Aesthetics Business Cast

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Harry Singh, one of the UK's most recognised aesthetic practitioners. Harry has been carrying out facial aesthetics since 2002, has treated over 5,000 cases, and is a trainer for Medfx and Galderma. He sits on the editorial board of Aesthetic Medicine and is a Fellow of the International Academy for Dental Facial Aesthetics. The male aesthetics market has grown from virtually zero to around 25 per cent of Harry's patient base over his 20-plus years in practice. In this conversation, Harry unpacks what is driving that growth, how male patients differ from female patients, and how clinics can meaningfully attract and retain them. In this episode, Dr Harry discusses: The three forces driving the male aesthetics boom: Turkish barbers, gym culture and social media The three main types of male aesthetic patient and what each is looking for How male consultations differ from female ones, and why "will other people notice?" is the key question Why documenting what you will not do is just as important as what you will Harry's own weight loss and fitness journey using a GLP-1 medication, and the mindset shift that came with it The rise of "skinny jab face" and how clinics are responding Why blood testing and longevity services are becoming a natural clinic extension The reality behind peptides: what is licensed, what is not, and what could be coming next Why GHK-Cu (copper peptide) is one to watch Practical marketing advice for clinics wanting to grow their male patient base Why addressing emotional needs first is the single most important step A must-listen for any clinic owner, practitioner or aesthetics business leader looking to understand the modern male patient and build a clinic that genuinely appeals to them. For more content on running and growing your aesthetic clinic, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Charlotte Body, entrepreneur and founder of the Health Assembly, the organisation behind Menopause in Practice, Pause Live, Future Patient and MEN, a new event dedicated to men's health. Charlotte's roots are firmly planted in aesthetics. Having launched and sold several successful businesses in the sector, including Cosmetic News and the Aesthetic Awards, and having run her own aesthetics clinic, she has spent the last few years bringing women's health and menopause into the aesthetics conversation. With that has come a fast-growing number of clinics looking to add menopause-related treatments to their offering. Hamilton Fraser has worked closely with Charlotte through its Menopause in Practice collaboration, with a shared focus on education, raising standards, and helping practitioners understand where aesthetics can appropriately and safely intersect with wider healthcare. In this episode, Charlotte discusses: Her unconventional journey into aesthetics, from car magazines to Cosmetic News, the Aesthetic Awards and beyond What running her own clinic taught her about retail, sales and community that most clinics still miss Why she launched Menopause in Practice, and the moment her own aesthetic practitioner spotted her perimenopause symptoms before her GP did The concept of aesthetic practitioners as menopause "first responders", and why medical clinics are so well placed to signpost patients How hair loss, skin ageing and other symptoms open the door to conversations about wider health Why andropause matters, and why men's health conversations are ten years behind women's The launch of MEN and Future Patient, and where longevity and functional medicine fit into the aesthetics picture Why cover for menopause and related treatments cannot be assumed under a standard aesthetics policy The safeguarding, chaperoning and before-and-after image storage issues that all practitioners moving into intimate health treatments need to think about Why passion, collaboration and community are the real drivers of a successful clinic A must-listen for any clinic owner or practitioner considering expanding into menopause care, longevity or wider health services, and for anyone who wants to understand how the aesthetics conversation is broadening. For more content on running and growing your aesthetic clinic, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Samantha Hills, Clinical Director at Lynton and Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester. With more than two decades in laser safety, education and research, Sam is a faculty member for the British Medical Laser Association, a registered laser protection adviser, and has contributed extensively to laser education through publications, university teaching and practitioner training. Laser and IPL treatments have become a cornerstone of aesthetic practice, but with opportunity comes real responsibility. In this conversation, Sam unpacks why laser safety is about competence rather than compliance, and what clinics can do to build safer, more confident laser services. In this episode, Dr Sam discusses: How the laser industry has changed over the last 30 years and where the biggest gaps in practitioner knowledge lie Why insurance companies are effectively regulating the sector at the moment, and what needs to change The three types of training every laser practitioner should have: treatment specific, system specific and core of knowledge The most common adverse events, from burns and blistering to pigmentation changes and rare but catastrophic eye injuries Why consultations and patch testing are the most important safety tools a practitioner has Plume inhalation, trailing wires and the "other" laser risks people forget about The reality of tattoo removal, coloured inks and why lip liner is often best left alone What the incoming licensing regime is likely to mean for clinics, and why proportionate regulation matters Safeguarding and chaperoning considerations for intimate area treatments Pain-free treatments, prejuvenation and the shift towards combination protocols Why CE marked medical devices and proper machine servicing matter for both safety and insurance A must-listen for any clinic owner or practitioner offering laser or IPL treatments, or considering adding them to their portfolio. For more laser related content, guides and podcast episodes, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Arturo Almeida, consultant surgeon, international trainer and one of the leading voices in the field of injectable lipolysis. Over the last two decades, Dr Arturo has worked across clinical practice, medical education and industry, training practitioners in more than 50 countries and helping shape the medical strategies behind some of the best-known injectable lipolysis products on the market. He's internationally recognised for his work in the prevention and management of complications associated with fat-dissolving injectables and has developed the first (and to his knowledge, only) structured training programme in the world dedicated to this area. Fat-dissolving injectables remain one of the most misunderstood treatment categories in aesthetics, and this episode digs into why. In this episode, Dr Arturo discusses: Why fat-dissolving injections are so widely misunderstood in the UK The "3R rule": the right patient, the right area and the right technique Why these treatments are not a substitute for liposuction or weight loss injections The difference between GLP-1 medications and injectable lipolysis, and how the two can work together Why consultation, not technique, is where the magic happens The dangers of counterfeit products, poor training and the "anyone can be a trainer" problem in the UK Managing patient expectations and communicating what swelling and inflammation really mean What the data actually shows about complication rates Why the industry adopted Lemon Bottle without checking the science, and what that tells us Areas of the face and body where fat-dissolving injectables should never be used The regulatory reality that most of these products are classed as cosmetics and used off-label How a practitioner's response to a complication often matters more than the complication itself A must-listen for any practitioner offering or considering offering injectable lipolysis, and for anyone who cares about safe practice, thorough consultations and protecting both patients and their own professional reputation. For more on managing complications, consultations and treatment safety, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

