Senior medical consultant High quality clinical settings Competitive prices Why compromise?
	Dr Bea Brookes MBBS FRCS (England) FCEM

Over the last 10 years an exciting new field known as cosmetic medicine is emerging within mainstream Medicine. Its practice allows various facial and body improvements to be made without resorting to Surgery. The approach to plastic surgery has changed in the last decade because of the effectiveness of many of the new treatments such as Wrinkle Treatment, dermal fillers, Sculptra, various forms of lasers and radiofrequency machines. Many of the cosmetic treatments have their roots in mainstream medicine, of which Wrinkle Treatment is the prime example. Wrinkle Treatment had been widely used for muscle spasm, squints, and facial palsy before being discovered as a very useful wrinkle relaxant. Also greater understanding of the anatomy of the ageing face exists now and our knowledge continues to expand.

E.g. under the skin and above the muscle of the face are separate fat pads and we now have more knowledge when these pads begin to lose volume and in which order. Now with this new knowledge we can better advise on restoring volume to the face with a blend of procedures which can create striking but subtle and natural looking changes.

Cosmetic medicine is about the application of medical knowledge, science and using technology whilst appreciating the principles of aesthetics and what makes the face look fresher and younger. Many of us are passionate about our work, which is easy when the results can be rewarding for the client and the doctor. Knowing the spectrum of what treatments exist as well as understanding which is best suited to your needs is key to a successful and pleasing outcome.

The consultation is the foundation to getting the best results for you. Firstly, the doctor needs to understand your concerns and your medical history. Secondly, you need to understand what can be realistically achieved and how it can be achieved, and which treatments are needed. Thirdly, the doctor needs to advise if they feel a different area of focus is needed e.g. skin care rather than a particular wrinkle. The aim is to give you a natural look that makes you look good for your age, rather than obviously striving to turn the clock back, which can result in a “done” unnatural appearance. This means both have to work together to establish a plan of action. There needs to be mutual trust.

The BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) do not recommend free consultations and this is wise council. You are paying a professional for their time and professional opinion and you would not expect that to be for free, thus an impartial approach in your best interest is achieved.

In the UK, cosmetic medicine, or non-surgical cosmetics or aesthetics is largely unregulated. Nearly anyone with a nursing background (or even now beauty therapist or dental hygienist) can set up a clinic, with very little experience. Incidentally “a clinic” does not have to be owned or run by a medically trained person. There are no nationally recognised courses and many people can set up a course to teach others. (See British Association of Cosmetic Doctors - BACD). Of course, there are well known and very reputable people teaching doctors, dentists and some nurses and providing a good service but it is difficult for the public to gauge the level of expertise of any individual.

The British Association of Cosmetic Doctors is striving and succeeding to address this issue of regulation, but currently there is no serious government legislation to protect the public. BACD is certainly setting standard for its members through examination, validations and a high quality teaching programme, but not all cosmetic doctors belong to BACD and neither legally do they have to. Shortly for BACD doctors there will be a high level diploma for doctors only. Both BACD and BAAPS want better regulation, to regulate aesthetics practitioners and protect the public, but this may not be forthcoming through proper legislation. In Europe and the USA there are much stricter controls of who can do these procedures.

• Always investigate the background and training of the person you are considering having your treatment with.

• Do they inspire your confidence with their ability and knowledge? It’s your face and body!

• Look at the premises, are they fit for purpose?

• Can they help you if you develop a complication or are unhappy with the results?

It is strongly recommended you do not have any injectable treatment with a beauty therapist (even if they are insured) as they are unlikely to be in a position to help if there is a complication. However there is no UK legislation to stop them from doing so.

Viridian Medical was established to deliver high quality cosmetic medical services and is run by Dr Bea Brookes MBBS FRCS FCEM, a member of BACD and registered with the GMC. We can provide a spectrum of procedures for both the face and body and have a network of other professional and specific clinics for treatment areas we do not cover e.g. Pixel for facial rejuvenation.

Dr Bea Brookes graduated from Kings College Hospital London University in 1987 and followed a career in general surgery in the SE of England. She studied plastic and reconstructive and aesthetic surgery at Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead as a junior surgeon. This is hallowed ground and the birth place of plastics surgery in the world (Sir Archibald McIndoe and the guinea pig pilots of WW2) and this gave her an excellent grounding in surgical techniques, patient assessment, and approach to cosmetic work. Dr Brookes became a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (FRCS) in 1992.

Since then she has used her surgical experience and hospital experience as a Consultant in Accident and Emergency (A&E) in Surrey, where she has worked for over 10 years. Dr Brookes was the “Lead Clinician” there for 7 years and has been awarded two clinical excellence awards for her contribution to developing the service.

As her hospital work is practical and challenging, a lot of procedures with those skills are brought into cosmetic medicine. Dr Brookes has a mature approach and enjoys taking the time to establish your concerns and expectations. She is not a “Consultant in Cosmetic medicine” as this does not yet exist in the UK, but she has a very experienced background. Dr Brookes is also a full member of the BACD, and regularly attends training courses, conferences and does presentations to the public.

Anne Strudwick is the practice manager to Viridian Medical. Anne is very well informed on cosmetic work as she has worked in that arena for 30 years. She has a good understanding of what each treatment involves and will be able to give you a comprehensive idea from the outset of your enquiry.

On a more personal note Dr Brookes describes herself as always having been “arty” and a keen drawer of portraits. She has a genuine love of aesthetics which has sprung up from those early years. For her a career in cosmetic medicine is a perfect blend of all existing skills and passions.

A professional body of doctors only, now with membership of over 300 with a keen interest in cosmetic medicine. Two annual education conferences, examinations and validation (which Dr Brookes has successfully completed) and shortly a full Diploma course for its members. This exciting organisation brings cutting edge knowledge to its members with international speakers bringing together dermatologists, plastic surgeons all with the aim to bring the best techniques and body of knowledge to the membership.

Approach at Viridian medical
- honest impartial advice in your best interest
- natural appearance to keep you looking good for your age

A mature approach taking time to establish your goals and truly impartial advice so you are aware of the procedures that they entail and what is a realistic result. Our patient age range is from 30 to 80 years both female and male and feedback about the service and information is highly encouraging. We have patient feedback questionnaires so we are aware of what your experiences have been.

The service is individualised and if Dr Brookes feels that Viridian Medical cannot give you the treatment you need we have a network of colleagues who are experts in their field e.g. other consultants within the Surrey area and professional relationships with other clinics to make sure you get the right treatment for you.

If you are open to guidance means we can work with you to make suggestions that will be to your benefit as there may be techniques you are not familiar with. The main objective is to give you honest impartial advice that is in your best interest.

Our aim is to give you a natural look that people will admire but not necessarily be aware of your secret. The service is discreet.

You will be given a transparent price of the cost of the procedures and if you are having a package of procedures, depending on the requirements, a more favourable rate can be achieved.

For a full information pack
Call: 01483 455052
Or email: info@viridianmedical.co.uk