From Botox and dermal fillers to advanced skin-tightening treatments, aesthetic medicine is becoming an increasingly familiar part of the beauty industry in Bermuda.

And according to Kyjuan H. Brown, the shift isn't simply about looking younger. It's about people taking greater control of how they look and feel.

“People know what they want, they are comfortable asking for it, and they are prepared to spend money to achieve the results they desire.

“Aesthetic medicine is no longer viewed as something reserved for celebrities or the wealthy. It has become part of routine personal care for many individuals, much like visiting the dentist, going to the gym or maintaining a skincare routine.”

Dr Brown, who pursued postgraduate studies in dermatology at Cardiff University in Wales, has watched attitudes towards cosmetic treatments change considerably.

“There was a time when people were very private about having aesthetic treatments. Today, that stigma has largely disappeared.”

Botox, dermal fillers, microneedling and radiofrequency skin tightening are among the treatments attracting interest, with patients increasingly seeking noticeable improvements without surgery or lengthy recovery periods.

“What patients ultimately want is to look refreshed, youthful and healthy without necessarily looking as though they have undergone a procedure.”

But while aesthetic treatments are growing in popularity, Dr Brown is concerned that professional standards have not necessarily kept pace.

“We have a growing problem with individuals performing medical aesthetic procedures without what I consider to be appropriate medical qualifications or clinical training.

Dr Brown is particularly troubled by people without medical or nursing backgrounds undertaking short courses overseas before returning to Bermuda to offer injectable treatments.

“A weekend course does not replace years of medical education, knowledge of human anatomy or the ability to recognise and manage serious complications.”

He warns that improperly administered injectables can cause serious complications, including tissue damage and, in rare cases, blindness.

“I have raised my concerns with the Bermuda Health Council on multiple occasions. In my experience, the current regulatory framework has not provided an adequate response to these concerns.”

For patients, his advice is to investigate a practitioner's qualifications, experience and ability to manage complications before undergoing treatment.

“The ability to inject a product does not automatically mean someone is qualified to practise aesthetic medicine. Patient safety must come before commercial interests.”

Beyond cosmetic enhancements, Dr Brown's work also focuses on everyday skin health.

Acne, melasma and eczema are among the most common concerns he encounters, with Bermuda's sunshine, heat and humidity presenting additional challenges.

“Melasma is particularly common in Bermuda because of our significant year-round sun exposure,” he explains. “It causes patches of pigmentation, usually on the face, and can be challenging to manage without consistent sun protection.”

His approach to skincare is refreshingly straightforward, particularly in an era of elaborate routines promoted on social media.

“One of the biggest misconceptions is that expensive skincare products are necessarily better.”

He recommends cleansing, moisturising and appropriate exfoliation, alongside daily broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 to 50.

“You do not need ten different products to achieve healthy skin. A simple, consistent routine using appropriate products is often far more effective than an expensive, complicated regimen.”

Looking ahead, Dr Brown is enthusiastic about advances in lasers, collagen-stimulating treatments and artificial intelligence, which he believes could improve diagnosis and treatment planning.

He also sees an opportunity for Bermuda to develop its medical aesthetics industry, provided patient safety remains a priority.

“The future of aesthetic medicine is not simply about looking younger. It is about achieving better, more natural results through safer, more advanced treatments with minimal disruption to everyday life.”