Time after TIME

Editor Anna Dobbie visits Dr Manav and Yogeeta Bawa at their new location in Woodford to understand their ethos and discover the secret of working with your spouse

As an East London girl, I am always excited when recognised faces in the aesthetics sector set up in my neck of the woods, so when Dr Manav Bawa told me he had relocated Time Clinic (known as Time Clinic Medical Aesthetics and Wellness) to within walking distance of my door, I knew I was due a visit.

Managing director and Manav’s wife, Yogeeta Bawa has been at the helm of Time Clinic for four and a half years. Her background in senior project management roles for international companies, including Reuters, has equipped her with a unique skill set for managing diverse teams and projects that she has transitioned into the field of medical aesthetics. With a background in surgery and orthopedics, medical director Dr Manav retrained as a general practitioner, co-founding Time Clinic with Yogeeta in 2019.

The clinic’s journey began with a vision of creating a space that prioritised patient care and comfort. After searching for a suitable location for two years, Yogeeta and Manav found their current site in October 2023 and transformed it into a welcoming, light-f illed clinic with the help of a renowned design company.

Strategically located in Woodford, near the South Woodford and Chigwell areas, the clinic is easily accessible by tube and offers convenient parking, with a discreet entrance catering to patients’ privacy and providing a sense of exclusivity and comfort.

The focus on maintaining ample natural light and an open, uncluttered space was crucial in creating a serene environment for patients. The clinic’s design reflects its core values of safety, welcome, and nurturing. With a black and white theme, accented by neutral tones and a dash of purple, the interior balances a clinical feel with awarm, inviting atmosphere. The incorporation of a bespoke abstract painting imported from India by a local artist adds a personal touch, connecting the clinic’s aesthetic to Yogeeta and Dr Manav’s cultural heritage.

SERVICES AND SPECIALTIES

Time Clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including injectables, laser treatments, and advanced skincare protocols. Clinically, Dr Manav is joined by Dr Victoria Russell, a surgeon specialising in injectables and laser treatments, and seasoned therapist Karen Ellis. Tiannie, Time Clinic’s front of house, welcomes patients and ensures a five-star patient journey.

As Dr Manav is a key opinion leader for several top-tier brands, including Allergan, Cutera, iS Clinical, Hydrafacial and Calecim, the clinic features cutting-edge devices such as Cutera’s Secret RF microneedling device and Xeo laser, which cater to a variety of treatments from pigmentation and thread veins to overall facial rejuvenation. The name Time Clinic encapsulates the clinic’s philosophy of dedicating ample time to each patient, providing timeless aesthetic solutions, and creating a lasting impact through treatments. From initial consultations to follow-up care, the clinic ensures that patients feel valued and supported throughout their treatment process.

BALANCING NEW TREATMENTS WITH PATIENT NEEDS

Yogeeta feels the secret to the clinic’s success is that the couple have always worked well together: “When Manav suggests a new treatment, I trust his expertise. My primary concern is always, ‘How much will it cost?’ and ‘Do we have a demand for it?’ We balance our decisions on patient needs and financial feasibility; our passion lies in providing what our patients need or desire, ensuring every investment is justified.”

A good example of this would be the introduction of a Hydrafacial Syndeo device to the clinic.

“Hydrafacial is a well-regarded brand,” adds Yogeeta. “We noticed a consistent demand from our patients asking specifically for Hydrafacial, not just any facial. We didn’t want to turn patients away, so we invested in it. It’s now very popular; having a skilled therapist who gives that extra TLC makes a significant difference.”

“We often combine treatments like Secret radiofrequency with growth factors and follow up with skincare and injectables” adds Dr Manav. “One exciting recent addition is HydraGenesis, which pairs Laser Genesis with a Hydrafacial for an enhanced combined treatment. We also recently acquired the SkinPen, which we plan to use with Calecim growth factors for enhanced results.

