We caught up with Dr. Veerle Rotsaert, a renowned Plastic Surgeon. She took the time to tell us about her ethos, how she has adapted to lockdown and the positives she is taking from the current situation.
Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions Dr. Veerle. Tell us a little about what it is you love about your job?
I love making people feel and look their best. I have one of the most demanding but at the same time most rewarding jobs.
By the time people come and see a plastic surgeon, many have been seriously bothered about something for years. This may cause them anxiety, uncertainty, unhappiness, shame...for me to then turn things around and help these people feel happier and more confident in life, is what makes me so fond of my job.
And with non-surgical treatments, I love seeing the immediate result of my actions.
Obviously, clinics have been closed for a while and carving out a routine and purpose is a little tricky. What is a typical day like for you?
I try to keep some form of routine in my life. I go for a run in Hyde Park or have a virtual PT session. I try to do work for my business, schedule in virtual consults and do some pre-filming for social media etc. And I always dress up nicely every day like I would do for work.
I agree with the getting dressed and ready for a ‘normal’ day. That’s helped me maintain some semblance of routine! Are there any positives you have taken from the whole experience?
Now, even more than ever before, we realise health is our greatest gift. Everything begins and ends with good health. Who would have guessed the world would become this virus' hostage?
I’m also sensing a much-improved sense of community spirit. Appreciation for our frontline and key workers. Coupled with a realisation of how important our supermarket staff and garbage collectors are. It’s not just health care workers who are critical to making our lives comfortable.
You mentioned working on your business whilst being unable to physically open your clinic. What have you been doing in this regard?
I do lots of online training at the moment, I devour them. A lot of aesthetic companies are offering great webinars. One that sticks out is one about BDD from Allergan.
In clinic: We have created a safe patient flow. We are preparing for lockdown being lifted in the coming weeks. Social distancing in our clinic will become the new normal. Protecting staff and keeping everyone safe will be our main priority. We are blessed, we have separate waiting areas and 8 treatment rooms, so we can assure virtually no patient-to-patient interaction.
At home: One of the changes I want to keep is hosting more dinners at home. Eating more home-cooked meals turned out be surprisingly enjoyable. After some initial kitchen disasters in the beginning of lockdown it turned out to be very cosy!
It sounds like you’ve embraced the enforced downtime! So, overall, you are feeling positive about the future? Of your business and the industry in general?
Actually, I’m feeling very positive. I can only talk for myself, friends & family and my patients, but everyone craves being taken care of and to feel good about themselves. We won't be able to travel as much, eat out as much for the near future, but people will still want to keep looking after themselves.
I think that is so true.With other ‘luxuries’ being on hold for a significant amount of time, people will look for ways to give themselves a boost. In the absence of being able to have in-clinic treatments, there has been a huge focus on at home skincare, particularly medical grade skin care. What range do you use? And do you have any advice?
I am using my Nomige skincare range which is a skincare line entirely based on my DNA. It is specific to my skin needs. I really love my Nomige peptide cream.
If you do nothing else for your skin, you must always cleanse and use a high, broad spectrum SPF.
Do you have any tips for other practitioners? What’s the one thing you try to adhere to professionally?
Never stop learning: always share best practices. Like a famous Canadian Plastic Surgeon said: 'He doesn't teach, he shares'
What are you most looking forward to when lockdown is lifted?
I cannot wait to meet up with friends again. Finally travelling back to Belgium to see my parents and godchild, who turned 2 during this lockdown will be high on my list. A holiday and eating out. Going to Harrods...
Sounds perfect! Is there anything else you would like to add?
I really enjoy the Glowday branding and platform. I am really appreciative of the fact that you only work with medically qualified aesthetic practitioners. I'm excited to see this platform in action once lockdown is over.
Ah, Thank you! That's great to hear. Thank you for taking the time to be in the Practitioner Spotlight. We can't wait for you to be welcoming Glowday clients to your clinic!