Dr. Hema Singh is the pioneering force behind Silhouette Aesthetic Centre, a leading destination for innovative and cutting-edge aesthetic treatments in Southern Africa
With over 25 years of experience in the medical field, Dr. Singh has built a reputation for offering advanced solutions in anti-aging, body shaping, and beauty enhancements.
Silhouette Aesthetic Centre, located in Rivonia with additional consultations available at the Benoni branch, provides clients with a full spectrum of services, from minimally invasive procedures to advanced medical treatments, all using the latest technology available worldwide.
Glamour: What inspired you to transition from general practice to aesthetic medicine, and what has been the most rewarding part of the journey?
Dr. Singh: My transition from general practice to aesthetic medicine was driven by my passion for combining my medical expertise with advanced technology to help people transform both physically and emotionally. Aesthetic medicine allowed me to explore an aspect of healthcare that offered innovative, minimally invasive techniques to improve patients’ appearance and confidence.
The most rewarding part of my journey has been the opportunity to develop new skills by attending both local and international conferences and workshops, learning from experts, and then applying this groundbreaking knowledge to provide a personalized, boutique experience for my patients. Building trust and offering compassionate care has enabled my patients to regain their confidence, feel more comfortable in their own skin, and ultimately improve their overall well-being.
Glamour: Aesthetic medicine is a fast-evolving field. How do you stay ahead of the latest advancements and techniques?
Dr. Singh: Staying ahead in aesthetic medicine requires constant upskilling. I achieve this through a combination of attending seminars, workshops, and congresses both locally and internationally. Networking with colleagues and renowned trainers helps me stay updated with the most advanced techniques. I also participate in online training and webinars, collaborating with peers and learning from emerging trends. This ongoing professional development ensures that I can deliver the best possible care to my patients.
Glamour: You are one of the few South African doctors qualified in Vaser Lipolysis and Vaser 4D Body Sculpting. What makes these procedures unique, and how do they benefit patients?
Dr. Singh: VASER Lipolysis and VASER 4D Body Sculpting are cutting-edge body contouring procedures that utilize ultrasound-assisted lipolysis technology. These procedures are particularly beneficial for patients who need large volume liposuction but are not suited for traditional methods due to invasiveness and risk. Vaser Liposuction provides a safer alternative, offering:
- Efficient fat breakdown for easier suction.
- Minimally invasive techniques that result in smaller incisions and faster recovery.
- Precise fat removal with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
- Skin tightening, as ultrasound energy stimulates collagen production, improving skin texture.
VASER 4D takes this a step further, enhancing body sculpting by offering high-definition results and muscle definition. It targets specific areas for customized results, such as abdominal muscles, arms, and legs, with a low-risk, minimally invasive approach that allows for quick recovery.
Glamour: With two successful practices in Gauteng, what has been your approach to growing and sustaining your business in such a competitive industry?
Dr. Singh: At Silhouette Aesthetic Centre, we focus on fostering strong relationships with our clients to ensure they receive personalized care. Our approach to growth includes:
- Tailored consultations to understand each client’s unique needs and concerns.
- Customized treatment plans that align with individual goals.
- Exceptional follow-up care to ensure client satisfaction and loyalty.
- Providing post-care protocols that include nursing care and, if necessary, private lodging for a comfortable healing process.
Additionally, we maintain an active online presence and engage with clients through social media, empowering them with education on treatments. Data insights allow us to fine-tune our marketing strategies and services for sustained growth and client retention.
Glamour: Aesthetic medicine blends science with artistry. How do you balance the technical and artistic aspects of body contouring?
Dr. Singh: Balancing the technical and artistic aspects of body contouring is key to achieving optimal results. It requires a deep understanding of anatomy, the latest techniques, and offering customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs. An aesthetic eye for beauty, proportion, and attention to detail is essential. Effective communication with patients ensures that their desires and expectations are addressed.
