• About
  • Aesthetics
    Aesthetic Conditions
    • Excessive Sweating
    • Expression Lines / Wrinkles
    • Facial Contouring
    • Hand Rejuvenation
    • Lip Enhancement
    • Nose Correction
    • Undereye Hollows / Circles
    • Vaginal Atrophy and Dryness
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    • Excessive Sweating
    • Expression Lines / Wrinkles
    • Facial Contouring
    • Hand Rejuvenation
    • Lip Enhancement
    • Nose Correction
    • Undereye Hollows / Circles
    • Vaginal Atrophy and Dryness
    Aesthetic Treatments
    • Dermal Fillers
    • Jett Plasma Soft Surgery
    • Lipolysis Injections
    • Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
    • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
    • Vampire Facial
    • Thread Lifting
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    • Dermal Fillers
    • Jett Plasma Soft Surgery
    • Lipolysis Injections
    • Wrinkle Relaxing Injections
    • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
    • Vampire Facial
    • Thread Lifting
  • Hair
    Hair Conditions
    • Hair Conditions
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    • Hair Conditions
    Hair Treatments
    • Carboxy Therapy
    • Hair Growth Laser (LLLT)
    • Hair Replacement Systems
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Microneedling
    • Peptide Hair Filler
    • PRP Hair Restoration
    • Robotic Assisted Hair Transplant
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    • Carboxy Therapy
    • Hair Growth Laser (LLLT)
    • Hair Replacement Systems
    • Laser Hair Removal
    • Microneedling
    • Peptide Hair Filler
    • PRP Hair Restoration
    • Robotic Assisted Hair Transplant
  • Sexual Health
    Men's Intimate Wellness
    • Bioelectrical Stimulation
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Non-Surgical Penis Enlargement
    • P-Shot / Priapus Shot
    • Scrotox
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    • Bioelectrical Stimulation
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Non-Surgical Penis Enlargement
    • P-Shot / Priapus Shot
    • Scrotox
    Women's Intimate Wellness
    • FemiLift: Intimate Feminine Rejuvenation
    • G-Shot / G-Spot Amplification
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Intimate Area Depigmentation (Dermamelan)
    • Labiaplasty
    • O-Shot / Orgasm Shot
    • Vulva Rejuvenation (Labia Majora Augmentation)
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    • FemiLift: Intimate Feminine Rejuvenation
    • G-Shot / G-Spot Amplification
    • Hormone Balancing
    • Intimate Area Depigmentation (Dermamelan)
    • Labiaplasty
    • O-Shot / Orgasm Shot
    • Vulva Rejuvenation (Labia Majora Augmentation)
  • Skin
    Skin Conditions
    • Acne and Acne Scarring
    • Pigmentation
    • Rosacea
    • Skin Sagging
    • Sun Damage
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    • Acne and Acne Scarring
    • Pigmentation
    • Rosacea
    • Skin Sagging
    • Sun Damage
    Skin Treatments
    • Carboxy Therapy
    • Chemical Peels
    • Depigmentation – Cosmelan / Dermamelan
    • Dermapen Microneedling
    • HIFU
    • LED Light Therapy
    • Mesotherapy
    • Radiofrequency
    • Skin Boosters
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    • Carboxy Therapy
    • Chemical Peels
    • Depigmentation – Cosmelan / Dermamelan
    • Dermapen Microneedling
    • HIFU
    • LED Light Therapy
    • Mesotherapy
    • Radiofrequency
    • Skin Boosters
  • Vitality
    Vitality Conditions
    • Ageing
    • Fatigue
    • Gut Imbalances and Detox
    • Hormone Imbalances
    • Sexual and Intimate Health
    • Sports Injuries
    • Weight Loss
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    • Ageing
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    • Hormone Imbalances
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    • Dietitian
    • Gene Testing
    • IV Therapy
    • Medical Weight Loss
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    • Dietitian
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    • Medical Weight Loss
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Medical Weight Loss

We are committed in helping our clients achieve their personal health goals.

We believe in using innovative and personalised health and nutrition programs.

Depending on your goals and lifestyle, we help you choose the programme that will work for you.

