The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

exilis

THSJ meets… Dr. Ravi Jain

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With 10 years in the industry, specialising in aesthetic medicine for the face and body, Dr. Ravi Jain leads an esteemed medical team at Riverbanks Wellness. The Harley Street Journal’s Laura Casewell met with the established cosmetic expert to find out how he built his successful private practice, and why investing in PR as well as advanced devices is the key to growing any aesthetic clinic.

What do you think is the key to a successful private cosmetic clinic?

It’s important to look at things from the client’s perspective. You have to understand what it’s like to be a patient by putting yourself in their shoes and envisioning what elements would deliver the best service you’ve ever experienced in your life! Your offering should be based on exactly the concepts that come to mind. It goes without saying that you should deliver a high level of customer care and service, success really boils down to a positive patient journey. Listen to customer feedback and use it as a tool for fine tuning and continually improving the content of your portfolio and standards of your clinic.

There are so many cosmetic clinics in London; how do you make yours stand apart?

We stick to our core beliefs and I’m fiercely committed to my professional principles which I have trademarked as Invisible Aesthetics®. At the core, this approach recognises the fact that the majority of my patients want ethical care and are seeking results that are subtle, almost invisible, and gradual. There’s no point in solely saying “Botox Dr” anymore, patients want to know more about your standards – and Invisible Aesthetics defines what is unique to us. Some of our treatments are completely exclusive, such as the R-Lift® facial procedure that I developed. And we’ve incorporated a wellness division to provide a holistic approach.  We’ve spent time and care to create strong branding and our core beliefs and approach are amplified through our PR initiatives.

What makes a stand-out cosmetic doctor?

Accessibility – patients don’t want to wait an age to see a practitioner. A great doctor has strong communication skills, patients want to feel understood, and equally should have medical information explained to them in a clear and effective way so there is no confusion or surprises. I am the Global Ambassador for Galderma and have been working with the company to develop and promote the Harmony Programme which sets standards of communication and input between the doctor and their client. Results where this has been implemented show an increase in patient retention and referrals. Additionally, a refined skill-set, an artistic eye and commitment to delivering outstanding results. And of course the status of stand-out doctor would not be possible without a great team to support them.

How do you build your business and ensure repeat patients?

I’d repeat much of what I’ve already said, plus you should communicate regularly with your patients. Social media has made keeping in contact easy and immediate, so make sure that your clients are aware of the practice’s Twitter and Facebook profiles. We distribute a regular e-newsletter which is an easy, unobtrusive way to keep patients abreast on new treatments that are available or of any events or launches. Build a great team who set a positive tone with clients.

How did you develop your brand?

With blood, sweat and tears! Lots of hard work. In essence my brand is based on my core professional values and I worked with a brand consultant who literally extracted them from my head so we could apply them to every aspect of my business and how the various facets of it manifest.

Is there value in outside marketing and PR?

PR should be a key part of your business and marketing strategy and factored in. It is important to understand the concept of PR from the outset, it’s a marathon, not a sprint that will pay off in time. You do need to allow a few years to build momentum as it’s a long-term strategic process.

Do you think successful cosmetic clinics should offer advanced treatment with devices as well as injectables?

Clinics tend to because patients start to request a variation of solutions, they expect both options to be available. As you grow in Aesthetic Medicine, so does your skill-set and you realise what can be achieved with devices in contrast to injectables. My advice is to grow organically, and don’t buy too many devices at one time, this will haemorrhage a lot of money and shut you down quickly. Don’t be led by the manufacturers, speak to colleagues and peers who can offer advice and experience along with any recommendations.

BTL Exilis
BTL Exilis

You offer several energy-assisted treatments; what value do you believe they bring?

Exilis is an addition to our portfolio because it offers a versatile range of solutions, and outstanding results, which makes it cost effective. Especially in non-surgical facial tightening, where the treatment is more affordable for patients. It’s extremely effective for treating cellulite and for fat reduction – in fact the system works hand in hand with other body contouring treatments we offer, like freezing technologies. An emerging interest we’re seeing from patients is for labia remodelling and Exilis has this capability. Our approach with the device has been to launch treatments gradually, on a monthly basis. That way our patients can really understand the benefits as they build trust and get to know the system’s capabilities.

