LIFE & LIVING
A Job Less Ordinary
Dr Ryan Taylor – Aesthetics doctor
My job as an aesthetics doctor revolves around consulting and treating people with Botox and dermal fillers. For the most part, I usually meet people for the first time via a video consultation. I started doing these in lockdown and they have been so successful and convenient for new clients I have continued to offer them. This entails a chat about what the client is looking for and an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. When I’m in the clinic it tends to be a full day of injecting. Botox is usually to the three main errors (frown lines, forehead lines and crow’s feet), and fillers can be anything from lips to cheeks to jawline or nose.
I wanted to be a doctor because…
I’ve always loved fixing things! I’m sure I would have been happy as a mechanic but my Dad always told me to do something that would be easier on my joints.
A typical day involves…
A typical day in the clinic is a busy one, especially since lockdown. I arrive and make sure I have all the products for the day as the thought of realising I have no Botox fills me with dread. Then it’s all go. For new clients we talk through the process, make sure I know exactly what they want to get out of the treatment and fill in the relevant paperwork. For regular clients, it’s a brief catch up then straight on with their treatment. A Botox treatment itself takes no more than 10 minutes, fillers a little longer. When the treatment is complete, we cover the usual aftercare and make sure the client knows what to expect (Botox takes two weeks to reach its peak and fillers sometimes have a little bit of swelling for a couple of days). Appointment times are a little longer at the moment to allow time for track and trace and cleaning down at the end.
Something that might surprise you about my job is…
The number of botched jobs that come to me to be fixed. And it only seems to be getting worse as more people look for cheap dermal filler. Botox usually doesn’t have the same problem as it needs to be prescribed by a doctor, but anyone can buy a syringe of dermal filler online and start injecting!
The worst part is…
It’s non-stop. I’ve always felt as though your injector should be available to talk to in case you have any concerns. Which makes the job feel a bit like a constant on call! But at the end of the day, it is nice to assure people that if they have any worries, I’m available.
The best bit is…
Speaking to happy clients! So many people come in a little dubious about Botox and fillers as; 1. They tend to have a bit of a bad reputation and 2. They don’t necessarily believe they work. So when a client has a treatment for the first time and they see the beautiful, natural-looking results they were hoping for, they tend to give very positive feedback which always puts a smile on my face.
My proudest work moment…
Outside of aesthetics, my proudest moment would definitely be passing my surgical exams to become a member of the Royal College of Surgeons. Within aesthetics, it would probably be when I did my first full-face transformation. This involves Botox and dermal filler in quite a few locations to give an all-round rejuvenation of the face.
After work I wind down by…
Coming through the door and watching a bit of children’s TV with my two year old. Then when he’s in bed, a nice hot bath and sometimes a beer. Just the one though as I need to be ready in case any clients from that day’s clinic need to contact me (which luckily is very rare!).
If I wasn’t a doctor I would be a…
Personal trainer. I don’t know how anyone has the time to work full time, have a family and stay in shape. It seems that being a personal trainer is a two birds with one stone kind of situation!