Our Medical Weight Loss solutions include:

  • Body Contouring
  • OPTIFAST
  • Medi-Lean

Body Contouring

Body contouring is term used to describe non-surgical methods to help firm-up, shape up and assist in reducing unwanted rolls, bumps and folds on the body. It is also referred to as non-surgical fat reduction or body shaping.

There are a variety of non-surgical procedures available for body contouring. The aim of these is to reduce or remove stubborn pockets of fat, to tighten up areas with loose or sagging skin, and to provide better ‘shape’ to different areas of the body. It is important to note that body contouring does not equate to weight loss. It is equally important to note that the ideal candidate for body contouring treatments is someone close to their goal weight, but who has a few stubborn areas that are resistant to diet and exercise.

The treatments available at Aesthetic Options, include:

  • Lipolytic Injections
  • Radiofrequency
  • HIFU
  • Carboxy Therapy
Which areas are suitable for Body Contouring?

The most common treatment zones include:

  • Double chin
  • Bra bulges and back fat
  • Arms (also known as “bat wings”)
  • Love handles
  • Abdomen
  • Inner-thighs
  • Outer-thighs
  • Banana roll (the fold underneath the buttocks)
What are the benefits of Body Contouring?
  • Convenience: Body contouring procedures are non-surgical and minimally to non-invasive. There is no downtime and you can resume daily activities immediately after the treatment.
  • Risks and side-effects: If any, these tend to be very mild and include redness, swelling, sensitivity, tingling, discomfort and bruising.
  • Cost: As opposed to having surgery, the cost of non-invasive, body treatments is significantly less.
How long do body contouring results last?

As with any treatment, maintenance is essential to keep your results.


All body contouring programmes should include a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, proper hydration, regular exercise, and include maintenance treatments. This will help you to prolong, maximize and maintain long-term results.

OPTIFAST

OPTIFAST is a structured nutritional and behavioural change programme developed by leading experts and supported by medical professionals.

The programme follows a Very Low Calorie Diet (VLCD) which provides 800 kcal per day for a period of 8 weeks. This is less than half the calorie content of a conventional weight loss diet.

How it works?

The OPTIFAST program utilizes a meal replacement plan that transitions to self-prepared everyday meals, in conjunction with comprehensive patient education and support.

 

The programme has shown to significantly reduce body weight by 1 kg – 2.5 kg per week and consists of three scientifically formulated shakes, nutritional bars, soups and desserts taken daily as a meal-replacement, with low-carb vegetables and salad as desired.

 

The OPTIFAST programme is structured into four levels: three levels for active weight loss, and one level for weight maintenance.

 

Intensive Phase:
Any three OPTIFAST products per day replace all meals plus two cups of low starch vegetables with a teaspoon of vegetable oil and sufficient water intake.

 

Food Reintroduction Phase:

 

  • Any two OPTIFAST products per day with one calorie controlled meal, low starch vegetables, one serving fruit and dairy and sufficient water intake.
  • One OPTIFAST product per day with two calorie controlled meals, low starch vegetables, two serves fruit and one serve dairy and sufficient water intake.

 

Maintenance Phase:

 

Finally in this phase the OPTIFAST products are eliminated and three low-calorie meals are reintroduced to the diet.

 

The OPTIFAST VLCD programme is designed to totally replace your normal food intake in the dietary management of obesity. The OPTIFAST VLCD products contain carbohydrates, fatty acids and protein, which help preserve lean body mass (muscle) while you lose your fat stores. They also contain vitamins and minerals to ensure that you are receiving all the nutrients you require.

Medi-Lean

The Medi-Lean Medical Weight Loss Programme is based on the HCG diet developed by Dr. Simeon. HCG helps the body to release excess fat, hence releasing the calories for your body to use as energy. However, benefits of HCG are not only limited to fat loss; HCG has also been shown to have a positive effect on mood, increase energy levels, relieve body pains, decrease migraines and aids in resetting the metabolism.

HCG and a very low calorie diet (VLCD) assists the body to normalise abnormal Leptin levels (a hormone that plays a fundamental role in fat metabolism and satiety). In addition, HCG has the benefit to improve and moderate hormone imbalances, which may often play a contributing role to stubborn weight loss.

What is HCG?

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is a hormone present at high levels in early pregnancy. It stimulates the production of essential pregnancy hormones and has also been used to treat infertility issues in men and women.

