Interview by Vassilios Nicolaos Vitsilogiannis
(IG: @vassiliosvitsilogiannis)
Dr. Manos Dimonitsas stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of medical aesthetics, specializing in injectables. Renowned for his expertise, he has become the go-to medical professional for a clientele that includes celebrities seeking the latest cosmetic enhancements. Dr. Dimonitsas is at the forefront of modern medical techniques, seamlessly blending science and artistry to achieve natural and stunning results. His innovative approach to injectables has revolutionized the industry, earning him the reputation of a trailblazer in the field. With a commitment to precision and an acute understanding of facial anatomy, Dr. Dimonitsas consistently delivers personalized and exceptional outcomes, making him a trusted name in the world of aesthetic medicine.
Dr. Dimonitsas, as a distinguished expert in injectables, could you share with us some of the latest innovations or methods in aesthetic medicine, especially focusing on the advancements in addressing necklines, commonly referred to as “The Rings of Venus”?
An increasing number of young individuals, starting from the age of 25, are developing horizontal lines on their necks, commonly known as “The Rings of Venus,” inspired by the Aphrodite of Melos (Venus de Milo) statue displayed at the Louvre Museum. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to the constant bending of their heads forward while using mobile devices and computer screens. The term we now use for these wrinkles is “Tech Neck” (Technology Neck), and the main treatments we employ to address them are Skinboosters – activators of our collagen. These treatments are based on administering substances such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, peptides, amino acids, and nucleotides, to be absorbed by the fibroblasts in our skin – the collagen and elastin production factories – generating new collagen. The collagen and elastin produced enhance skin firmness, improving its quality by eliminating fine lines and wrinkles.
You are known for seamlessly integrating Greek culture with modern medical techniques in your practice. How do you find this cultural connection enhances the patient experience, and in what ways does it influence your approach to aesthetic medicine?
Ancient Greek beauty has always been a source of inspiration for aesthetic medicine globally. As an international speaker at global aesthetic medicine conferences, I consistently incorporate elements from ancient Greek mythology and culture into my practice. I also want to mention that in my medical practice, I often use the golden ratio of Phidias, the magical number Phi=1.618. Specifically, it is the ratio of perfection prevalent in nature and the universe, but Phidias first incorporated it into architecture in ancient Greece. We use this ratio in shaping facial angles, lip augmentation with hyaluronic acid, and liquid rhinoplasty.
As the ambassador for Gouri Korean Company, can you tell us about any collaborative efforts or cutting-edge technologies that you have been involved in, and how these partnerships contribute to the evolution of aesthetic medicine?
I am proud to be the only Greek doctor in the medical team of Dexlevo, the largest aesthetic medicine conglomerate in Korea, representing the Gouri Korean Company. Gouri supplies the global market with the injectable treatment “GOURI,” meaning “Gorgeous” in Korean. It is the first fully liquefied PCL (polycaprolactone) treatment, the substance used in threads in the past. This substance is injected into specific facial points and disperses instantly. Within 30-45 days, it intensely stimulates the production of new collagen, not only improving skin quality but also tightening and lifting the face. Personally, I consider these “Liquid Threads” a replacement for traditional threads and all their associated side effects such as pain, pulling, bruising, and swelling. Korea, alongside the United States, is a key influencer in shaping the global beauty market, and I am fortunate to actively participate in the evolution of this field. In my collaboration with the Korean multinational company, Europe, which I represent, contributes ancient beauty standards that are now more modern and essential than ever!
Anti-aging is a significant concern for many. What new methods or treatments do you find particularly promising in effectively addressing the signs of aging, and how do these compare to traditional approaches?
In the past, injectors aimed to restore facial volume with multiple fillers as facial fat diminishes with age. However, the large volumes offered to patients caused facial distortion. The current trend is toward Minimalization: the less you inject, the better aesthetic result you achieve! This means focusing on improving skin quality and achieving tightening through the process of neo-collagenesis. Ingredients such as peptides, amino acids, and hyaluronic acid are crucial in initiating this process. The latest generation of materials and treatments revolves around these components and is known as SKIN BOOSTERS. Another recent innovation includes polynucleotides, DNA segments mainly from salmon sperm, which activate the entire process of self-regeneration and rejuvenation. Specifically, the treatment with DNA sperm salmon gained wide popularity, first introduced by Jennifer Aniston, offering women worldwide the opportunity to apply it on their faces.
In the era of social media, individuals often feel pressured to meet certain beauty standards. How do you navigate the fine line between addressing genuine insecurities and ensuring that patients make well-informed decisions rather than succumbing to societal pressures?
