Dr. Brendan Khong is a leading medical and aesthetic doctor with a wealth of experience in clinical medicine. Since 2017, he has focused his career on aesthetic treatments, specializing in bespoke, results-driven procedures using only the best products.
With a background in dermatology, internal medicine, and surgery, Dr. Khong has honed his expertise in hospitals across the Bristol and London regions. Fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, he brings a global perspective to his practice. In this exclusive interview for L’Officiel Monaco, Dr. Khong shares his insights on the evolving field of aesthetic medicine, regenerative treatments, and his approach to achieving natural, rejuvenated results.
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How has your background in dermatology and internal medicine shaped your approach to aesthetic treatments?
Reflecting on my journey in both Dermatology and Internal Medicine has given me a comprehensive, holistic approach to aesthetic treatments. During my training in internal medicine, I encountered many patients whose external appearances were deeply intertwined with their internal health conditions. Their experience underscored the importance of viewing aesthetic concerns not just as superficial issues but as reflections of overall well-being. This also allowed me assess the patient as a whole, considering underlying medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and systemic health that might impact aesthetic outcomes.
My experience in Dermatology allowed me to delve deeper into the complexities of skin health. I recall a particular patient who struggled with persistent acne, which took a significant toll on their self-esteem. By combining my understanding of internal factors – like hormonal imbalances – and dermatological treatments, we achieved not only clearer skin but also a rejuvenated sense of confidence for her.
Aesthetic treatments can have a significant impact on an individual’s self-esteem and mental health. A boost in self-esteem can positively affect various aspects of life, including personal and professional relationships. In my practice, I prioritise a holistic approach that considers the patient’s overall health, lifestyle and emotional well-being. This ensures that my treatments not only provide external enhancements but also contribute to my patients‘ inner confidence and happiness.
Ultimately, my goal is to empower my patients to feel their best, both inside and out, by providing treatments that are safe, personalised and aligned with their overall health and wellness goals.
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Why do you prioritize using premium products in your treatments?
Prioritising the use of premium products is essential to delivering safe, effective and consistent aesthetic treatments. Premium products have to undergo rigorous clinical testing to validate their effectiveness and safety. This ensures that treatments can yield reliable results while minimising potential risks. In contrast, other products may lack comprehensive evaluation which can lead to unpredictable outcomes. In Aesthetic Medicine, we are working millimetres from vital structures – this is not an area where you want to gamble on quality.
Utilising high-quality products ensures uniformity across treatments, leading to consistent and predictable outcomes. This consistency is vital for maintaining patient trust and satisfaction. I am incredibly picky with the products including the lasers that I offer in clinic. I tried about 20 different lasers before deciding on the lasers to use in my clinic. The Aerolase Neo Elite and Era Elite are incredible FDA-approved lasers that are safe on all skin Fitzpatrick, including the darkest skin types, which many lasers are not safe for. Inclusivity is something that is incredibly important to me as an Aesthetic Doctor based London, which is diverse and international.
From anti-wrinkle injections to dermal fillers to lasers and skincare products that I use in clinic and recommend to patients, I only choose and offer the best to my patients to ensure optimum results. It is about delivering excellence, not just enhancements.
How has speaking multiple languages helped you connect with patients?
Being multilingual has significantly enhanced my ability to connect with patients in many meaningful ways. As an Aesthetic Doctor, it is not ust about treatments, it is about trust, comfort and truly understanding each patient’s vision. When I can communicate in a patient’s native language, whether it is mandarin, cantonese or English, it instantly breaks down barriers. It reassures them that they are heard, that their cultural nuances are respected, and that we are aligned on both their goals and their expectations.
Aesthetic medicine is so deeply personal that a subtle difference in word choice can transform an outcome from good to exceptional. So when I speak to someone in their own language, I am not just translating words—I am translating emotion, intention, and beauty ideals that are unique to their culture. This is what makes all the difference.
Can you tell us about your recent clinical trial on skin rejuvenation?
