Would you trust a tattoo artist without any tattoos? Or a barber with a slightly off-putting haircut? While these factors may not directly correlate to one’s talents and abilities, in such industries, much like aesthetic medicine, your own appearance often becomes the billboard on which you advertise to your clients. But is there a limit to how much we can, or should, expect from our barbers, tattoo artists and, more importantly, our practitioners? Is it perhaps too much to defy ageing, to make the inevitable evitable just because of the social pressure to look a certain way?

Beauty and youth are usually at the forefront of aesthetic medicine, with this being the case, it’s no surprise that female practitioners have felt the strain of balancing personal authenticity with societal expectations. In this month's Women in Aesthetic Medicine feature, we explore the experiences of several accomplished women in the field, who have shared their stories with the pressures of ageism and appearance, both in their professional and personal lives.

Medicine physician and owner of Glow Medispa and author of Medspa Mayhem, Katherine Dee, sheds light on the intense pressure to look ageless, particularly in competitive industries like tech and aesthetics. "The pressure to look ageless is incredibly strong, especially in tech. The ideal job candidate often looks like they graduated from college about 10 years ago," she shares. Dee, who is 56, focuses on maintaining healthy, vibrant skin rather than striving to look 30. "We don't all need to look 30. We just need to look healthy. At 56, I can say I have great skin and no filler in my face. My biggest critics, my teenagers, think I look in my early 40s. So, I'm calling that a win."

"Women in our industry will always be vulnerable to criticism,” states Dr Annelize Meyer, from Meyer Clinic, “both from societal criticism and the pressures of the industry. Finding ourselves in difficult situations can only make us stronger, so do not be afraid of challenges. Live and lead authentically, speak your truth, and follow your heart." Meyer advocates for authenticity as the key to success and personal fulfilment. "Your actions will speak louder than your words. Drown out all the noise and learn to honour and love yourself."

Meidcal doctor and dermatologist, Dr Elif Benar, offers her advice to other women in the aesthetics industry, reminding them "to focus on what truly matters—your skills, knowledge, and the impact you have on your patients. It’s easy to get caught up in the pressures to look a certain way, especially in an industry centered around beauty, but remember that your expertise and professionalism are what ultimately define your success."

She goes on to advise others to invest in their personal and professional growth by continually learning and staying ahead of industry trends. "This will not only bolster your confidence but also position you as a leader in the field. Surround yourself with a supportive network of colleagues and mentors who understand the unique challenges you face as a woman in the industry."

For women in aesthetic medicine, the pressure to maintain a certain appearance can be even more pronounced due to stereotypes. Anna Miller, registered nurse, life coach, and co-founder of The Ardour Clinic, advises embracing the natural aging process and cultivating inner harmony. "Ageing is a natural process, and we should embrace it. Try to love the body that you're in—both inside and out."

While pressure is faced within the industry, it is also no surprise that clients have opened up about feeling the same need to look a certain way in order to gain control over their lives.  Dr Paris Acharya, leading aesthetics and skincare expert and co-founder of the ardour clinic, raises an interesting point where women, particularly those in high-powered positions, face immense pressure to maintain their appearance. "Many of my patients are in high-powered positions and feel the need to maintain their appearance in order to ensure they are heard in the same capacity as others," she notes. Her advice? Approach beauty from the inside out. "Address internal concerns first, and then approach things on the outside. Remember not to be too hard on yourself, as ageing is something we should be grateful for and embrace."

Consultant oculoplastic surgeon and founder of The Clinic Holland Park, Dr Jenny Doyle, reflects on her journey, acknowledging the early challenges she faced as a young female surgeon. "Early in my career, I often encountered negative comments about my young age and gender, with patients sometimes citing what their perception of a 'surgeon' should look like," she says. However, as she transitioned into the aesthetic field, these perceived weaknesses became strengths. "The majority of my patients are female and seeking to regain a youthful appearance. It's important to remember that we are all put under pressures of appearance by society, but being comfortable and confident with our own appearance is the most important thing. There is nothing more attractive than confidence."

These insights from leading women in aesthetic medicine highlight the importance of confidence, authenticity, and self-love in an industry that often places immense pressure on appearance. By embracing these values, women can navigate the challenges of ageism and societal expectations, both as practitioners and as individuals.