This January marks 12 years in business for Sally Wagstaff Aesthetics.
What began as a small, focused clinic has grown into something far more meaningful — not just in the services offered, but in the values, relationships, and trust built along the way.
Here we speak to the founder, mother of two, and ex-Naval nurse, Sally Wagstaff, about her journey.
“When I first started, as Xodos Aesthetics, laser hair removal was very much at the heart of what I did. At the time, it felt like a huge step — learning new technology, building confidence, and growing a client base from scratch with absolutely no business experience.
“Like many small businesses, it was a leap of faith, investing a huge amount into the best quality laser platform on the market at the time, learning as I went, and an enormous amount of determination.
“What I didn’t know then was how much the clinic would evolve alongside me. I’ve had 6 different locations and increased from just one core treatment to over 15 (it’s hard to count exactly what I do really!) Over the years, as my own clinical experience has deepened, so has the scope of the clinic.
“I’ve always believed that aesthetics should sit firmly within healthcare — rooted in safety, evidence, anatomy and ethics. As an Independent Nurse Prescriber, ongoing training has never been optional for me; it’s essential. I’ve continued to invest heavily in education, working with highly respected medical trainers and internationally recognised brands, not because trends demand it, but because my clients deserve the highest standard of care.
“As the clinic grew, so did my understanding that good aesthetic outcomes don’t come from single treatments. They come from long-term skin health, personalised planning, and honest conversations. There are, after all, no magic wands! That philosophy has shaped everything we do today — from consultation style, to treatment choices, to aftercare and follow-up.
“There are so many skin treatments out there – spend a few minutes on TikTok, and it can be pretty overwhelming if you are trying to find advice on products or treatments! I have always chosen my treatments based on quality and research, as well as the ones I most like to do! I’ve got to love what I do so I know I get the best possible results.
“In recent years, we’ve expanded significantly. Skin treatments now play a central role, with a strong focus on barrier health, regeneration and evidence-based results. Treatments such as microneedling, chemical peels, LED therapy and advanced skin consultations have become core parts of our offering.
“More recently, we’ve introduced mole and lesion analysis, which feels like a particularly important milestone. Being able to identify, assess and escalate skin concerns safely — without clients having to battle for GP appointments — has reinforced why nurse-led clinics have such an important role to play.
“One of the most positive changes in the last couple of years has been growing the team. Having Torie in clinic has allowed us to increase availability, particularly for skin treatments, while maintaining the calm, supportive environment clients value. It’s also given us space to think more intentionally about the future.
“In 2026, skin health and regenerative treatments will be a key focus, including advanced treatments such as exosomes and polynucleotides, and injectable biostimulators such as Sculptra and Juvelook, which represent a shift away from quick fixes and towards long-term skin resilience.
“I’m also very aware that clinics don’t exist in a vacuum — they exist alongside real lives. Over the last 12 years, I’ve navigated parenting, my children growing up (they were in the lower end 12-yearof Primary School when I started – one is now in University!), significant health challenges, including hip replacement surgery, menopause, and the everyday pressures that come with running a small business.
“There have been times when keeping everything going has felt hard, but the clinic has always remained something I’m hugely proud of. In many ways, it has grown up alongside me.
“One of the things I’m most proud of is our membership model, which has exceeded expectations for both clients and the clinic. What started as a way to make treatments more accessible has evolved into a genuinely supportive framework for consistent skin care. Seeing so many familiar faces regularly, watching skin improve over time, and building real continuity of care has been one of the most rewarding parts of recent years.
“As we move into our 13th year, the clinic finally feels fully “home”. Our current space allows us to work safely, calmly and professionally, offering privacy, comfort and high clinical standards. It feels like the right place to keep building — not bigger for the sake of it, but better, more thoughtful, and more aligned with what clients actually need.
“Twelve years in business isn’t just a number. It represents thousands of consultations, treatments, conversations, reassurances, follow-ups and trust placed in me and the team. To every client who has walked through the door — whether once or for years — thank you. Your loyalty, feedback and support are the reason this clinic exists.
“Here’s to the next chapter: continued learning, regenerative medicine, skin health done properly, and a clinic that remains exactly what it has always aimed to be — safe, honest, nurse-led and human.”
For more visit https://sallywagstaff.co.uk/.
