Little Secret” on fourth generation retinoids for truncal acne.

CLOSING

The Postgraduate organizing committee would like to extend our gratitude to all our attendees and our 33 generous sponsors who helped make the event a great success.

SMAXEL CO2 Laser and Lecture Workshop

On February 13, 2023, SCFI residents attended the SMAXEL CO2 Laser and Lecture Workshop. Thank you SCFI and Dra. Des Bautista for the opportunity to learn more about lasers, and have hands-on learning on the proper usage of these equipment. We are truly grateful for this wonderful activity, and we look forward for more exciting high-yield workshops in the future