People & Skin: A decade of artistry, empathy, and ageless beauty

10 years is a significant achievement in any industry, but in the dynamic, often trend-driven world of aesthetic medicine, it signifies something deeper: a foundation built on expertise, ethics, and a profound connection with patients. For Dr Joanna Delia and Dr Gorana Pecotic, the driving forces behind Malta’s esteemed People & Skin clinic, this milestone affords the opportunity to reflect on a journey defined by a commitment to natural enhancement, rigorous safety standards, and genuine compassion.

Looking back on the last decade, the doctors acknowledge that the aesthetic landscape has undeniably transformed since People & Skin first opened its doors.

“I think there have been a lot of trend changes over time,” Dr Pecotic observes, reflecting on a distinct shift in patient desires and industry trends. “Over the last couple of years especially, the trend is moving away from looking ‘done’ and artificial to more subtle, minimal maintenance – that is, restoring rather than building something which was never there.”

Dr Delia elaborates on this evolution, describing a fascinating arc. Initially, there was a certain secrecy surrounding treatments – an omertà approach where procedures were hidden. This paradoxically swung towards a phase where some desired very noticeable results, she explains, noting that now, the pendulum seems to be settling towards a more balanced, discreet approach, favouring refreshed, natural looks over obvious alterations. This aligns perfectly with the clinic’s founding ethos.

“My motto is if you can tell, it’s not done well,” Dr Delia states, a principle that has guided their practice from day one. “I think we specifically attract that kind of person, and we are very proud of that.” In fact, they’ve actively resisted fleeting trends that compromise individuality.

Reflecting on the journey that brought them here, it is immediately clear that the clinic’s success is deeply rooted in the doctors’ backgrounds and shared philosophy. Dr Delia, who qualified over two decades ago, initially considered surgery before discovering her calling in aesthetic medicine. Her extensive training took her across the globe, “from Rio de Janeiro to London, to Paris and everywhere else,” absorbing knowledge and refining her skills through practice and mentorship, both locally and internationally.

She describes herself as an “aesthete” – someone deeply connected to beauty in its classical, harmonious sense, yet ironically, not a “high maintenance person in the beauty world.” This artistic sensibility is coupled with rigorous medical training. “Constant updates and retraining,” she stresses, “and learning about what can go wrong, how to prevent and also how to treat.”

Dr Pecotic’s path also began with an interest in surgery, specifically plastic and reconstructive work aimed at helping those with burns or disfigurements. “That was my obsession,” she shares. However, understanding the immense demands of a surgical career, she sought a field where she could still utilise her precise manual skills and desire to help people feel better. Specialised training in Rome followed, immersing her in aesthetic medicine when it was still relatively nascent. Joining Dr Delia just six months after People & Skin launched, their partnership solidified the clinic’s distinctive approach.

Delving further into their approach, I ask how they balance the technical demands with the necessary artistic eye. For Dr Delia, it goes back to fundamental principles. “I’ve always been obsessed with the golden ratio,” she admits, referencing the classical mathematical principle found throughout nature and art. It’s not about imposing a universal standard, but understanding proportion and harmony within an individual’s face, she explains, “it is a ratio which depends on everything else… it’s not a size.”

In fact, the doctors at People & Skin often find themselves gently guiding patients away from fixating on a single perceived flaw. “A lot of people focus on one detail,” Dr Delia observes. “You have to pull the mirror away and tell them: look at your face in general.” The aim is always enhancement that respects the individual’s unique structure, leading to what they term an “ageless” look – refreshed and vital, not artificially young.

Yet if technical skill and aesthetic judgement form the mind of People & Skin, then empathy and compassion are undoubtedly its heart. “Oh, empathy a huge part of it,” Dr Delia affirms when asked how these values translate into the patient experience.

Indeed, the consultation is far more than a clinical assessment; it’s a dialogue. “It’s a process,” Dr Pecotic explains. “We meet you and we try to understand what it is that you need a boost for,” she notes, adding that beneath the surface request often lie deeper narratives. “Everyone comes in with a story,” Dr Delia reveals. “They feel they need to justify it… ‘because I lost weight’, or ‘because I just got divorced’, or ‘because I have a new job’, or ‘because my daughter’s getting married’, or ‘because I just turned 50’… and I need a boost.”

This deep listening informs their practice and builds profound trust. It also empowers them to be honest, which sometimes means refusing a requested treatment if it’s not truly beneficial or safe. “This is very regular,” Dr Delia says of turning patients away. “I feel so honoured and privileged by your trust,” is a sentiment she often expresses to patients, acknowledging the vulnerability involved. Dr Pecotic adds, “people will appreciate that long term. I think that is gaining trust.”

This genuine care creates a uniquely supportive atmosphere. “It’s beautiful. I love walking through that door,” says Dr Delia. “We’re all here for the same reason,” Dr Pecotic adds: “the love that you get from people who walk in here is overwhelming.”

Meanwhile, staying current in a field brimming with new technologies requires a discerning approach. People & Skin prioritises safety and efficacy above novelty. “I am not the type to be very excited about innovations,” Dr Delia candidly states. “I believe in tried-and-tested first and foremost. Safety is the most important thing.” In fact, they diligently research and train on new developments but remain wary of unproven trends often pushed by aggressive marketing. “There is so much pressure to launch dream ideal things,” she notes, lamenting treatments launched “perhaps before they should be.”

“I watch and I wait,” she says of their strategy towards hyped innovations. “Unfortunately, many innovations become trends which, two or three years later, vanish. And I do not want to be the kind of person who will then have to apologise or lose clients for my mistaken understanding.” Dr Pecotic echoes this caution regarding potentially dangerous trends, referencing their commitment to adhering to strict European Health Standards, accessible via the Aesthetic Physician Association of Malta (APAM), and advocating for treatments performed only by qualified medical professionals.

Moving forward, as People & Skin enters its second decade, the vision isn’t about radical shifts but about reinforcing their core strengths. “To continue evolving, continue improving, stay strong with our beliefs, and not bend to negative pressures,” outlines Dr Delia, stating that the team of doctors and admin staff remains central to this. “For me, the team is the most important thing,” she asserts. “The physical premises can change, everything can change, but for me, it is this team. I celebrate the coming together of these humans.”

It’s also about celebrating the journey – both the clinic’s and the patients’. “You know what 18 years means?” Dr Delia asks rhetorically, speaking of her longest-standing patients. “They go from 40 to 58, from 50 to 68… I adore their loyalty and the journey is incredible.” Their role, as the doctors see it, is to support patients through life’s changes gracefully. “Embrace the changes,” is their advice, “but just as we would take care of a liver which is growing older, we take care of the face.”

Ultimately, the enduring success of People & Skin lies in its unique alchemy: the precision of medicine, the eye of an artist, and the genuine warmth of human connection. It’s a formula that has not only sustained them for ten years but promises a future where aesthetic medicine continues to be practiced with integrity, skill, and profound empathy.