A synergy of art, psychology and medicine: in conversation with Dr. Frodo Gaymans

In a world often divided between science, psychology and art, Dr. Frodo Gaymans with his cosmetic clinic that it is possible to unite all harmoniously. Coming from an artistic family, he learned the intricacies of detail and precision at an early age. The. tells MASTERS Cosmetic doctor KNMG and founder where his holistic approach to beauty comes from and who has been his proverbial wheelbarrow. 

What was your very first job? 

''I grew up in an artistic household and started working early. That was the mentality at home: 'Leisure is fun, but even more fun if you have worked hard for it.' My very first part-time job was in my father's studio. He made large bronze sculptures. I helped him with the finishing touches and perfecting the shape. This is how I learned how to get the perfect line in an image. I also had a paper route when I was 12, I worked as a pepper picker and I even worked in a factory putting flippo's in crisp bags. I started modeling when I was 16.”

Where did the passion for the work you do now arise? 

“Empowering people to the fullest is my greatest passion. You can do this by actually removing an 'imperfection', but perhaps much more important is changing someone's sense of beauty. Without self-insight, a beauty ideal or self-image is often unrealistic and you cannot meet it with any treatment. ''Malcolm Gladwell describes in his book outliers that if you want to be good at something, you have to spend at least 10.000 hours on it. I looked endlessly at shapes in my father's studio. From this line of thought, perfecting an appearance comes from my father's work. At the same time, I also want to rid people of obstructive thoughts about something that they believe is not entirely perfect. I strongly believe in an honest approach to beauty, where both appearance and self-perception are important. It's interesting to think about why something bothers you. Why does it have to be smooth or perfect? Isn't something less than perfect also good? In this way I try to put people on the path of self-acceptance.”

Where does that holistic approach to beauty come from? 

''Early exposure to art in the studio undoubtedly influenced my perception of beauty and aesthetics. But besides looking at how I could get the perfect line in an image, I learned that beauty is hidden in blemishes or imperfections. My mother taught me to look beyond appearance.”

“I strongly believe in an honest approach to beauty, where both appearance and self-perception are important”

How did you end up in your current job? 

“Originally I wanted to become a plastic surgeon, but fate had other plans. My professional journey took a decisive turn when I helped set up a clinic in Cape Town. This experience has taught me a lot about the possibilities and about myself. Back in the Netherlands I started my own practice. For a while I went to all the salons in Amsterdam on my scooter with a Botox case under my arm. In 2007, I started a clinic in Oud-Zuid together with two colleagues."

Who was your wheelbarrow? 

''Of course my parents, but there are many more who have guided me during my journey. Some crucial figures are: Meike Kerstens, Arthur Swift, Jani van Loghum and Bart Biermans. With her in-depth knowledge and experience in cosmetic medicine, Meike has helped to refine my consultation and clinic management and to deepen my passion for the profession. Arthur, an internationally recognized expert, made me aware of the fact that cosmetic medicine is the ultimate combination of art, science and psychology. His insights and approach to patient care based on honesty and the 'why' idea have strongly shaped my working method. With Jani and Bart, both pioneers in the industry, I started my first clinic in Amsterdam. Our shared passion for quality, combined with our different visions, helped each other navigate the complexities of running a successful clinic."

What has been the biggest learning moment in your career? 

''Once a young lady came into the clinic. She pretended to be older than she actually was. Despite all our checks, she still managed to slip through the cracks led to a lawsuit. Fortunately, this ended with a fizzle. For me it emphasized my vulnerability and the importance of accuracy and integrity. This lawsuit made me realize that it is not self-evident that if you do good, you will meet it. You have to be able to justify yourself.”

What advice would you give to your 18 year old self? 

''I am a very perfectionist, but if something doesn't work out, I become lazy. So I would say to my 18-year-old self: try to find a middle ground. Don't strive for perfectionism, but keep fighting so that you don't become lazy."

Have you been a wheelbarrow for someone? 

''I hope that I mainly inspire people. I teach, offer training, guide doctors and motivate many people. With the company Leading Clinics I help other clinics to grow further. I refuse to say that I am a wheelbarrow for anyone, ultimately we help each other as much as possible to get the best out of our lives. Everyone contributes to each other's success.”