My Experience Visiting a Dermatologist in Bangkok, Thailand
When I moved to Bangkok at the end of January 2024, my skin took a sudden turn for the worse. I blamed the pollution at first, sticking to my tried-and-true skincare routine, but the tiny pimples quickly escalated into massive, painful acne. That's when I decided to play dermatologist myself, turning to YouTube and Google for advice.
I followed the product recommendations of a few board-certified American dermatologists—shout-out to Dr. Dre, Dr. Indriss, Dr. Shaw, and Dr. Maxwell. I even purchased tretinoin cream from a local pharmacy without a prescription for only 150 baht (~4.43 USD). I used the cream alongside a 10% benzoyl peroxide cleanser from CVS in California, a daily SPF, vitamin C serum, and Dr. G's acne cream for three months. In a desperate attempt to tackle the breakouts, I bought an acne facial and laser treatment package from a nearby beauty clinic.
Why I Delayed Seeing a Dermatologist
Many people might wonder why I didn't visit a dermatologist immediately. The truth? I was embarrassed. When I went to a beauty clinic for an acne facial extraction, the technicians commented, "Wow, you have so much acne. Do you not wash your face properly?" This left me feeling judged and apprehensive about seeing a professional. I didn't want to hear the same criticisms from a dermatologist.
But after three months of frustration and more breakouts, I decided enough was enough. I researched clinics and hospitals for weeks and finally chose Samitivej Hospital in Sukhumvit. The good reviews from Google, recommendations from friends, and the convenience of being just one BTS station from my condo sealed the deal.
My Visit to Samitivej Hospital Sukhumvit
Samitivej Hospital exceeded all my expectations. The facility is modern and well-maintained, with Starbucks inside, air-conditioned vans that shuttle patients from EmQuartier Mall (Phrom Phong BTS) to the hospital every hour, and a comfortable lounge with complimentary mini water bottles.
I chose Dr. Prisana based on recommendations and couldn't have been happier with my decision. She was professional and efficient and spoke excellent English, which made me feel comfortable immediately. The appointment was quick—just what I needed—and I even booked it online one day in advance. A friend of mine managed to get a same-day appointment, so it seems they're pretty flexible with scheduling.
Another perk? They accept American Express without additional fees—something rare in Asia.
The Treatment Plan
Dr. Prisana prescribed me:
Rocaccutane (isotretinoin) 10mg for a 15-day supply (1,380 baht~40.79 USD)
Vitara Linda gel (172 baht~5.04 USD)
SkinFix 1% salicylic acid cream (304 baht~8.99 USD)
The total cost of the visit, including medication, doctor fees (800 baht~23.65 USD ), and hospital fees (400 baht~11.82 USD ), came to 3,056 baht (~ $90.33 USD). This is not bad at all, especially compared to what I would have paid in California without insurance!
I began the treatment immediately and was shocked by how quickly I noticed a difference in my skin. Within a few days, the painful breakouts had reduced dramatically. Even my friends commented on how much better my skin looked.
The Follow-Up
I went back for a second follow-up appointment last week. This time, the total cost was 2,695.50 baht (~79.68 USD), with Rocaccutane priced at 1,495 baht (~44.19 USD). The doctor and hospital fees remained the same.
Reflections on Cost
While the price at Samitivej was affordable by Western standards, I recently discovered that I could buy all the medications at a local pharmacy for much less: 650 baht (~19.21 USD) for Rocaccutane, 70 baht (~2.07 USD) for the Cinda gel, and 210 baht (~6.21 USD) for the cream—totaling just 930 baht (~27.49 USD).
For me, paying a little extra for the comfort and professionalism at Samitivej was worth it. But this is something to keep in mind for those on a tighter budget.
Final Thoughts
Despite my initial hesitation, visiting a dermatologist at Samitivej Hospital Sukhumvit was a fantastic decision. My skin is finally clearing up, and I've gained a new level of confidence. If you're living in Bangkok and struggling with your skin, don't wait as long as I did—professional help can make all the difference!
