Aesthetics Business Cast

Navigating Body Dysmorphic Disorder in aesthetic practice with Claire Newman

The Aesthetics Business Cast, presented by Hamilton Fraser, hosts Claire Newman, a registered mental health nurse and director at Soft Touches Aesthetics. In this compelling episode, Claire sheds light on the complex issue of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) in the aesthetics industry. She elaborates on the challenges and responsibilities that aesthetic practitioners face when dealing with clients who may have BDD.
Throughout the conversation, Claire emphasises the importance of thorough consultations and the ability to say 'no' compassionately when treatments are not appropriate. She shares her extensive experience in identifying signs of BDD, discussing the psychological impacts of the disorder and how it can vary greatly among individuals.
The discussion also delves into the critical role of training for practitioners, the significance of having robust policies in place, and the necessity of understanding and implementing a proper referral process. Claire’s insights highlight the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and aesthetic treatments, offering valuable advice for professionals striving to support their patients effectively while minimising the risk of exacerbating their conditions.

How to get started in aesthetics with Julie Scott

Clinical Director of Facial Aesthetics and award-winning nurse practitioner, Julie Scott, shares her insights on getting started in aesthetics with host, Vicky Eldridge. What attracted Julie to a career in the sector, and what one piece of advice would she go back and tell her younger self? Tune into this inspiring conversation to learn about Julie’s tips for developing a business mindset, dealing with imposter syndrome, and what she is most excited about for the future of aesthetics. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners starting out, as well as anyone looking to take their business to the next level.

Voices of aesthetic nursing: The leaders of BAMAN

In this episode Vicky Eldridge sits down with the newly appointed Chair and Vice Chair of the British Association of Medical Aesthetic Nurses (BAMAN), Amy Bird and Alexandra Mills, as well as by Chief Operating Officer, Gareth Lewis. With a fresh vision for the future, they share their personal journeys into aesthetic nursing and the pivotal role BAMAN plays in supporting practitioners across the UK.
From hot topics like remote prescribing, the campaign to protect the title "nurse", and the safe administration of prescription-only medicines, to the support structures BAMAN provides for new entrants to the field, Amy and Alexandra offer a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to lead an organisation committed to standards, safety and professional growth.
Whether you're an experienced aesthetic nurse, new to the sector or simply curious about the direction of the industry, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving sector of aesthetic nursing - and what BAMAN has planned next.

Managing work-life balance in aesthetics with Dr Priya Chadha

The Aesthetics Business Cast, presented by Hamilton Fraser, welcomes Dr Priya Chadha, Director of Acquisition Aesthetics and a specialist in plastic surgery. In this enlightening episode, Dr Chadha discusses the often misunderstood concept of work-life balance, particularly within the demanding aesthetics industry. She challenges the traditional perceptions and emphasises the importance of defining personal joy and energy sources to achieve a fulfilling professional and personal life.
Throughout the conversation, Dr Chadha shares her insights on leadership, the critical role of team empowerment, and the necessity of 'ruthless time management' to maintain one’s mental and physical wellbeing. She candidly addresses the dynamics of managing a business and personal life, revealing her strategies for prioritising tasks that align with her values and bring her joy.
The discussion also explores the significance of mental health, particularly the impact of rigorous self-care routines like prioritising sleep and setting firm boundaries. Dr Chadha’s perspective on the aesthetics industry’s evolution highlights the exciting advancements in treatment combinations and patient education, which she believes will integrate aesthetics more seamlessly into daily wellness routines.

The importance of training and trends in aesthetics with Dr Raj Thethi

The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, features Dr Raj Thethi, Medical Director of the Yorkshire Skin Centre, discussing the critical role of ongoing training in the aesthetics industry. In this episode, Dr Thethi shares insights on the rapid evolution of aesthetic practices, the necessity of continuous education for practitioners, and the challenges newcomers face in selecting quality training courses. The conversation also delves into the shifting dynamics of male treatments, the significance of mentoring, and the value of business focused events in shaping a successful career in aesthetics. Tune in for valuable advice on navigating the complexities of aesthetics training and the importance of personalised approaches in treatment.

Managing patient expectations in aesthetic practices with Dr Emily Mehta

The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, features Dr Emily Mehta, Director of Harley Academy, as she delves into the crucial topic of patient motivations and expectations in aesthetic practice. This episode discusses the impact of social media on unrealistic patient expectations, the importance of effective communication during consultations, and strategies for practitioners to ethically manage patient requests. Dr Mehta shares her insights on the evolving landscape of aesthetic treatments, the shift towards more natural results, and the significance of building strong relationships with patients. 

Enhancing patient experience in aesthetics with Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant

In this episode of The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, we welcome Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant, who shares her insights on enhancing patient satisfaction in the aesthetics industry. Vanessa discusses the importance of creating a memorable patient journey that extends beyond clinical results, emphasizing the significance of the entire experience - from welcoming patients to the little touches that make them feel valued. She shares personal anecdotes, tips for clinics on improving customer service, and the role of reputation management in maintaining trust. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners looking to elevate their practice and foster lasting relationships with their patients.

The future of regulation and licensing in the aesthetics industry with Professor David Sines

The Aesthetics Business Cast, brought to you by Hamilton Fraser, features Professor David Sines, Chair of the JCCP, discussing UK regulations and a proposed licensing scheme within the aesthetic industry. The conversation covers updates on delayed regulatory responses from the UK government, the urgency of implementing safety measures following major incidents such as the Alice Webb tragedy, and developments in Scottish legislation. The discussion also highlights collaboration with other organisations and the role of insurance in public protection. Advice is offered to newcomers in the aesthetic field, emphasising the importance of specialised training.

Conference special: Menopause in aesthetics with Charlotte Body

In this special episode, we welcome Charlotte Body, founder of Menopause in Practice (MiP), who shares her personal journey through the challenges of menopause and her inspiring story of resilience and recovery. Charlotte opens up about the physical and emotional struggles she faced, the treatments that helped her regain balance, and her mission to champion safe, ethical menopause care in the aesthetics industry.

Integrating wellness into aesthetics with Dr Mayoni Gooneratne

In this episode of The Cosmetic Cast, we talk to Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, a functional medicine doctor, aesthetic practitioner and former NHS surgeon with a passion for female wellness. The aesthetics industry is increasingly recognising the importance of a holistic approach that integrates treatments with lifestyle and wellness advice. This approach considers the whole person and seeks to enhance not just physical appearance, but also overall quality of life. Together with Hamilton Fraser's founder and CEO, Eddie Hooker, and journalist Vicky Eldridge, Dr Gooneratne explores how this fusion of aesthetics and wellness has created opportunities for practitioners to diversify their service offering. Tune in to find out about her journey from aesthetics into functional medicine and how you too can integrate this into your practice.   Dr Mayoni Gooneratne is co-founder of the British College of Functional Medicine and founder of Human Health Clinic, both of which are referred to during this podcast.   For more relevant reading, see our article, ‘Integrating wellness and a holistic approach into your practice’.