In this episode of Hamilton Fraser's Aesthetics Business Cast, we're joined by Ron Myers, aesthetic business coach, mentor, and one of the most experienced figures in the UK aesthetics industry. Ron's career spans some of the most pivotal moments in the sector. From working with Allergan on the UK launch of Botulinum Toxin in 1994, to co-founding The Consulting Room, building Wigmore Medical's specialist distribution model, launching the FACE Conference, and co-owning MediZen for 15 years, Ron has watched the industry grow from a niche corner of medicine into the multi-billion-pound sector it is today. Now, with the launch of Aesthetics AI, Ron is focused on what he believes is the next major shift: how artificial intelligence will reshape every part of running an aesthetic clinic. This episode dives into: How aesthetics has transformed across thirty years of practice and marketing Why AI is far more than a content creation tool The concept of AI "agents" and how a digital staff member could change patient communication, bookings and CRM workflows Ron's five-part framework for using AI in clinic: thinking, creating, communicating, analysing and automating The darker side of AI in aesthetics, from AI-generated complaints to manipulated before and after imagery How patient search behaviour is changing, and what it means for clinics positioning themselves as experts Where responsibility and indemnity sit when AI is involved in the patient journey Practical first steps for clinic owners who feel unsure about where to start A must-listen for clinic owners, practitioners and anyone serious about building a future-ready aesthetic business.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker are joined by Dr Uzma Qureshi, a GP with over 20 years of experience and Medical Director of the doctor-led, CQC-registered My Skin Clinic in Bradford. With a background that includes working as a lead clinician for the Health Service Ombudsman handling NHS complaints nationally, Dr Uzma brings a uniquely informed perspective to one of the most uncomfortable but important topics in aesthetics: what to do when a patient is unhappy. In this episode, Dr Uzma discusses: Why aesthetics is a particularly challenging environment for managing dissatisfaction The unique pressures faced by solo practitioners How communication breakdowns sit at the heart of most complaints A practical framework for responding: acknowledge, listen, empathise, explain, plan Why defensiveness escalates complaints and how to avoid it Building robust processes across the entire patient journey The critical role of documentation and record keeping How to handle negative online reviews and protect your reputation Fostering a clinic culture where mistakes can be discussed openly What the upcoming licensing regime and Trading Standards involvement will mean for practitioners Her single most important piece of advice for handling dissatisfaction Whether you're running a clinic, supervising a team, or simply keen to be prepared for every scenario, this episode offers practical, real-world guidance from someone who has handled complaints at the highest level. For more on managing complaints, record keeping and protecting your practice, visit the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub. To find out more about Dr Uzma Qureshi and My Skin Clinic, visit myskyn.co.uk.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, Vicky Eldridge and Eddie Hooker sit down with Brent Nixon, Chief Operating Officer of Hydrinity Accelerated Skin Science, the fastest growing professional skincare brand in the US. With over 30 years of experience scaling high growth healthcare, aesthetics and technology businesses, including roles at Laserscope, GE Healthcare, Boston Scientific, CoolSculpting and Restoration Robotics, Brent brings a truly global perspective to the conversation. Hydrinity's origin story is unlike any other skincare brand. Born out of regenerative medicine and wound care science, the company originally developed advanced wound care products and drug delivery systems for oncology and hematology patients. That heritage now powers a unique dual-weight, injectable-grade hyaluronic acid technology that penetrates deep into the dermis, delivering visible results in as little as two weeks. In this episode, Brent discusses: Why Hydrinity has chosen to launch in the UK and Ireland in partnership with Unique Skin The science behind their proprietary low-molecular-weight HA and why it is a category disruptor How clinics can rethink post-procedure care to reduce downtime, redness and complications The "skinimalism" philosophy and why doing more with less boosts patient compliance The launch of Retisone, described as the most significant advancement in retinol science in 10 years How practitioners can reframe skincare conversations away from "selling" and toward better patient outcomes What UK clinics can learn from the US market, and what makes the UK a critical global player Whether you are a clinic owner, practitioner or aesthetics business leader, this episode offers valuable insight into the future of skin health, regenerative aesthetics and post-procedure recovery.

