SLS Medical Aesthetics
Changing the Face of Cosmetic Treatments
SLS Medical Aesthetics, located in the beautiful Hartfield House in Ayr, is an award-winning business which specialises in cosmetic procedures which include Dermal Filler, Botulinum Toxin and Fat Dissolving. Launched in 2018, founder Sophie Laura Steele has been on a mission to change the way people envision aesthetics, building trust in a sector which has had its fair share of controversy over the years.
In addition to running her own aesthetics business, Sophie has an impressive professional profile and credentials which add great weight to her business mission. She currently works as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care, has a background in Emergency and Acute Care and is highly experienced in Complications Management and Holistic Care. Sophie gained her BA (Hons) Adult Nursing Studies in 2015 before progressing to Independent Nurse Prescriber (MSc) in 2019. In 2020 she gained her Advanced Clinical Assessment qualification, going on to achieve her full Master of Science degree in Advanced Clinical Practice in 2023.
Sophie’s initial training in aesthetics began in London where she advanced her skillset with experts in the field including plastic surgeons, later going on to train in the city’s illustrious Harley Academy. With a particular interest in anti-ageing and facial rejuvenation she was passionate about changing the way that people viewed cosmetic procedures, showing that “it’s not all ‘duck lips’ and sharp angles, but rather replacing lost volume through the natural process of ageing and enhancing natural features.”
Do you think cosmetic procedures are now more mainstream and if so why?
Sophie has been delighted to watch as the taboo around treatments has gone, allowing more men and women to access treatments that could improve their confidence. While there is definitely a more open-minded approach to aesthetics, she is, however, keen to point out that it’s a decision which is not always considered for the right reasons; treatments do not come without risks and sadly negative outcomes have been highlighted by recent media coverage. With an influx of unregulated clinics both locally and nationally, medical professionals in the industry have been left calling for the government to implement tougher regulations to mitigate the kind of horror stories which do nothing to help build the trust needed in the sector.
It’s worth noting that medical professionals working in aesthetics must work from a Healthcare Improvement Scotland registered clinic, a requirement which ensures clinical governance and professional accountability, ultimately protecting the public and improving the safety of these procedures. Anti-wrinkle injections, Botulinum toxin, for example are a prescription only drug and regulated professionals are very clear that all patients should have a medical consultation with the prescriber of such medicine prior to it being administered. Equally, the lifesaving medicine needed in the event of a complication with dermal filler treatments is also a prescription only medicine which should only be administered by qualified medical professionals. Many new and emerging clinics which are not linked with medical professionals consequently have difficulty recognising and managing complications in practice.
As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner with Independent Prescribing qualifications, Sophie continually undertakes professional development in both aesthetics and in her role in the NHS. She is able to confidently and effectively manage complications should they arise and importantly has ethical accountability around when NOT to treat clients. She is known in the industry for saying “no” to those seeking treatments which aren’t suitable, however, far from harming her business this has helped her gain a lot of trust and respect from clients and the community. Before Sophie begins any work with a client a thorough consultation is required to determine history, assess client expectations, understand the goals of any treatment, and address any fears they may have. As part of the consultation process it’s equally important for Sophie to identify possible body dysmorphia and assess when not to treat patients.
One of the biggest concerns clients share is the fear of ‘looking fake’. For Sophie, achieving natural looking results has always been the aim: family and friends should recognise that you look younger and fresher but be unable to identify that any cosmetic treatments have been done. With much of Sophie’s business coming through referrals and word-of-mouth it’s an aim which she consistently meets.
Achieving successful results which meet clients’ expectations and leave them feeling happier and more confident is a source of great satisfaction for Sophie: it’s not uncommon for her to shed a few happy tears along with her clients when she finally hands them the mirror.
Looking ahead, Sophie is committed to offering the most innovate treatments available for her clients. As her business grows, so does the range of services and products on offer with the latest being a new skin care range which offers products for all skin types and needs and which complement the treatments received in the clinic, for example acne treatments, hydration and antiaging. In the coming year Sophie’s professional drive and motivation to deliver excellence will see her travelling to London and Edinburgh for Elite masterclasses and innovative injection techniques, ensuring she continues to bring the very best practices from across the UK to her clients here in Ayrshire.
