We sat down with renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Matteo Vigo to explore the latest advances that are helping patients look refreshed and revitalized, without going under the knife.
TIMELESS ME: Dr. Matteo, thank you for joining us. We’re seeing such growth in the non-surgical aesthetics space. Why do you think patients are increasingly choosing these options over traditional surgery?
DR. MATTEO: Thank you for having me. The shift toward non-surgical options is being driven by several key factors. Today’s patients are looking for effective results with minimal downtime, they simply can’t afford to take weeks off work for recovery. Non-surgical treatments have evolved tremendously, offering results that were once only possible with surgery, but with far less risk and recovery time.
Additionally, modern patients are more interested in preventative approaches and gradual enhancements rather than dramatic transformations. Non-surgical options allow for subtle, progressive improvements that look natural and can be adjusted over time.
The rule is to start as early as you can to postpone a maybe needed plastic surgery procedure to correct your ageing signs.
TIMELESS ME: What are the most innovative non-surgical treatments available in 2025, and what specific concerns do they address?
DR. MATTEO:We’re seeing remarkable advances across several categories. The latest hyaluronic acid fillers now incorporate bio-stimulatory properties that not only provide immediate volume but also stimulate collagen production for longer-lasting results.
In the energy-based treatment category, we now have combination devices that deliver multiple technologies in a single session—such as radiofrequency microneedling with simultaneous LED therapy and topical infusion capabilities. These multi-modal approaches are achieving more comprehensive rejuvenation than ever before.
The rising of polynucleotides and exosome is opening a very interesting frontier on the minimally invasive skin biostimulation which can increase the collagen production in a natural way
TIMELESS ME: How do you determine which treatments are right for each individual patient
DR. MATTEO:This is where the art and science of aesthetic medicine converge. I always begin with a comprehensive facial assessment that considers bone structure, fat distribution, skin quality, and muscular activity. There are also advanced imaging technology to visualize beneath the surface and identify the true origins of aging concerns—whether that’s volume loss, skin laxity, or textural changes.
But equally important is understanding each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and comfort level with various procedures. Some patients want immediate, noticeable results and are comfortable with the potential downtime of more aggressive treatments. Others prefer a gradual approach with multiple subtle treatments over time.
I believe in creating a customized treatment plan that addresses each patient’s unique facial anatomy and personal preferences—there’s no one-size-fits-all approach in aesthetic medicine.
TIMELESS ME: Many women are concerned about looking “overdone.” How do you ensure natural-looking results?
DR. MATTEO: This is perhaps the most important question. The key to natural-looking results is respecting facial anatomy and proportions. The goal should never be to eliminate all signs of aging, but rather to refresh and harmonize the face while preserving its unique character.
I follow a “less is more” philosophy, often treating patients over multiple sessions with modest amounts of product rather than attempting dramatic changes in a single visit. It’s also crucial to treat the face as a whole rather than focusing on isolated areas—addressing only the nasolabial folds or only the lips can create that unbalanced, “worked on” appearance.
Finally, I believe that movement is beauty. Treatments should enhance facial expressions, not restrict them. Particularly with neuromodulators like Botox, the modern approach is about reducing specific dynamic wrinkles while preserving natural facial movement and expressiveness.
For example, I refuse to treat some patients if their request is too far from natural result or if they have been already overtreated in the past. We should always consider the return of the original situation in case too much filler has been injected in the face. We can use an enzyme to dissolve the residual filler left in the face and restart from a fresh point of view.
TIMELESS ME: At what age should women consider starting preventative treatments?
DR. MATTEO: Prevention is generally more effective than correction, but there’s no universal “right age” to start. I typically see patients beginning preventative treatments in their late 20s to early 30s, when fine lines first become noticeable with facial expressions.
The approach for younger patients is quite different—focusing on skin quality, early volume preservation, and strategic neuromodulator use to prevent etched-in lines. Sun protection, medical-grade skincare, and collagen-stimulating treatments like certain lasers or microneedling can provide significant preventative benefits.
That said, it’s never too late to start. I have patients in their 60s and 70s achieving remarkable improvements with non-surgical options. The treatment plan simply shifts toward addressing existing changes rather than prevention alone.
TIMELESS ME: Safety is a major concern for our readers. What should patients look for when choosing a provider, and what questions should they ask?
DR. MATTEO: Safety should always be the top priority. First, verify that your provider has appropriate medical training and specific credentials in aesthetic procedures. In the UAE, practitioners should be licensed by the appropriate health authority.
Ask about the products being used—legitimate practices use FDA or CE-approved products from reputable manufacturers. Be wary of significantly discounted treatments, as they may involve diluted or counterfeit products.
During consultation, the provider should thoroughly discuss potential side effects and complications, not just benefits. They should take a detailed medical history and may decline to treat you if certain contraindications exist—this is actually a good sign of a responsible practitioner.
Finally, trust your instincts. If a provider pressures you into additional treatments or dismisses your concerns, that’s a red flag. The right provider will educate you, present options, and respect your decisions.
TIMELESS ME: Looking ahead, what emerging technologies or trends do you see shaping the future of non-surgical aesthetics?
DR. MATTEO: We’re entering an exciting era of regenerative aesthetics. Treatments utilizing the body’s own healing mechanisms, like polynucleotides, exosomes, and growth factors—are evolving rapidly. These approaches stimulate the body to rejuvenate itself rather than simply adding volume or removing tissue.
Personalized medicine is also transforming our field. We’re beginning to see treatments customized based on individual genetic profiles and aging patterns. This allows for more targeted interventions with better outcomes and fewer side effects.
Another significant trend is the integration of artificial intelligence in treatment planning. AI analysis can now help predict how certain treatments will affect facial appearance over time and suggest optimal treatment combinations for specific facial types.
TIMELESS ME: What advice do you have for our readers who are considering non-surgical rejuvenation for the first time?
DR. MATTEO:Start with research and realistic expectations. Non-surgical treatments can achieve remarkable improvements, but they have different outcomes than surgery and typically require maintenance.
Invest in a thorough consultation with a qualified provider, this is not the place to cut corners. A good consultation should include facial analysis, discussion of your goals, clear explanation of recommended treatments, and transparent information about costs and expected results.
Begin with treatments that offer high satisfaction rates and minimal risk, such as basic skin quality improvements or light neuromodulator treatments. As you become more comfortable, you can explore more advanced options.
Finally, remember that aesthetic treatments should enhance your confidence and quality of life. The best results are ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself—not someone else entirely.
TIMELESS ME: Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers, Dr. Matteo. How can readers connect with you if they have more questions or would like to schedule a consultation?
DR. MATTEO: It’s been my pleasure. Readers can reach me through the ‘Ask the Experts’ section here in Timeless ME magazine, where I will answer questions about non-surgical rejuvenation and other aesthetic concerns. I’m also active on Instagram @drmatteovigo, where I share educational content about the latest treatments and respond to questions.
For those interested in a personal consultation, contact my clinic, Healthbay Women’s Care Centre in Dubai. Appointments can be scheduled through our website www.plasticsurgerydubaiuae.com or by calling +971562825825. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations for international patients.
I believe in empowering patients through education, so I encourage your readers to bring their questions, whether they’re ready for treatment now or simply exploring their options for the future.
Dr. Matteo Vigo is an award-winning cosmetic surgeon with 20 years of experience. He is known for his natural-looking results and personalized approach to aesthetic medicine.
Have questions about non-surgical rejuvenation? Submit them to our ‘Ask the Experts’ section, and Dr. Matteo may answer them in an upcoming issue or on our Instagram page @timelessmemag.