How does Medi-Lean work?

The Medi-Lean Programme is based on a low-GI eating plan, together with the patient-specific supplementation as well as a series of daily HCG injections for a minimum of 4 weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks. Your body tends to develop a resistance against the HCG injections after 6 weeks.

 

A washout period of 2-6 weeks is necessary to clear out all HCG from your system, after which another course can be administered.

Who is the right candidate for HCG?

The majority of woman and men can use HCG for weight loss.

 

Programme excludes women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How much weight can I expect to lose?

The programme has shown to significantly reduce body fat mass by 6 kg – 10 kg per cycle.

 

Your diet, injections and supplements will be different during each phase of the Medi-Lean Weight Loss Programme.

 

Start your journey to a new you under the supervision of a Medical Doctor and a Registered Dietitian.

" The best place to go. "

Jean Swanepoel

" Very good place to go to. Service is great, and Ruan is very professional. Will definitely be going back there. "

Cheyne Nell

" Professional and experienced team providing best advice and treatments for your particular needs whether it be facial or body aesthetics. "

Alison Briggs

" Love love love this beautiful practice!

I have been getting laser hair removal treatments from Christelle and have been seeing amazing results! She is very professional and great at what she does. Quick and easy procedure that’s practically pain-free.

I have also gotten Botox before from Dr Leon Ehlers for my gummy smile which showed amazing results and I was super happy with it!

Highly recommended! The friendly staff and beautiful view is an added bonus 🙂 "

Jojo Wang

" Where do I begin to thank Dr. Ehlers and his wonderful team. Impeccable customer care and facilities. I am extremely happy with my results. "

Michelle Cayleigh Roberts

" I'm incredibly impressed by this practice. I was treated by Dr Ehlers who was professional, had an excellent bedside manner and focused on my exact concerns. After my botox treatments my deep frown lines, that previously made me look angry, have completely disappeared. "

Natasha Di Rago

" A truly revolutionary one stop shop for anything health and aesthetic related!

I asked if they could help & #THEYSAIDYES

The team is friendly, warm, inviting and unbelievably forth coming! a team that now feels like family. For years i struggled with sinuses, only for the team to resolve this through blood tests and eliminating the food offenders, treating the cause! "

Andrew Ferguson

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Contact us
  • Shop 2E, Level 4, The Pearls
    6 Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga
    Rocks, Durban, 4051
  • +27 87 806 8700
  • +27 72 401 4956
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©2020 Institute Of Aesthetic Options. All rights reserved.

Dr. Leon Ehlers

Aesthetic Medicine & Aesthetic Gynecology

Dr. Leon Ehlers graduated from the University of Pretoria with the degree MBChB in 1982. After his time in the South African National Defence Force, he started his own medical practice in 1985 in Sunnyridge on the East Rand of Johannesburg. Over the subsequent 19 years he built up a large and successful medical suite where his scope of practice involved general medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology and general surgery including mammoplasty, ENT as well as abdominal surgery.

In 1995 he was considered a pioneer in the field of Sexology and co-ordinated in the Institute of Sexology in Pretoria Hospital’s Urology Department.

In 2004 Dr. Leon sought after a change in pace and a different quality of life and made the decision to move to Umhlanga Rocks. It was considered a massive endeavour to pack up and start up a new practice in a different province after having established such a large medical suite. However, he rose to the challenge and carried out his vision to create a family practice that placed particular emphasis on male and female executive health, and to incorporate general and gynaecological aesthetics as well as anti-aging medicine to provide holistic patient wellness.

In late 2017 he was also involved with establishing The Institute of Aesthetic Options where he currently acts as a consultant, educator and trainer for facial aesthetics and sexual health.

Dr. Leon has over 20 years of experience with aesthetic & anti-aging medicine and frequently hosts educational and training seminars at Aesthetic Options where some of South Africa’s most recognisable and accomplished aesthetic practioners have come together to share knowledge and skills in order to provide our clients with highest quality, science-based aesthetic medicine practices.

