I spent the day perusing the gossip columns of newspapers and magazines, and laughed out loud at the thought of what Doctor Quinn, a Cosmetic Doctor who runs Q Clinics in Bristol would have to say on the likes of Katie Price and Pete Burns's lips and Sharon Osbourne who has allegedly spent thousands on improving her look. I was sat in The Groucho Club, ordering double vodka and tonics wondering what I could have done to myself, whilst waiting for him to arrive.

Then, by a weird coincidence, Gail Porter who has suffered alopecia walked past smiling away to herself, and I admired her natural beauty, and make up free face, it made me stop and think about all of these celebrities that have had work done. I had no idea what to expect from Doctor Quinn when he walked over to me and introduced himself, looking absurdly healthy.

As we walked over to a quiet corner table I asked him if he is ready to go all celebrity on me, and tell me who he thinks is looking terrible due to much Cosmetic work. In a softly spoken Dublin accent he says "There is too many to name! But it's not my place to mention them! I think the reality is that surgery is commonplace. The ones that receive most attention are the ones with a less than satisfactory outcome" I showed him various picture of Celebrities who I think look awful, and he just sat smiling at me.

The waiter came over to our table and Doctor Quinn ordered a glass of sparkling water telling me he prefers to keep his skin hydrated, rather than drinking alcohol. As he does this I take a gulp of my Vodka and Tonic, as he took a sip of his water. I then asked him what is most important to him during a consultation with a new patient? In a friendly manner he replies "The most important to me is developing a realistic and achievable treatment plan. I advise against too much change in one visit. I find little and often gives a more subtle and successful result" He continued to tell me about his training "I trained at University College Dublin medical school. I trained as a GP in Dublin also. This took 10 years! I started treating patients with Botox about 7 years ago. With time my cosmetic work overtook my general practice work."

I told Doctor Quinn that I am considering having Botox Injections to prevent wrinkles from appearing, and asked him his opinion on the matter. He looked at me puzzled and said "I am particularly against the new trend of using Botox to prevent wrinkles. It is not a vaccine. I firmly believe that it should be used only to treat established wrinkles" .

Looking at my glass I asked him if he remembers the Tupperware parties and say then came Ann Summers. Now the new millennium has brought its own twist on the traditional female gathering - the cosmetic surgery party. I ask him if Cosmetic surgery parties are a good idea and how he ensures the safety for his patients? "I only use well researched products. The PIP breast implant scandal last year demonstrated how essential this is. There are particular issues with dermal fillers, in my opinion. In the USA only a handful have FDA approval for sale. In Europe there are over 200 to my knowledge. It seems to easy to bring a filler to market in the UK. I also believe that treatments should be carried out in a clinical environment. My clinic is registered with the Care, Quality Commission. Our standards are independently assessed. I think this is important". As he is answering I am very subtly texting my friend to tell her any chance of a Cosmetic party is off!

Although Doctor Quinn was very matter of fact with his answers, he exuded Irish Charm and was clearly very personable, so I approached the subject of what he thought made a good patient/doctor relationship? He told me "The most important thing is trust. The doctor is always acting in his patients best interest. The patient should feel respected and comfortable enough to be able to express their concerns".


With my eyes scouring through the back pages of a showbiz magazine, where the list of Cosmetic Doctors is endless, I asked Doctor Quinn, what would be the best way for someone to find a Cosmetic Surgery Doctor. He says "Unfortunately, cosmetic medicine is very poorly regulated in the UK. The important things to know are what level of training and experience your practitioner has. Most of my patients find me by recommendation. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine keeps a list of members in its website. These are doctors that have passed certain criteria".

On meeting potential new clients I asked Doctor Quinn about the first stage in his relationship with the patient is, and what is a successful consultation in his eyes? Smiling he said "a successful consultation is one where the patient leaves satisfied that their needs, concerns and expectations have been listened to. Even if not everything is possible to achieve! The most important thing is trust.
The doctor is always acting in his patients best interest. The patient should feel respected and comfortable enough to be able to express their concerns"

Whilst looking at the cover of a magazine with Jennifer Anniston I asked Is beauty on the inside or out? He smiled and said "Of course beauty exists in many forms. It doesn't rely purely on physical appearance"

Doctors Quinn's honesty and charm made me feel relaxed at the idea of recommending friends who are considering treatments, he's not pushy, he came across as relaxed and confident which is probably why his Clinic, Q Clinic's in Bristol has a long list of clients who return to see him. Dr Quinn has performed thousands of procedures and now trains other professionals in their provision. For the last two years he has been a national trainer for Cosmetology, training other doctors, dentists and nurses in the use of Botox. He is mainly based in the UK but also travels home to Ireland twice a month to run clinics in Dublin.

Q Clinics in Bristol offers Sculptra (pictured) and Botox

For more information, see www.qclinics.co.uk or call 0117 924 4592.

© Words - Gia Marie Barbera/ ZANI Media