In this special episode of Hamilton Fraser’s Aesthetics Business Cast, we’re joined by industry pioneer Lorna Bowes, Founder and CEO of AestheticSource. With over three decades in the sector, Lorna shares her journey from dermatology nursing in the early 1990s to building one of the UK’s most respected aesthetic distribution businesses. From founding BACN (now BAMAN) to shaping practitioner education and championing science led skincare, Lorna has seen the industry evolve from every angle. This episode dives into: • How the aesthetics industry has transformed over time • The shift towards regenerative, science led treatments • Why relationships and trust still define success • Lessons from building and scaling a business • The realities behind resilience, leadership and growth A must listen for clinic owners, practitioners and anyone building a business in aesthetics.

In this episode of the Aesthetics Business Cast, we’re joined by Eddie Hooker, founder and chief executive of Hamilton Fraser, for a wide-ranging conversation on the past, present and future of the UK aesthetics industry. With nearly 30 years of experience in cosmetic and medical malpractice insurance, Eddie reflects on how aesthetics has evolved, from informal practice to a sector facing increasing regulatory scrutiny, media attention and rising expectations around safety, professionalism and accountability. Together, we explore: What regulation in aesthetics could look like and why it matters How insurance protects not just practices, but patients and practitioners The growing focus on wellness, women’s health and mental health Emerging treatments, risk management and practitioner responsibility Lessons from 2025 and what clinics should prepare for in 2026 This episode offers practical insight for aesthetic practitioners, clinic owners and industry professionals who want to build safe, ethical and sustainable businesses in a rapidly changing landscape. 🎧 Explore more expert podcasts, blogs and guidance on regulation, risk management and running a responsible aesthetics business in the Hamilton Fraser Content Hub.

Welcome back to the Aesthetic Business Cast. In Part Two of our conversation with Dr Bob Khanna - world-renowned aesthetic practitioner, educator, and pioneer in facial aesthetics - we continue our exploration into the treatments and philosophies shaping the future of the industry. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the rise of non-surgical rhinoplasty, the principles behind achieving balanced facial proportions, and why mesotherapy and regenerative skin treatments are becoming essential tools in modern practice. We’ll also unpack the growing interest in polynucleotides and DNA-repair-focused therapies, and how clinicians can safely integrate these innovations by collaborating with the right experts. From recognising patient red flags, to the importance of ongoing training, to the mindset needed for ethical, artful, and regenerative practice, Dr Bob shares invaluable guidance for practitioners at every stage of their journey. Whether you’re an injector looking to expand your skillset, or a clinician curious about the future of aesthetics and cellular optimisation, this episode is full of insights you won’t want to miss.