Spotlight On: Dr Stefanie Williams

By: Katharine Griffiths
Created on 08th June 2010

Cosmetic Surgery & Aesthetics Guide interviews top cosmetic dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams

You have done a lot of research looking into hand rejuvenation. Is the old saying that a woman's hands always give away her age still true?

No, definitely not. I love rejuvenating the hands, as results can be so dramatic and patients are usually extremely pleased with the outcome. Unfortunately most people don't know yet what is possible outside the face. A look at celebrities' hands in glossy magazines scarily confirms this lack of knowledge. This is despite the fact that in order to look good for your age, the appearance of the skin on your hands or décolletage, say, is as important as the face - think outside the box.

So it is possible to rejuvenate the décolletage as well?

Absolutely. The chest is another ‘neglected' skin area, despite the fact that it is exposed to the same damaging external influences as the face. I would say the earlier you start looking after the skin on your chest the better. There are some great treatments around for tackling those ‘crow's feet' on the chest and making the décolletage look younger and fresher.

You offer a wide range of rejuvenating treatments. What is currently your favourite treatment?

My ‘signature' treatment is a ‘Gel Needling Lift'. In this ultimate rejuvenating treatment, which I have pioneered in my clinic, I combine large-area, microdroplet hyaluronic acid injections using Restylane Vital Light with a special, new titanium needle roller.

This wonderful treatment is suitable for face, hands and chest and the results are truly amazing. I even performed the procedure on myself, as the results I have seen in patients were so good.

How important do you think skincare is compared to cosmetic procedures?

A good daily skincare regime is extremely important. It is an absolutely crucial investment into your skin's future. However, don't expect overnight miracles - this is a long-term strategy, but I can promise that it will pay off eventually.

The most important thing is to choose effective products and stick to them. Unfortunately, there is a whole jungle of products on the market and frankly not all of them work. For the consumer it is now virtually impossible to tell which ones have good scientific evidence behind them and which are simply good marketeers.

Is that why you have launched your new website: www.eudeloboutique.com?

Yes, that's right. Eudelo Boutique is a one-of-a-kind skincare website, where I, as a dermatologist and cosmetic scientist, provide mythbusting skincare facts, insider dermatologist information and tips and tricks on how to keep your skin looking young and healthy.

The aim of this site is really to transform the way people look after their skin on a daily basis and educate them as to the best products to use. Crucially, readers can also buy these hand-selected products directly from the site, avoiding the need to trawl around the internet to find this diverse selection of products.

So what products would you recommend to protect and maintain your skin through the summer months?

Sun protection... sun protection... sun protection! This is the single most important thing you can do for your skin and particularly important during the summer months. For best effects, apply an advanced antioxidant serum underneath and use a broad-sprectrum, high SPF sun protection moisturiser every single morning, whether you are spending time outside or not.

Did you know that the ageing part of the sun spectrum, UVA, can penetrate clouds and window glass? Have a look at www.eudeloboutique.com for further information and product recommendations.

You are clearly experienced in performing cosmetic procedures and formulating skincare. But you work academically as well, don't you?

Yes, I teach and perform research in cosmetic science at the University of the Arts London. This is one of the very few academic divisions for cosmetic science in the country.

I really enjoy this part of my work very much and the research keeps me on top of the game with regard to what is happening in the skincare arena.

You have worked in both Germany and the UK. What are the major differences between cosmetic dermatology on the Continent and here?

In Continental Europe, cosmetic dermatology has become an integrated and accepted part of general dermatology, ensuring high quality and safety standards for the patient, which is great.

Occasionally I get frustrated with the situation in the UK, as anything to do with ‘cosmetic' is often seen as inferior, not something a ‘real doctor' should waste their time with. And we as patients are sometimes made to feel guilty for trying to look better
and accept a helping hand.

Even breakouts and acne, problems with a risk of permanent scarring, are often considered not worth seeing a dermatologist for. This is a great shame, as there are extremely effective treatments around these days and nobody has to walk around with spots. I strongly believe that everybody has a right to have healthy and beautiful skin.