A leader that’s changing the landscape of the Sydney aesthetics industry has recently relocated to an intimate terrace that speaks to its trusted and holistic approach upheld by Doctor Amy Chahal. With a service approach for others to follow, you’ll discover why The Centre For Medical Aesthetics in Sydney’s Surry Hills is the go-to for both consumers and industry leaders, writes Cameron Pine.
With an inherent and heartfelt mission to make a difference to the often perceived unnatural and aggressive approach to cosmetic treatments as well as the fads often hyped up by some clinics and the media, Dr Amy’s approach is fundamentally different, and so too is her clinic.
Believing the skill of the hands is the most important aspect of a successful treatment, science aside of course – Dr Amy has set out to show the entire beauty and aesthetics industry why skilfully trained hands and truly listening are the competitive advantage at TMCA. Coupled with a humble disposition you simply cannot find anywhere else – it’s little wonder the rest of the industry and leading brands look to her for advice and knowledge.
From Immigrant parents forcing her to always adapt and work for her recognition since relocating from Toronto to Australia, Dr Amy proves that an outgoing personality, confidence and a less arrogant approach to business leads to success.
On Sydney’s Riley street amidst an urban mix of residential, leading salons and commercial businesses, the new multi-level home for the TMCA brand defies tradition both online and off. A star favourite on the You Beauty podcast, Dr Amy is regularly called upon for perspective and commentary. Not only is she a cosmetic doctor but she’s an expert in skin, tending to reject fad treatments. Dr Amy is quick to recommend other treatments such as Morpheus 8, Facetite and a host of other skin maintenance programs including laser skin peels, light therapy or LED therapy, which are on offer and in conjunction with the best approach to face shape at TCMA.
“TCMA is a real oasis in Surry Hills. At 153 square metres and over multiple zones, I wanted it to feel more like a home with multiple lounge spaces and levels. Importantly, I didn’t want it to feel clinical – I wanted it to feel warm and welcoming – a real family environment. Family is important to me,” she said.
Walls of white with scalloped plastering for texture, wooden floors, natural light and lots of doors and windows, make TMCA feel more like a terrace for living than a clinic and beauty destination and it’s little wonder why clients spend longer in-house talking to Dr Amy. This relaxed sentiment is one of the many reasons why she really grown her clientele by truly listening rather than that real factory feel that’s evident in many similar businesses.
The clinic is on-trend with the quintessential boucle couch, personalised art plus the latest technology including the most comfortable clinic bed in the business. Importantly, TMCA is a space based on facts, not fluff.
“We actually have MRI studies that show that filler can stay around for a lot longer than most people think. Not every treatment or device is the same everywhere. I love Morpheus 8, it’s really operator dependent but do your research on who’s using it because it can really cause problems if it’s at the wrong depth/energy,” Dr Amy said.
For Dr Amy it’s about face type and a combination of the latest technology – INMode being one of her key partners for minimally invasive procedures that are great for skin and not just face shape. She also regularly speaks on behalf of Skinceuticals – a L’Oréal owned juggernaut in skincare as well as Alma laser.
“We are all about the quiet luxury of having good skin and to recommend facials at the right stages of treatments or other procedures to enhance the treatment. We are about modalities that suit the person over time,” she said. “Trust, empathy and communication are my sticking points – people can tell if you’re genuine or not and I’m lucky that I’m reasonably savvy in this area and my clinic reflects that.”
After all, Dr Amy has been working towards such a scope of expertise for 15 years, but it doesn’t stop here – her commitment to learning is second to none and continues. You can tell when speaking to her that this friendly disposition is not common in the world of aesthetics and that how she sees things melds both a consumer and doctor’s approach to skin which is a real game changer. Quite frankly Dr Amy is the friend you always wanted, but one that just so happens to know what’s best for your skin.
Dr Amy has expertise, integrity and gumption, and is even the only female Porsche race car driver in Australia. She loves her tech and her science in more ways than one – her hands are not just skilful with faces it seems. Backed by the training and years of expertise at all the right touchpoints, she worked in surgical training for seven years before opening her clinic.
Dr Amy is a key opinion leader in minimally invasive procedures from podcasts to professional speaking. She attends and presents at professional conferences discussing the latest techniques and technologies and sharing her knowledge with other doctors and peers in the industry. As a clinician, she simply spends time with people rather than pumping out a service they request, which results in really understanding and building trust and loyalty with people.
“I really believe in minimally invasive procedures to keep you looking younger, things like radiofrequency micro needling – there are several studies showing that it works. Evidence is my favourite thing. It takes about an hour or upwards – 20 minutes of which is using a numbing cream, and it’s as comfortable as possible. I have what I consider to be the best in class advice in my clinic, heating the face up stimulating amazing results.”
One thing that stems from such an experience is that Dr Amy believes a clinic is not just a clinic, beauty and aesthetics are so intrinsically linked, just like good skin is pivotal to an overall result everyone is looking for, yet in many ways people can neglect skin leading to her passion to create a new space in Surry Hills that is more holistic than we’ve previously seen. Hence why the word centre in its name – it’s more of a centre for excellence than a clinic.
“I am proud to be a Key Opinion Leader and Ambassador for industry leading brands including Skinceuticals, InMode, ZO Skin Health by Zein Obagi and Alma while I continue to be a life-long learner seeking to be the best practitioner in my field, Dr Amy said. This speaking enables a real management plan for each client across all modalities and not just a procedure.
If you consider yourself to be a savvy consumer or leader in your field, do yourself a favour and speak to the leader in her field. It’s little wonder this multi-level space is set to become Sydney’s best.
For more information visit https://tcmasydney.com.au
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