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Beauty and Wellness

Better ageing: innovations from Switzerland

Dr. Sophie Menkes obtained her medical degree in Paris, with diplomas in mesotherapy, dietetics, and sexology. In 1995, Dr. Menkes opened a clinic in Paris, where she worked as an internist, aesthetic doctor, and nutrition coach. She later assumed the role of Doctor of Aesthetic Medicine. In 2016, she joined Clinique Forever Institut in Geneva as Medical Director, a position she held until 2021. Currently, Dr. Sophie Menkes is the Medical Director of the Centre for Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine at Clinique Nescens in Genolier, Switzerland. Dr. Menkes is an expert in nanofat, microfat grafting, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), and exosome therapy, both autologous and heterologous. She is also a founding member, past president, and treasurer of AIRMESS as well as a member of the Swiss Society of Aesthetic Medicine.

What areas does Clinique Nescens specialise in, and what makes your clinic unique?
I founded the Centre for Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine in 2021. The main difference between us and other clinics is our focus on regenerative medicine. I was a pioneer in this field, starting in 2016. I discovered nanofat grafting, a treatment that allows us to improve various aspects of the body using stem cells. The first treatment in autologous regenerative medicine was PRP. We’ve been treating patients with PRP for more than 20 years, and it remains the golden standard.

What are some of the most popular treatments you offer at Clinique Nescens?
We offer modern techniques within the innovative field of regenerative medicine. The new approach involves microfat and nanofat grafting. Skin restoration, anti- ageing treatments, facial contouring, and treatments to reduce spots, melasma, couperose, and varicosity are among the most popular services in our clinic.

You are known for your pioneering work in nanofat and microfat techniques, as well as PRP and exosome
treatments. Can you explain these techniques and their benefits for patients?

We're getting really good results in regenerative medicine, and in 2019 we moved to exosomes. Exosome treatment offers a non-invasive approach to combat hair loss and the signs of skin aging such as fine lines, spots, enlarged pores, dehydration and scarring. Exosome is the product we can deliver from the patient's own stem cells. For example, we create a personalised skincare product, and we put exosomes in the cream. The patient applies it morning and evening, but at the beginning we must take the fat, send it to the Swiss stem cell foundation. They will take the Secretome from the cells, give it back to us and the pharmacist will put the exosome in the cream. We have exosomes from Damask rose cells from ExoCoBio. So the patient gets the cream and he or she can have a very good improvement. These products should be used regularly for over a year on the face, neck, décolleté, hair and intimate area. Exosomes stimulate cell regeneration, increase collagen production and improve skin repair, resulting in a rejuvenated and youthful appearance.

Could you explain the latest techniques in hair restoration and what patients can expect from these procedures?
We are also leaders in this field and offer hair transplantation to our patients. By combining nanofat or exosome treatments with the hair transplant, we offer a comprehensive solution that can stop hair loss and provide new hair growth. We are pioneers
in introducing innovative treatments to our patients because of our ongoing research. Naturally, we ensure these treatments are safe.

How are stem cells used in your practice and what are the benefits?
We take cells from the patient's fat. When we apply stem cells to the skin, they regenerate new skin cells. If we place these cells on the scalp, they produce new hair. This process improves – lines, skin texture, scars, and spots. For example, dark spots on your body will improve, inflammation from acne will subside, and psoriasis will diminish. We are also pioneers in exosomes, offering products derived from the patient's own stem cells. Our cream contains secretome, which is applied by the patient twice daily. Each patient’s cells are cultured individually to extract the exosomes. These are then incorporated into the cream by our pharmacist.

Clinique Nescens attracts patients from all over the world. What specific services or personalised approaches do you offer to meet the needs of international patients, particularly those from Azerbaijan?
We have a holistic approach, so we treat the patient internally and externally. And it's me and Dr. Pierre Bonetti who care about a better life for our patients. We help them to be a better version of themselves and to improve everything. There are no seasonal limitations for our treatments – you can come in summer or winter and it does not take much time. The great advantage is that there are no visible traces on the face after the procedures and no side effects, so anyone can return to normal life the same day or the day after.

For more information and advice, please contact Genolier Patient Services at www.genolier-patient- services.com or e-mail [email protected].