MR H meets Dr. Philippe Hamida-Pisal the stylish, well travelled President of the Society of Mesotherapy of the United Kingdom and Owner of PHP Aesthetic-Wellness and PHP Aesthetic -Wellness Training Academy London-Paris.
The French Touch
MR H meets Dr. Philippe Hamida-Pisal the stylish, well travelled President of the Society of Mesotherapy
of the United Kingdom and
Owner of PHP Aesthetic-Wellness and PHP Aesthetic -Wellness Training Academy
London-Paris. Dr. Philippe Hamida-Pisal is an expert in the field of aesthetic medicine, qualified from the University of Bordeaux II and Kings College London, he specialises in non-surgical aesthetic treatments and skin consultancy and he is very passionate about his clients looking well rested and natural which is the basis of his tag line the “French Touch”. When he is not in the first class lounge or on the red carpet he is offering a vast range of treatments and specialist’s advice at his clinics PHP Aesthetic-Wellness in Harley Street and Blackheath. He also works as a consultant for top model agencies in London and Paris.
Describe to us the “French Touch” concept
PHP: There is in the world today an increasing request for subtle improvements; it is not the way it was some years ago, when many clients wanted drastic changes in their appearance. In fact, most clients prefer what we call the “French Touch” which is the French version of the “Natural Look”. As we know France has been known for centuries in the art and beauty worlds as a synonym for elegance. Nowadays, this elegance is also related to a certain degree to subtleness or even effortlessness – French beauty is never over-done. The French Touch is enhancing your own beauty without making you look unnatural – it is a better version of yourself – and I believe the trend goes in this direction. Most of our clients do not want to look overdone anymore; they just want to improve their own natural look.
What is the treatment you’re most excited at the moment?
PHP: Our latest treatment is our signature treatment called LuminoVitaGlowÒ, which was developed after listening to the needs and concerns of many of our clients in London and Paris: their main request was to achieve perfect skin in an easy and painless way. Some clients do not want to have injections and this is why LuminoVitaGlowÒ responds to their request. LuminoVitaGlowÒ is a combined treatment, which mixes facial mecano-stimulation to remove all the toxins of the skin, followed by a light peel that enhances the quality of the skin. Then we apply a mesotherapy cocktails (which contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids) topically (or by injection according the patient). This cocktail acts as a strong nutrient for the skin and re- boosts the activity of your own skin cells (fibroblasts), so they start producing more collagen (just they way they do in young skin). We finalise by using the latest light technology called LED therapy in order to reduce the redness and enhanced the activity of your own skin cells.
What is your personal opinion on men having Botulinum Toxin and Fillers?
PHP: I personally think that men (and women) can achieve fantastic and natural results if they do not overdo. There are plenty of ways of applying Botox and injecting fillers that will enhance the masculine features in a male patient without making him look unnatural.
PHP: I personally think that men (and women) can achieve fantastic and natural results if they do not overdo. There are plenty of ways of applying Botox and injecting fillers that will enhance the masculine features in a male patient without making him look unnatural.
Do you have treatments?
PHP: I have anti-wrinkle treatments done to myself every now and then and I have been doing them from the beginning with a good friend and colleague of mine with whom I studied in Bordeaux. He still lives and practices over there but he comes to London very often.
Is it difficult to decline a client procedure if you feel it is not going to enhance the clients look for the better?
PHP: I find it very easy, as it is not only their appearance but also my reputation that is at stake. When I do not consider a person’s appearance will naturally improve with treatment, I refuse, but I always explain why to them. And I have to say that the majority of them understand my reasons. Most of them belong to the younger generation and I believe that one of the main reasons for this is that the impact of social media on young people is enormous and we have more and more requests from teenagers and young adults who, in one way or another, want to resemble people they look up to. In many cases, they wrongly believe that resembling a celebrity will make their lives feel accomplished. Requests for unrealistic lips and cheekbones are something we, aesthetic practitioners, have to deal with on a regular basis, and, as I mentioned before, we have to be able to say no.
What is the best aspect of living in London?
PHP: The best aspect of living in London is the variety of different people from all over the world that one encounters on a regular basis. I am a specialist in ethnic skin and for me, it is always a relief to treat clients with different needs and priorities. Another important aspect is the vast offer in academic and cultural activities a city like London has to offers. There are always plenty of opportunities as a professional to continue acquiring knowledge and developing one’s skills.
You travel the world often, where is your happy place when travelling?
PHP: As an expert in ethnic skin, there are many places I enjoy travelling in order to lecture to doctors and practitioners. These places (and their people) can be very diverse and different one from the other. For example, I absolutely love South East Asia, above all Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore. I am also very comfortable when I teach in both Latin America and South Africa. And I can also feel extremely good when I participate in conferences and congresses in Russia, Ukraine, the Middle East, China and South Korea. I also must say that I feel very comfortable when I go to France, Switzerland and Monaco, which is something I do very often, not only for congresses and conferences but also privately.
What is your favourite skin care brand?
PHP: I recommend FILORGA for the simple reason, that it is a brand suitable for men and women with all types of skin. FILORGA has more than 35 years of experience in the aesthetic industry and it has managed to position itself as one of the best skin care brands in the French market, which is one of the most competitive markets I can think of.
How competitive is Harley Street for cosmetic doctors?
PHP: As we know, Harley Street has been for nearly two hundred years the place for doctors of all specialities, so there has always been room for everyone. For this reason, it is not exceptionally difficult to start off a practice there, but what can prove to be a bigger challenge is to stay in and keep growing. It is very important to have a defined profile and a flawless career in order to maintain the standards required at a place like Harley Street. At PHP Aesthetic, we are the only clinic that has been able to build a reputation for the French Touch, or Natural Look and our clientele does not only come from London and the rest of the UK, but we do have clients who expressly fly in from abroad to see us.
To schedule an appointment: phphealthfirst@me.com
