I am primarily a surgeon by training having completed a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery residency (38th Infirmary Santa Casa de Misericordia- Ivo Pitanguy Institute) with international fellowships in both Craniofacial Surgery (Chang Gung Memorial Hospital) and Reconstructive Microsurgery (Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona). www.linkedin.com/in/drkhooleeseng
As of the past year, I have an integrated practice dedicated to acupuncture within my surgical practice.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGmrGilPw_Y/?igsh=d2U3dHRtcXUydnp0 (Neck pain treated with medical acupuncture & Botox)
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA3nbmes8lq/?igsh=c3l3MmpocG02bG55 (Weight Loss acupuncture)
As a surgeon, I bring a unique perspective to acupuncture, with a deep understanding of the body’s anatomy, particularly in areas where acupuncture needles are often used. https://drkhooleesengplasticsurgery.blogspot.com/2025/07/fasciadiseaseandacupuncture.html
Having performed surgeries in many of these regions, I’m able to apply my surgical dexterity to acupuncture maneuvers. In addition to acupuncture, I also use acupressure when appropriate, either as an alternative or in combination with acupuncture needles, depending on the situation.
My background in surgery allows me to address post-operative discomforts, like pain, nausea & vomiting, and issues such as slowed gastrointestinal tract movement in my patients. I believe that acupuncture can be considered a specialty of surgery, not because it deals directly with anatomy, but because it influences the body’s energy flow via meridians, which can have a profound effect on healing.
I was born in Malaysia and eventually made my way to read medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. After completing basic General Surgery training, I obtained the Intercollegiate Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh (MRCS Edin). My background in Surgical Sciences & General Surgery gives me a solid scientific foundation that complements my acupuncture practice.
After General Surgery training, I pursued Plastic Surgery training at the 38th Infirmary Santa Casa de Misericordia Hospital under auspices of the renowned Father of Modern Plastic Surgery, Ivo Pitanguy.https://www.wmagazine.com/story/ivo-pitanguy
https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/fashionandbeauty/arid-20271869.html
During my residency, I was honored to receive a research award for best Scientific Research paper (Jane Brentano Prize award) among all Plastic Surgery residents in Brazil. Dr Khoo Lee Seng's Plastic Surgery Blog: Ivo Pitanguy
My interest in Medical Acupuncture was ignited as my mentor in Plastic Surgery, Dr Vasco Senna-Fernandes was also a hand surgeon and a medical acupuncturist. He taught me the concept and technique of using acupuncture points in Plastic Surgery. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2740529/
Picture of myself (middle), Ivo Pitanguy (left) & Vasco Senna-Fernandes (right)
Dr Vasco Senna-Fernandes also exposed me to the concepts of using Acupuncture pre-surgery to reduce anxiety and also post-surgery to alleviate pain and discomfort or abdominal bloating. We wrote several papers in Plastic Surgery together one of which was enjoyed immensely was the following (click link)https://www.scirp.org/pdf/MPS_2014033114215017.pdf
Medical Acupuncture Diploma "Integrated Structural Acupuncture Course for Physicians"
Acupuncture, a form of alternative and complementary medicine, is part of the wellness treatments I offer in my practice.
Medical Acupuncture is available at Skin Check Malaysia. I also perform Acupuncture pre and post surgery for enhanced recovery and reduced pain.
What is Acupuncture?
Some details on acupuncture
Is acupressure the same thing?
Acupressure developed from acupuncture points. They’re related, but not the same. Acupressure is a type of massage, while acupuncture involves placing very tiny needles to achieve bigger results. Both can be used together for enhanced benefits.
Conditions I Treat With Acupuncture
I offer acupuncture care for:
-Acne (and other forms of skin-care–related acupuncture)
-Allergies (allergic rhinitis and skin allergies)
-Asthma
-Back pain
-Cosmetic acupuncture (sometimes called an acupuncture facelift) — this can soften wrinkles and lift areas such as the brows, cheeks, under-eye bags, and even help with a double chin. There is a separate cost for cosmetic acupuncture.
-Vaping/Smoking cessation (the biggest cause of slow wound healing and poor scarring in surgery)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Constipation
-Depression
-Dermatitis and skin diseases ( I also hold a Diploma in Dermatology)
-Diverticular disease
-Endometriosis
-Fatigue
-Fertility
-Fibromyalgia
-Headaches and migraines
-Hemorrhoids
-Hot flashes
-Infertility
-Menstrual cramps
-Myofascial pain / trigger points
-Pain management
-Sinusitis (often allergy-related)
-Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
-TMJ / jaw pain
-Weight-loss acupuncture for obesity
-Auricular (ear-only) acupuncture or Battlefield Acupuncture
…and more. Feel free to Whatsapp +6014-200 6558 and ask about specific needs.
What to Wear to Your Acupuncture Sessions
Most acupuncture points are located on the extremities — below your elbows and knees. Wearing loose-fitting pants and shirts that can be rolled up works well, or you may wear shorts.
For hip-related back pain, I may need to use acupuncture points around the hip area; we have towels and drapes available for modesty.
If you’re coming straight from work in a uniform or tight clothing, we also have patient gowns. (Keep in mind we are also a surgical clinic.)
How Many Acupuncture Sessions Will I Need?
It depends on your goals and your condition. For most concerns, I usually recommend 4–12 sessions over about two months, followed by a maintenance program anywhere from once a month to once every six months.
Of course, you don’t need to be sick to benefit from acupuncture — so your schedule is ultimately your choice.
Scared of Acupuncture Needles?
Patient recounts her experience undergoing Acupuncture under Dr Khoo
About 8 out of 10 of my patients tell me the needle insertions are completely painless and the session is relaxing.
The other 2 out of 10 say the needles feel like a tiny mosquito bite (they must have been bitten by large mosquitos!). Almost no one tells me the needles hurt “like crazy”—those patients either don’t come back or ran too fast for me to notice.
I’ve done acupuncture on myself and yes, it hurt a bit — but that was during training when I didn’t realize the sample needles we were given were actually thicker needles reserved for special cases.
In my practice, I use much thinner needles, about 36-gauge, so thin that several acupuncture needles can fit into the hole of a standard needle used to draw blood.
All needles I use are single-use, disposable, and among the highest-quality needles available.
If you sign up for an acupuncture session, you’ll hear plenty more about needles — fun times!
Side note: If you're scared of needles, you’re in good company — I am too, especially the ones used for blood draws. I’m not afraid to use needles on patients, though! And I definitely understand how it feels to be anxious about them.
What to Expect at Your First Acupuncture Session With Me
I’ll start by sitting down with you to discuss your goals and what you hope acupuncture can help with. We’ll talk about your symptoms, and I’ll explain what acupuncture may be able to do for you. I’ll answer any questions you have.
I’ll likely take your pulse and perform a physical examination — both are part of Chinese medicine diagnosis — and then I might give you beautifully poetic phrases such as “damp spleen” or “overheated liver”.
We’ll go over some acupuncture point charts so you’ll know what to expect. Then I’ll perform the acupuncture treatment.
During the session, we’ll keep an open dialogue; many patients end up sharing great stories, which I enjoy immensely.
Unapologetically Yours
Dr Khoo Lee Seng
Me and my young patient who came for Acupuncture treatment for rhinosinusitis and allergies. All children are welcome for Medical Acupuncture treatments at my pratice!