Training & Accomplishments:

  • MBChB (Pretoria)
  • Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine)
  • Certification in Invasive & Non-Invasive Aesthetic Gynaecology
  • Certifications in Functional, Integrative & Anti-aging Medicine
  • Master Class in Facial Anatomy
  • Master Class in Sexology
  • Master Class in Neurotoxins (Botox® and Dysport®)
  • Master Class in Facial & Body Fillers
  • Master Class in Facial & Body Thread Lifting


Professional Memberships:

  • South African Medical Association (SAMA)
  • American Academy of Aesthetic & Anti-aging Medicine
  • South African Aesthetic & Anti-aging Medicine
  • European Society of Aesthetic Gynaecology
  • South African Occupational Health Society

Dr. Kayla Andrew

Aesthetic Medicine

Dr. Kayla Andrew obtained her medical degree (MBChB) at the University of Pretoria and has an Advanced Diploma in Aesthetic Medicine (FDP). She has also completed courses with the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine and is a member of the Aesthetic and Anti-Ageing Medicine Society of South Africa. She has a keen interest in aesthetics and dermatology and continues to attend training and congresses to keep up to date with latest trends in this dynamic field of medicine.

Dr. Kayla is passionate about natural results that enhance the inner beauty of her patients. She performs various non-surgical, minimally invasive cosmetic procedures including fillers, botulinum toxin injections, thread lifting, chemical peels, mesotherapy, aesthetic lasers, soft surgery with plasma technology, PRP, gynaecology, medical weight-loss treatments and hair loss therapies. With so many treatment options available, Dr. Kayla aims to assist patients with making informed decisions regarding their health and aesthetic needs.

“Aesthetic medicine is an amazing balance between medicine, science and art and I love it! My approach aims to respect my patient’s individuality as this is critical to achieve elegant and natural results that enhance already beautiful features. I believe managing one’s outward appearance and looking at health holistically brings about true inner wellbeing, happiness and self-confidence.”

Dr. Kajal Bisseru

Aesthetic Medicine & Laser Specialist

“Beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin and accepting who you are”

Dr. Kajal Bisseru holds an EU, MBBS degree and a certificate in MBA essentials. Her journey in general medicine started in 2011, working in government and then private sectors. Dr. After taking a break from this and doing her MBA she then developed a keen interest in skin and laser therapy. Dr Bisseru has attended many trainings in skin analysis, cosmeceutical skincare recommendations, microneedling, mesotherapy, PRP, and various lasers and body contouring.

Dr B is passionate about result-driven skincare. Her aim is to enhance your unique features, transforming you into the best version of yourself and boost your confidence.

Ruan Fourie

Specialist Physiotherapist

Ruan Fourie is an extremely accomplished physiotherapist and an all-round awesome guy!

Ruan served as the Head Physical Therapist for The Sharks Rugby Union from 2005-2009 and later the Lions Rugby Union in the Super Rugby Championships, treating some of the game’s most accomplished players, including John Smit, Percy Montgomery, Butch James, Ruan Pienaar, Johan Ackermann, Pat Lambie and Jesse Kriel, just to name a few.

Besides his work with Rugby Union he also served as physiotherapist in various team and individual sports. He was team physiotherapist for Sundowns Football Club (2001), Davis Cup tennis for the Czeck Republic and Hungary (2002), physiotherapist for the Norwegian & Finnish Olympic sprinting teams, Qatar Olympic long – & triple jump teams, physiotherapist for World Record holders Morne Nagel, Frankie Fredericks and treated the likes of South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock, Cricketer David Miller and International World Enduro Super Series sensation Billy Bolt.

Since stepping away from elite sport physiotherapy, Ruan has focused his experience and skills to treat the wider public, concentrating more on sport injuries, orthopaedic dysfunction, and the management of head and back pain. Realizing that not everyone that steps into his office is an Olympic athlete, he still wants to create an environment where every patient he treats will receive and Olympic standard treatment. Taking the exact methods and techniques used to forge some of the greatest, most explosive and strongest physiques in professional sports and now applying it to you.

Annalita Bharath Govender

Hair Technician & Cosmetologist

Annalita is a hair technician who specialises in hair replacement systems and keeps our clients looking amazing all year round.

She studied cosmetology at Oval International College and has done numerous courses through Hair Options International. Annie has over 13 years’ experience in dealing with clients with premature hair loss, male and female pattern baldness, cancer patients and hair loss due to trauma and illness. Her extensive experience and passion about hair systems and wigs means that natural results and excellent maintenance is a given.

