We were delighted to catch up with the legendary Wendy Lewis about her career in the aesthetic world and plans for this year’s AMWC.
Can you tell us a little bit about what led you into the field of aesthetic medicine and what have been the highlights so far?
Like so many things in life, it was entirely random. I had recently moved into Manhattan in my own apartment and was recruited for a position at a well-heeled brokerage firm in one of the towers in the World Trade Center. I was like a fish out of water there and was miserable. Thus, I answered a random ad in the New York Times for a manager in a plastic surgery practice, just to get out of Wall Street. The head-hunter saw that I went to Barnard, and I was hired. I stayed at that posh practice for many wonderful years and loved every second of it.
What has been the best piece of advice that you have received in your career and what advice would you offer to those following in your footsteps?
Don’t be afraid for step out of your comfort zone and always keep learning. You never know when one contact or a random experience can change your life. Find mentors whom you admire and learn from them.
What have been the most exciting developments in your field in the last decade?
Aesthetic medicine is constantly changing and moving forward, which keeps me on my toes. Everyone is looking for the next big thing, but I tend to a more conservative sceptic. New does not necessarily equal good or better. Over the past decade we have seen a plethora of interesting categories taking off. Some of the hot topics that stuck include: the domination of AI, regenerative medicine, biostimulators, GLP-1, advances in hair restoration, innovative breast implants, new dermal fillers and clever ways to use them – a long list of sexy devices that can target more areas faster and better, plus at-home devices that really work.
You are on the Scientific Committee for AMWC. Do you enjoy this role?
It is an honour to be part of this group of exceptional doctors, surgeons and dermatologists. The AMWC team of dedicated professionals are veterans in the field of aesthetics and take pride in what they do. This attitude comes from the AMWC founders who I have known for many years, Christophe Luino and Catherine Decuyper. They treat their team and colleagues like family, which explains why they stay from year to year: Agata Bonechi, Ngampis Six, Daria Grechuk, Mathieu Boronad, Balraj Juttla, Slim Hakimi, Awatef Chaboub, Margaux Potel, Charlotte Chongpaibul, and Francesco Glorioso.
I really appreciate how they keep an open mind, no matter how out of the box it may seem. This keeps the programmes fresh from year to year, and they are always looking for new speakers who have something to offer.
In 2025 AMWC will return to Monaco at the end of March. Can you tell us about the themes and potential highlights of the event?
This year AMWC has been fortunate to expand their space, which is a huge bonus as attendance keeps growing every year. 2025 promises to be the most robust programme to date. Some of the highlights include a focus on cutting edge research, new techniques with neuromodulators, a cadaver lab model, and a focus on regenerative aesthetics, and what promises to be a great debate about exosomes, and a return to the Aesthetic Awards. Another new session is called ‘New Joiners’ for physicians who are just starting to add aesthetics to their practices. They are expecting over 500 speakers, which is a new record for this congress.
Monaco is a beautiful site to experience, and after a cold winter, it’s a welcome chance to watch the yachts and seagulls, check out Monte Carlo and the best of the of the Riviera. And did I mention that Italy is a mere 10 miles away?!
And finally, if you have any spare time, how do you like to relax?
Aside from spending time with friends, my daughter and her husband, and Remy my Havanese, in another life I could have been prolific film critic. In fact, I am considering starting it on Substack in my spare time, LOL.
SAVE THE DATE
AMWC Monaco
27-29 March 2025
https://www.amwc-conference.com/en/home.html
