Ahead of the Curve – Interview with Dr Radmila Lukian, founder of Lucia Clinic

WORDS: OLIVIA MORRIS

Ahead a great opportunity for me as a dermatologist and aesthetic doctor. In Dubai, we have a superb mix of different skin types and approaches to every skin type. Why did you decide to open your own clinic of the Curve in 2012? I realized I could not implement my knowledge by working in another clinic. I was limited. I felt that I could not grow and could not be the decision-maker. The business and commercial approach was always more vital than the approach of the Pioneering aesthetics doctor Radmila Lukian, doctor or expert in another place where I worked. So, my main aim was to create founder of Lucia Clinic, discusses staying a new concept where the doctor’s expert opinion comes first. My vision and focus ahead of the curve when it comes to beauty were always on implementing all my international experience and knowledge first, and how she’s championing game-changing but always providing the best safety solutions with excellent results, never comprotreatments here in the region mising quality. And then, the focus is on the business. The biggest challenge was that I did everything by myself without any support, investors, Talk us through your career. I or agency. So, I did all proceam the Medical Director and dures, studied laws and more founder of Lucia Clinic, where by myself, but the experience Dubai goes for beauty. I’m a I gained has been priceless. dermatologist and anti-age- During that journey, I realized ing specialist with more than that if somebody opens a busi20 years of experience in beau- ness, they should know every ty treatments and skin rejuve- single step of the process. nation techniques. I earned How have things developed for my academic degree from a Lucia Clinic over the last deprestigious Belgrade univer- cade? Currently, we are a team sity and previously worked at of 40+ international profesthe Clinical Centre of Serbia. sional team members full-time, I always have the opportunity plus external consultants, marto learn something new and keting and legal. We’re growing exchange knowledge. Derma- every day since this is a natural tology is linked with immu- process when your business nology. The skin reveals how is developing. Our services our body, soul, and emotions include dermatology, plastic are our most significant or- surgery, and aesthetic and cosgans and this is why I did my metic treatments for the face master’s studies in nutrition and body. When I started, I and skin. Very early on in my was the only doctor, but now career as a dermatologist, I discovered my talents for aesthet- we have six doctors in the clinic and patients from all over the ic medicine since my results were outstanding. Creativity and world. Before I had one person at the reception, today at Luknowledge in aesthetic medicine are my specialities. My re- cia Clinic, we have six people at the reception. Before I didn’t sults have been recognized in the USA, and I am thankful that have anybody in marketing, today, we have an entire strong I became an educator for the new techniques and technologies marketing team. We are a team that is committed to providing for non-surgical facelifts. tailored treatment options that help our esteemed clients enjoy What brought you to Dubai? When I was invited to give training healthier and more beautiful lives. and lecture at a dermatology conference in Dubai, I received of- In terms of beauty, how have things changed over the years fers to stay here and work in Dubai. I quickly realized this was in this region? Beauty standards don’t last and are always

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changing. The idea of beauty has changed and will continue to change throughout history. What was once a beauty standard is no longer the norm, and things are constantly changing. In ancient Egypt, you were considered beautiful if you were slim with a symmetrical body. Typically, younger females and males with muscles were most attractive. Similarly, Greeks valued a symmetrical face, but men’s bodies were valued over women’s. Women during the Renaissance era typically had longer hair, wider hips, and on the heavier side. The Victorian era was also when makeup was controversial but also when it became popular. The 21st century may have just begun 20 years ago, but the concept of beauty continues to change. Most women aim for a slender look with larger breasts and flat stomachs. While many of us were growing up, we were led to believe that being thin was the “ideal” which is not true. Curvy has been considered the ideal throughout most of history. You’re a pioneering clinic here in the region. How do you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to aesthetics? At Lucia Clinic, we always love constructive challenges and we are always improving the quality of service and treatment daily. To stay ahead of the curve, you need to know the market very well, not only in the Middle East, but the international market as well. As a leader in the GCC market, we are always first with new devices, products, and solutions. In the last 12 months, we launched four of the latest revolutionary technologies at Lucia Clinic; the first in the Gulf and Asia. Continuous improvement is our company culture that encourages all employees to look for ways to enhance the business’ operations. This includes suggesting ideas to improve efficiencies, evaluating current processes, and finding opportunities to cut unproductive work. And as a chief physical dermatologist, I am the person who is responsible for every procedure and even new product. We are following trends, regularly attending world congresses, listening to and understanding our clients, and setting the trends. We worked very, very hard to be where we are today. We have a fantastic team at Lucia Clinic, for which I am very grateful. Lucia Clinic welcomes clients from the globe over. Can you outline some of the most famous faces you have coming to the clinic? I am always honest with my clients and in business. For me, this is super important to have this transparent relationship. It is fantastic when your work as a doctor and your brand, Lucia Clinic is recognised by celebrities such as: Huda Kattan, Mona Kattan, Naomi Campbell, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan, Salama Mohamed, Khalif Al Ameri, Maria Bravo, Amir Khan and more. All these ladies and gents often call Lucia Clinic the first destination to visit in Dubai or their second home. What new trends do you see emerging in the region regarding beauty? The latest trend is a healthy lifestyle – living, feeling and looking healthier. This trend is bringing new clients to the clinic for the first time. This is why it’s essential to follow the research, trends, techniques and more. The clinic which implements the same, with the most successful results, is the winner. Men’s interest and participation in cosmetic procedures have increased in recent years. The increase in male patients undergoing cosmetic procedures is multifactorial. A desire to be more competitive and youthful in the workforce, the growing social acceptability of cosmetic procedures, and increased awareness of safety and efficacy contribute to the increase in male patients. In addition, more and more younger people (gen Z) are looking for dermatologists. How do you hope to help your clients feel from the inside and out? We all have different stories, different skin and a different life. First of all, I am a doctor, a dermatologist. My role as a doctor is to maintain and restores human health through the practice of medicine. We only get one precious face and taking excellent care of our skin to prevent premature ageing is one of the best ways to show ourselves love. Your skin is unique. Skincare is healthcare. We, as doctors, should always listen to our patients. Listening to your clients indicates that you care about what they think. It makes them feel important and valued, which helps build trust. A doctor-patient relationship is considered to be the core element in the ethical principles of medicine. This is critical for vulnerable patients as they experience a heightened reliance on the physician’s competence and skills. And don’t forget to smile. The key is to validate their feelings and offer genuinely helpful solutions. This is The Pioneer Issue – to you, what does it take to be a pioneer? A pioneer, for me, is someone who sees potential, an innovator who is willing to try new things. Pioneers are typically free-thinking, adventurous, spontaneous and highly creative. They are independentminded, often clever and always original.

“A pioneer, for me, is someone who sees potential, an innovator who is willing to try new things.”