Holistic wellness

As we come into the spring months, patients are starting to consider their health and wellness in combination with their physical appearance. How best can you incorporate this trending approach to medical aesthetics?

William Foley, medical aesthetician at One Aesthetic Studio, learned about ancient massage techniques while studying clinical cosmetology. He was inspired by this training, and communication with his patients, to incorporate wellness into his treatments.

“I’ve had patients cry from the emotional scarring of a skin indication, as it can take them back to the place of where it all began,” says Foley.

“We all want to be the best version of ourselves where possible, whether that be aesthetically or how we feel. At One Aesthetic Studio, we have a self-development space where patients can attend yoga, reiki, and sound healing classes with some amazing practitioners, which ties in beautifully with our clinical offering.”

There is an intricate link between mental health and wellness, and Dr Pradnya Apté, clinic director for Skin Southwest, prides herself on creating a friendly and supportive environment to help assist with patient comfort.

“We recognise that wellness extends beyond physical health, emphasising the profound impact of mental well-being on overall health,” says Dr Apté. “Emotional states influence both external appearances and internal organ function, contributing to inflammation, disease, and ageing.”

Menopause is a particularly prevalent topic at the moment, and she introduced a specialised clinic setting to help patients with the difficult hormonal transition.

“Our menopause clinic has experienced remarkable success since its inception in the summer of 2023, operating collaboratively with our GP, Dr Charlotte Chandler. This clinic has proven instrumental in enhancing the well-being of numerous patients, fostering a positive self-image inside and out.”

Fluctuations in hormone levels happen all throughout life, and Dr Sarah Tonks thinks that it is important for practitioners to be aware of when a hormonal issue is indicative of something deeper. She has great interest in functional medicine, having trained in it herself, and utilises this expertise in her role as owner of The Lovely Clinic.

“If I have a patient coming in that I think will benefit from a referral to someone else, then I think it’s really important that we go ahead and make that referral. I personally send a lot of my patients to a functional endocrinologist because I think they could use a bit of help in that department.”

“Sometimes people ask for one thing, a filler or maybe some toxin, but actually what they really need is help with weight loss or help with their thyroid,” she explains. “I think it’s important that we know where to signpost people for that. There’s not that much benefit, in my opinion, from treating these things piecemeal.”

All practitioners know the profound affect that an aesthetic treatment can have on a patient’s self-esteem and quality of life. Embracing a holistic approach ensures patients get a well-rounded experience out of their treatments, that supports both their mental and physical health.