Aesthetics Business Cast

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Samantha Hills, Clinical Director at Lynton and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester.
With more than two decades in laser safety, education and research, Sam is a faculty member for the British Medical Laser Association, a registered laser protection adviser, and has contributed extensively to laser education through publications, university teaching and practitioner training.
Laser and IPL treatments have become a cornerstone of aesthetic practice, but with opportunity comes real responsibility. In this conversation, Sam unpacks why laser safety is about competence rather than compliance, and what clinics can do to build safer, more confident laser services.
In this episode, Dr Sam discusses:
How the laser industry has changed over the last 30 years and where the biggest gaps in practitioner knowledge lie
Why insurance companies are effectively regulating the sector at the moment, and what needs to change
The three types of training every laser practitioner should have: treatment specific, system specific and core of knowledge
The most common adverse events, from burns and blistering to pigmentation changes and rare but catastrophic eye injuries
Why consultations and patch testing are the most important safety tools a practitioner has
Plume inhalation, trailing wires and the "other" laser risks people forget about
The reality of tattoo removal, coloured inks and why lip liner is often best left alone
What the incoming licensing regime is likely to mean for clinics, and why proportionate regulation matters
Safeguarding and chaperoning considerations for intimate area treatments
Pain-free treatments, prejuvenation and the shift towards combination protocols
Why CE marked medical devices and proper machine servicing matter for both safety and insurance
A must-listen for any clinic owner or practitioner offering laser or IPL treatments, or considering adding them to their portfolio.
For more laser related content, guides and podcast episodes, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Arturo Almeida, consultant surgeon, international trainer and one of the leading voices in the field of injectable lipolysis.
Over the last two decades, Dr Arturo has worked across clinical practice, medical education and industry, training practitioners in more than 50 countries and helping shape the medical strategies behind some of the best-known injectable lipolysis products on the market. He's internationally recognised for his work in the prevention and management of complications associated with fat-dissolving injectables and has developed the first (and to his knowledge, only) structured training programme in the world dedicated to this area.
Fat-dissolving injectables remain one of the most misunderstood treatment categories in aesthetics, and this episode digs into why.
In this episode, Dr Arturo discusses:
Why fat-dissolving injections are so widely misunderstood in the UK
The "3R rule": the right patient, the right area and the right technique
Why these treatments are not a substitute for liposuction or weight loss injections
The difference between GLP-1 medications and injectable lipolysis, and how the two can work together
Why consultation, not technique, is where the magic happens
The dangers of counterfeit products, poor training and the "anyone can be a trainer" problem in the UK
Managing patient expectations and communicating what swelling and inflammation really mean
What the data actually shows about complication rates
Why the industry adopted Lemon Bottle without checking the science, and what that tells us
Areas of the face and body where fat-dissolving injectables should never be used
The regulatory reality that most of these products are classed as cosmetics and used off-label
How a practitioner's response to a complication often matters more than the complication itself
A must-listen for any practitioner offering or considering offering injectable lipolysis, and for anyone who cares about safe practice, thorough consultations and protecting both patients and their own professional reputation.
For more on managing complications, consultations and treatment safety, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser's Aesthetics Business Cast, we're joined by Ron Myers, aesthetic business coach, mentor, and one of the most experienced figures in the UK aesthetics industry.
Ron's career spans some of the most pivotal moments in the sector. From working with Allergan on the UK launch of Botulinum Toxin in 1994, to co-founding The Consulting Room, building Wigmore Medical's specialist distribution model, launching the FACE Conference, and co-owning MediZen for 15 years, Ron has watched the industry grow from a niche corner of medicine into the multi-billion-pound sector it is today.
Now, with the launch of Aesthetics AI, Ron is focused on what he believes is the next major shift: how artificial intelligence will reshape every part of running an aesthetic clinic.
This episode dives into:
How aesthetics has transformed across thirty years of practice and marketing
Why AI is far more than a content creation tool
The concept of AI "agents" and how a digital staff member could change patient communication, bookings and CRM workflows
Ron's five-part framework for using AI in clinic: thinking, creating, communicating, analysing and automating
The darker side of AI in aesthetics, from AI-generated complaints to manipulated before and after imagery
How patient search behaviour is changing, and what it means for clinics positioning themselves as experts
Where responsibility and indemnity sit when AI is involved in the patient journey
Practical first steps for clinic owners who feel unsure about where to start
A must-listen for clinic owners, practitioners and anyone serious about building a future-ready aesthetic business.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Uzma Qureshi, a GP with over 20 years of experience and Medical Director of the doctor-led, CQC-registered My Skin Clinic in Bradford.
With a background that includes working as a lead clinician for the Health Service Ombudsman handling NHS complaints nationally, Dr Uzma brings a uniquely informed perspective to one of the most uncomfortable but important topics in aesthetics: what to do when a patient is unhappy.
In this episode, Dr Uzma discusses:
Why aesthetics is a particularly challenging environment for managing dissatisfaction
The unique pressures faced by solo practitioners
How communication breakdowns sit at the heart of most complaints
A practical framework for responding: acknowledge, listen, empathise, explain, plan
Why defensiveness escalates complaints and how to avoid it
Building robust processes across the entire patient journey
The critical role of documentation and record keeping
How to handle negative online reviews and protect your reputation
Fostering a clinic culture where mistakes can be discussed openly
What the upcoming licensing regime and Trading Standards involvement will mean for practitioners
Her single most important piece of advice for handling dissatisfaction
Whether you're running a clinic, supervising a team, or simply keen to be prepared for every scenario, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance from someone who has handled complaints at the highest level.
For more on managing complaints, record keeping and protecting your practice, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.
To find out more about Dr Uzma Qureshi and My Skin Clinic, visit myskyn.co.uk.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker sit down with Brent Nixon, Chief Operating Officer of Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, the fastest growing professional skincare brand in the US.
With over 30 years of experience scaling high growth healthcare, aesthetics and technology businesses, including roles at Laserscope, GE Healthcare, Boston Scientific, CoolSculpting and Restoration Robotics, Brent brings a truly global perspective to the conversation.
Hydrinity's origin story is unlike any other skincare brand. Born out of regenerative medicine and wound care science, the company originally developed advanced wound care products and drug delivery systems for oncology and hematology patients. That heritage now powers a unique dual-weight, injectable-grade hyaluronic acid technology that penetrates deep into the dermis, delivering visible results in as little as two weeks.
In this episode, Brent discusses:
Why Hydrinity has chosen to launch in the UK and Ireland in partnership with Unique Skin
The science behind their proprietary low-molecular-weight HA and why it is a category disruptor
How clinics can rethink post-procedure care to reduce downtime, redness and complications
The "skinimalism" philosophy and why doing more with less boosts patient compliance
The launch of Retisone, described as the most significant advancement in retinol science in 10 years
How practitioners can reframe skincare conversations away from "selling" and toward better patient outcomes
What UK clinics can learn from the US market, and what makes the UK a critical global player
Whether you are a clinic owner, practitioner or aesthetics business leader, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of skin health, regenerative aesthetics and post-procedure recovery.

