MEET THE TALENTED TEAM AT THE REAL CLINIC

The REAL Clinic prides itself on providing an exceptional patient experience, delivered by our excellent and experienced team of clinicians, doctors and medical professionals. We specialise in providing the full breadth of aesthetic, eye and surgical procedures, performing each and every treatment with care and precision. Our talented team are caring, compassionate, friendly and understanding, qualities that are valuable and reassuring to clientele whom we look after and serve at The REAL Clinic.

MR. NAVEEN CAVALE

CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON AND FOUNDER

BSc(Hons) MBBS MSc FRCSEd(Plast)


Mr. Cavale is one of the founding members of The REAL Clinic. He is passionate about his work and always puts his patient’s needs at the heart of every procedure. Patient safety is top of his agenda and he will only make a recommendation if he feels it is in the best interest of the patient.


Mr. Cavale has an extensive repertoire of accolades and holds some of the most prestigious positions with surgical bodies, such as:  – National Secretary for UK, ISAPS, 2018 — Present – President, Royal Society of Medicine, Plastic Surgery Section, 2019 — Present – Vice-Chair, British Foundation for International Reconstructive Surgery & Training – Patron, KCL Medical School Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgical Society – Member, BAAPS, BAPRAS, ISAPS, ASPS, British Society for Rhinoplasty Surgery, Rhinoplasty Society of Europe

MR. ROBBIE WALKER

CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST AND FOUNDER

MBBS MA (OXON) FRCOphth


Mr. Robbie Walker is the REAL Ophthalmology Specialist and consultant retinal (VR) and cataract surgeon. Trained in North London – including fellowship training at the world renowned Moorfields Eye Hospital – Robbie has built an enviable reputation as an outstanding surgeon and trainer.


Patient outcomes are the absolute focus for Robbie, as he firmly believes that excellent patient care is imperative to ensuring the best possible experience for his patients.


Robbie is proud to be one of the select Ophthalmologists to be appointed as an examiner for the Royal College of Ophthalmologists.


His subspecialties are; Vitreoretinal surgery (including retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, diabetes, lens exchange), cataracts (including complex cataracts, and dealing with the complications of cataract surgery), retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration, diabetes, and vein occlusions, urgent and general eye conditions.


DR NEEL DESAI

CONSULTANT ANAESTHETIST AND FOUNDER
MB ChB (Hons) BSc (Hons) FHEA FRCA EDRA

MRCP MRCS PG Cert Med Ed Dipl Reg Anaesth


Dr Neel Desai is one of the founders of The REAL Clinic. He is the REAL Consultant Anaesthetist and is expertly proficient in regional anaesthesia, that is the provision of anaesthesia leading to numbness and pain relief to a specific part of the body, and total intravenous anaesthesia, which is the type of general anaesthesia resulting in an improved recovery for you following your procedure or surgery.


Importantly, he has an outstanding reputation for providing patients with effective and safe care that is focused on them, individualising their pain relief so they remain comfortable. Neel is particularly interested in the education and training of undergraduate medical students and postgraduate trainees, and in those initiatives and recommendations which improve and safeguard the patient experience, journey and their overall safety.


He has been involved in research that strives to question how we may provide the best possible anaesthesia for our patients, and has been invited to speak on various subjects at national and international conferences.

DR TONY FORDHAM

AESTHETICIAN
MBChB BSc



Tony Fordham graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Genetics and Biochemistry, where he studied the physiology of aging and gained insight into the biochemical changes in skin with aging.


Following this he went on to complete his medical degree, passing with merit. He is now working across London for the NHS as a specialist doctor, and has a busy Aesthetics and Skincare clinic where he loves to offer a range of treatments and advice - from simple and holistic skincare through to full facial augmentation with botulinum toxin and dermal fillers.


CHARLOTTE PONSAING

AESTHETIC SPECIALIST NURSE

RGN INP


Charlotte is an aesthetic specialist nurse with expertise in skincare and non-surgical treatments mainly for facial enhancement and rejuvenation.

 

Charlotte qualified as a Registered Nurse in Copenhagen in 2006. She carried on to specialise as an emergency nurse practitioner and worked in A&E until she in 2016 went into a senior management position for a private hospital group on Harley Street. During this period she worked alongside a high number of plastic surgeons, which spawn an interest for facial rejuvenation and aesthetic treatments. She has now joined the team of Mr William Townley, a consultant plastic surgeon highly specialised in facial surgery. 

 

Charlotte is passionate about delivering a holistic and personalised care to her patients, giving advise, listening and together creating a treatment plan that will make her patients feel the best version of themselves; refreshed and radiant, while also addressing the importance of prevention.

