An approach that combines expertise, affordability and trust.
ANTI-AGE MAGAZINE: What led you to offer medical aesthetics treatments in such a small town as Sarreguemines?
DOCTEUR MIHAELA GALICHET: I never felt that medical aesthetics treatments should only be available in large cities. Living in a small town should not mean that you cannot take care of yourself. My patients told me they wanted to have aesthetics treatments, but they had to travel a long way to get them. I wanted to offer them a local service, which is medically-approved, with high-quality treatments that are equivalent to those available in city-based clinics.
AAM: What are the specific challenges connected with practising aesthetic medicine outside of a large city?
DR. M.G.: One of the main challenges is to remove any confusion surrounding aesthetic medicine. In small towns, you have to be more persistent, because there can be a lot of preconceptions and a lack of knowledge about these treatments. You also need to win the patients’ trust by explaining the techniques in a way that is easily understood, explaining what results they can expect and informing them of the medical nature of the treatments. Finally, it can sometimes be difficult to find the right suppliers and training sessions, but I try my hardest to stay up to date.
AAM: What do your patients think of aesthetic medicine? What are their main expectations?
DR. M.G.: My patients’ view of aesthetic medicine is getting more and more positive. They want natural-looking results, but without any radical transformations. Their aim is to feel good in their own skin, not to look like they have “had work done”. They want to keep their own personality, erase any signs of fatigue or age, and boost their radiance. It is my job to pay close attention to what they want and personalise the treatments accordingly.
AAM: How do you juggle your work as a GP with your work in aesthetic medicine?
DR. M.G.: I’ve gradually managed to strike a balance. I do my aesthetic medicine work during specific time slots, outside my GP hours. This allows me to offer my patients a global approach that includes treatment, prevention and wellness. My two activities benefit one another: the relationship of trust that I have built with my patients as a GP often makes it easier for them to approach me about aesthetic medicine treatments.
AAM: What are your patients’ main motivations? Have you seen any changes in the ways they think?
DR. M.G.: Their motivations are primarily connected with their need to feel in tune with themselves. Sagging skin, marked wrinkles and scars can become a daily hang-up. I have seen a clear evolution in the way they think: aesthetic medicine is no longer taboo; it is a form of self-care. Women feel comfortable having treatments done, and ever more men are having them, too.
AAM: Has the amount of money people spend on aesthetic medicine increased in recent years? Do you think women are taking more of an interest in this field?
DR. M.G.: Yes, certainly. Patients are investing more money in treatments that have long-lasting effects. Now, instead of spending money on cosmetics, they would rather have targeted medical treatments. Aesthetic medicine has become more accessible; it is no longer reserved for certain members of society. There is something for women of all ages.
AAM: Is it important for you to communicate on social media?
DR. M.G.: Yes, it is an essential lever for informing and reassuring patients. I post educational content, before/after pictures, and I answer the most frequent questions. This helps me to create a close relationship with my community and dispel any myths. It is also a good way of showing real results, with no filters, no exaggerations. This transparency boosts trusts and helps me reach out to new patients.
AAM: How do you see the demands of the new generation evolving?
DR. M.G.: The new generation is highly informed and pays great attention to detail and quality. They focus more on prevention and having healthy, radiant skin, even before the signs of aging start to appear. They are also aware of ethics and the need to personalise treatments to achieve a natural look. I think the demand will keep turning towards preventative treatments, which are gentle and part of an overall wellness routine.
AAM: What do you find are the most requested treatments in aesthetic medicine?
DR. M.G.: Hyaluronic acid and botulinum toxin injections are at the top of the list, as they offer immediate and modulable results. But I have also noticed a lot of interest in CO2 laser smoothing techniques, as well as treatments that focus on skin quality, such as mesotherapy, peels, and even medical blepharoplasty. Nowadays, patients want to look “well”, rather than achieving a spectacular rejuvenation.
Dr Mihaela Galichet
Dr Galichet, a GP in Sarreguemines since 2015, trained in morphological and anti-aging medicine (CIME, AFME). She performs injections, lasers and radiofrequency in her local practice.
