BODY & SOUL 24 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2014 Story + Images by Bradley Hawks The world of cosmetic retouching and aesthetics can be terrifying to the point of daunting, especially with gossip columns and websites bursting with cruel commentary on the subtle changes visible in celebrities, before and after shots accompanied with harsh judgment, and a world that equates industry standards with the faces seen on the Real Housewives. I recently had the opportunity to sit down for a three hour conversation in the comfort of the offices of Carl Clarke Aesthetiques, located right in the center of Astoria on the second floor of 32-12 Broadway. Admittedly, I entered from a highly skeptical perspective. The environment is welcoming, and the atmosphere warm as soon as you enter the office. “Trust is Paramount,” explains Clarke. “Nearly ninety percent of our patients come from referrals.” It comes as little surprise that women and men might not so easily allow access to their physical appearance based solely on a website or article. Clarke encourages prospective patients to plan a visit for a complimentary consultation. “We have been in Astoria since 2006 on Steinway, and four years ago we moved here from Steinway. We just love the neighborhood.” After admitting I had no desire to medically alter my appearance, the Physician’s Assistant smiled and nodded. “You can get better results sometimes without the knife,” admitted Clarke. “You can change the way you see yourself. If you wake up in the morning and like what you see, that can really make a strong impact on your day. The way you treat your partner, the way you perform your job. It sets the tone for the rest of your day.” To these truths I certainly could post no argument. We all feel great when we look great, I had to agree. “When someone comes to me and they don’t know what to do, I will give a consultation and let them know what possibilities exist,” explained Clarke. “So what advice would you give me?” I replied. More Than Meets the Clarke then proceeded to lay out five simple rules. 1 Do not sleep on your face. Any amount of time with your face pressed down will stretch and warp the elasticity of the skin. 2 Do not over wash over treat your skin. It will result in irritation and dryness. 3 Sugar is the root of all evil. It can even dehydrate and prevent healing. 4 If you do attempt any injections, do not use anything permanent. Even after injections and surgeries, your face changes and grows over the years. 5 Be very careful where you choose—always opting for a medical professional. Medi Spa does not automatically equal medical. So beyond cosmetic procedures, I discovered that the office boasts a variety of other services—everything from acupuncture to laser hair removal, therapeutic massage, Reiki, weight loss, and facials. Both the office and Clarke himself proved to be extremely versatile. In fact, in his free time, Clarke is an artist; having hosted several shows. Four of his pieces can be seen on the cover of this magazine. “I have shown my art in restaurants, at law firms, and sometimes my patients say, ‘maybe that’s why you are good at this,’” he laughs. Sitting next to his wife, Carolina, the two seem like a profoundly happy couple. They were blessed just over a year ago with a newborn son, and we peruse photos on their phone. “It’s actually a real mom and pop operation,” explains Clarke. “I am from Barbados, my wife is from Brazil. She does all of the accounting, bookkeeping, the back end.” The two appear to be a great team. I have to admit I am feeling a lot more comfortable myself. I ask, “why do you think you have been so successful?” “Every patient gets sincerity and honesty here, and that’s the simple truth.” Carl & Carolina Clarke CARL CLARKE AES THETIQUES 32-12 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11106 www.defineyourlook.com (347) 631-0922
BM112014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above