Non-Surgical Cosmetic Medical Aesthetics Doctor Kim Pillay
The Durban-based doctor Kumeshni (Kim) Pillay is committed to empowering individuals to embrace their unique beauty and redefine beauty standards in an era dominated by social media.
Dr. Pillay is an emergency medicine and aesthetic doctor with a postgraduate occupational health and safety diploma. After receiving an international degree, she pursued postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of KwaZulu-Natal.
She then refined her education and expertise in aesthetic medicine and continues to push the envelope of advancement to give her patients the best treatment possible.
In addition to focusing on improving outward appearance, Dr. Pillay’s holistic approach to aesthetics also nurtures mental health.
She recognises that inner strength and self-acceptance are reflections of true beauty, which is more than just skin deep.
QUICK FACTS
– She has made it a mission to redefine public perceptions about aesthetic medicine, shedding light on its transformative potential and the positive impact it can have on individuals’ lives.
– As a business owner, she is well placed to discuss the implications of the business of health care in a South African setting.
– Dr Kim Pillay offers extensive consultation and counselling before any procedures and can speak on how outward appearance can affect mental health.
– She believes in holistic healthcare and that aesthetics is not about vanity. With her extensive experience, she can speak on her belief that aesthetic medicine is not at odds with the broader principles of healthcare. “It is, in fact, closely aligned with the overarching goal of promoting health and well-being. Many aesthetic procedures have therapeutic applications.”
– Dr Pillay would be an ideal person to speak on the positive side of aesthetic medicine, away from the botched videos which have gone viral in past years. She believes aesthetic medicine is about choice, allowing individuals to take control of their appearance and address aspects that may have troubled them for years. “The persistent stigmas surrounding aesthetic medicine have deterred individuals from exploring the potential benefits it offers. As we attempt to redefine public perceptions, it’s crucial to dispel these myths and embrace the field’s potential to improve lives.”
– Dr Pillay has strong feelings surrounding the cookie-cutter aesthetic that social media has given rise to. “This incessant bombardment of curated images can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, leaving many to grapple with their self-esteem. Beauty should be an authentic expression of one’s true self, not a carbon copy of someone else’s idea of perfection.”
– Dr Pillay has innovative ideas around post-covid beauty. ”The COVID-19 pandemic shook the world in unprecedented ways, leaving a lasting impact on our physical and mental health”
QUICK Q&A
- Age? I am 36 years old.
- Where are you originally from? I am originally from South Africa.
- Where are you based? I am based in Durban North, South Africa.
- Which international institution did you study and what was the qualification? I studied at Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Wenzhou, and obtained an MBBS qualification.
- Why did you choose this branch of medicine? I chose aesthetic medicine to bridge the gap between medicine and aesthetics, aiming to become a plastic surgeon. The inability to specialise in plastic surgery led me to find joy in merging medicine and aesthetics. Aesthetic medicine, with its medical literature foundation, goes beyond quick cosmetic fixes.
- How important do you think aesthetics are when it comes to holistic health? Holistic health is pivotal, especially in a world dominated by unrealistic beauty standards on social media. Aesthetics plays a crucial role in helping individuals achieve self-worth and self-confidence by embracing their inner beauty. It offers a journey of self-rejuvenation, emphasising being happy in one’s most natural form without altering genetic material.
- What occupies your time when you are out of your scrubs? Outside of my medical profession, I prioritise a healthy lifestyle and am a fitness enthusiast. The gym provides the balance I need for relaxation, stress relief, and keeping my mind sharp.