Are there any aesthetic conferences or events you recommend for doctors looking to grow their practices?

Yes. I recommend going to FACE, the ACE conference, IMCAS in Paris and AMWC in Monaco. I also run courses to advise and discuss building and sustaining a successful practice – please contact me to find out more. Also I shall be hosting a talk about Vanquish at the FACE conference this year.

What advice would you offer struggling practitioners or new cosmetic clinics?

First and foremost, you must pinpoint the exact area of where you are struggling. Be specific and do not generalise your issues! Is it lack of patients, that you’re not getting repeat visits, treatment results aren’t up to scratch, for example? Once you know precisely where the issue lies, you can target that directly and take the effective steps to remedy. There are so many experts who specialise in areas of business and as a doctor it’s important to appreciate that you’re not trained in business, seek out those who are expert in your area of need, and consult help. For instance, if it’s miss-management of your books – get a bookkeeper to handle that. Delegate, do not attempt to do everything yourself.

With thanks to Dr. Ravi Jain of Riverbanks Wellness®. For further information visit www.riverbanksclinic.co.uk

BTL Announces Vanessa Bird As UK Sales Manager

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Words: Laura Casewell

BTL Aesthetics – the leading device company behind Exilis Elite and Vanquish – is delighted to announce that Vanessa Bird has joined the UK team.

Vanessa specialises in body shaping technologies and helping clinics select the best device for their business that will provide effective and long lasting results for their clients.

THSJ met Miss Bird to hear all about her new role and why she’s joined the BTL family.

“I’m really excited to be working with the team at BTL,” she explained.

“The devices in the BTL portfolio deliver phenomenal results, and are reliable and safe; it’s really quite remarkable what results can be achieved with them. I know that combining my expertise in non-surgical anti ageing treatments with the BTL range will help many clinics build their businesses successfully.”

Previously of Syneron Candela Miss Bird joined the award winning team on May 1st, covering the whole of the UK selling the full range of BTL devices.

UK Manager, Lee Boulderstone, said he was delighted that Vanessa has chosen to join the growing team at BTL.

“We are extremely happy that Vanessa has chosen to join our award winning team here at BTL Aesthetics UK. With her passion, experience and professionalism we only see BTL Aesthetics getting stronger over the coming months, further cementing the brand as the market leaders in the UK for non-surgical body shaping and skin tightening.”

For further Information please contact Lee Boulderstone via boulderstonel@btlnet.com or call 01782 579 060.

The Interview: BTL’s Lee Boulderstone Speaks Exclusively To THSJ

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Words: Laura Casewell

When investing in devices for your cosmetic clinic or practice, it’s import you know who you are going into business with. The Harley Street Journal’s Laura Casewell meets Lee Boulderstone – the UK Manager for BTL Aesthetics – who talks exclusively about the award-winning portfolio of products making waves across the country.

BTL has gone through a rapid period of growth over the last three years; what do you think makes the company unique and what does it offer customers?

BTL Aesthetics simply offer the best non-invasive technology that is available today, and more importantly it really works. We make sure we keep up to date with all of our device owners, and the results we see on a weekly basis are both encouraging and impressive. When looking at any non-invasive device always educate yourself in how these things actually work; you can then make a better informed decision regarding your requirements. I recommend all potential customers request clinical papers and evidence as proof, not just reply on a paid celebrity endorsement for validity. We offer our customers reliability and honesty: both from the BTL team, and our products and services.

The FDA recently approved the Exilis Elite for the treatment of cellulite; this must be an exciting time for BTL both in the UK and abroad?

Yes absolutely; we’re delighted. This is just one of the things that the team at BTL Aesthetics pride ourselves in. We continually push the boundaries of each and every device proving its worth again and again. Research and development plays another huge part here and I personally have never seen a facility like it – and I’ve worked with top UK and American corporate businesses in the past. The entire team at BTL is delighted with this new development – as are our existing customers, of course.

The portfolio of products available includes Vanquish and Protege Intima, as well as Exilis Elite. Are there any new launches or updates on the horizon for existing customers or practitioners considering joining the BTL family?