 

Member of BAAPSNA and BAMAN.

MR ANNAKAN NAVARATNAM

CONSULTANT EAR, NOSE AND THROAT SURGEON

MBBS BSc (Hons) FRCS (ORL-HNS)


 Annakan Navaratnam is consultant ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon and facial plastic surgeon. In his NHS practice, he works at Royal National ENT Hospital, University College London Hospital (UCLH) and is an honorary consultant at Great Ormond Street Hospital. He has a subspeciality interest in rhinology and facial plastic surgery with particular expertise in septorhinoplasty and nose reshaping surgery.

 

He runs a tertiary rhinology NHS practice and receives referrals from across the country. He runs dedicated adult rhinology clinics managing nasal conditions including nasal blockage, allergy, and sinus disease and works as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside allergy, respiratory and rheumatology specialists.

 

He trained at Imperial College School of Medicine and completed higher surgical training in the North Thames Deanery (London). He completed the Royal College of Surgeons post CCT Rhinology and Facial Plastic Surgery fellowship at Charing Cross Hospital, London. He has  also worked as a Leadership fellow at NHS England. During this time, he led national projects aimed at improving the medical treatment of patients with COVID 19 in hospitals which gained national recognition.

 

Annakan was born and brought up in London. He lives with his family in London, and they enjoy everything the city has to offer and as well as enjoying travel abroad.  Annakan is a keen sportsman, having played rugby and cricket to a regional representative level. His main pursuits outside of work are now supporting his young children in their sporting and artistic endeavours.

MR MATTHEW JAMES

CONSULTANT PLASTIC SURGEON

MBChB FRCS (Plastics)


Mr Matthew James is a distinguished consultant plastic surgeon renowned for his expertise in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery. He holds an MBCHB and FRCS (Plastics) and completed his training in London, Cambridge, Adelaide, Sydney, and at the McIndoe Surgical Centre. With over 22 years of clinical experience, he specialises in complex aesthetic procedures, hand reconstruction and skin cancer surgery.

 

Mr Matthew James James is a senior consultant at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, where he leads hand trauma services and trains other surgeons in cosmetic and hand   surgery. He is also the cofounder and Medical Director of Cavendish Clinics, offering advanced aesthetic treatments.

 

Mr Matthew James is committed to delivering high quality care both in the NHS and private sector, emphasising patient safety and satisfaction. His areas of expertise include body contouring, breast surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, hand and wrist surgery, and skin cancer treatment. He is a member of several professional organisations such as the British Association of Hand Surgeons and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.

DR  LARA DE LUCA MACIEL

PLASTIC SURGEON

MBBS Msc


Dr Lara De Luca is a highly experienced plastic surgeon and trained in Brazil, with over 14 years of expertise in cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures. Passionate about patient care, she is dedicated to delivering the highest standard of treatment while ensuring natural, balanced results tailored to each individual.


As a mother, Dr Lara has a deep understanding of the physical changes women experience with ageing and after childbirth. She has a special interest in procedures that restore confidence and enhance natural beauty, including breast surgery, tummy tucks, body contouring and labiaplasty. She also specialises in delicate facial procedures such as facelifts, eyelid surgery and advanced dermal fillers, including lip, chin, nose and tear trough fillers.


Dr Lara takes a meticulous and patient-centered approach, providing compassionate and supportive care from consultation to recovery. She prioritises the health and safety of her patients above all else, utilising state of the art medical technology and the highest quality products to ensure optimal outcomes. With a philosophy focused on achieving subtle yet effective enhancements, she empowers her patients to look and feel their best with confidence.

DR  SIMON HORGAN

        CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST

FRCS FRCOpth


After qualifying from London University in 1986 and receiving his ophthalmology training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, Mr Simon Horgan is now a Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London.

Simon specialises in macular degeneration and other retinal problems, diabetic eye disease, glaucoma, cataracts, use of multifocal implant lenses, astigmatic corrections and general ophthalmology including watery eye and lid lumps.

He sees patients in Harley Street, London W1G, New Malden KT3, Nuffield Health Woking Hospital, Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital and The REAL Clinic for consultation. He operates at Nuffield Health Woking Hospital, Nuffield Health Guildford Hospital and The REAL Clinic.

DR SARIT LESNIK OBERSTEIN

CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MD PhD FRCOphth


Dr Sarit Lesnik Oberstein attended medical school at the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, where she received her degree with distinction in 1992. She moved to the United Kingdom in 1993 to start her ophthalmology training. Dr Lesnik Oberstein did her full surgical training at Moorfields Eye Hospital, including training in medical retina and surgical retina at the Western eye Hospital and Moorfields Eye Hospital. Dr Lesnik Oberstein is a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (fellowship 1996). 


