Surgical precision

Editor Anna Dobbie catches up with Miss Natasha Berridge about splitting her time between private practice and the NHS, and why international travel is important in aesthetics

As an experienced oral, maxillofacial, and aesthetic surgeon with a passion for facial feminisation, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, Miss Natasha Berridge has carved herself a niche.

Miss Berridge has worked as an NHS consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon for over five years, however, her journey into aesthetics began long before that. During her higher surgical training in London, she was introduced to the transformative power of toxins and dermal fillers as a non-surgical reconstructive treatment modality for patients who had undergone challenging head and neck cancer procedures. This early exposure ignited her love for facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery, leading her to pursue further training within this subspecialist field.

Miss Berridge’s dedication to her craft is evident in her extensive credentials. Armed with an MSc in Aesthetic Medicine and Skin Ageing from the University of Manchester, she further honed both her surgical and non-surgical skills by completing the nationally awarded Training Interface Group (TIG) fellowship in Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgery. Today, she proudly serves as an honorary senior lecturer at Manchester University sharing her expertise with the next generation of medical professionals. “I love teaching and imparting the knowledge and experience that I have acquired throughout my career! I find it most rewarding to be able to give back to my postgraduate students, which is a real honour,” she adds.

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

Her multifaceted approach to facial aesthetics extends to her practice, with a balance between NHS and private work. Practising from prestigious locations such as the award winning renowned Cadogan Clinic in Chelsea and The Door W4 in Chiswick, Miss Berridge ensures that her patients receive the highest standard of care in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

At the Cadogan Clinic, Miss Berridge performs both surgical and non-surgical facial feminisation, a set of transformative procedures that go beyond physical changes, empowering her patients to embrace their true authentic selves. She attributes her success in this niche to the clinic’s commitment to excellence and inclusivity, values that align closely with her own.

“The Cadogan is a world leading clinic at which I have the benefit of being surrounded by excellence,” she adds. However, it’s not just about surgical interventions for Miss Berridge. She recognises the importance of holistic wellness in achieving optimal results, which is why she holds The Door W4 equally in high regard. Here, not only does she offer facial plastic surgical and injectable treatments but also collaborates with her esteemed colleagues to provide comprehensive care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

“The Door is an exceptional clinic, located in the leafy west London suburb of Chiswick” she says. “It’s an oasis of calm which offers a contrast to hectic central London. My patients who choose to come and see me at The Door view the experience along the lines of a tranquil retreat, very much like a home away from home”.

EVOLVING PARTNERSHIPS

I first met Miss Berridge on the Evolus stand at the Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine World Congress (AMWC) in Monaco, the day after she had spoken at an intimate event for the global pharmaceutical brand. As a KOL, her collaborative partnership with Evolus echoes her dedication to natural-looking results and patient satisfaction. Since its introduction into the UK in 2022, Evolus’ Nuceiva, the modern toxin has become an integral part of her clinical practice.

“Using Nuceiva in my clinical practice allows me to consistently provide absolute precision, delivering the best possible outcomes for my patients” she comments. “All of the treatments that I provide are bespoke to my patients’ individual needs, with the unified goal of preserving facial expression and maintaining identifying facial features. Whether used alone or in combination with other treatments, Nuceiva allows for the most naturallooking results! Being part of the growing and exceptionally talented Evolus collective is a professional privilege. Evolus are an evolutionary and forward-thinking company who embrace difference and inclusion, combining science and artistry for the benefit of all who use their product. For my own clinical practice, choosing Nuceiva was the most natural fit.”

CONTINUOUS LEARNING

Beyond her clinical practice, Miss Berridge is a firm advocate for evidence-based medicine and continuous learning, whether through collaborating with colleagues or speaking at international conferences. “Continuous enhancement of my specialist clinical skillset through the latest advances in evidence-based practice has always been a big motivator for me” says Miss Berridge. “It’s important not only to share ideas with, but also learn from, colleagues both at national and international conferences. Attending annual scientific symposiums and networking is one of the most enjoyable aspects of my job. Aside from the obvious enjoyment of socialising with colleagues, such events reinforce the ethos of lifelong learning all serving to elevate my practice to the next level.”

Looking ahead, Miss Berridge hopes to see more surgeons embrace aesthetic medicine as an integral part of their clinical practice as she has. She concludes: “Aesthetic medicine is a diverse speciality. My hope for the near future is to see more surgeons incorporating aesthetic medicine into their clinical practice.”