The landscape of cosmetic treatments has undergone a transformative shift over the past few years, evolving from a hushed topic to a booming demand among the modern population, particularly in South Africa. As more individuals seek to enhance their appearance through this art and science, there are crucial guidelines to heed. Dr Reza Mia illuminates the path with his professional dos and don’ts.
The Surge of Cosmetic Procedures
The rising popularity of injectables and dermal fillers in South Africa is undeniable. Parallel to this growth, however, is an increase in patients seeking corrections from previous treatments, which didn’t yield the desired outcome.
The prevalence of such unwanted results creates a false perception of aesthetic medicine, where potential patients or the general public begin to fear aesthetic medicine because they carry the false perception with them as it builds in their minds as they are repeatedly exposed to these poor results. Unless they are introduced or exposed to high-quality aesthetic results, (and informed that these results are the result of aesthetic treatments), these negative perceptions are never undone. This makes sense when one understands that well-done treatments that look attractive and natural do not “look like” the result of aesthetic treatments, but would appear as naturally occurring beauty.
A Blend of Art and Science
Aesthetic medicine intertwines the intricacies of art with the precision of science. It demands dedication, knowledge, and a significant investment of time to master, much like any other medical field. I’ve noticed that a number of patients initially approach non-specialists, only to later realise the importance of consulting dedicated professionals in aesthetic medicine.
Beyond Just Enhancements
True aesthetic medicine transcends merely reshaping appearances with dermal fillers or botulinum toxin. The core intention is to rejuvenate, making one look and feel healthier and more vibrant, without giving away signs of having undergone cosmetic procedures.
Dos and Don’ts for Aspiring Patients
One fundamental advice I always emphasise: avoid seeking overnight transformations. The most commendable results stem from consistent, subtle alterations, addressing different skin layers over a span of time.
Embracing the Timeless Elegance™ Approach
My concept of Timeless Elegance™ is designed to guide individuals on the ideal focus and outcome of aesthetic treatments. If we draw an analogy with architecture, structures built in the 70s or 80s clearly reflect their era’s design sensibilities and might seem outdated today. Similarly, in aesthetic medicine, the Timeless Elegance™ approach promotes enhancing one’s beauty such that it remains evergreen and timeless.
This philosophy rejects the fashion element surrounding specific aesthetic treatments or outcomes, such as the “Fox eyes” or “Doll lips”, and embraces the principle that individual beauty can be achieved, optimized and maintained over decades of life using carefully measured and meticulously placed botulinum toxin, dermal fillers, micro-fillers, platelet rich plasma, micro-needling, chemical peels and energy-based devices. This ties in with our already entrenched philosophy of Art meets Science, understanding that the best outcomes are achieved by combining the latest treatments with artistic ability and thinking.
The Importance of Professional Expertise
It’s vital to mention that while South Africa maintains stringent regulations on who can administer dermal fillers and injectables, not every country shares these standards. I often caution those considering treatments overseas to be extremely discerning.
In Closing
Avoid entrusting your cosmetic treatments to non-medical professionals, even if it seems cost-effective. The associated risks are manifold. On one hand, there’s the danger of counterfeit or unapproved products, leading to complications like infections. On the other, the very act of injecting requires a comprehensive understanding of the filler, its interaction with tissues, potential side effects, and their management. Improper technique by an untrained individual can lead to severe repercussions, including stroke, blindness, or other grave conditions. Safety and expertise should always be paramount.
MBChB - Bachelor's of Medicine and Bachelor's of Surgery, MBA - Masters of Business Administration, MSc Fin. - Masters in Science in Finance, AdvDipAesthMed - Advanced Diploma in Aesthetics Medicine.
Aesthetic Doctor, Owner of Anti-Aging Art Medical Aesthetics in Johannesburg.
Having graduated from the University of Witwatersrand with a medical degree at age 23, Dr Reza sought to enhance his studies with an MBA from the University of Liverpool, having obtained multiple distinctions. He fulfilled a life-long ambition when he passed the entrance exam to become a member of MENSA in 2013. Dr Reza was awarded the Dean’s Scholarship for Entrepreneurship from the London School of Business and Finance for an MSc Finance & Investment degree where he majored in investment banking and capital markets, graduating with Merit. Most notably, Dr Reza completed a dissertation in Aerospace OEM analysis and later obtained his Advanced Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine from the Centre of higher education. Amongst his various qualifications, Dr Reza was recently admitted to the American Board of Regenerative Medicine.
Dr Reza previously participated in a global study assessing the various injection techniques of Restylane’s skin boosting dermal filler. Dr Reza was appointed the Hyalual Key Opinion Leader for South Africa. He has also been appointed as Key Opinion leader for DermaV (PrP). He further trains for Italian founded company Medicap for Biofibre Hair Implants. Dr Reza has also internationally published in the UK aesthetics journal. Dr Reza is also a well-known inventor and is the founder and chairman of Pegasus Universal Aerospace and holds patents in South Africa, Europe and The United States for a vertical business jet currently being manufactured.