This balance is achieved by combining exceptional experience and training with a holistic, patient-centred approach that considers not only the physical transformation but also the emotional and psychological aspects of the process.
Glamour: Managing two practices while raising a family is no small feat. How do you maintain a balance between your professional and personal life?
Dr. Singh: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for well-being. Fortunately, my children are now grown and independent, which gives me more flexibility. To achieve balance, I:
- Set clear boundaries between work and family time.
- Prioritize tasks to stay efficient during work hours.
- Spend quality time with my family and take regular breaks to rest and recharge.
- Schedule personal time for self-care and to nurture my relationships.
I also encourage my patients to practice self-care, focusing on good nutrition, exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness.
Glamour: You started your family early in your career. How did that decision shape your approach to work and parenting?
Dr. Singh: Starting my family early in my career came with both challenges and opportunities. It taught me valuable skills in task prioritization, time management, and adaptability. It also helped me become a more involved and supportive parent while encouraging my children to develop independence. Parenting has enhanced my emotional intelligence, allowing me to be more empathetic towards my patients.
Glamour: What role has your husband played in supporting your career, and how has his involvement helped you navigate the challenges of building your business?
Dr. Singh: My husband has been an invaluable source of support throughout my career. He provides emotional and practical support, assisting with childcare and household responsibilities, which allows me to focus on my business. He has also offered valuable business insights and advice. With his support, I’ve been able to pursue my goals and navigate the challenges of growing my business.
Glamour: What advice would you give to other women who are juggling a demanding career and motherhood?
Dr. Singh: Balancing a demanding career and motherhood is a journey, not a destination. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. I recommend:
- Practicing self-care and self-compassion.
- Setting realistic expectations and boundaries between work and family life.
- Being flexible and adaptable—life doesn’t always go according to plan.
- Focusing on quality time with your kids when it’s their time.
- Celebrating your achievements, as being both a mother and a career woman is one of the toughest roles there is.
Glamour: You’ve mentioned that looking and feeling good can boost self-confidence and improve lives. Can you share a patient success story that reaffirmed this belief for you?
Dr. Singh: Over the years, I've seen how aesthetic medicine can profoundly impact both the physical and emotional well-being of my patients. One patient shared that after undergoing a procedure with us, she finally felt comfortable in her own skin and was able to embrace her body. She had struggled with body image issues for years, and the transformation gave her newfound confidence.
Another patient, after having Vaser Liposuction, expressed gratitude for the results and how they helped her regain her proportionate figure. She felt more comfortable and confident in her clothes and appreciated the artistry of the procedure.
These stories reaffirm the power of aesthetic medicine to not only change physical appearance but to also enhance a person’s confidence and overall outlook on life.
Glamour: What is your philosophy when it comes to aesthetic medicine, and how do you ensure ethical and realistic expectations for your patients?
Dr. Singh: My philosophy is to provide a personalized, patient-centred approach, ensuring that I understand each patient’s concerns and expectations while prioritizing safety, ethics, and realistic results. I emphasize patient education, guiding them through their treatment options and the associated risks and benefits. My goal is always to achieve natural-looking results while maintaining a "safety-first" approach and managing patient expectations.
To ensure ethical and realistic outcomes, I conduct comprehensive consultations, engage in honest communication, and establish clear goals. I also encourage ongoing feedback and follow-up care to ensure patient satisfaction.
Glamour: What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about aesthetic medicine, and how do you address them?
Dr. Singh: There are several misconceptions about aesthetic medicine, such as:
- It’s only about vanity and includes only Botox and fillers.
- It’s painful and only for women.
- It’s a quick fix with serious complications.
I address these misconceptions by educating patients about the full spectrum of aesthetic treatments, including intravenous therapy, skincare, anti-aging processes, and hormone balancing. I emphasize that aesthetic medicine is about enhancing confidence and overall well-being, not just appearance. Additionally, I showcase before-and-after photos, real patient testimonials, and encourage open communication to ensure patients have realistic expectations.
