Five Years Before the Beautiful Decision: A Personal Experience with Derma-Act Clinic

By Julia Blanche Hristova

In my line of work, the face is never just a feature—it is presence, language, and professional identity. With that comes a quiet responsibility: to treat it with discernment.

I thought about Derma-Act for nearly five years before becoming a patient. Not from doubt, but from a deeply personal standard. When your image is part of your craft, choices are never impulsive. You observe, you research, you wait—until something aligns not only clinically, but intuitively.

Before making my decision, I spoke with several clients of the clinic and later had a direct consultation with Dr. Pagidas. What stood out was not persuasion, but presence. He was measured, warm, and exceptionally generous with his time. Nothing felt rushed or pre-scripted. Instead, there was clarity—an intention to listen, to explain, and to ensure understanding before any decision was made.

That sense of attentiveness stayed with me.

My first in-person impression of the clinic carried the same tone. Dr. Malev was my initial point of contact, and the welcome was composed, calm, and professional. Above all, he listened—with precision—to what I wanted: a result that would remain invisible in its making. No excess. No alteration. Only a return to freshness, light, and balance.

As an international model, I have learned that imperfection is not something to erase—it is something that defines character. Authenticity, for me, has never been negotiable.

The result reflected exactly that philosophy: subtle, luminous, and rested. A version of myself that feels refreshed rather than changed.

That is what I achieved with Profhilo®, an Italian bioremodelling injectable designed to deeply hydrate the skin and stimulate collagen and elastin. Administered in strategic points across the face and repeated in two sessions spaced several weeks apart, it gradually enhances skin quality and radiance, creating what is often described as a “glass skin” effect under light and camera.

I also underwent the Dr. CYJ Hair Filler treatment, a peptide-based protocol developed in South Korea by Dr. Chung Yong-Ji.

After having tried, quite literally, everything available for my hair, this was the first treatment that delivered a visible shift. Not immediate transformation, but something more meaningful—progress aligned with the natural rhythm of the hair cycle.

Around one month after the first session, I began to notice the change: more density, more shine, and an ease in styling that spoke of improved condition rather than superficial effect. My intention remains the same—to restore the natural bounce of my curls—and I continue the treatment accordingly.

Today, I am pleased to return to Dr. Pagidas in conversation and share his perspective with our readers.

Interview with Dr. Pagidas

1. Dr. Pagidas, you are Greek by origin, yet you chose Bulgaria as the home of your first clinic. What drew you there at the beginning of your journey?

Bulgaria became part of my professional journey at a very important moment in my life. From the beginning, I saw a country with highly educated professionals, a strong medical tradition, and patients who were becoming increasingly informed and sophisticated in their expectations.

For me, establishing Derma-Act in Bulgaria was not simply a business decision. It was an opportunity to create a clinic based on a philosophy I strongly believe in — combining medical science, advanced technology, aesthetics and deeply personalized care.

Over the years, Bulgaria has become much more than the location of my first clinic. It has become a professional home, and I am extremely grateful for the trust our patients have placed in us.

2. Derma-Act is known for its exceptionally high standards—from technology to treatment range. How do you maintain this level of consistency across your practice?

Consistency begins with philosophy.

At Derma-Act, we never introduce a treatment simply because it is fashionable or commercially attractive. Every technology, product and protocol must have a clear medical rationale, a strong safety profile and proven value for the patient.

We continuously invest in education, international congresses, advanced medical equipment and, most importantly, in our team.

However, technology alone is never enough.

The most sophisticated device still requires an experienced physician who understands facial anatomy, skin biology and, equally importantly, the individuality of the person sitting in front of them.

Our objective is not to change faces. It is to preserve identity, improve skin quality and create results that look natural, elegant and harmonious.

For me, the greatest compliment is when someone looks refreshed and radiant, but nobody can identify exactly what has been done.

3. In 2023, Derma-Act was awarded “Leading Dermatology and Aesthetic Clinic” at the Maria Callas Gala & Awards in Monaco. What did this recognition represent for you at that moment?

Receiving this recognition in Monaco was a very emotional and meaningful moment.

Awards are never the reason we do what we do, but they can become an important confirmation that years of work, discipline and dedication are being recognised beyond the borders of your own country.

For me personally, the award belonged to the entire Derma-Act team.

A clinic is never one person. It is physicians, therapists, nurses, coordinators and professionals who share the same standards every single day.

To receive international recognition in Monaco, a place associated with excellence, beauty and global sophistication, was both an honour and a responsibility.

It encouraged us not simply to celebrate what we had achieved, but to raise our standards even further.

4. Each year, you and your team attend the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco. How does this international exchange shape your clinical vision today?

Medicine evolves constantly, and aesthetic medicine perhaps faster than almost any other field.

International congresses such as the Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress in Monaco are extremely important because they allow physicians from different countries and medical cultures to exchange knowledge, research and clinical experience.

For our team, attending these meetings is not about following trends. It is about understanding where science is moving.

We evaluate new technologies, regenerative approaches, injectable techniques, laser protocols and developments in skin longevity, always asking the same question: Can this genuinely improve the quality and safety of the treatment we offer our patients?

I believe the future of aesthetic medicine will increasingly focus on regeneration, prevention and longevity rather than transformation.

Patients today are not necessarily asking to look different. They want to look healthy, rested and like the best version of themselves for as long as possible.

That philosophy strongly influences the direction of Derma-Act.

5. You recently expanded into Greece. Do you envision a third location—perhaps one day on the Côte d’Azur?

Expansion for us has never been about opening as many locations as possible.

The name Derma-Act carries a certain promise, and wherever we are present, the medical philosophy, quality of care and patient experience must remain consistent.

Our development in Greece is a natural continuation of our journey and also personally meaningful to me because of my Greek roots.

As for the future, I always prefer to keep an open mind.

The Côte d’Azur is certainly one of the most international and inspiring regions in Europe, with a culture that appreciates wellness, beauty, discretion and exceptional service — values that are very close to the philosophy of Derma-Act.

So, could there one day be a Derma-Act presence there?

I would say: never say never.

But wherever the next chapter takes us, growth will always come only when we are certain that we can preserve the standards and personal approach that define Derma-Act.

For us, quality will always come before quantity.

Conclusion

After years of observing before acting, I can say this with conviction: Derma-Act delivered exactly what I was looking for—natural results, professionalism, and an approach that respects individuality.

Thank you to the entire Derma-Act team for keeping the bar high,