BTL Aesthetics continually push the boundaries of all its products as I said, so when a new addition becomes available we quickly act and inform our customers; no matter if it’s new and improved techniques, treatment protocols and additions, new approvals, and any upgrades. We’ve just had the FDA approval for cellulite reduction to join the already existing approval for skin tightening, wrinkle reduction and rythids for EXILIS, and we’ve recently launched the new VANQUISH FLEX to treat the inner and out thighs. As a treatment most never imagined possible, we’re delighted to offer a contactless non-surgical treatment to reduce fat on the legs.

EXILIS Elite has recently won FDA approval for the treatment of cellulite
EXILIS Elite has recently won FDA approval for the treatment of cellulite

Exilis Elite has repeatedly won some of the major awards within the industry and proved to be a formidable competitor in the areas of skin tightening and fat reduction. Apart from its multi-purpose use, what sets the device apart from others like it?

It simply works: tried and tested! We have the clinical evidence to back us and we have the client testimonials, but it’s all down to what the consumer thinks at the end of the day. That’s why we have won not only UK trade and consumer awards in the past 2 years, but international recognition that EXILIS is simply the best device available. With so many choices in the market right now – most claiming to be able to do what EXILIS can but, to be blunt, they don’t – many of the devices being touted have no real clinical evidence, so how do you know they work and, more importantly, can you really guarantee that they are safe? EXILIS leads the market; it doesn’t follow – that’s the difference.

It’s well documented that BTL prioritises safety and extensive training for all device operators. Can you tell THSJ more about your ongoing training programmes that were recently announced?

Besides the intense training that is required to use each device, perfecting every user to be the best they can be, we decided that we would introduce our Training Programmes for those individuals who want to move onto the next level. During these events improved and new techniques will be showcased along with the more advanced methods of treatment. Keeping our users all ahead of the game is something we’re very passionate about at BTL Aesthetics.

What’s in store for BTL throughout the rest of 2015?

We have built a great name for BTL Aesthetics over the recent years; a name that is trusted and respected in the aesthetic arena. Along with the best devices in the world, it’s no wonder this helped us win the Best Equipment Supplier award? Now we are going that one step further by taking the treatments and our products offered to the consumer. The EXILIS Elite not only winning Best Skin Tightening but also Best Body Reshaping treatment at the consumer voted awards, My Face My Body means we’ve started to showcase our users in popular consumer facing publications such as COMETIC and even T.V commercials on SKY TV. The reaction has been fantastic I have to say, making us really excited for the rest of the year. BTL is set to carry on taking the world by storm and as long as there is demand for a real, honest non-surgical treatment that works BTL Aesthetics will be at the forefront of this market. Our solutions are simple and effective, and our dynamic team get to know each and every customer to make sure the devices are used safely and effectively. It’s a great time to be part of the BTL family, for sure.

For more information about BTL devices, or to find out about the upcoming training days, email info@btlmed.co.uk

Clinic Reports Surge In over 60’s Seeking Fat Reduction & Botox To Mirror Mirren

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By Laura Casewell

• Actress Helen Mirren noted as ‘age-spiration’ for women in their sixties
• Enquiries into non-surgical treatments have trebled, say Cavendish Clinic & Medispa
• Body contouring and muscle relaxing injections top list of requested non-surgical treatments

The reported rise in the number of women in their sixties undergoing non-surgical cosmetic treatments is down to Hollywood favourite Helen Mirren, according to experts.

Leading aesthetic gurus believe the actress – now 69 – is reportedly behind the sharp increase in women aged 60-70 opting for treatments because of her youthful-looking skin, with one clinic calling the Dame ‘age-spiration’ to many patients.

The ‘The Queen’ star’s sleek silhouette, clear complexion, and minimal signs of ageing were the top reason for the clinic’s findings, as they labelled the rise a ‘top to toe’ seal of approval to the British star.

“We’re inundated with patients in their sixties hoping to turn back the clock with non-invasive treatments like Botox and skin tightening, as well as body contouring treatments,” explaivanquishns Justine Thomas, the clinical director of Cavendish Clinic & Medispa in London.

“Women want to look their best at all ages, and Helen is a great example of a woman still in her prime.”

“Women are visiting the clinic every week holding pictures of Helen Mirren in a bikini on the beach and asking, ‘I’m in my sixties too! How can I look like that?’ We think it’s great to see a rise in gorgeous grandmas,” she says.

