Dr. Yannis Alexandrides isn’t the kind of surgeon who stays neatly inside the lines. He’s the mind—and steady hand—behind a holistic, 360° approach to beauty that has reshaped how patients experience aesthetic care. Triple-board certified and trained in Miami’s demanding surgical environment, he brought that global perspective with him when he founded 111 Harley St. back in 2001. What started as a clinic quickly became a benchmark for precision, thoughtful innovation, and care that feels genuinely personal.
Over the years, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides became known for procedures like the Y-Facelift and refined rhinoplasty techniques, but the real magic lay in how he connected surgery with science. He saw that patients needed more
than just a skilled surgeon; they needed support before and after the procedure—support traditional skincare simply wasn’t offering. So, he stepped outside the OR and created it himself. When post-op products fell short, he developed the NAC Y2™ complex to help his patients heal faster, better, and with less irritation. That single formula became the seed for 111SKIN—a brand born out of necessity, grounded in medical insight, and now celebrated around the world for delivering results you can actually see. Through it all, he’s remained hands-on at the clinic, still operating, still consulting, and still pushing the science further.
At the core of his philosophy is a simple, almost stubborn belief: prevention beats correction, subtle beats excessive, and the patient’s wellbeing always comes first. To see how this philosophy plays out in real life—and how it shaped everything from his surgical approach to a global skincare empire—dive into the interview ahead. It’s Dr. Yannis at his most candid.
Q) You began your career as a reconstructive surgeon before venturing into aesthetics. What led to that transition, and how did your early medical training shape your philosophy of beauty? Dr. Yannis Alexandrides (YA):
I recognised the need to take a more holistic approach to achieve the very best results for my patients. Incorporating aesthetic treatments into my clinic offering allowed me to create surgical plans that achieve elevated results. Surgical techniques can achieve outstanding outcomes; however, combining surgeries with device-led treatments, injectables, and the right skincare achieves next-level results.
Q) What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when establishing 111 Harley St., and how did you differentiate it from
other clinics in London?
YA: Many plastic surgeons were offering the same procedures, especially in the Harley Street area. It’s the outcomes that ultimately differentiate one surgeon’s work from another’s. Taking a 360-degree approach set 111 Harley St. apart from other clinics, and my work from other surgical results. Taking an approach that included pre-surgery preparation for the skin and body, coupled with post-surgery care that optimises recovery using technologies such as LED Therapy and Endermologie, helped overcome this challenge as the results spoke for themselves.
Q) When you look back at those early days, did you ever imagine that your work would evolve into a global luxury skincare brand?
YA: I am a plastic surgeon first and foremost, and am still very present in my clinic, consulting patients and performing procedures each week; however, I am also involved in research and development of new 111SKIN products that are inspired by our patients. It’s the knowledge and experience I’ve gained working with my patients that has allowed us to develop these products. My patients at 111 Harley St. inspired me to develop the Dramatic Healing Serum. This product helped accelerate healing post-surgery, giving my patients the best results and a quicker recovery. The results from the product were very apparent, and demand for the product grew amongst our patients initially. This popularity grew quickly, and it’s a testament to the formulations and results that the brand grew in demand globally.
Q) 111SKIN famously began with a single product created for your post-surgical patients. Can you walk us through that origin story—how necessity turned into innovation?
YA: 111SKIN began out of a necessity rather than an ambition to start a global skincare brand. As a surgeon, my priority was always my patients’ recovery, and I saw that the skin’s condition before and after surgery could completely change their outcomes. Yet, most
Incorporating aesthetic treatments into my clinic allowed me to create surgical plans that achieve elevated results.
formulas in the market were unsatisfactory due to their irritating and abrasive formulas. So, I set out to create my own formula that would truly support the skin’s natural healing mechanisms. Through my medical experience, I was familiar with NAC, a compound used in hospitals, and I realised its immense potential for repair and protection. By combining it with Vitamin C and Escin, I developed the NAC Y2™ complex, a formulation that not only helps the skin recover but keeps it resilient against everyday stressors. What began as a clinical necessity for my patients evolved into the foundation of 111SKIN. Our first product, the Repair Serum NAC Y2™, remains at the heart of everything we do, bridging the precision of medicine with the luxury of skincare.
