From Foster Carer to Award-Winning Clinic Director

The story behind the clinic

When people walk through the doors of The Aesthetic Surgery | Durham, they expect cosmetic treatments. What they don't expect is the story behind the man welcoming them.

For Lee Jameson-Laffey, aesthetics has never simply been about changing appearances. It has always been about restoring confidence.

Based in a beautifully restored Victorian railway station in County Durham, the clinic has built a reputation for combining aesthetic treatments with a calm, personal approach to patient care. In 2025 that commitment was recognised when the clinic was named Clinic of the Year at the North East Beauty Awards.

Lee's route to building one of the region's most respected independent aesthetic clinics has been anything but conventional. Caring for people came first. He and his husband Ross opened their home to children through fostering, providing stability and support to eleven young people over the years.

That same compassion now shapes every consultation.

“People don't come to us because they want to look like someone else. Most people simply want to feel like themselves again. They want to look rested, healthy and confident.”

Unhurried by design

Unlike many high-volume clinics, appointments at The Aesthetic Surgery | Durham are deliberately unhurried. Every patient starts with a detailed consultation covering their concerns, lifestyle and long-term goals before any treatment is recommended.

That approach has drawn patients from across the North East looking for personalised treatment plans rather than quick fixes.

Education matters as much as treatment

The clinic offers evidence-based treatments including skin rejuvenation, collagen stimulation, skin boosters, dermal fillers and advanced facial rejuvenation. Lee believes understanding comes before anything else.

“We spend a lot of time helping people understand their skin. Prevention is incredibly powerful. Daily SPF, professional skincare and gradual treatments often produce better long-term results than dramatic changes.”

Situated within the historic Station House, the clinic reflects that philosophy. Patients are welcomed into a peaceful setting surrounded by gardens and countryside, intentionally different from the busy, clinical atmosphere many people associate with aesthetic medicine.

Raising standards through training

Alongside treating patients, Lee delivers CPD-approved training programmes that help professionals develop practical skills alongside safe prescribing practices, facial anatomy and ethical patient care.

For Lee, recognition has never been the end goal. Winning Clinic of the Year 2025 was an honour, but the greater achievement is seeing patients leave feeling happier and more comfortable in their own skin.

“Confidence isn't about changing who you are. It's about helping people feel like the very best version of themselves.”

About The Aesthetic Surgery | Durham

Located in a restored Victorian railway station in County Durham, The Aesthetic Surgery | Durham provides advanced aesthetic treatments with a focus on natural results, patient safety and personalised care.

Treatments include skin boosters, dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle treatments, collagen stimulation, skin rejuvenation, microneedling, medical-grade skincare and advanced facial rejuvenation.

Book a consultation at Station House, Old Station Yard, Durham, DH7 9TL. Call 07432 121701 or email hello@theaestheticsurgery.uk.