The Aruban native agrees that it’s a big step going from hospital to a cosmetic clinic. “I have been involved in care in a lot of cultures and the way patients are dealt with in the Netherlands does not appeal to me: a lot of protocol, little humanity,” she says in her brand-new treatment room, which looks clean but not overly medical. ‘With Cella, I can express my creativity and am able to approach clients with time and empathy – always based on my medical profession.”

Ethical side

According to Van der Linde, interaction is half her work. “I want to look at anti-aging in a realistic way. That's not just the injection, it's about the ethical side too. My strength is that I’m able to get a good sense of what people are looking for. Regaining self-confidence often lies behind the desire to undergo treatment. Together, we look at the best way for you to achieve that. We make a long-term plan while respecting your anatomical characteristics.”

It may sound obvious that the doctor strives for natural results, but that is by no means the prevailing opinion. “Many people want plumped lips or pronounced cheekbones. There are plenty of cowboys who will oblige, but I focus on restoring the vitality that has been lost over the years due to ageing and exposure to UV light and polluted air, for example. If there really is an asymmetry getting in the way of self-confidence, naturally, I will help with that.”

In her clinic Cella, Van der Linde has embraced Sunekos products. “An innovation I hope will eventually replace Botox and fillers,” she says excitedly. “Sunekos is not a filler, it regenerates what cells have lost in terms of collagen, elastane and other nutrition. Based on the client's specific situation, amino acid is injected that can then be maintained. Together with hyaluronic acid, it’s the key to encouraging the skin to rejuvenate itself.”

Facial expression

Unlike Botox, Sunekos preserves facial expression. “This is because we really target the tissue from the inside,” Van der Linde explains. Another advantage is that it reduces skin problems such as acne, redness and blemishes. “That does require a longer process, however,’ the doctor cautions. ‘So Botox and fillers are currently the only alternative for a short-term aesthetic effect.”

Van der Linde currently treats more men than women at Cella. And she detects a clear difference between them. “Men are generally quite straightforward, they just say: these lines have to go, because I want to look younger, full stop. It's much more practical and less emotional for them than for most women. I don’t have a preference, mind you. Eventually, I would like to amass a regular group of clients with whom I can work in mutual happiness.”

www.cellaclinics.nl