If cosmetic doctor Ralph Bieg does the job that he intends, it won't look like you've had any work done at all.
Bieg prides himself on providing a wide range of safe, state-of-the-art cosmetic enhancement procedures such as Botox, Juvederm and laser skin rejuvenation services to patients at both his Physician Skincare Centre at 122 East 3rd St. in North Vancouver and Pender Medi Spa in Coal Harbour.
Helping people subtly improve their appearance - and self-confidence - is what motivates Bieg.
"Anybody can put Botox and fillers into someone's face to make it look better, but when you can enhance an individual's looks without making them look different, and not like they've had anything done, that's really gratifying."
After graduating from the University of Alberta, completing two years of post-graduate studies and working as an emergency room physician, Bieg returned to his North Vancouver roots in 1992 and launched the still-bustling Lonsdale and 19th Medical Clinic. In 1999 he began to focus on cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine.
Bieg can boast of his fair share of industry accreditation - besides being a member of the Canadian Medical Association, he also belongs to the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, the Canadian Association in Aesthetic Medicine, the European Society for Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dermatology and the Face institute.
All this has given Bieg a unique perspective on what best suits each client when they come through his doors for a consultation.
"When you've been doing it for ten years, you get to be pretty good at knowing what will make someone look better," he says. One noticeable change in clientele Bieg has noticed of late is the number of male patients visiting his clinics.
"A lot of men are realizing that promotions and success at work is dependent on their appearance and so I see quite a few men who want subtle improvements without looking like they've had anything done," says Bieg.
Bieg gladly shares the spotlight at both clinics with associate physicians Drs. Dina Ballance and Magda Leon.
Vancouver Island native Ballance trained under Bieg in 2007 and ran her own part-time cosmetic practice in Nanaimo before returning to work at the North Vancouver and Coal Harbour clinics in 2010, while Leon spent 14 years working as a general surgeon in her native Venezuela before coming to Vancouver, earning board certification in family medicine at the University of B.C. and working as a family physician on Salt Spring Island.
Donating time and money to local and international causes whenever possible is also a philosophy embraced by both Bieg and his staff.
Bieg is currently championing a Canadian non-profit called Project HANDS, which works to improve the quality of life among the indigenous Maya by providing healthcare, education and family support to those living in impoverished conditions. The organization regularly sends medical and surgical teams to run outreach clinics in rural regions of Guatemala.
The staff at both clinics also regularly lend their support to a number of charitable causes like the BC Cancer Foundation, Save Your Skin Foundation, Covenant House, World Vision and the BC Paraplegic Association.
"I've been very fortunate, so I think it's appropriate both in business and personally to support a number of very worthwhile organizations," he says.
GET TO KNOW ME
What is your favourite TV show?
The Good Wife, my wife really enjoys it.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When I have free time I enjoy hiking, running or walking with family and dog. He's a three-and-a-half year old Doberman who thinks he's a lap dog.
What's your favourite place to take out-of-town guests?
I like to take them to Deep Cove because it's such a little gem and most people don't visit there when they come into Vancouver. It's quite amazing.
What is your favourite wine and food?
I really like the Pinot Noirs or Chianti wines. For favourite food, it's definitely East Indian.
