Best known for her sculpting skills in the world of aesthetics, Dr Bianca Cowan shares the story behind her White Lies Aesthetics clinic.

Fondly known as ‘Dr B’ to her patients, aesthetic practitioner Dr Bianca Cowan who heads White Lies Aesthetics strives to provide her patients with a greater quality of life through renewed confidence. ‘My name (Bianca) means “White” so this is where the inspiration for my clinic started. White is such a powerful colour as it represents a fresh start or a blank canvas. And when aesthetic medicine is done correctly, it should be your “white lie”. It should never be obvious to the outside world’, she explains.

Overcoming obstacles

While she’s renowned for her world-class treatments today, Dr Cowan explains that her journey into the medical field started with a few hurdles. The most challenging was when she struggled to get in to medical school. This initial rejection made her reassess her path but after some introspection, her drive to reach her goal was reignited. With perseverance, she was accepted to study medicine at the University of Pretoria where she graduated with an MBChB qualification. While Dr Cowan was always passionate about helping people feel good about themselves, it wasn’t until her internship that she realised her true calling was aesthetics.

Aesthetically pleasing

Once Dr Cowan obtained her qualification, she began her training in the aesthetic field with an internship to increase her chances of being accepted into the field of plastic surgery. ‘I fell in love with the field and did every training available in South Africa. I was lucky enough to train beyond the borders of our beautiful country and soaked up all the knowledge. Aesthetic medicine is a rapidly developing field and I am constantly sharpening my skills’, she shares.

Great power and great responsibility

Plastic or cosmetic surgery has become a thriving industry for many reasons. Aesthetics is specialised surgery that can dramatically improve and restore body function and appearance. This line of work can bring about life-changing effects for those who have struggled with confidence or disabilities due to physical trauma, appearance or abnormalities. While Dr Cowan finds her job highly rewarding, she explains that it has its challenges. ‘The most difficult aspect in aesthetics is managing a patient’s expectations while still respecting the underlying anatomy. The most rewarding is seeing how patients bloom into their most confident selves.’

Quick questions

What are three things you can’t live without?

Sunscreen, my family, and green tea!

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

My dad always says that one should determine your goal before you decide on your next move.

WHO ARE YOUR TOP THREE ICONS AND WHY?

Sir Isaac Newton who laid the foundations for the scientific theories that revolutionised the world. Without the laws of physics and light reflection, there would be no aesthetic medicine. Also Oprah Winfrey, because she stared adversity and disadvantage in the face and gave it the finger. Lastly, Richard Branson. I’m not sure how someone runs more than 400 companies! Even more perplexing is how he seems to be having the time of his life while doing so.

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND A DAY OFF WORK?

I love spending time with my family (this includes my dogs) and friends, eating, playing tennis, and just catching up on the important things in life.

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR GREATEST MENTOR OR INSPIRATION?

My dad. He is an engineer but has lived out his purpose in life without stepping on people to reach his goals. You can learn skills from anyone, but heart and work ethics are not easily attainable.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR INTERESTS ASIDE FROM YOUR CAREER?

I love baking and spending time outdoors.

IF YOU WEREN’T IN YOUR CURRENT FIELD, WHAT WORK WOULD YOU BE DOING INSTEAD?

If I absolutely had to, it would probably have been something structural but creative such as architecture.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE ASPIRING TO WORK IN YOUR FIELD?

The medicine journey is a winding road. So if your heart’s not in it, step away! It is the most beautiful field if you do it for the love of sharing hope and happiness.

Text: Aaqeelah Floris; Photography: Courtesy Images