Q) 111SKIN now sits at the intersection of medicine, luxury and skincare. How do you balance scientific credibility with the aesthetics of luxury beauty?
YA: Scientific credibility underpins our mission at 111SKIN to create surgically precise skincare for visible results. Our products are inspired by the dramatic results we achieve at my clinic, 111 Harley St., and each formula reflects my deep understanding of the skin’s three-dimensional healing process. Every product is developed with surgical precision to optimise skin health, whether preparing it for a procedure, supporting recovery, or maintaining long-term skin health. As pioneers in the skincare industry, we constantly push the boundaries of science, ingredients, and technology to deliver transformative results. Only when a formula has proven its efficacy do we focus on the sensorial and aesthetic details—the luxurious textures and refined packaging, to create a truly elevated experience that bridges medicine and beauty.
Q) What has been your guiding principle when formulating or approving new products for 111SKIN?
YA: My guiding principle has always been to create products that deliver visible results. Every innovation begins at 111 Harley St., inspired by what I see in my clinic and the needs of my patients. For example, our new Exosomes Face Lift Protocol originated from the remarkable outcomes I observed during the in-clinic treatments three years ago. From there, I begin researching delivery systems and key actives before collaborating with our NPD team, who help refine and advance the science. We take the time to perfect every detail—sometimes years, to ensure that the formulation truly performs. For me, a product is only ready when the clinical trials confirm that it achieves the level of efficacy I demand.
Q) The brand has become a cult favourite among celebrities and skincare connoisseurs. Why do you think it resonates so deeply across demographics and regions?
YA: 111SKIN resonates so deeply with clients because it delivers visible, reliable results with clinical credibility behind them. Celebrities and industry professionals, in particular, appreciate that our formulas perform under pressure, from constant travel to heavy makeup and demanding schedules. Our masks, for example, have become a backstage essential because they provide instant rejuvenation and radiance in just 20 minutes.
Q) You often talk about prevention and maintenance rather than drastic correction. How has that perspective evolved with your experience in both surgery and skincare?
YA: I very much believe in prevention and taking the least invasive route to achieve patient goals. As time has gone on, new developments within the field make this even more possible. Regenerative medicine is a great example of this, where skin quality can be tackled, meaning a lesser need for more invasive options.
Q) How do you see the relationship between inner health and outer appearance—are we finally moving toward a more holistic view of beauty?
YA: I take a very holistic view; inner health plays a big part in overall wellbeing and beauty. For my surgical patients, nutrition plays a crucial part in their recovery, how they feel, and the end result; for this reason, all patients are recommended to see our nutritionist to help prepare ahead of their theatre date. Another example would be the IV Vitamin drips my clinic team offers, these treat from the inside out with benefits for the skin, hair and nails as well as helping to boost energy levels or reducing inflammation depending on the exact drip selected and patient needs. There is a greater understanding of the benefits these things have now, and it’s certainly a move towards a more holistic view of beauty.
Q) With the growing interest in “clinical luxury skincare,” how do you ensure 111SKIN continues to lead rather than follow trends?
YA: A relentless innovator, 111SKIN has brought multiple ‘firsts’ to the beauty industry. The insight comes directly from 111 Harley St., where I see emerging skin concerns and evolving patient needs long before they appear in the wider beauty market. Many of my patients are skincare connoisseurs, so their feedback often signals where innovation is needed next. By integrating the most advanced medical technologies and scientific developments into our practice at 111 Harley St., we gain a clear view of where the industry is heading. This allows us to create targeted, pioneering solutions that set new standards in luxury skincare rather than following what’s already been done.
Q) Many skincare brands claim to be science-backed. What, in your opinion, truly separates science-led skincare from market-driven formulations?
