Akis From Aion Aesthetics, Is A Facial Architect That Works With Each Patient To Optimize Facial Balance
Akis, a family nurse practitioner, works in New York City. He is the lead injector and trainer for a national MedSpa chain, as well as the co-founder of Aion Aesthetics. Graduating top of his class during his nursing Academia, he became interesting in Aesthetics early on in his education. He is Board Certified in Aesthetics by the American Academy of Procedural Medicine. Akis is an injectable specialist (a.k.a. facial architect). His approach focuses on enhancing the key characteristics of each patient in order to optimize their facial balance. He creates a customized multi-phase plan that is uniquely created for each individual gradually to enhance some of the physiological dysfunctions that the biological process of aging has caused to the tissues. His passion stems from his desire to make people feel the beauty that they already possess. Being an elite athlete for a long time, Akis knows the importance of skill, precision, balance, focus, and discipline.
Tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Greece where I spent a big part of my childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood as a fencer for the Greek National Team. I always had an artistic side but had never found the right place for it. After I moved to the United States in my early 20s and having spent all those years taking care of my body as an athlete, I was curious about medicine and helping people. This is when the idea of medical aesthetics came to focus and became what I love to do. There are a lot of similarities between fencing and injecting, and I feel the things I learned such as precision, focus, and tactic has helped me with my craft in the world of aesthetics.
What is stem cell rejuvenation and how long does it last?
Stem cells are derived from human bone marrow. They are one of the best and most natural ways to restore vibrant healthy skin. The regenerative abilities of the stem cells maximize the healing power the skin has in order to induce production of collagen and elastin.
At my clinic I exclusively use the stem cell and cytokine products by AnteAGE, one of the pioneers in stem cell technology for skin treatments. Their product contains mesenchymal stem cells, which allow for optimal tissue healing. The added TGF-B3 growth factor reduces inflation making this one of the best anti-aging treatments available.
A series of three treatments four to six weeks apart is recommended. Results last approximately 12 months but can vary from person to person.
What are the benefits of stem cell rejuvenation? Does it have side effects?
Stem cell skin rejuvenation is considered one of the safest medical aesthetic treatments with minimum downtime. Most people recover within two to three days and see positive results within a week. Some of the benefits of stem cell rejuvenation are:
- Reduction of lines and wrinkles
- Improved skin texture and tone
- Reduction of acne scars
- Pore reduction
- Skin tightening
- Collagen stimulation
- Decreased hyperpigmentation
What was the process for developing your own aesthetic clinic?
It took time, effort, and a lot of thinking to bring Aion to fruition. We wanted to create a safe space where our clients can come, feel comfortable, and be treated fairly. The right approach for this was important so we wanted to make it right. Given our Greek background, hospitality and a warm environment were something that we wanted our patients to experience.
Of course, the goal was to always provide the best results possible by using the latest methods and research. We pride ourselves in the results we produce, and we feel that we really give a fresh approach to this industry.
What are some goals that you have for Aion in the coming year?
We are looking forward to continuing the conversation and educating our clients while building trust in the local community. Our goal is to build a membership program, of long-term clients who can come and feel taken care of, are educated, and, overall, have an enjoyable experience in the world of aesthetics.
Are you currently working on anything new you’d like to discuss?
I’m really trying to bridge the gap between injector and client. Unfortunately, there is misinformation when it comes to medical aesthetics. It is important that people receive proper counsel in order to make the best educated decision for themselves while being guided by my expertise. What’s new is increasing awareness, but mostly self-awareness of clients who need a trusting guide. It’s all about trust. The idea of beauty has been altered in recent years due to the impact social media had on people. My goal is to normalize individual beauty by uniquely optimizing each person’s strong characteristics.
Has COVID-19 affected Aion Aesthetics positively or negatively, and in what ways?Initially COVID-19 definitely had a negative impact on our clinic, like most businesses. Over time, and after the initial shut down in 2020, we saw a wave of new clients. I believe that video calls and zoom meetings definitely contributed to that phenomenon. People spend hours daily connecting via cameras and they started to pay attention to things that they had previously ignored. Overall, the COVID-era allowed people to take the time and focus on self-care, so I have to say it was a positive impact for Aion.
How do you connect with/build relationships with your clients?
We pride ourselves on treating out clients the same way we would treat a friend or a family member. A one-to-one approach is what people appreciate and we try to create that experience for them. Many places make you feel rushed with little attention given to the client so we make sure they have their time. Injecting your face can be stressful and nervous for the client so we make sure to take care of them. When they come to Aion, the goal is to make them comfortable and for them to be the center of our attention.
How do you develop yourself outside of your work environment?
Honestly, I just love keep learning about my craft. One thing that keeps me passionate about this industry is that it continues to evolve. It is important to me that I attend as many conferences as I can to keep up to date with the latest trends and the ever-evolving industry. It’s not a job for me; this is my life. And I love every minute of it.
Social Media.
@akisntonos @aionnyc
Article by Flora Medina, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Coordinator, PhotoBook Magazine