Unfortunately, Instagram filters often promise to correct sometimes unrealistic imperfections, suggesting beauty standards beyond what can be realistically achieved through medical procedures. I often make it clear to my patients that I am a doctor, not a magician! Before starting any injectable treatment, the most crucial aspect is to explain in detail what can be achieved, inform the patient about the pre-treatment and post-treatment instructions, and assure them of a success rate. My experience shows that success not only requires knowledge of medical science but also psychology and aesthetics to understand the patient’s needs and achieve what they envision. The secret is always to listen to the patient and ensure that their aesthetic aligns with yours as an aesthetic doctor. There have been instances where I refused to take on a patient if their expectations were unrealistic or if they sought unrealistic solutions due to insecurities. I have even suggested to a patient to consult with a mental health specialist to resolve internal issues before proceeding with external improvements.
Your presentation at the international symposium in Bangkok last summer, titled “Fixing the Rings of Venus,” proposed groundbreaking treatment protocols for neck tightening inspired by the Aphrodite of Melos (Venus de Milo). Can you share your experiences from international engagements, and how different cultural perspectives influence discussions around aesthetic medicine?
During my presentation at the international symposium in Bangkok, I introduced innovative treatment protocols for neck tightening inspired by the Venus de Milo. I highlighted the imperfection of the goddess Aphrodite, specifically the lines around her neck, and questioned whether these new treatments were meant to correct possible mistakes of the gods. Throughout my global tour (Argentina, Thailand, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Germany) with the Korean multinational company GOURI, I incorporated elements of our culture, such as Doric rhythm columns and statues, into my presentations. Greek music from renowned composers like Vangelis Papathanassiou, Manos Hatzidakis, and Euthymia Reboutsika accompanied educational videos. Participants were not only impressed but also influenced by Greek culture, referring to ancient Greeks and the concept of “pan metron ariston,” emphasizing the need for balance in all aspects of life, including aesthetic medicine. The global trend toward achieving natural results has deep roots in our ancient civilization, inspiring Europe and the entire world.
Can you share insights into the unique challenges and opportunities of providing aesthetic medicine to celebrities without disclosing confidential information? How do you balance meeting their expectations and maintaining a natural appearance?
Despite my young age, I take pride in several Greek celebrities trusting me with enhancing their facial appearance. Preparing a presenter for their significant television comeback is one of the most challenging tasks. The adrenaline is high, but the satisfaction of seeing a flawless image on the screen and knowing that I played a part in their success is unparalleled. Balancing the celebrities’ desires with my capabilities as a doctor is crucial. I emphasize that I am not a magician like Copperfield. Combining different treatments is essential for celebrities, avoiding experiments with unknown recipes promising numerous therapies. Among the celebrities I have worked with, I am particularly proud to publicly mention the singer Sofia Vossou, who, following my guidance, maintained her beauty even after a health problem.
With the growing popularity of non-invasive procedures, how do you guide patients in choosing between minor or major invasive treatments? Are there specific considerations that influence your recommendations in these cases?
The field of anti-aging is on the brink of significant changes in the coming years. A forthcoming simple serum may promise to erase wrinkles within days. Younger, less invasive treatments are demonstrating results comparable to more invasive ones. For instance, combining rose stem cell extracts with microneedling can achieve outcomes equivalent to those of BOTOX or hyaluronic acid. Until the arrival of this revolutionary serum, there were still more invasive treatments with fantastic results, especially suitable for older ages or addressing more significant imperfections that required improvement. However, each decision depends on the clinical image and the patient’s expectations. Beyond our roles as physicians, we act as beauty coaches, carefully managing and shaping our patients’ treatment schedules.
Given the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, what ethical considerations do you prioritize in your practice? How do you ensure that the patient’s mental and emotional well-being is considered alongside physical transformations?
Before initiating any injectable treatment, I meticulously collect the patient’s medical history and engage in a thorough discussion to understand their readiness for facial changes and establish realistic expectations. Often, even after undergoing the most expensive treatments, patients may not see improvement due to emotional unrest or dissatisfaction with life. Some individuals resort to aesthetic treatments to address emotional voids, such as those resulting from a breakup or personal insecurities. Witnessing this is disheartening, and I appreciate those who consciously approach treatments, seeking to enhance their psychology while improving their appearance. As medical professionals, our goal extends beyond ensuring the safety and health of our patients to actively contribute to improving their mental and emotional well-being.
Looking ahead, what do you foresee as the future trends in aesthetic medicine, both in terms of technological advancements and societal attitudes towards aesthetic enhancements?
Continuing my commitment to staying updated every six months on new materials and undergoing training for newer treatments, the rapid evolution of aesthetic medicine promises a future full of potential. More treatments focus on non-invasive or minimally invasive approaches to regenerate skin tissues from within. Emerging therapies based on gene activation are surpassing traditional cell activation methods. While results may not turn back time, they are increasingly effective in slowing it down, making time our ally. Society has successfully overcome taboos, with people, especially women, seeking the freshest, cleanest, and most importantly, authentic image. In this context, life’s essence lies in authenticity, not just in aesthetic medicine.
