Q&A with Mark Whiteley, Consultant Surgeon, Executive Chairman at The Whiteley Clinic
My background within the Aesthetics Industry is: I am a consultant vascular surgeon who has specialised in venous disease and am now an internationally renowned vein specialist and a visiting professor at the University of Surrey. I was the first person to bring endovenous surgery (“keyhole surgery”) for varicose veins into the UK in March 1999 and my research unit at The Whiteley Clinic and University of Surrey has been producing research in to varicose veins and venous disease ever since. Working with Vicki Smith of Absolute Aesthetics, we are able to bring our research into the Aesthetics industry, both by helping Aesthetic practitioners understand the difference between venous disease and aesthetic conditions, and also by bring our research methods and results to Absolute Aesthetics and their practitioners.
I was inspired to get into the Aesthetics Industry because: As with many fast growing areas of business, there has been an explosion of new techniques and ideas. Although many are founded on excellent research and development, others have very little science or research to support them. As such, many techniques disappear within a few years of launch, leaving patients worse off, financially if not medically, and practitioners with blemishes on their reputations by being involved with something that they later wish to forget.
My interest is to bring the research and credibility that has made The Whiteley Clinic respected in the venous world, into the Aesthetics world. I work with Vicki Smith and her team at Absolute Aesthetics and also with companies producing aesthetic equipment or products, both to choose which we will use in our clinics based on good science and also to run research projects in promising products that are not yet proven.
What I’ll be doing at AM Live: I will be lecturing on Saturday on varicose veins and thread veins, and the place of vein treatments within Aesthetic Clinics.
My topic is: “Which Veins are Cosmetic and Which are Medical? NICE Guidelines, Good Medical Practice and Keeping Out of Trouble”
The key objectives that delegates will walk away with: Aesthetic practitioners need to understand the difference between Aesthetic Clients who are seeking a service for something visual, and vein patients who have a systemic medical problem affecting their circulatory system, which cannot be assessed visually. In an increasing litigious society, Aesthetic practitioners wishing to introduce veins into their clinics need to be aware of the underlying pathology of venous disease, NICE guidelines (CG168), their own professional responsibilities and the latest research into venous treatments. Whereas many aesthetic treatments and complications are not permanent, venous treatments need to permanently destroy tissue and the complications can be systemic and severe. Delegates need to be aware that introducing vein services into a clinic is very different than introducing a new aesthetic service into an aesthetic practice. They need to be aware of the regulatory requirements, the requirements for audit and outcome measures, handling of emergencies, CQC regulations, low profit margins and the risks of medical litigation.
Professor Mark Whiteley will be speaking at 12.30pm on Saturday April 25th - Secure your seat, here
