The REAL Clinic Podcast

In this episode, Nav is joined by Nora Nugent, President of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) and the European Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ESAPS). Nora shares her journey from surgical training in Ireland and Australia to becoming a clinic owner, while offering a unique perspective on the future of aesthetic surgery and the profession as a whole. Nav and Nora explore the biggest challenges facing plastic surgery today, including the future of aesthetic regulation, patient safety, cosmetic tourism, and the changing landscape of private practice. They discuss what it takes to build a successful surgical clinic, the realities of balancing clinical work with leadership roles, and why surgeons should embrace opportunities beyond the operating theatre. From the future of BAAPS and ESAPS to the importance of education, collaboration, and raising standards across the specialty, this episode offers valuable insights for both established surgeons and those planning the next stage of their careers.Follow on Instagram:Nora Nugent: ⁠@noranugentNav: ⁠@realplastics⁠The REAL Clinic: ⁠@therealclinic42 South Films: ⁠@42southfilms⁠About The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London's Battersea. Led by some of the UK's top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Dr Matt James, consultant plastic surgeon, and Dr Sanjay Gulati, consultant anaesthetist, to explore the evolving landscape of day case surgery—specifically, how a tighter surgical–anaesthetic partnership is redefining recovery.Matt and Sanjay have worked together for over 20 years across the NHS and private practice. At The REAL Clinic, they’ve pioneered a no-opiate approach to general anaesthesia, allowing patients to undergo complex procedures—including breast reduction and full abdominoplasty—and safely return home just hours later.They discuss how removing intra- and post-operative opiates improves recovery, reduces complications like nausea and constipation, and empowers patients to recover faster and more comfortably. They also share insights on anaesthetic technique, patient selection, and the importance of continuity between surgeons and anaesthetists.This is a must-listen for anyone curious about enhanced recovery protocols, the future of day surgery, or simply what happens behind the scenes when surgical and anaesthetic teams work in perfect sync.Follow on Instagram:Dr Matt James: ⁠⁠@drmattjames_Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠@realplastics⁠The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠@therealclinic42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠@42southfilmsAbout The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The REAL Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by consultant ophthalmologists Elizabeth Hawkes and James Neffendorf — a husband-and-wife duo balancing private practice, surgical careers, and family life. Specialising in oculoplastic surgery and retinal surgery respectively, they offer a unique lens into the world of modern eye care.Nav, Elizabeth, and James explore the changing face of training in ophthalmology and aesthetics, the rise of the private sector in delivering care and mentorship, and the pitfalls of short-cutting formal training. They also reflect on building a career with long-term satisfaction, the realities of running a clinic, and how to responsibly expand a practice while raising a family. From ptosis surgery and laser eye treatments to retinal trauma and medtech startups, this conversation offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a sustainable and fulfilling surgical career.Whether you're a trainee navigating the current system, a consultant eyeing private practice, or simply curious about the day-to-day life of two top eye surgeons, this episode is packed with practical insights and candid reflections.Follow on Instagram:Elizabeth Hawkes: ⁠@dr_elizabethhawkesJames Neffendorf: @londoneyedocNav:⁠⁠ @realplasticsThe REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ @_therealclinicbat42 South Films:⁠⁠ @42southfilmsAbout The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Laura Summers, a registered nurse and the visionary behind a 24/7 virtual nursing service for plastic and cosmetic surgery patients. With a unique approach to patient care, Laura discusses the evolution of her service, designed to support individuals from pre-operative preparation through their entire recovery journey.Nav and Laura delve into the nuances of virtual nursing, exploring how it addresses patient anxiety and provides crucial support when clinics are unavailable. They candidly discuss the stigma sometimes attached to aesthetic nursing and how Laura's passion ensures patients receive the empathetic and professional care they deserve, even identifying potential red flags before surgery. This insightful conversation sheds light on the growing importance of dedicated, holistic patient support in the private cosmetic surgery sector, offering a fresh perspective on elevating the patient experience.Follow Laura Summers on Instagram: @spealist_cosmetic_careFind out more about Laura's services at her website: www.specialistcosmeticcareltd.comFollow on Instagram:Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@realplastics⁠⁠The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@_therealclinicbat⁠⁠42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠@42southfilmsAbout The REAL Clinic: The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Ed Keelan, Partner at Octopus Investments, who was instrumental in helping set up The Real Clinic. With a background in entrepreneurship and venture capital, Ed brings a sharp financial lens to the conversation — sharing the realities behind funding, structuring, and scaling a private surgical practice.Nav and Ed explore the common mistakes surgeons make when launching a clinic, from misunderstanding their true customer to signing unfair investment deals. They dive into the importance of clear business models, the hidden risks buried in contracts, and the practical steps surgeons should take to build a financially sustainable, scalable practice. This candid discussion pulls back the curtain on the money side of medicine, offering grounded, actionable insights for any surgeon looking to turn ambition into reality.Follow on Ed's blog on LinkedIn here.Follow on Instagram:Nav:⁠⁠ ⁠@realplastics⁠The REAL Clinic:⁠⁠ ⁠@_therealclinicbat⁠42 South Films:⁠⁠ ⁠@42southfilmsAbout The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Rebecca Lee, a PR and communications consultant specialising in medical and aesthetics PR. With over a decade of experience working with some of the UK’s top doctors, surgeons, and healthcare brands, Beccy has built a reputation for helping medical professionals establish their credibility, authority, and media presence.Nav and Rebecca dive deep into the fundamentals of PR, how it differs from advertising and marketing, and why having a strong media presence is essential for private practice growth. They explore SEO PR, the power of networking, and what makes a doctor or surgeon stand out in the media. Rebecca also shares insights into how journalists source expert opinions, why rapid response times matter, and what it really takes to build long-term visibility in a crowded industry.Whether you're a surgeon looking to elevate your profile, a medical professional interested in PR strategies, or simply curious about the business side of aesthetics and healthcare, this episode is packed with valuable insights from an industry expert.Follow on Instagram:Rebecca Lee:⁠ @rebeccaleecommunicationsNav:⁠@realplastics⁠The REAL Clinic:⁠@_therealclinicbat42 South Films:⁠@42southfilms⁠About The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Mr Georgios Orfaniotis, a renowned plastic surgeon specialising in facial rejuvenation surgery. With an extensive background in reconstructive microsurgery and experience across the UK, Greece, Taiwan, and Australia, Georgios has honed his expertise in deep plane facelifts, neck lifts, and lip lifts—offering natural and long-lasting results.Nav and Georgios dive deep into the evolving landscape of day-case facial surgery, the benefits of performing complex procedures outside traditional hospital settings, and the meticulous techniques behind extended deep plane facelifts. They also discuss lip lift surgery, its growing popularity, and why precise surgical execution is key to achieving the best outcomes.Whether you’re a fellow surgeon, a patient considering facial surgery, or simply fascinated by the intricacies of aesthetic procedures, this episode is packed with valuable insights from one of the field’s leading experts.Follow on Instagram:Georgios Orfaniotis:@dr_georgios_orfaniotisNav:@realplasticsThe REAL Clinic:@therealclinicuk42 South Films:@42southfilmsAbout The REAL Clinic:The REAL Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. Led by some of the UK’s top specialists, it is committed to evidence-based treatments and patient safety.Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics elevate their marketing through high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav is joined by Tom Weiss, Director at Scottvale Insurance Solutions and a specialist in medical malpractice insurance. Tom shares his insights on how clinics and surgeons can safeguard their practices through tailored insurance solutions. With his unique background in mechanical engineering and the medical device industry, Tom has a deep understanding of the risks faced by healthcare professionals and how to mitigate them effectively. Discover practical advice on professional indemnity, personal insurance, and navigating the complexities of medical malpractice coverage. Whether you’re a seasoned surgeon or a clinic owner, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways to help you protect and grow your business. Follow Tom: Scottvale Insurance SolutionsFollow Nav: @realplasticsFollow The Real Clinic: @therealclinicukFollow 42 South Films: @42southfilms About The Real Clinic:The Real Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery, and eye care, located in London’s Battersea. With a commitment to evidence-based treatments and patient safety, it’s led by some of the UK’s leading medical specialists in plastic surgery, ophthalmology, and anaesthesia. Sponsor:The Real Clinic Podcast is proudly sponsored by 42 South Films, a London-based video production company helping surgeons and clinics enhance their marketing with high-quality video content.

