The Applied Aesthetics Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Alison explores one of the most unspoken realities in aesthetic medicine: burnout. Drawing from her own NHS journey, her transition into aesthetics and the emotional load of running a clinic, she breaks down the difference between true burnout, overwhelm, and career misalignment and why understanding the difference can change everything. This episode is a must listen for clinicians juggling NHS work, aesthetics, business ownership, social media, patient expectations and the emotional weight of being a medical professional in an unregulated industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison is joined by GP and aesthetic physician Dr Shirin Lakhani to explore how hormonal shifts from menstrual cycles to pregnancy, postpartum changes and menopause impact skin, ageing, confidence and aesthetic outcomes. Together they unpack how clinicians can recognise hormonal patterns, support patients ethically, and treat women holistically rather than focusing on isolated aesthetic concerns. Connect with Dr. Shirin: Instagram- @drshirinlakhani Website- elite-aesthetics.co.uk Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison Colville breaks down the science of filler rheology. Which is the study of how hyaluronic acid fillers flow, stretch, resist force, and behave once placed in facial tissues. If you’ve ever wondered why two patients can receive the same technique yet achieve completely different results, this episode explains the “why” behind filler behaviour. Alison covers G prime, cohesivity, viscosity, cross‑linking, particle size and swell factor in a clear, practical way, giving injectors the knowledge they need to choose the right filler for the right anatomy and achieve safer, more predictable outcomes. Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.aesthetic.poscast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr. Alison Colville sits down with Kate Monteith‑Ross, award‑winning nurse practitioner, independent prescriber, founder of The Clinic by La Ross, international speaker, educator and co‑founder of the Nurses Network. Together they unpack the real drivers behind career success in aesthetics, from mindset and identity shifts to overcoming gendered expectations, building confidence, and learning to speak authentically on stage. Kate shares her personal journey, including how childhood messaging shaped her inner voice, why empowering others is her core “why,” and how she carved out a career outside traditional NHS pathways. She discusses women breaking glass ceilings in aesthetics, the importance of authenticity in public speaking, and how clinicians can position themselves as leaders without copying others. This episode is rich with insights for aesthetic clinicians seeking growth, confidence, and clarity in their professional identity especially those exploring speaking, KOL work, mentorship, or leadership roles. Connect with Kate: Instagram- @kate_laross Website- clinicbylaross.co.uk Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.sesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison Colville breaks down one of the most important parts of aesthetic practice- the consultation. Drawing on a decade of GP experience, Alison explains why aesthetic consultations require the same level of structure, listening, risk‑assessment, and patient psychology as medical consultations. This episode explores how to build trust, lead the conversation, manage patient expectations and create long‑term treatment plans that feel collaborative rather than sales‑driven. Alison highlights the common mistakes injectors make from letting patients lead, to starting too gently, to overwhelming them with too many options and explains how these missteps can derail treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. Connect with Dr. Alison Instagram- @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison Colville is joined by Professor Lee Walker, one of the world’s most respected educators in aesthetic medicine. With more than 20 years of experience, international publications, textbooks and global teaching across 30+ countries, Lee has shaped how the profession approaches anatomy, evidence‑based practice, and complication management. This conversation dives deep into c omplications, critical thinking and the anatomical concepts every injector needs to understand — but most have never been taught. Lee explains how his “why” evolved from building an ethical clinic to educating the next generation of injectors, helping them become “clinical critical thinkers” rather than technicians. Together, Alison and Lee explore fear, uncertainty and why injectors often avoid certain areas due to lack of confidence. The episode reframes complications not as something to fear, but as something to prepare for with the right mindset, diagnostics, and respect for anatomy. Connect with Prof. Lee Walker: Instagram- @leewalker_academy Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison moves beyond the consultation room and into the wider world of aesthetic medicine talking about the business, the brands, the politics, the identity shift and the emotional realities that no one prepares you for. Building directly on from Episode 1, Alison opens with the truth. After years in the NHS stepping into aesthetics means entering a world of marketing, sales, brand influence, reps, devices, and endless product choice. This episode explores the confusion clinicians feel when navigating brands, the pressure to choose “the best” product, and the ethical tension between business growth and medical integrity. Alison breaks down how to evaluate brands responsibly, how to ask for evidence and how to avoid being swayed by hype or industry noise. Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Dr Alison shares the honest, unfiltered lessons she wishes someone had told her when she first entered aesthetics 10 years ago. This episode dives into the realities behind the glossy social media façade- the uncertainty, the business pressures, the mindset challenges and the psychology that shapes both clinicians and patients. Alison opens up about her early mistakes, the lack of mentorship, and the shock of transitioning from the NHS to an unregulated, opinion‑heavy industry. This episode also explores confidence, imposter syndrome and the “expert paradox” why the more you learn, the more you realise you don’t know. Finally, she reveals the deep personal story behind her own “why” including her fertility journey, menopause inducing treatments and the moment she looked in the mirror and no longer recognised herself. This experience reshaped her entire purpose as a clinician and inspired her mission to help women feel like themselves again. Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram: @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Applied Aesthetics Podcast, hosted by Dr Alison Colville, goes beyond techniques and dives into the real, often unspoken realities of working in aesthetics. This trailer introduces the core themes of Season 1: clinical decision making, complications, injector mindset, business growth and navigating industry politics. Listeners will get an honest look at what happens after leaving the NHS, how to build confidence as a clinician and how to manage the many hats injectors suddenly have to wear. From marketing to VAT to brand partnerships. With insights from leading industry minds and mentors, this season explores real‑world judgment, anatomy, complications and the psychology behind becoming a confident injector. Connect with Dr. Alison: Instagram- @applied.aesthetics.podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.