Beauty
Dr. Nina Bal, Facial Aesthetic Practitioner and Founder of the Facial Sculpting Clinic, on how healthy skin begins from the inside-out and how investing in yourself is a form of self-care.
Talk us through your background.
I am one hundred percent Italian. My medical background is in dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. After completing my degree in Milan, I worked in cosmetic dentistry and decided to move to London – this was 15 years ago. In London, I started my move into facial aesthetics. I always loved the art of symmetry and beauty, so facial aesthetics I believe has always been destined for me.
How do you define face sculpting with a holistic approach?
My approach is always holistic. When I analyse my patients, I consider the ageing process, I ensure to educate them on how and why we age so they understand the clinical procedures fully. My reports are very detailed, and I look to target all three skin layers: the epidermis at the top, the dermis (middle) and the subcutaneous layer underneath. I often rely on my anatomical knowledge from my dentistry background that helps me to identify areas to treat using the skeletal and dental form as my guide. From this analysis, I can create a very bespoke treatment plan to deliver beautiful results.
What inspired you to transition from cosmetic dental surgery to facial aesthetics?
It was a very natural pathway for me, I allowed myself to follow my passions for medicine, aesthetics and fashion. I found my dream job in facial aesthetics, where I can use my aesthetic creativity and my medical expertise. I love science and creativity.
What emerging trends or technologies in aesthetics are you most excited about?
First and foremost, I love the art of injectables, and I see daily how they can be used to sculpt and perfect the architecture of the face. There’s a surge in popularity of injectables to address skin quality and focus on skin regeneration like polynucleotides, Profhilo, and skin boosters. I witness such a difference in improved skin quality when I integrate these regenerative treatments both for myself and for my patients. For me a good skin peel can address skin clarity. I Like the new AlumierMD Radiant TXA Peel– it truly helped me with my melasma. I turn to device-led treatments where skin laxity is a concern. Device-led treatments such as InMode Contoura and Endolift work beautifully to create a sculpting and lifting effect, the results of these can have a huge impact on the lower third of the face where we often witness skin laxity.
“For me, my work is all about bringing out someone’s natural beauty. I am not changing anything, I am just correcting, balancing and enhancing”
You focus on the ‘Golden Ratio of Beauty’ in your work. Could you explain how this concept guides your treatments?
The Golden Ratio defines how the human eye perceives beauty. I follow the ratio rules when I am analysing a patient’s facial structure. I firstly look for the symmetry for the three thirds of the face and combine this with a mathematical ratio approach to consider the features, then, I use my artistic side to create a beautiful and harmonious balance to the face. This is a delicate equation of mathematics and creative skill.
For example, in practice, if a patient has a recessive or weak chin, I look at the ratio of the three thirds of the face and measure it with a ruler, then I consider the side profile to increase the projection to where it should align with the positioning of the lips. There is a very specific ratio between the top and bottom lips, if someone has a very thin upper lip, I work to increase the volume to create a balance to the proportions. On a malocclusion class 2 (where the chin is retracted), I increase the horizontal projection of the chin with fillers. In a malocclusion class 3 (where the chin is over projecting), I increase the lip projection with filler, with the goal to create a softer and more aligned profile and balance between the lips and chin.
How do you ensure subtlety while achieving noticeable enhancements?
For me, my work is all about bringing out someone’s natural beauty. I am not changing anything, I am just correcting, balancing and enhancing. Working on the symmetry and facial structure and then addressing the canvas – ensuring the skin tone and clarity is also enhanced.
How do you approach creating personalised treatment plans for your clients?
It’s all about understanding the ageing process and the structure of the skin. Assessing the facial contours and taking into consideration any malocclusions. Applying the golden ratio to create the perfect balance and then addressing any skin conditions.
Why does gut health matter when it comes to good skin?
Gut health is at the basis of skin health, skin conditions such as rosacea and acne are related to gut health and the skin can be a window to reflect what is going on, on the inside. I work closely with my patients to help their skin glow with health. I encourage a healthy lifestyle and work with my clients often via the GetHarley platform, to prescribe a tailored, clinical grade skincare routine. I also advocate daily supplements and work with the nutritionists at W-Wellness to ensure the right supplements are integrated into their daily routine. It is important my patients are working on their skin health from the inside and out.
What advice would you offer someone considering their first aesthetic treatment?
Do your research and ensure you are going to a qualified medical professional. Aesthetic treatments are medical treatments and are not to be undertaken lightly. I think it’s also paramount that you align with the aesthetic of the practitioner. Study the before and after photos to see whether you like their eye. I also advise to have a consultation so you can see whether you feel at ease with the person and take the opportunity to ask all the questions to include downtime and address complications.
This is The Self-Care Issue – what is your non-negotiable when it comes to your self-care routine?
For me exercising and moving the body is important. Prioritising sleep and eating well and daily meditation for me is a must.
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