YA: Providing clinical results, these are taken very seriously in an external clinic and cannot be forged. These are different from consumer trials as the results are measured at a microscopic level. Brands that are too reactive to trends or have a constant stream of NPD often mean that they are not creating something new or perfecting their formulas. Creating a formula from scratch is a very extensive process and can take years to perfect, so this is often a sign of market-driven formulations.
Q) How do you approach innovation—do you start with a scientific question, a patient need, or a vision for the future of skin health?
YA: Patient needs are always at the forefront of my mind. Whether I’m speaking with my patients, consulting or operating, these are the times I get ideas and inspiration for products that could benefit the patient. I read a lot of research to understand new developments and how these can be incorporated to enhance results in my 360-degree approach.
Q) How has your clientele evolved over the years, and what does the modern aesthetic patient look for today?
YA: I’m fortunate to have retained patients who have stayed with my clinic for a very long time. Often, these are people who have seen me first for surgical procedures, but have then chosen to continue appointments to maintain their results with non-surgical options. Patients are often extremely informed; they expect the best and want results. I see a large emphasis on preventative options, natural results and preservation – all of which are my first thoughts when seeing any patient.
Q) In your opinion, what’s next in aesthetic medicine—technologies or treatments that could redefine the industry?
YA: Exosomes are extremely powerful and are something I am already incorporating into my surgical plans. We introduced them at 111 Harley St. about 3 years ago and have seen outstanding results. Regenerative products such as exosomes and polyneucleotides that improve the quality of the skin, and in turn delay the need for more
By integrating the most advanced medical technologies and scientific developments into our practice at 111 Harley St., we gain a clear view of where the industry is heading.
invasive options, are certainly going to play a big factor in the way the industry moves forward.
Q) Do you think the growing emphasis on minimal, natural-looking results has permanently shifted the landscape of cosmetic procedures?
YA: I very much welcome the increased demand for natural-looking results. This is something I have always looked to provide my patients who come to me requesting a ‘refreshed’ version of themselves, rather than wanting to look entirely different. I don’t think anything is permanent, just less prevalent. As with most things, beauty ideals tend to change regularly; however, natural results will never go out of fashion. It’s extremely positive that the dramatic caricature that was associated with cosmetic surgery in the past has shifted. This perception was created by the surgeons who did not say no to their patients. This is an ethical issue, and I’m pleased to see the landscape change.
Q) How do you balance being a surgeon, scientist, and entrepreneur—three demanding identities that require very different skill sets?
YA: Being a doctor first and foremost means that, whether I am consulting a patient, performing surgery, or leading the way for the development of a new product with my team at 111SKIN, I am always thinking as a surgeon and drawing on my experience. I became an entrepreneur by identifying a need that I couldn’t find being fulfilled elsewhere in post-surgery skincare. I am fortunate to have a wonderful team around me, so of course that helps! My non-negotiable is that I have set surgery days, so on those days, I am able to focus solely on performing surgery.
Q) What has been your proudest moment so far in your journey with 111 Harley St. and 111SKIN?
YA: There have been many, so it’s difficult to choose just one! Opening my own clinic on Harley Street will always be a proud moment – my team and I will be celebrating our 25th anniversary year in 2026, and it gives me immense pride that we are still always evolving our treatment offering, refining our techniques and seeking the latest technologies to elevate the results we produce for our patients. With 111SKIN, there are many milestones to choose from—the opening of our counter at Harrods was certainly a pivotal moment and an accomplishment we will always remember.
Q) Looking ahead, what would you like your legacy in the world of beauty and aesthetics to be—both as a doctor and as a creator?
YA: I hope to be remembered as someone who made an impact that is more than skin deep. Whilst I would love to be remembered as a leader within the 360-degree wellness space, ultimately, the work I do is about people, and the results are more than simply aesthetic. My patients regularly tell me how the results of their surgical plans have been life-changing–this is the greatest compliment as a surgeon, and it will be my legacy.