She has a fine radar for beauty hypes – and is always the first on Instagram, who competently tells us what they (don’t) bring: Dr. Kerstin Ortlechner. Austria’s best-known dermatologist is in demand internationally – and is about new aesthetics trends just as much as about their downsides. Open, direct and always with a look behind the facade of beauty. We visit the Upper Austrian in her extraordinary Viennese practice – a futuristic place with a sacred past. There she talks about Skin essentials, future trends and beauty traps you’d better not fall into.
Interview: Servin Kaya
FACES: Why did you choose dermatology – what attracted you to it?
Dr. Kerstin Ortlechner: I knew from the age of six that I wanted to study medicine, even though no one in my family came from a medical background. I grew up on a farm. I was fascinated by medicine right from the start: anatomy, physiology, how the body works. Initially, I was strongly drawn to surgery, and I was most enthusiastic about precise and creative procedures. This led me to dermatology, which was located in Hietzing Hospital right next to the cardiac surgery department, where I was doing my counter-subject. I realized that the skin is the largest organ, combining general dermatology, immunology, dermatosurgery and aesthetics – it was precisely this diversity that attracted me. After a thorough training in classical and surgical dermatology, I finally came to aesthetics via skin cancer surgery and plastic reconstruction. In 2015, during my maternity leave, I started to train intensively internationally because there were hardly any courses on offer in Austria at the time. This time laid the foundation for my current work.
Q: What are the most common requests patients come to you with today?
KO: Many people want to look fresher without anyone noticing or changing their character per se. The classics are botulinum toxin and fillers and, for many women, improving the quality of their skin. The topic of bioregeneration is also becoming increasingly interesting for many. It’s less about changing something and more about supporting your own radiance. Naturalness is the most important thing for me.
Q: Which treatments are particularly delicate and where do you need absolute expertise?
KO: Every single treatment where something is injected into the body must be carried out with absolute caution and medical expertise. Even the simplest botulinum toxin treatment can go completely wrong. I had a patient from Hungary, for example, who underwent treatment for 80 euros – he couldn’t open one eye at all and the other was hanging halfway down. That’s what happens when you inject incorrectly. Basically, the most delicate areas for filler injections are around the nose and tear trough – because this is where the vessels that supply the eye run. If a misapplication occurs here, resulting in intra-arterial occlusion, this can lead to blindness and necrosis, i.e. tissue death, within seconds. There are even very isolated extreme cases in which patients have died. This shows how seriously these procedures must be taken.
Q: What role does social media play for you – especially when it comes to trends?
KO: Social media is both a curse and a blessing. On social media, some people are very blinkered. Various accounts post treatment results that are not their own, but those of another doctor, for example. I also see that many hypes and trends emerge on social media, which patients then want to try out immediately. But trends have no place in medicine. An active ingredient or method is often sold as a “miracle cure”. First and foremost, the skin needs protection from UV rays and good basic care. And, of course, annual skin cancer screening, including birthmark checks. Everything else are supplements, not magic formulas.
Q: You travel a lot internationally. To what extent do you benefit you of it?
KO: In the beginning it was incredibly exciting, whether it was New York, Dubai or Sao Paulo – I wanted to soak it all up. Now, after many years and a lot of experience, I can see more clearly: everyone is just cooking with hot water. At the end of the day, we all do the same basic things. Knowledge of anatomy and skin physiology is essential. For me, there are many parallels with art: you have to master medicine and anatomy and know the products, fillers, etc. well – but in the end, artistic flair is also crucial. I always see the latest studies, materials and techniques at congresses. At the same time, I can exchange ideas with my esteemed colleagues – which I love!
Q: Which countries do you see as leaders in aesthetics?
KO: In Brazil, aesthetics play a huge role, in the USA people are very open. In Europe, they are more cautious and grounded. Vienna, on the other hand, is somewhat reserved, sometimes even conservative. That has advantages because developments are critically examined here. But sometimes I wish we were a bit braver – always with the knowledge and safety of medicine in the background, of course.
Q: Which topics are currently dominating the major dermatology and aesthetics congresses?
KO: It’s all very much in the direction of bioregeneration – that’s the buzzword par excellence. In other words, moving away from injected fake looks and towards treatments that stimulate, activate and rebuild the body’s own collagen, elastin and hyaluron. This is a key issue. The second major topic is longevity. What can be done to keep the skin young and healthy in the long term? The skin is the organ that is visible to the outside world, it is the quickest way to recognize age – which is why it is the focus of research. But of course the body and health also play a major role here.
Q: Full lips are a beauty ideal for many women and are often associated with filler treatments. Are there any new findings on this?
KO: Yes, a new study was presented in Monte Carlo, for example, which shows that the lips are divided even more finely into different compartments than we previously assumed. If injected incorrectly, so-called granulomas (nodules) can form, which collect in precisely these fat compartments. This is a good example of how important it is to really know the anatomy in detail. This is the only way to achieve beautiful results without taking any risks.
Q: What about men – are they also coming to you more often?
KO: Absolutely. Men often attach great importance to the fact that nobody notices. They want to look fresh, perhaps relax their forehead a little, but they don’t want it to look “done”. That’s where sensitivity is particularly important, because even small changes can make a big difference.
Q: What are your basics when it comes to daily skincare?
KO: The most important thing is sun protection, I keep saying that. Antioxidants in the morning – vitamin C, vitamin E – are a must-have. And a good moisturizer. That’s all you need. You don’t have to take ten steps that you won’t manage anyway. Less is more. In the evening, you can use retinol or fruit acids in a mild form to support skin repair. With these basics you have already achieved an incredible amount.
Q: Many patients use devices at home. What do you think of this?
KO: You have to make a distinction. A massage with Gua Sha or a mask now and then won’t do any harm, but the really effective devices belong in the hands of experts. You can care for and protect your skin at home, but the big changes can be achieved with medical treatments in the practice.
Q: What does your personal routine look like?
KO: Honestly? Very simple. Cleansing, antioxidants, moisturizing and SPF. Plus a treatment like micro-focused ultrasound or bioregenerators once or twice a year. I also do preventative botulinum toxin. It’s important to me that it always remains beautifully natural.
Q: Your ordination is in a former church – that’s unusual. How does it feel to work there?
KO: It’s really special. The room has history and a certain calm – and the design makes it look very modern at the same time. For me, it’s the perfect place: a mixture of down-to-earthness, spirituality and the future. I have the feeling that my patients feel very comfortable here. At least I hope so. (laughs)
Q: What would you like to say to current and future patients at the end?
KO: It is important for me to emphasize: Beauty is not perfection. It’s not about making a new face, but about preserving your own radiance. If you look after your skin regularly and with care, do small, natural treatments and listen to your skin, you have already achieved a great deal. Ultimately, it’s about feeling good and maintaining your radiance.
DR. KERSTIN ORTLECHNER
Dr. Kerstin Ortlechner receives her patients in a practice that is considered an architectural highlight worldwide – a former church in Vienna’s 7th district. Designed by the award-winning Studio Riebenbauer, the space combines sacred history with timeless aesthetics and state-of-the-art design. Reflective surfaces, clear lines and artful lighting create an atmosphere that radiates beauty, calm and precision. Her practice is not just a medical location, but a real gem in Vienna that sets international standards. kerstinortlechner.com
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Photos: Stefan Kokovic, Julius Hirtzberger
