Director Rapeepan Luangaramrut said yesterday the company had already formed long-term expansion plans for Chiang Mai, Phuket, Singapore and Vietnam, with the first branch expected to open early next year.

Thailand's first Bt25-million aesthetic laser centre, established by five well-known, high-society figures from five different career paths, has already treated 65 customers, including five from Italy, Switzerland and Japan.

The centre provides two beauty courses; Lumenis One, to recover a youthful look for Bt35,000; and e-light, to eliminate wrinkles and other spots for Bt40,000. Also, nine skincare products imported from the US are offered, including cleanser, toner, day and night cream and various masks. Prices range from Bt500 to Bt2,250.

The centre boasts four medical machines imported from the US, including an e-light laser for skin tightening and wrinkle reduction, worth Bt8 million; the Lumenis One, worth Bt6 million; and the Ndyak, worth Bt1 million. It is planning to buy one more machine, the CO Two, worth Bt100,000.

Rapeepan said fees for Derma Belle's treatment courses were similar to other centres and even 10-20 per cent lower than in large hospitals.

The centre occupies 180 square metres, and next year another 180-square-metre zone will open at a cost of Bt25 million, offering body treatment for women, tightening and rejuvenating their skin.

She expects the business to break even this year.

Nitida Asawanipont

The Nation