Regenerating the sector

Editor Anna Dobbie visits Dr Sabika Karim in Northwood to find out about her clinic’s surgical expansion and why regenerative medicine is the future

Dr Sabika Karim’s journey in the field of aesthetic medicine started with a childhood fascination with the medical profession, sparked by a life-changing family experience. As a respected figure in the aesthetics sector and the founder of Skin Medical, Dr Karim’s clinic reflects her deep commitment to patient care, natural results, and continuous education in an ever-evolving field.

THE BEGINNING OF A LIFELONG PASSION

Dr Karim’s interest in medicine began at a young age, when her father suffered a heart attack and was saved by an exceptional medical team. This experience, paired with her innate curiosity, led her to pursue a career in medicine. “I knew from the age of 10 that I wanted to be a doctor,” she shares, “but what really drew me to aesthetics was the ability to improve the ‘quality’ of people’s lives, rather than just focusing on the quantity of life.”

After completing her medical training at King ’s College London and further specialising in general practice, Dr Karim expanded her skillset by undertaking a fellowship in minimally invasive aesthetics in New York. She was one of the early pioneers in the UK to offer treatments like non-surgical rhinoplasties and temple fillers, long before they became mainstream in the aesthetics world. “Back then, there were only a handful of fillers, and no real training available in the UK,” she explains. “That’s why I went to New York.”

PIONEERING AESTHETIC PRACTICES

The aesthetics field has undergone significant evolution since Dr Karim’s early days in the sector. What began as a simple approach of “chasing the line” by targeting visible wrinkles or folds has evolved into a more holistic view of facial aesthetics. Today, Dr Karim is focused on “restructuring the face” by replacing lost volume, repositioning tissues, and enhancing skin texture. This approach, combined with her nearly two decades of experience, allows Dr Karim to offer treatments that create natural-looking, rejuvenated results.

“It’s been amazing to watch the industry grow. We no longer just fill lines; we’re now thinking about how to restore the face to its original harmony,” Dr Karim says, with regards to her focus on regenerative aesthetics, including collagen-stimulating injectables.

CREATING SKIN MEDICAL

In 2013, Dr Karim took the bold step of opening her first clinic. Since then, she’s opened and rebranded her current clinic, Skin Medical, which is set to celebrate its fifth anniversary in June 2025. Skin Medical was born from the lessons Dr Karim learned through years of experience, both in practice and in business.

“At Skin Medical, it’s all about delivering five-star service alongside five-star results,” Dr Karim explains. The clinic is purpose-built, with a design that creates a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for patients. Unlike many aesthetic clinics, where the focus is often solely on results, Skin Medical places equal emphasis on patient education and comfort. “We spend more time with patients during consultations than we do on treatments. It’s about building a relationship and helping them make informed decisions.” Dr Karim is adamant that no patient leaves the clinic feeling rushed or unsure. “I spend time with my patients and ask them to bring in photos from years ago, so we can talk about where they want to be in the future,” she explains. “We don’t just focus on the ‘problem areas’; we work on the overall balance and health of their skin.” If a treatment isn’t right for a patient, she won’t hesitate to say no: “I’m the queen of saying ‘no’! It’s about doing what’s right for the patient.”

CHAMPIONING WOMEN IN AESTHETICS

Dr Karim is also passionate about supporting other women in aesthetic medicine. The idea for Aesthetic Medicine’s Women in Aesthetic Medicine group came partially from her experiences of navigating a male-dominated industry, being introduced on stage with a nod to her physical attributes as opposed to her extensive education and technical abilities. While many of the clinic owners and key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the aesthetics space are male, Dr Karim believes that women have unique perspectives and insights to offer. “We need to support each other,” she says. “I’ve made it a point to mentor other women in the industry and help propel them forward.”

Her commitment to championing women’s voices is also reflected in her speaking engagements, where she has shared her knowledge with peers and colleagues. “I’ve always loved teaching, whether it’s mentoring trainees or speaking at conferences,” she explains. “It’s about sharing knowledge and elevating the whole industry.”

BRINGING CENTRAL LONDON EXCELLENCE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY

Dr Karim’s vision for her clinic goes beyond providing exceptional treatments — she’s on a mission to bring the finest aesthetic services to her local community, offering patients access to the kind of quality they would expect in central London, without the need to make the journey.

Having grown up in the Northwood area and with her family still living nearby, Dr Karim wanted to create a clinic that reflected her personal connection to the community. “I wanted something quite local for my family and for myself. It was important to me to offer a specialist clinic where people don’t have to travel to London for high-end treatments,” she shares. The clinic not only provides top-notch care but also offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity, crucial for both local patients and high-profile patients who prefer discretion.