Annalita thrives on the smiles of her satisfied clients who look and feel 10 years younger in an instant!

Elmari Carelse

Dietitian

Elmari Carelse is a Registered Dietitian who qualified from North-West University, Potchefstroom. She completed her community service at FH Odendaal Hospital where she engaged closely with surgical, medical and paediatric patients in a clinical setting. Since graduating, she has gained extensive clinical exposure in both public and private healthcare.

Elmari is passionate about the field of Nutrition & Dietetics. She values a holistic approach, high quality care, and individualised nutritional education. She thoroughly enjoys working with clients on a one-to-one basis to assist them to find an enjoyable and sustainable way of eating that supports long-term health.

“At the end of the day you need to have a good relationship with food. It should be a lifestyle, not a ‘diet’!”

Elmari specialises in weight loss, gut health, food intolerances, infant feeding, paediatrics, nutrigenomics, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and chronic disease management. She works closely with the doctors at the practice or your attending specialist / general practitioner to optimise your health and spread evidence-based nutrition messages.

She is the cheerleader and advisor needed when embarking on a lifestyle and weight management journey. Her friendly demeaner and support will keep you motivated to achieve your goals.

Thandeka Zulu

Client Engagement Manager

Thandeka is our front desk client engagement professional and the friendly voice you hear on the phone when contacting Aesthetic Options.

As our youngest staff member, she sure belies it with her professionalism and self-confidence. She has worked for our clinic since inception and has previous experience managing client engagement. Thandeka deals with bookings, replying to emails, day-to-day running and all administrative duties. She has built up a wealth of knowledge through her experience and is well versed on various procedures available. She is efficient, organised and is always willing to go the extra mile to keep our patients happy. Thandeka brings a calm presence to our practice and is always ready to welcome and assist our patients with a warm smile.

She has a thorough understanding of every element at our clinic and ensures that our clients get their details for their treatments and appointments effortlessly.

Christelle Ikin

Practice Nurse & Skincare Specialist

Christelle is the bubbly nurse that takes care of us and our patients!

Christelle studied nursing at VKOVS Bloemfontein. After moving to Durban she worked at Parklands hospital and then completed her Diploma in Intensive Care Medicine. After 8 years of ICU nursing at Entabeni Hospital, Christelle decided to take an alternative career path and found herself entering the field of aesthetics.

She has completed numerous courses and has received training from industry leaders in medical skincare aesthetics, chemical peels and microneedling. Christelle is also extensively trained in a plethora of laser procedures making her a specialist in the field of laser therapy. Additionally, she has completed courses in Functional & Integrative Medicine as well as Intravenous Vitamin Therapy.

Christelle developed her expertise as an aesthetic therapist and is responsible for various laser and skin treatments, IV drip administration, as well as assisting with many procedures offered at the practice.

Christelle builds heartfelt relationships through her caring nature and attitude by listening and understanding your concerns, needs and desires. She loves to chat to her clients and make them feel at home in the clinic. She looks after all aspects of her client’s care to the highest standard of practice.

DR X

Christelle is the bubbly nurse that takes care of us and our patients!

Christelle studied nursing at VKOVS Bloemfontein. After moving to Durban she worked at Parklands hospital and then completed her Diploma in Intensive Care Medicine. After 8 years of ICU nursing at Entabeni Hospital, Christelle decided to take an alternative career path and found herself entering the field of aesthetics.

She has completed numerous courses and has received training from industry leaders in medical skincare aesthetics, chemical peels and microneedling. Christelle is also extensively trained in a plethora of laser procedures making her a specialist in the field of laser therapy. Additionally, she has completed courses in Functional & Integrative Medicine as well as Intravenous Vitamin Therapy.

Christelle developed her expertise as an aesthetic therapist and is responsible for various laser and skin treatments, IV drip administration, as well as assisting with many procedures offered at the practice.

Christelle builds heartfelt relationships through her caring nature and attitude by listening and understanding your concerns, needs and desires. She loves to chat to her clients and make them feel at home in the clinic. She looks after all aspects of her client’s care to the highest standard of practice.