A couple of years ago, I collaborated with a Professor based in Italy to set up a clinical trial looking at the effect of microneedling and platelet-rich plasma on skin rejuvenation. This involved conducting a thorough literature review, which is a comprehensive and critical survey of scholarly works, such as journal articles, reports, identifying key themes and gaps, and demonstrating the context of a new research project. The proposal was submitted to the ethical committee, which was approved. Following this, I designed the protocol for the trial and this was passed onto the team to recruit participants and the clinical trial is currently underway, carried out by the clinical research team in Italy. I am looking forward to the results.
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How do you manage your time between clinical practice, research, and writing?
Organisation is 100% the key to successful time planning. Prioritisation is how I can assess tasks based on both urgency and important, ensuring clinical duties are addressed promptly while allocating dedicated time for research and writing. I often operate with a 2-week plan where I have my diary for clinic, slotting in time for research and writing. This allows me to help maintain focus and ensures consistent progress across all areas. I often collaborate with colleagues when it comes to research and writing, so we can break down a large task into smaller, more manageable tasks.
I also evaluate my diary and adjust where necessary to accommodate ever-shifting priorities and deadlines, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to unforeseen deadlines.
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What do you aim to achieve through your training sessions with Promoitalia and Inmode UK?
– Having served as a clinical trainer and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for both Promoitalia and Inmode for the past 2 years, my role as a clinical trainer and KOL aligns with my commitment to advancing the fast-paced field of aesthetic medicine through education, professional development, and a steadfast focus on patient safety and care quality.
– By ensuring that practitioners are well trained and well-equipped to deliver safe and effective treatments, this will elevate industry standards, keep patients safe and uphold the reputation of the industry. True to my personal belief in continuous learning, being a clinical trainer and KOL allows me to stay abreast of the latest advancements and techniques in aesthetic medicine. My commitment to ongoing education not only enriches my own practice but also allows me to disseminate the most up-to-date knowledge to practitioners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
How do you ensure a natural, fresh look for your patients when performing treatments like dermal fillers?
There has been a shift in aesthetic medicine from looking ‘done’ to a ‘stealth’ aesthetic, and a downward trend for dermal fillers. Dermal fillers still has its place in aesthetic medicine, and I only choose to use dermal fillers for essential volume replacement. To ensure results stay looking natural, dermal fillers should never be used to create new anatomically unnatural structures and used sparingly. I always start with the most minimal amounts of filler to maintain facial harmony and balance. Understanding the intricate details of facial anatomy both at rest and on movement is also vital to ensure a natural look. Choosing the right type of dermal filler for each specific area is also crucial. Different dermal fillers have varying consistencies and are designed for particular applications, ensuring results look and feel natural. My goal for my patients is to always look like the best version of themselves, but people would not be able to pinpoint what exactly has been enhanced.
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How do regenerative medicine techniques play a role in your aesthetic practice?
Regenerative medicine plays a pivotal role in enhancing skin health and rejuvenation. By integrating advanced treatments such as lasers, polynucleotides, and exosomes, my aim is to gently stimulate the body’s natural healing processes to achieve optimal aesthetic outcomes. There has been an increasing interest in regenerative medicine to promote natural and long-lasting results.
The lasers that I carry in my clinic are instrumental in promoting skin regeneration. The Aerolase Neo Elite is a deep dermal laser which has 36 FDA-approved indications, including acne, rosacea, melasma and collagen stimulation, has no downtime and has minimal discomfort. The Aerolase Era Elite is a precise ablative laser that targets the epidermis of the skin for total skin renewal, without a prolonged downtime and side effects such as oozing or bleeding. Both my lasers are completely safe for all skin types, and have yielded some transformative results.
Polynucleotides involve the use of highly purified DNA fragments to rejuvenate the skin. These molecules have been shown to bind directly to fibroblast cells to increase the production of collagen and elastin, reduce inflammation and neutralise free radicals. After a course of treatment and time, one can expect improved skin firmness, healthier and bouncier skin.
Exosomes are nanovesicles which can contain growth factors, peptides, polynucleotides and stem cell extracts which can bind onto fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin production. This is usually introduced into the skin by a microneedling device, which also has stimulates collagen with controlled micro trauma.
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