New stats show that 45% of Brits admit they want to significantly change the way they look and are considering aesthetic injectables. In light of these latest figures, Mr Alex Karidis was invited by London Live News to discuss what’s driving this demand and how patients can protect themselves.
“Today’s society highlights certain aesthetic features to younger people who spot these and become sensitised to them.
“They are also constantly being bombarded with their image on screens and through social media in a way previous generations weren’t. This has changed how we perceive ourselves.”
The motivation for undergoing dermal fillers and wrinkle relaxing injections
London Live’s interviewer, Tanya Francis, asked about motivation.
“There are ‘aesthetic reasons’, but there is always a psychological factor when considering any treatment. If you have a line that bothers you enough that you’re prepared to have a needle injected into it then it’s become a significant thing in your mind, affecting your confidence and self-esteem.
“There are also medical reasons for Muscle Relaxing Injections such as migraines or excessive sweating.”
Tanya then asked Mr Karidis if the clinic worked with life coaches or mental health professionals to spot whether there was a deep-rooted insecurity or underlying mental health issue that was prompting treatment.
“All of our staff have been trained in psychiatric counselling as a first line of help for patients. We also have a dedicated patient coach who counsels patients and tries to understand their motivation. We’re aligned with a psychiatric clinic to whom we can make a referral if the need arises.”
The interviewer was keen to find out how honest Alex is with his patients.
“It is essential that we maintain an ethical standard in our clinic. We are in a privileged position in that we have our own clinic and have been doing this for over 27 years. We do not need to take someone’s money just for the sake of it. First and foremost, we must ensure that it is the right thing for that individual and worthwhile. I can be brutally honest if I can’t help someone.
Choosing the right aesthetic practitioner
And, finally, how can people ensure they are having treatment safely with a trained practitioner?
“Sadly, you need very little in terms of qualifications to open a ‘clinic’ and start offering injectables. Unfortunately, the industry is not regulated particularly well. There are some regulations for medical professionals, but non-medical professionals operate in this sector, and they are totally unregulated.
“They can do an online weekend course and start administering injectables. It’s like lambs to the slaughter, and it saddens me to see it. It is very low on the government’s priority list, so these clinics can flourish. It is important to do your research before committing.”
At Karidis Clinic, our non-surgical treatments are performed by Dr Emily Strong, a highly-skilled and experienced injector. Emily is a Doctor of Dentistry with over 14 years’ experience in the aesthetic industry. She completed her foundation and advanced aesthetics training in botulinum toxin and dermal filler techniques with Avanti Aesthetics Academy in Harley Street and since this time has continued to build on her experience through regular attendance at masterclasses, workshops and conferences.
Call 0207 432 8727 or email us on enquiries@karidis.co.uk to arrange a non-surgical consultation.