“Helen is that generation’s age-spiration, without a doubt.”

The private clinic – which reported the number of women opting for non-surgical fat reduction and anti-ageing treatments has TREBLED since this time last year – believes the three-fold rise shows that women 60 onwards are celebrating the milestone, and making the most of what they have with the most advanced treatments available.

“We have ladies coming to us now from all over the UK in search of the best treatments for a natural look – just like Helen’s. The days of wind tunnel-esq facelifts and liposuction being the only options to look more youthful are long gone, and we’ve entered into an age where looking youthful is more desirable than younger,” Justine further explains.

“With so many outstanding energy-assisted devices like Vanquish and Coolsculpting now available, not to mention advanced training in injectables like Botox ensuring more natural results, women that want to mirror Mirren can do so without the cost and risk associated with traditional cosmetic procedures.”

Non-surgical body sculpting treatments have been gaining in popularity, with The Harley Street Journal recently reporting a 50% increase in patients choosing energy-assisted treatments over fat reduction surgery since 2012.

For more information visit www.cavendishclinic.co.uk

BTL Wins Equipment Supplier of the Year

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By Laura Casewellshutterstock_25442695

BTL, the aesthetic device company behind Exilis and Vanquish, won Best Equipment Supplier of the Year at the Aesthetics Awards.

The company were also highly commended for Best Customer Service and Product Innovation with Vanquish.

BTL Aesthetics, a multi award winning non-surgical device company in the cosmetic and aesthetics industry, enjoyed a very busy year in 2014, not only scooping these prestigious awards but achieving lots of press coverage in a myriad of national and local publications.

UK manager Lee Boulderstone said:

“We realise that the aesthetics industry is fiercely competitive; having great devices and great clinicians is only the start. Creating a nationally recognised brand takes more than word of mouth and goodwill, and this year’s sterling efforts, awards and positive feedback has ensured our devices – including Intima launched just last year – have been brought to the forefront of consumer and industry minds when considering non-surgical alternatives to anti-ageing procedures and body contouring.”

For more information visit www.btlaesthetics.com

The Clooney Effect: Surge in Couples Seeking Pre-Wedding Makeovers

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A top London clinic that specialises in non-surgical cosmetic treatments has reported a rise in couples seeking pre-wedding makeovers after 53-year-old George Clooney and his bride Amal tied the knot.

The official wedding snaps have reportedly had brides-to-be asking for a flat stomach like Amal and grooms wanting smooth skin like George, according to cosmetic doctor, Dr Ohan Ohanes, from Swiss Care Clinic.

“Since the Clooney wedding hit the covers of magazines and newspapers across the UK we’ve had enquiries about body contouring and anti-ageing skin treatments,” explains skin expert Dr Ohanes.

“Patients were asking for ‘the Amal look’ but soon we started receiving a high number of enquiries from couples looking to emulate both of the Clooney’s flawless appearances,” he says.

The cosmetic doctor, who says the London clinic has seen a 150% rise in couples looking into non-surgical treatments like body contouring and dermal fillers, says his patients have actually stated George and Amal as their pre-marital makeover inspiration.

shutterstock_25442695“We’ve had patients turn up at the clinic clutching the wedding photographs of the Clooney’s,” he reveals.

“Once you start getting enquiries from couples asking for treatments that emulate the look of a celebrity pair, there’s no doubt a trend is forming.”

According to Dr Ohanes, his female patients are choosing non-surgical fat reduction treatments to get Amal’s arms and flat tum, while gorgeous George’s smooth firm skin is appealing to the men.

“So far we’ve had couples choosing his-and-hers Exilis Elite fat reduction to shrink and sculpt certain body parts, especially the stomach,” he explains.

“We’re finding the grooms are more interested in anti-ageing facial treatments, which is something we usually associate with our female patients more.”

The Clooney Effect has swept the rest of the beauty world too, as Amal-inspired make up tips and hair tutorials based on her wedding style continue to take over the UK media.

“I’ve never seen anything like it to be honest,” Dr Ohanes concludes.

“We’ve had more couples enquiring about injectables and body shaping after the Clooney wedding than I ever had about Kim Kardashian and her enviable curves.”

