KARDASHIANS ARE OUT, SAYS BEAUTY DOCTOR
New practice brings cosmetic medicine and skin cancer care closer to home for Whanganui patients
A significant part of my work is skin cancer-related but the cosmetic aspect is gaining pace. Dr Raja Hingorani
The overblown Kardashian look is out and individualised beauty and health is in at Whanganui’s new cosmetic medicine and skin care clinic.
Dr Raja Hingorani has set up Radiance Skin Clinic, an independent business based at Jabulani Medical Centre in Wicksteed St. The clinic opens for business on November 2.
Hingorani grew up in Africa and trained as a doctor in Tanzania, then worked for several years in Botswana.
He moved to New Zealand about 15 years ago and has worked in hospitals, clinics and urgent care centres throughout New Zealand.
He has been in Whanganui for five years, working at Whanganui Hospital’s emergency department, Whanganui Accident and Medical Clinic and several GP practices.
Hingorani’s primary specialisation is in urgent care medicine but he is also a member of the New Zealand Society of Cosmetic Medicine which is the only body in New Zealand that provides training, supervision and professional accreditation for the profession.
“When I started working in general practice, I was seeing a lot of skin cancer,” Hingorani said.
“I branched into cosmetic medicine, which has been a fantastic journey for me. My clinic offers a wide spectrum of services to the Whanganui community, both in the cosmetic and non-cosmetic line of work.”
Hingorani said a lot of Whanganui people had been travelling out of town for cosmetic medicine treatment but that was starting to change
as they became aware of his practice. Treatments available include botulinum toxin, temporary dermal fillers that help with wrinkles and give a better aesthetic look, skin tightening, non-surgical facelift, double chin and platelet-rich plasma which is used in cosmetic and noncosmetic medicine.
Some cosmetic treatments are also used to treat conditions such as migraines, excess sweating, scar reduction, acne and other common skin conditions.
“As I build up the practice, I aim to get more equipment and provide a wider range of services for people,” Hingorani said.
“I use medical-grade skin care products that you don’t find in normal beauty salons or shops for treatment of skin conditions.
“I also have a radio frequency device for skin tightening, rejuvenation and spider veins but which is also used for treatment of lumps and lesions and is quite beneficial in skin surgery.
“We know there’s a huge burden of skin cancer in New Zealand. We are fortunate in Whanganui that the DHB does provide funding for all GPs to be able to manage skin cancer issues and excise them. However, if people want to see someone else for a skin/mole check, I offer that service.
“Being sun smart is the key to skin cancer prevention. It is beneficial to take time to self-examine your spots for any changes and consider having skin checks. If you’re concerned about a spot or growth the first port of call is the GP.
“Alternatively, other options include a visit to the dermatologist, mole mapping or coming to some- one like us who has interest and experience in skin cancer medicine.
“A significant part of my work is skin cancer-related but the cosmetic aspect is gaining pace and, with new services being available, we hope that people in Whanganui will not need to travel far to get quality service.”
Cosmetic medicine was not like going to a beauty salon, Hingorani said.
“You are coming to see a doctor to get medical treatment so the rules of confidentiality and privacy apply like with any other medical treatment,” he said.
Cosmetic medicine had changed the mindset of the “Kardashian look”.
“The old concept of frozen faces and big lips and overfilled faces has fallen by the wayside now,” Hingorani said.
“The concept of beauty is not just societal but very personal and individual perception and thought.
“What would be normal for one person may not be the same for the next. The treatment is individualised to the client’s requirements and what is practical.
“The newer techniques and modalities available enhance the features of a person without overcorrecting or trying to achieve unrealistic goals.
“We work with the individual and set realistic expectations and goals with cosmetic medicine or skin cancer, skin care or other skin treatments.”
To make an appointment with Hingorani, book through Jabulani Medical Centre on 06 345 2720.