“Our rebranding to Time Clinic Medical Aesthetics and Wellness reflects our vision of integrating wellness and regenerative medicine. We’ve had Nuchido Time+ and LED light therapy for a while, and we’re constantly looking for innovative treatments to introduce. Collagen and growth factors are part of our offerings, and we’re exploring polynucleotide treatments, which are promising in stimulating natural skin regeneration.”

Dr Manav is seeing a significant trend for biostimulation, with patients moving away from fillers and preferring treatments that stimulate their own skin, such as HArmonyCA by Juvederm and polynucleotides: “Patients want natural results and are willing to commit to longer treatment plans for these outcomes. Trends in aesthetics are cyclical, but our niche at Time Clinic has always been creating natural results. We focus on helping patients look like the best versions of themselves. While dramatic changes might come back in fashion, our commitment remains to enhancing natural beauty.”

Dr Manav turns away patients with unrealistic expectations or those seeking drastic changes. “We believe in maintaining the patient’s natural beauty and will explain our reasoning to help them understand,” he adds. “It’s about doing what’s best for the patient, even if it means not performing a procedure.”

MEMBER OF THE BOARD

In 2022, Dr Manav was honoured to become a member of the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM) board of trustees, after meeting president Catherine Fairris at IMCAS in Paris. “I presented to the board and was accepted, which was a huge honour. We meet quarterly, and I help with the conference, education, and the website. It’s about setting high standards and ensuring our members are competent and safe practitioners, as well as supporting them on their own journey.”

BCAM recently introduced a new qualification, allowing practitioners to advance from an associate to a full member: “There’s now a rigorous examination process, including a written exam and an objective structured clinical exam. It’s designed to maintain high standards and ensure members are wellqualified and supported.”

With the rise of unqualified practitioners, Dr Manav strongly believes that patient safety is paramount: “We promote best practices by adhering to research-backed treatments and maintaining high standards. It’s essential to focus on doing what’s best for the patient and ensuring all treatments are safe.”

“It’s also about maintaining integrity in our practice,” adds Yogeeta. “We aim to uphold our values, work within GMC guidelines, and ensure we’re always doing the best for our patients. It’s about holding our heads high and knowing we’ve done everything right.”

BALANCING ACT

Setting up the Time Clinic hasn’t always been easy for the Bawas. “We’ve built this clinic from the ground up, without external support,” says Yogeeta. “It’s our livelihood, and we’ve made significant personal sacrifices, including weekends and evenings, to make it successful. It’s a labour of love, driven by our passion for providing the best care for our patients.

“Balancing work and personal life is incredibly challenging, especially since we live and work together. There’s no clear line between when work ends, and home life begins. We try to set boundaries, like not discussing work after a certain time in the evening, but it’s tough – I’m often the one who breaks that rule! It’s a constant effort to find that balance and ensure we have time for ourselves and our family.”

“It’s definitely intense,” agrees Dr Manav. “Opening the new clinic was a massive effort, involving a lot of time and sacrifice. But we’re dedicated to making it work. Our immediate goal is to welcome our patients into our new clinic. We want to provide exceptional, safe treatments and be known as the best in our area. Additionally, we’re passionate about giving back. We’ve done charitable work with local hospices and organisations, and we aim to make that a bigger part of our business model. It’s not just about running a successful clinic, but also using our success to make a difference in the community.”

Dr Manav’s passion for patient transformations is infectious, seeing the profound impact of a successful treatment result as the most rewarding part of his job. “The impact a small treatment can have on someone’s confidence and well-being is incredible,” he adds. “I remember a patient who was extremely self-conscious about her forehead lines. After treatment with toxin, she was transformed, radiating confidence. Another patient went through a significant journey with us. She came in very self-conscious, covering her mouth when she talked because of things her ex-husband had said. Over 11 months, we worked together, and by the end, she was a completely different person – confident and vibrant.”

For the Bawas, aesthetics goes far beyond the superficial. “While aesthetics can change someone’s appearance, the deeper impact is on their confidence and self-esteem,” concludes Dr Manav. “It’s about enhancing their natural beauty and helping them feel their best. That’s why we love what we do.”