Swiss Care Clinic is based in Palmers Green in London and specialises in non-surgical procedures and anti-ageing treatments.

Nuriss Invests £300,000 in Advanced Treatments

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A new ‘uber clinic’ is set to open on Wimpole Street this November, with its founder calling it a ‘one stop shop’ for all p6813508_xxlatient skincare and healthcare needs.

Founded by Dr Anita Sturnham, Nuriss will offer the latest advanced facial and body treatments, including Exilis Elite. Having just invested in £300,000 worth of technology, Nuriss is aiming to be the centre for the most sought after treatments in London, including non-surgical body contouring and radiofrequency skin tightening.

Skin specialist and TV doctor Dr Sturnham believes that to achieve outer beauty the patient needs to first ensure inner wellness; the very ethos that the clinic follows. This unique combination, Anita says, allows her team to provide a specialist medical assessment, looking not just at skincare but also at total wellness.

Anita, an ambassador for Unilever Skin Care, says: “It’s well known that the skin can often reflect inner health and well being. Total wellness is the aim for all of our clients at Nuriss clinics.”

An experienced GP and a medical expert for Superdrug, Dr Sturnham provides health advice on television shows such as The Alan Titchmarsh Show and Embarrassing Bodies.

“We believe that our patients deserve the best. That’s why every single Nuriss treatment has been tried, tested and perfected,” Dr Sturnham explains.

“From frown line reducing muscle relaxing injections and dermal fillers, to replacing lost volume with non-surgical radiofrequency and ultrasound body contouring and skin tightening treatments, we know that patients will love the results,” she concludes.

Nuriss Skin Care at Wellness Centre will be opening at 48 Wimpole Street in November. For more information visit www.nuriss.co.uk or call 0845 2613716

Exilis Comes To Kent

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An aesthetics clinic in Canterbury is now offering state of the art cosmetic and aesthetic procedures, popular with the rich and famous, to Kent.

The owners of The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic have invested in the latest high tech non-surgical fat busting and skin tightening treatments, aiming to bring a little glitz and glamour to Kent without patients having to go under the knife.

Husband and wife team Drs Mark and Alice Hudson-Peacock, Directors of The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic, say the private clinic is thrilled to offer the effective non-invasive treatments – similar to those favourited by Hollywood darlings including Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston – as they know the importance of looking good and feeling great.

“We’re so pleased to be bringing something different to the local area,” says Dr Mark, who met wife Alice during their medical school training in the University of Wales College of Medicine.

APSARAS1“Hollywood trends always make their way over to the UK, and the team at The Canterbury Skin and Laser Clinic – all leading skin specialists – are proud to be the first clinic in the area to be treating our patients with devices like Exilis Elite, which uses radio frequency energy rather than scalpels.”

Explaining what treatments the Exilis Elite can offer, Consultant Dermatologist Dr Mark says this unique machine can both contour the body and tighten the skin.

“Exilis offers a 2-in-1 treatment, meaning the machine itself can get rid of stubborn fat pockets anywhere on the body, and also tighten the skin on the face. You can tone up your tummy and shrink that sagging neck using the same device.”

Claiming radiofrequency machines are replacing traditional surgery, Dr Mark says he can see why Hollywood’s famous faces are replacing facelifts and liposuction in favour of energy-assisted treatments.

“Our patients love the natural results. The treatments are simple but effective, providing fantastic changes to the body and face without the pain, recovery and knives that go alongside surgical anti-ageing and body sculpting treatments. We want all of our patients to feel like Hollywood royalty, and with Exilis Elite we’ve found the answer.”

Dr Mark established his private dermatological and laser practice at The Chaucer Hospital in Canterbury in 1996 before expanding into the Spencer Wing at the Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate. With the practice continuing to grow as demand for skin and cosmetic treatments increased, the couple acquired a building in Castle Street in Canterbury, which continues to offer accomfortable environment in which to provide modern and comprehensive skin care, unique to this part of Kent.

This now well established clinic continues to be the only specialist Dermatology and Laser clinic in East Kent, which combined with the couple’s forward-thinking business sense, makes it a popular destination for patient’s in the south.

“We’re always investing in the latest and best treatments from across the world to make sure the local community can look and feel fabulous without leaving Kent,” Dr Alice says.