This interview with Dr. Randa Jaafar is featured in Exeleon Magazine’s Most Innovative Women in Beauty and Cosmetics issue. The issue is part of Exeleon’s Women History Month Celebration.
Can you share a bit about your journey from specializing in pain management to founding FILD Studio in the heart of New York?
My roots in pain management have catapulted my career in aesthetics and given me a deeper and multifaceted approach to treating patients with injectables that have multiple uses. Botox is used for pain and for aesthetics. So, if I can get rid of my patients’ pain and give them a beautiful cosmetic effect, I think I benefitted them much more than the average “cosmetic injector”.
Pain management is also why I started treating patients for weight loss, because a lot of painful conditions come from being overweight or obese. If I can decrease someone’s weight, they will have less pain and feel more beautiful.
FILD Studio emphasizes a premium client experience free from misconceptions about injectables. How do you educate your clients about the safety and efficacy of these treatments?
At FILD, our utmost priority is ensuring a premium client experience that is rooted in transparency and education regarding injectable treatments. Safety and assurance are extremely important to me. Our procedures are conducted with care and expertise by our skilled injectors. I always like to emphasize the minimal risk that is involved with the injectables – there’s less than 1% chance a patient will experience complications such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. The most common potential risks are bruising or swelling, which typically diminish within a week post-treatment.
Prior to any procedure, each client undergoes a thorough consultation session. We discuss the benefits of the treatment and carefully review the individual medical history and whether they have any health issues including thinning blood, pregnancies, or allergic reactions to other injections they may have previously had. If this is the case, they are not deemed eligible to proceed with the treatment.
A question I typically get among our patients pertains to the duration of the results. I like to inform them that fillers typically last around 6 months, while Botox lasts approximately 3 months. Also, the body gradually breaks these substances over time. By educating clients about the natural breakdown process, it allows them to understand that it’s not an abrupt cessation of effects but rather a gradual decline:
- 1 month: 30% decrease
- 2 months: 60% decrease
- 3 months: 90% decrease
Lastly, we always address concerns regarding the quality of the products used in our procedures. It’s important to reassure patients that our Botox is not diluted; rather, its breakdown is a natural process that occurs within the body daily.
Injectable treatments for wrinkle prevention can vary widely in approach. How do you personalize treatments to meet individual client needs and expectations?
I always like to start with understanding previous experiences and preferences with my patients. We initiate the consultation process by delving into the patients past experiences with injectable treatments.
Rather than rely solely on external reference like a photo of someone else, I prefer to understand what the patient loved and what they disliked from their previous treatments. This involves them showing pictures of themselves rather than other people or celebrities. This type of insight allows me to tailor the current treatment plan to align with their preferences and goals.
Also, it’s important to recognize that each individual has unique aesthetic preferences. Whether it’s achieving a more natural appearance or opting for a more dramatic transformation, I take the time to understand their expectations. We often find that men tend to prefer a neutral outcome, while women often seek a lifted appearance, particularly around the eyes.
For clients considering filler treatments, I prefer to employ a hands-on approach for visualization. I let them hold a mirror to watch every single step and demonstrate the effects of filler. I start with one side of the face first, allowing the patients to witness the immediate results. This provides an interactive experience and allows the patient to provide feedback in real-time, indicating whether they want more or less filler to achieve their desired look.
Unlike filler treatments, the effects of Botox injections may take 7-10 days to fully manifest. We let our patients know about this timeframe by emphasizing the importance of patience in observing the final result. It’s critical to set realistic expectations with Botox and that if they do want more, it’s a gradual enhancement. Also, I always emphasize that Botox wears off naturally over time, whereas fillers can be dissolved at any time if needed. This reassurance is important to me and shows that the treatments we are provided are unique to each patient and their evolving needs.
As a leader in cosmetic medicine, what advice would you give to young physicians interested in entering this field?
As a leader in cosmetic medicine, the most valuable advice I can offer to young physicians aspiring to enter this field is to prioritize the happiness of your patients above all else. Each patient is unique, with individual desires and expectations, and it’s crucial to tailor every single treatment to meet their specific needs and goals.
Mastering the technical aspects of cosmetic procedures is undoubtedly important, but the true skill lies in understanding how to make each individual patient happy. This means actively listening to their concerns, preferences, and desires. I’ve realized with my years of experience that it’s not just about the final outcome of the procedure, it’s about the overall experience and how you make them feel throughout the process.
If you want to be successful, put the patient first and ensure that their wants and needs are at the forefront of every treatment plan. By focusing on what they want and actively listening to their feedback, you can create personalized treatment plans that truly make a difference in their lives and how they feel.
What are your future aspirations for FILD Studio? Are there new technologies or treatment methods you are excited to explore or introduce to your clients?
My future aspirations involve expanding to multiple locations and refining our business model to better serve our patients. I’m particularly passionate about enhancing our marketing efforts to reach a wider audience and make our services more accessible.
One area I’m especially passionate about exploring is the integration of weight loss drugs into our offerings. I’ve seen firsthand how much joy and confidence cosmetic treatments and injectables can bring to our clients, but I truly believe beauty is about feeling comfortable and confident in your own skin, regardless of size or shape. I want to help our clients achieve their desired weight goals and feel empowered in their bodies.
There’s still a lot of stigma surrounding weight loss injections. Many people have feelings of shame or fear of the potential risks and side effects. I really want to break those barriers and reduce the labels associated with seeking help to look and feel your best. It’s essential to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment where patients feel comfortable exploring their options and making informed decisions about their health and wellness.
Ultimately, my goal for FILD Studio is to be a trusted partner in helping my patients look and feel their best, inside and out. It’s important to continue embracing new technologies and treatment methods, while also prioritizing compassion and understanding.
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