In this special episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Aesthetics Business Cast, we’re joined by industry pioneer Lorna Bowes, Founder and CEO of AestheticSource.
With over three decades in the sector, Lorna shares her journey from dermatology nursing in the early 1990s to building one of the UK’s most respected aesthetic distribution businesses.
From founding BACN (now BAMAN) to shaping practitioner education and championing science led skincare, Lorna has seen the industry evolve from every angle.
This episode dives into:• How the aesthetics industry has transformed over time• The shift towards regenerative, science led treatments• Why relationships and trust still define success• Lessons from building and scaling a business• The realities behind resilience, leadership and growth
A must listen for clinic owners, practitioners and anyone building a business in aesthetics.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, we’re joined by Eddie Hooker, founder and chief executive of Hamilton Fraser, for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present and future of the UK aesthetics industry.
With nearly 30 years of experience in cosmetic and medical malpractice insurance, Eddie reflects on how aesthetics has evolved, from informal practice to a sector facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, media attention and rising expectations around safety, professionalism and accountability.
Together, we explore:
What regulation in aesthetics could look like and why it matters
How insurance protects not just practices, but patients and practitioners
The growing focus on wellness, women’s health and mental health
Emerging treatments, risk management and practitioner responsibility
Lessons from 2025 and what clinics should prepare for in 2026
This episode offers practical insight for aesthetic practitioners, clinic owners and industry professionals who want to build safe, ethical and sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing landscape.
🎧 Explore more expert podcasts, blogs and guidance on regulation, risk management and running a responsible aesthetics business in the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

Welcome back to the Aesthetic Business Cast. In Part Two of our conversation with Dr Bob Khanna - world-renowned aesthetic practitioner, educator, and pioneer in facial aesthetics - we continue our exploration into the treatments and philosophies shaping the future of the industry.
In this episode, we’ll be discussing the rise of non-surgical rhinoplasty, the principles behind achieving balanced facial proportions, and why mesotherapy and regenerative skin treatments are becoming essential tools in modern practice. We’ll also unpack the growing interest in polynucleotides and DNA-repair-focused therapies, and how clinicians can safely integrate these innovations by collaborating with the right experts.
From recognising patient red flags, to the importance of ongoing training, to the mindset needed for ethical, artful, and regenerative practice, Dr Bob shares invaluable guidance for practitioners at every stage of their journey.
Whether you’re an injector looking to expand your skillset, or a clinician curious about the future of aesthetics and cellular optimisation, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Aesthetic Business Cast, we’re joined by Dr Bob Khanna, world-renowned aesthetic practitioner, educator, and pioneer in the field of facial aesthetics. With almost 30 years of experience, he’s recognised globally as a leading expert and serves as visiting Professor of Facial Aesthetics at the University of Seville and founder of the Dr Bob Khanna Training Institute, where he has trained practitioners worldwide in advanced injectable, thread lift, and regenerative techniques. He is also the founder of IAAFA which celebrates its 20th year this year.
In today’s episode, we’ll be exploring the latest treatment trends transforming modern aesthetics, from thread lifting and non-surgical rhinoplasty, to the rise of regenerative treatments like polynucleotides. We’ll be discussing what’s driving these innovations, how practitioners can safely integrate them into their clinics, and why education and standards are more important than ever in this fast-evolving industry.
We’ll also look ahead to what’s next for aesthetic medicine, the treatments set to define the next generation of practice, and how clinicians can stay ahead while maintaining excellence in patient outcomes.
Whether you’re an experienced injector looking to expand your skillset, or a clinic owner curious about the future of aesthetic treatments, you won’t want to miss this insightful conversation.

In this episode of the Aesthetic Business Cast, we’re joined by Piroska Cavell, independent nurse prescriber, founder of Clinic Sese, and creator of the Sese Slim Programme. With an MSc in Cosmetic Medicine and a postgraduate diploma in obesity and weight management, Piroska brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and personal insight into one of the most talked-about topics in aesthetics and healthcare today – weight management.
We will be exploring weight loss injections, how they work, why they’ve become so popular, and the myths and misconceptions that surround them. We will also be chatting about the risks of misuse, why medical supervision is vital, and why personalised programmes – supported by education and lifestyle change are key to safe, sustainable results.