Meet our incredible Skin Southwest team
At Skin Southwest, we’re so proud of our truly wonderful team. Led by Dr Pradnya Apté, every passionate and dedicated member of staff has been hand-picked for their unique qualities and skills. We can’t wait to welcome you into our friendly and relaxed practice environment and show you just what we can do.
Clinic Director
Dr Pradnya Apté, also known as ‘The Lip Dentist’ is an award-winning dental surgeon and aesthetic practitioner known for aesthetic and non-surgical procedures.
Dr Pradnya is the founder and medical director of Skin Southwest. She opened her Exeter clinic in 2015 and then London clinics in Harley Street and London Bridge in 2016.
She has earned an excellent reputation in her field and contributed to industry-led journals. Dr Pradnya was a finalist in the Aesthetic Dentistry Awards in 2017 and 2019, and was Highly Commended in 2018 for Full Face Rejuvenation to include Threads.
Dr Pradnya has been practising aesthetic medicine for over 17 years and developed her passion for this alongside world class mentors on London’s Harley Street. Her background as a dental surgeon has been crucial to Dr Pradnya’s knowledge of facial anatomy, and has allowed her to develop in-depth, patient-focused treatment journeys that have delivered stunning results.
Due to her passion for medical aesthetics, Dr Pradnya has developed two trademarks. One is LipFX Pro, which improves facial profiles. The other, ‘rejuvalift’, encompasses her whole 3D approach to the face, using a combination of wrinkle relaxing injections and collagen stimulators (Ellanse®).
In 2022, Dr Pradnya gained recognition by becoming Key Opinion Leader (KOL) for IMAGE Skincare UK and a regional Ellanse trainer for Sinclair, one of the largest international pharmaceutical companies.
Dr Pradnya is a proud member of:
Save Face – Government / NHS approved register Sinclair College – Regional trainer GDC – General Dental Council ACE – Aesthetic Complications Expert Group CQC – Care Quality Commission
Clinic Manager
Melissa is our Clinic Manager at Skin Southwest. Before joining the team in April 2021, she worked for the UK holiday park operator Haven in a range of roles, including event management, guest experience and operations support. Melissa has also previously worked as assistant manager within the Exeter branch of Karen Millen.
Melissa is proud to be part of the Skin Southwest team. The clinic is known for excellent service, attention to detail and high patient satisfaction, and she is fully committed to this ethos. Melissa also ensures you receive only the very best experience when visiting the clinic.
Melissa proactively manages Skin Southwest back of house, with roles including auditing, health and safety and HR. However, you can also find her friendly face welcoming you to the clinic and assisting in booking and rescheduling your appointments. Melissa also loves checking in with you post-treatment, sharing your delight in your results, answering your questions and enjoying a good conversation with you both pre and post treatment.
Melissa’s favourite treatments are microneedling and RESURFACE, which are fantastic for reducing acne scarring and improving skin texture. IMAGE skincare facials are also an absolute game changer for keeping skin youthful. She is now so confident in her own skin that she no longer wears foundation daily, except on special occasions!
Melissa is looking forward to welcoming you to Skin Southwest on your next visit. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to get in touch.
Aesthetician
Kayla has been in the health and beauty industry for over 16 years, and it has always been her ambition to make people feel good about themselves both inside and out!
During her time working in the industry, Kayla has gained a vast amount of experience with medical grade treatments and products. This allows her to assist patients with skin issues such as acne, rosacea, pigmentation, skin blemishes and many more.
Kayla specialises in Advanced Cosmetic Procedures, a safe and effective treatment for a wide variety of skin lesions, including skin tags, warts and red veins. Kayla truly loves what she does, and thrives on seeing the before and after comparison results for each of her patients, achieved using exceptional and results-driven products and treatments.
Kayla’s goal is to make her patients feel confident in their own skin, and she delights in creating and joining their bespoke journeys. She genuinely loves all the treatments she provides, and enjoys determining the results that could be achieved with each treatment, depending on individual skin and body concerns. Although she is a sucker for removing large skin tags and tightening loose and lax skin across the whole body using Endymed.
Martina has been working in the health and beauty industry for over five years, and was a registered nurse in her home country, Ukraine. She has always been interested in using the latest technology and knowledge to help other people solve their skin problems. This is one of the reasons why she loves working at Skin Southwest, as the team delivers the highest quality treatments that also deliver fantastic results.
Martina has a lot of experience working with different skin types. Her ultimate goal is to be as helpful as possible, enabling her patients to achieve healthy and glowing skin. Currently, Martina specialises in removing vascular lesions, pigmentation and improving the overall skin condition, depending on your concerns. Whether you’re after anti-ageing, post-acne or acne treatment, with the latest equipment, including Endymed, Lumina and skincare from IMAGE, Martina makes every effort to help you feel happier about your skin.
Martina’s favourite treatment is Endymed Intensif and Endymed FSR, which help to tighten the skin and improve complexion, whilst offering a natural result. IMAGE skincare peels are also a firm favourite, as they offer a vast variety of results which can include improving overall hydration to the skin, balancing acne prone skin and ensuring skin is left glowing. Martina loves that these peels are suitable for all skin types, making them a very accessible treatment for many patients.
Menopause / Wellness Clinic
Charlotte trained at St Mary’s Hospital Medical School, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine. She is an NHS GP with a special interest in women’s health, menopause and lifestyle medicine.
Charlotte is a member of the British Menopause Society and runs the only private menopause clinic in Exeter. She can help with all aspects of menopause care, and we are delighted to work with her at Skin Southwest.
Outside of work, Charlotte enjoys spending time with her two children and two labradors. She also loves hiking, yoga and sea swimming.
Front of House Patient Co-ordinator
Millie joined the team at Skin Southwest in February 2024 as Front of House Patient Co-ordinator and resident Make up Artist.
Having studied Beauty Therapy at Exeter College, holding an NVQ 2 & 3 in Beauty Therapy, Millie subsequently worked for premium makeup brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Yves Saint Laurent, she also held a position within the NHS Dental Service.
With her role, Millie works to meet and guide patients in clinic as well as being a port of call for all patient enquiries via email and phone. Millie is set up in the prime location to be on hand for any advice regarding Jane Iredale makeup or Image skincare, with a passion for products and ensuring you are using the best for your skin! Millie will be offering 1-1 makeup lessons within clinic or post-treatment make-up for those who are heading out and about after treatment.
Outside of clinic, Millie owns a Miniature Dachshund called Bodhi, who is the light of her life. She will be sure to show you pictures of him when you visit the clinic!
