Defying Your Decade Through a Tailored Approach to Aesthetic Medicine
Professor Ali Ghanem is a renowned aesthetic plastic surgeon and regenerative medicine expert, known for pioneering advancements in aesthetic regenerative treatments. He is the founder of The Ghanem Clinic in London and has extensive academic credentials, including a PhD in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology from University College London and fellowships across multiple countries. With a focus on innovation, education, and excellence, Professor Ghanem has earned accolades for his contributions to aesthetic and reconstructive medicine.
My career has been dedicated to understanding and advancing the art and science of aesthetic treatments. Over the years, I’ve seen the evolving demands of patients who are increasingly seeking treatments that not only reverse signs of ageing but are tailored to their specific needs at different stages of life. That’s why I created the Defy Your Decade programme, a bespoke approach that addresses the unique aesthetic challenges that arise with each decade, from the 20s to the 60s and beyond.
The Defy Your Decade programme is not just about turning back the clock but about embracing a more nuanced understanding of how ageing affects the skin, body, and overall appearance. My approach goes far beyond simply addressing superficial concerns like wrinkles. Instead, I focus on the deeper layers of the skin, volume loss, and laxity, as well as the holistic impact of ageing on a person's emotional and psychological well-being.
We know that ageing is a complex biological process, influenced by both genetics and the environment. While traditional aesthetic treatments often focus on the visible signs of ageing, I believe in a more comprehensive strategy that looks at three key aspects: surface, volume, and laxity.
A crucial part of this programme is understanding that ageing doesn’t happen the same way for everyone. It’s a highly individual process that requires a highly personalised approach. That’s why the Defy Your Decade programme is specifically designed to address the unique changes that happen to the skin, muscles, and bone structure at each decade of life.
The 20s: Early Structural Concerns and Skin Health
When you're in your 20s, your skin is at its peak, but that doesn’t mean there aren't challenges. Many people in this decade struggle with acne and acne scarring, which can have a significant psychological impact. Structural issues, like a nasal hump or jawline concerns, also become more apparent as the skeletal structure reaches full maturity.
From my experience, up to 25% of young adults report avoiding social situations because of concerns with their appearance. This is why addressing these issues early can have a profound effect, not just physically but emotionally.
My Approach for the 20s:
Acne and Scarring Treatments: For mild to moderate acne, I use AI-controlled radiofrequency microneedling to deliver precise energy for skin regeneration. For severe scarring, treatments like sub-dermal laser tools such as Endolift and surgical options like scar subcision or fully ablative lasers are highly effective.
Structural Corrections: I offer scarless endoscopic facelifts and facial implants to address structural concerns that can now be corrected, as the skeleton has finalised its growth.
Holistic Support: Aesthetics isn’t just skin deep. My programme also supports patients psychologically, helping them regain their confidence and fully reintegrate socially.
The 30s: Preventing and Addressing Early Signs of Ageing
In your 30s, the first signs of ageing begin to appear. Collagen and elastin production starts to slow, and many people notice the early signs of sun damage from their 20s catching up. The face also begins to lose fat, particularly around the eyes, leading to dark circles and a more tired appearance.
In this decade, I focus on preserving the youthful qualities of the skin while addressing the subtle changes that are beginning to occur.
My Approach for the 30s:
Volume Restoration: Nano fat transfer is an incredibly effective technique I use to restore lost volume in areas like the eyes, where fat loss is most noticeable. Not only does this restore volume, but it also improves the skin's quality.
Surface Treatments: In addition to sun protection, I recommend the introduction of growth factors and non-ablative laser treatments to repair early sun damage and maintain a youthful complexion.
Managing Stress and Expression: I believe in the careful, judicious use of botulinum toxin to soften signs of stress and overexpression. This doesn’t mean freezing the face, but rather harmonising facial expressions to maintain a youthful appearance.
The 40s: Rebuilding Resilience in the Face of Accelerated Ageing
By the time you reach your 40s, the signs of ageing become more pronounced. Reduced collagen and elastin, coupled with hormonal changes, lead to increased skin laxity, deeper lines, and wrinkles. This is also when the lifestyle choices of your 20s and 30s begin to take their toll.
My Approach for the 40s:
Collagen Stimulation: At this stage, collagen-stimulating fillers, like Profhilo or Ellansé, are excellent tools to restore lost volume and improve skin elasticity. Where necessary, I also use hyaluronic acid-based fillers.
Laser Resurfacing: The Ghanem Glow protocol, which combines multiple lasers for targeting different skin layers, helps improve texture, pigmentation, and vascular changes with minimal downtime.
Non-Surgical Facelifts: For early signs of laxity, I often combine high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) with radiofrequency and semi-invasive lasers to deliver results similar to surgery but without the associated risks or downtime. For more advanced cases, my scarless endoscopic facelift is a minimally invasive yet highly effective option.
The 50s: Comprehensive Rejuvenation
The 50s are a period of significant hormonal changes, particularly for women going through menopause. These changes accelerate the skin’s ageing process, leading to more pronounced sagging, wrinkles, and volume loss. At this stage, it’s no longer just about prevention; restorative treatments are now essential.
My Approach for the 50s:
Facelifts and Fat Transfer: For those requiring significant volume restoration, I perform fat transfers to replace lost volume naturally. When more drastic intervention is needed, the deep plane facelift provides exceptional, long-lasting results without compromising the natural contours of the face.
Hormonal Support: In partnership with leading gynaecologists, I offer treatments that address not just the skin, but the entire body’s reaction to hormonal changes. These treatments help restore balance and improve overall well-being.
Surface Rejuvenation: Fully ablative lasers are used to tackle deeper wrinkles and restore a smoother, more youthful skin surface, supported by advanced aftercare to ensure rapid healing and optimal results.
The 60s and Beyond: Enhancing Graceful Ageing
As we reach our 60s and beyond, the skin’s natural repair mechanisms weaken. Volume loss, deep wrinkles, and significant skin laxity become more evident. While non-invasive treatments can still offer benefits, surgical and more intensive approaches often provide the most noticeable results.
My Approach for the 60s:
Fractional and Ablative Laser Therapy: For deep wrinkles and skin texture issues, I employ fully ablative laser treatments, similar to those used for severe acne scarring, to stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin.
Thread Lifting and Injectable Biostimulators: I use thread lifting techniques to reposition sagging skin and injectable collagen biostimulators like Lanluma or Ellansé to improve skin integrity.
Holistic Longevity Medicine: As people live longer, maintaining a high quality of life becomes just as important as how we look. My programme includes longevity medicine and functional treatments aimed at muscle health, rehabilitation, and general well-being, ensuring my patients not only age gracefully but live actively and confidently.
The Defy Your Decade programme is a culmination of years of experience in aesthetic medicine, designed to address the evolving needs of patients at every stage of life. By focusing on the unique challenges that each decade brings, I’m able to offer personalised, scientifically backed treatments that not only enhance the way you look but also how you feel.
I believe ageing is something to be embraced with confidence, and my approach is all about helping my patients maintain their best self, no matter their age. Whether it’s early structural concerns in your 20s or comprehensive rejuvenation in your 60s, we provide treatments that harmonise with the body’s natural ageing process whilst keeping you looking and feeling your best.