In this episode, Nav sits down to talk with Dr. Maryam Zamani, a world-renowned Oculoplastic Surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor with a global reputation for a subtle, beautiful and ultra-precise approach to help achieve elegant eyelid contours and fabulous skin. Maryam shares with us her journey of tenacity, taking the scenic route & building her global skincare empire, MZ Skin. Follow Maryam: @drmaryamzamani Follow Nav: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@realplastics⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Real Clinic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@therealclinicuk⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow 42 South Films: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@42southfilms⁠⁠⁠⁠ About The Real Clinic: The Real Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery and eye care centrally located in London’s Battersea. Founded by some of the UK’s leading medical specialists who bring with them a wealth of expertise in plastic surgery, ophthalmology and anaesthesia, the state-of-the-art clinic has a strong ethos of providing only the best, evidence-based treatments and prioritising patient safety above all else. Sponsor: The Real Clinic Podcast is sponsored by 42 South Films, a London based video production company helping surgeons and clinics improve their marketing through high quality video content.

In this episode, Nav sits down with Mark Solomos, a Consultant plastic surgeon in London (including Nav's Real Clinic in Battersea). Practicing exclusively privately Mark has over 20 years experience and to date has done over 20,000 operations including amongst others some 4,000 noses and 10,000 breast surgeries, making him one of the most prolific surgeons in the UK. Follow Mark: @marksolomos Follow Nav: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@realplastics⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Real Clinic: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@therealclinicuk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow 42 South Films: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@42southfilms⁠⁠⁠⁠ About The Real Clinic: The Real Clinic is a renowned centre for excellence in aesthetic treatment, cosmetic surgery and eye care centrally located in London’s Battersea. Founded by some of the UK’s leading medical specialists who bring with them a wealth of expertise in plastic surgery, ophthalmology and anaesthesia, the state-of-the-art clinic has a strong ethos of providing only the best, evidence-based treatments and prioritising patient safety above all else. Sponsor: The Real Clinic Podcast is sponsored by 42 South Films, a London based video production company helping surgeons and clinics improve their marketing through high quality video content.