From 2003 to 2016 Dr Lesnik Oberstein worked in the Netherlands as a consultant ophthalmologist in one of the large teaching hospitals in Amsterdam, The Academic Medical Center. Specialising in diabetic retinopathy and surgery of the retina, Dr Lesnik Oberstein was the senior surgical consultant for 13 years before moving back to London.


Dr Lesnik Oberstein has an active career in research, completing her PhD in retinal neuroscience in 2006 (UCSB California). She has extensive experience in complex cataract surgery and all forms of surgery of the retina including floater surgery, retinal detachment, macular pucker and macular hole surgery.

Languages spoken: English, Dutch, French, German fluently. Italian and Spanish moderately.

MR KONAL SAHA

CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST

BMedSci BM BS FRCOphth PCE


Mr Konal Saha is a consultant ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon. His subspecialty interests include cosmetic and functional eyelid surgery, management of watery eyes and dealing with cancerous and non cancerous lesions around the eye. He innovates in combining surgical with non-surgical techniques, such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal filler and radiofrequency microneedling, to optimise outcomes for his patients. Mr Konal Saha is a fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and a member of the British Oculoplastic Surgeons’ Society. He has authored numerous academic papers and written educational book chapters on eyelid reconstruction.

Dr Manvi Sobti

CONSULTANT OPHTHALMOLOGIST

MBBS, DOMS, MS, FICO, DNB, FRCOphth, MRCS (Ed)

Ms. Manvi Sobti is a Consultant Ophthalmologist, specialising in Oculoplastic and Cataract Surgery. With over 15 years of experience, she provides exceptional private ophthalmology care in London, offering advanced surgical and medical treatments tailored to each patient.

 

She has a particular interest in eyelid surgery for hooded and droopy eyelids and management of eyelid cancers. She is a skilled cataract surgeon and is proficient in ocular trauma management. She also provides care for watery eyes, dry eyes, pterygiums, eyelid lumps (styes and chalazion) and general ophthalmological conditions.

 

At her NHS practice at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Ms. Sobti leads the Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Clinic, working closely with endocrinologists. She is a core member of the Craniofacial Team, specialising in the management of neurofibromatosis and complex oculofacial trauma. She also works alongside burns plastic surgeons to manage eyelid burns, ensuring optimal functional and aesthetic outcomes.

 

Ms. Sobti is committed to delivering the highest quality care and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide safe, precise, and patient-focused treatment.


Dr Villy Fesatidou

Plastic Surgery Registrar | Aesthetic Doctor




Dr Villy Fesatidou studied Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki before moving to the UK to pursue specialist training in Plastic Surgery. Currently she works as a full-time NHS doctor at a leading tertiary centre with a focus on reconstructive microsurgery and surgery of the face.


With a strong foundation in surgical precision and anatomy, Dr Villy brings a tailored approach to aesthetic medicine. Having completed advanced training in injectable treatments, she offers bespoke, natural-looking results that reflect each patient’s individual features and goals. Her practice is grounded in safety, subtle enhancement, and a deep understanding of facial harmony.

MR CARLO FROLA

CONSULTANT SURGEON

MBBS MD


Mr. Carlo Frola is a distinguished Consultant Surgeon specialising in General Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine. Leveraging his extensive medical and surgical background, Mr. Frola brings a unique perspective to the world of aesthetic medicine, blending surgical precision with artistic vision to deliver exceptional results.

His specialised training in General Surgery, coupled with advanced fellowships in upper gastro-intestinal surgical oncology at renowned institutions across Europe, underscores his expertise in surgical techniques and patient management.


In addition to his clinical practice, Mr. Frola is passionate about the aesthetic aspects of medicine. He recognizes the importance of enhancing both physical appearance and inner confidence, and he applies his surgical skills to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals. Mr. Frola's holistic approach to aesthetic medicine combines cutting-edge treatments with a keen understanding of anatomy and facial harmony, ensuring natural-looking results that enhance each patient's unique beauty.

CATCH UP WITH THE LATEST FROM THE REAL BLOG


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By Laura Summers September 27, 2024
“Help! My belly button has swallowed my dressing!” (Disclaimer, patient and belly button were fine!)  This is just one of the thousands of messages that are received from patients to our holistic and virtual nursing postoperative support service which is provided for Mr Naveen Cavale’s patients who have undergone cosmetic and plastic surgery at The REAL Clinic