Limited edition

Editor Anna Dobbie visits Edition Clinic to find out about Dr Zunaid Alli’s aims to make aesthetics in the UK more regulated

Located in the heart of Wimbledon, Edition Clinic is the brainchild of Dr Zunaid Alli, an experienced medical practitioner with a background spanning general medicine, emergency care, oncology, and aesthetic medicine. As medical director, Dr Alli has positioned Edition Clinic as a centre for advanced aesthetic and wellness treatments underpinned by scientific rigour and a commitment to patient safety.

Dr Alli is a global key opinion leader (KOL) for several internationally recognised brands, including Vivacy International (Stylage and Desirial ), PRX-T33 Skin Resurfacing Collagen Stimulator, and Hans Biomed (Mint PDO, Klardie, and DA-X). His expertise in these products ensures that Edition Clinic remains at the forefront of non-surgical treatments, offering evidence-based solutions for skin health and rejuvenation.

A JOURNEY INTO AESTHETIC MEDICINE

Dr Alli’s intro into aesthetic medicine was somewhat serendipitous. While working as a locum GP in Johannesburg, he was encouraged to complete a botulinum toxin and dermal filler course due to patient demand. Initially hesitant, his relocation to the UK prompted further training, accreditation, and an increasing focus on aesthetics. His medical career also includes extensive experience in emergency medicine and trauma care, as well as a fellowship in oncology – skills that have informed his approach to aesthetic practice and patient safety.

The blend of scientific knowledge, medical expertise, and artistry means that the rapid development of new products and technologies necessitates a critical approach, ensuring that treatments offered at Edition Clinic are both safe and effective. Dr Alli places particular emphasis on the research underpinning new products before integrating them into his practice, prioritising safety and efficacy above commercial appeal.

“The field is constantly advancing, and while innovation is exciting,” he says. “We must ensure that treatments are backed by robust clinical evidence rather than commercial appeal.”

THE NEED FOR REGULATION

Dr Alli is a vocal advocate for stricter regulation within the UK aesthetics sector. He highlights the lack of a structured framework governing training and accreditation, with many practitioners self-designating as experts. In contrast to established medical specialities, the route of progression in aesthetic medicine is unclear.

“Aesthetic medicine lacks a structured pathway from beginner to expert, he adds. “Without proper regulation, patients are at risk of substandard care.”

He argues for a more robust regulatory framework, requiring practitioners to demonstrate competency through case-based experience and portfolio assessments. In his view, establishing a statutory body or Royal College equivalent would provide a much-needed benchmark, ensuring both patient safety and professional accountability.

One of his key concerns is the ease with which aesthetic products can be purchased online without proper oversight. The proliferation of counterfeit and unregulated products poses a significant risk to patient safety, an issue Dr Alli has encountered first-hand: “The ease with which aesthetic products can be purchased online, often without oversight, is a significant patient safety concern.” He stresses the need for tighter controls on product distribution, ensuring that only verified, high-quality products reach practitioners and patients alike.

ESTABLISHING EDITION CLINIC

After years of working as a mobile practitioner and within other clinics, Dr Alli sought to create a dedicated space that could accommodate his vision for a comprehensive aesthetic and wellness practice. His premises in Wimbledon Broadway were carefully selected after extensive research, ensuring accessibility for both local patients and those travelling from central London.

The clinic was designed with CQC standards in mind, incorporating facilities for minor surgical procedures, laser treatments, and energy-based therapies. Dr Alli’s background in minor surgery, which originally sparked his interest in aesthetics, continues to inform his practice today. In addition to patient care, Edition Clinic serves as a training hub, where Dr Alli educates fellow practitioners on advanced techniques and combination treatments.

THE EVOLUTION OF PATIENT DEMAND

Since opening in September 2023, Edition Clinic has witnessed a shift in patient priorities, with an increasing demand for regenerative and longevity-focused treatments. While traditional aesthetic concerns such as wrinkle reduction remain popular, more patients are seeking interventions that promote overall skin health and function rather than simply addressing isolated concerns.

“Patients are moving beyond purely cosmetic concerns, seeking regenerative and longevity-focused treatments that enhance overall skin health,” he says.

Combination treatments have become a cornerstone of the clinic’s approach. Dr Alli notes that while multi-modal therapies often yield the best results, they require careful planning to avoid overstimulation or adverse effects. Ensuring a tailored, evidence-based treatment plan is key to achieving safe and effective outcomes.

FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS

Looking ahead, Dr Alli aims to further integrate education, research, and clinical practice. As a KOL, he plays an active role in developing combination protocols and training other practitioners, ensuring that new techniques are disseminated effectively, and he intends to develop this even more in 2025.

From a business perspective, Edition Clinic will continue to build its local presence, with efforts to raise awareness among patients in Wimbledon and the wider South London area. The clinic already offers an extensive range of treatments – over 200 procedures and combinations – catering to a diverse patient base. As interest in supplementary treatments, including IV vitamin therapy and NAD+ infusions, is also growing, so will the clinic’s offering, reflecting a broader trend towards holistic wellness in aesthetic medicine.

ADVICE FOR ASPIRING PRACTITIONERS

For those considering a career in aesthetic medicine, Dr Alli emphasises the importance of thorough preparation and ongoing education. Understanding the financial and logistical demands of running a clinic is essential, as is ensuring that patient safety remains the top priority.

“A successful aesthetic practice requires more than technical skill,” he adds. “It demands a commitment to evidence-based medicine, regulatory compliance, and patient-centred care.”

His key recommendations include:

• Comprehensive training: Engage in self-directed study and consider postgraduate qualifications in aesthetic medicine.

• Regulatory preparedness: Design clinical spaces with CQC compliance in mind to future-proof against legislative changes.

• Evidence-based practice: Evaluate new treatments based on scientific research rather than market trends.

• Patient-centred care: Establish robust aftercare protocols and ensure patients have access to support outside of clinic hours.

With a measured approach to innovation, rigorous clinical standards, and a dedication to education, Dr Alli’s Edition Clinic exemplifies the principles of responsible aesthetic practice.