Strategically located near key transport links like Heathrow Airport and major film studios in Watford makes Skin Medical a convenient destination for patients flying in from around the world. “We have people coming from as far as Edinburgh and New Zealand,” Dr Karim mentions. “It’s amazing to have a wide range of patients who trust us with their care.”

THE POWER OF A PERSONAL TOUCH

While Dr Karim serves patients globally, she remains deeply rooted in her local community. “I see my patients in Waitrose or when I’m out shopping; they’re my neighbours,” she laughs. “It’s nice to offer a service where people know they can get top-tier care, right on their doorstep.”

Although the area has seen an increase

in aesthetic offerings from salons to dental practices, Dr Karim’s clinic stands out for its focus on safety, professionalism, and a bespoke approach to beauty.

“There’s a big difference between going to a hairdresser and a specialist clinic,” Dr Karim emphasises. “Here, every treatment is precise, logged, and tracked. Our equipment is regularly serviced, and we make sure everything we use is gold standard.”

She acknowledges the importance of transparency and quality, especially as the industry has grown, and aims to educate her patients about the benefits of choosing high-quality treatments over lower-cost alternatives. “I see patients who initially went for cheaper options and ended up having to redo their procedures within months. When they come to us, they realise the value in investing in longer-lasting results,” Dr Karim explains, giving the example of longer lasting lip filler treatments when higher-quality products are used.

OFFERING A FULL SPECTRUM

The clinic’s environment is designed with comfort and luxury in mind. With multiple treatment rooms catering to various aesthetic needs, patients can enjoy a tailored experience, whether they’re seeking facial aesthetics, body sculpting, or surgical procedures. Dr Karim highlights some of the clinic’s standout features, like the body sculpting suite equipped with CoolSculpting Elite, Emsculpt Neo, and Emerald Laser for the ultimate in non-surgical body contouring. For those interested in more advanced treatments, there’s an operating theatre for procedures like fat transfer and small liposuction, a major step in expanding the clinic’s capabilities.

“We have a wide range of injectables, collagen stimulators, and body treatments,” shares Dr Karim. “Having a range of tools means we can offer personalised, bespoke results.” This flexibility is key in meeting each patient’s unique needs, whether they’re looking for a subtle enhancement or a more transformative procedure.

FUTURE GROWTH

As the clinic continues to grow, Dr Karim has big plans for the next phase of its evolution. Skin Medical is preparing to officially launch its surgical suite, complete with an open day to educate patients and introduce new surgical offerings. Additionally, Dr Karim is set to bring new, cutting-edge products into the clinic, such as Julaine’s PLLA collagen-stimulating injections, which she’s one of the few doctors in the UK to offer.

“We’re focused on regenerative aesthetics, with an emphasis on creating natural, lasting results,” Dr Karim explains. “There’s a real shift toward collagen-stimulating treatments like Lanluma, Ellanse and Harmonyca, which offer longterm results and a more natural, gradual enhancement.”

The clinic’s focus is on education and patient empowerment, with plans to host monthly educational forums where patients can learn more about aesthetic treatments and the science behind them. “I want patients to understand what they’re getting and why it’s the right treatment for them. It’s not about trends or following fads on Instagram—it’s about being the best version of yourself.”

REGULATION AND COLLABORATION

Looking to the future, Dr Karim also hopes to see greater regulation in the industry, something she believes is essential for patient safety. “The industry needs standards that everyone can follow,” she says, advocating for stricter control over clinical waste disposal, sanitation, and the sourcing of medical products.

In addition to regulation, Dr Karim is passionate about collaboration within the industry. “I’d love to see more open exchange of ideas among practitioners. By working together, we can raise the bar and keep pushing the industry forward.”

Her goal is to offer a space where patients can experience the best of both worlds: high-end, specialised care, while also feeling supported and educated throughout their aesthetic journey. “If we educate our patients and work with them to achieve natural, healthy results, I think we can make a real difference in the industry.”

THE FUTURE OF AESTHETIC MEDICINE

As we look towards 2025, Dr Karim’s forward-thinking approach to aesthetic treatments remains as relevant as ever. With a focus on regenerative aesthetics and collagen-stimulating treatments, she’s excited to see the industry continue to evolve. “It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good in your own skin. And that’s what I strive to help my patients achieve,” she says.

Whether it’s providing natural, understated treatments or mentoring the next generation of aesthetic professionals, Dr Karim’s work continues to shape the future of aesthetic medicine, one patient at a time.