When Dr. Anjela Bakuradze opened the doors of what would become the Kutaisi Aesthetic Center “Millennium” in 1993, the concept of aesthetic medicine in Georgia was virtually nonexistent. The country was facing political instability, widespread infrastructural challenges, and economic hardship. Medical and technical resources for specialized cosmetology were scarce, and public awareness of aesthetics as a medical discipline was limited.
Yet, in the face of these daunting conditions, Dr. Bakuradze laid the groundwork for what has become one of Georgia’s most respected centers for non-surgical cosmetic procedures. What began as a modest operation—working out of a single room, using homemade equipment—has transformed into a modern clinic offering a full spectrum of aesthetic services.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience and Family Tradition
The early 1990s in Georgia were defined by power shortages, economic disruption, and political uncertainty. For Dr. Bakuradze, those conditions required not only skill but ingenuity. One of her earliest tools, an electric epilator, was custom-built and placed inside a wooden box for protection. When the city’s unreliable electrical grid failed, her husband assembled battery-powered systems to provide the minimal electricity necessary to keep the clinic running.
The family’s involvement did not end there. Dr. Bakuradze’s passion for skin care was deeply influenced by a heritage of traditional ointments, recipes handed down from her great-grandmother. These formulations, carefully preserved and refined, have stood the test of time and remain part of the Millennium Center’s offerings today. Used to address common skin issues such as acne, pigment spots, redness, and dryness, these ointments combine the wisdom of the past with modern application, and continue to enjoy strong patient demand.
Education and Professional Growth Amid Changing Political Landscapes
In the formative years of her career, Dr. Bakuradze pursued formal education at cosmetology schools in Moscow and Leningrad, gaining exposure to classical techniques and scientific foundations. However, as political relations between Georgia and Russia became strained, she redirected her efforts to Ukraine, studying in Kiev and Lviv to stay at the forefront of evolving cosmetology methods.
At the same time, she completed her medical education at a Georgian university, providing her with a comprehensive medical foundation essential for the complex and evolving field of aesthetic medicine. She later enhanced her expertise by earning a degree in Biomedical Ecology at Ioane Petridze University in Kutaisi, further integrating scientific rigor into her practice.
Her educational journey was characterized by adaptability and determination, blending Eastern European cosmetology traditions with a medical background and, eventually, Western innovations.
Integrating European Innovations
Following the easing of travel restrictions in 2010, Dr. Bakuradze began attending aesthetic medicine conferences across Europe. This direct exposure to the latest technologies and treatment philosophies profoundly influenced her approach, encouraging a blend of time-tested local methods with contemporary Western standards.
The arrival of international aesthetic medicine brands in Georgia around 2015 marked another turning point. Training provided by these companies elevated the quality and professionalism of services available nationwide. The Millennium Center incorporated these innovations while maintaining its unique character and personalized care approach.
Expanding Services
Today, the Millennium Center offers a comprehensive suite of non-surgical aesthetic procedures designed to address a variety of patient needs:
- Injection procedures: The center specializes in botulinum toxin and a variety of dermal fillers, along with biorevitalization and mesotherapy. These treatments focus on facial rejuvenation, contouring, and hydration.
- Thread lifting: Aptos threads are used to provide subtle lifting effects without surgery, appealing to patients seeking minimally invasive options.
- Body treatments: The clinic offers body fillers and cryolipolysis (fat freezing), targeting localized fat deposits and body contouring.
- Laser therapies: Services include laser carboxypeeling and capillary removal, utilizing advanced equipment to treat skin imperfections and vascular issues.
- Non-surgical eyelid correction: The clinic has adopted innovative technology to address drooping eyelids without the need for blepharoplasty surgery.
- Bloodless rhinoplasty: One of Dr. Bakuradze’s signature treatments, this non-surgical nose reshaping technique was introduced to Georgia through her efforts and continues to attract patients seeking subtle but effective nasal contouring.
While many services have grown to require specialized staff, Dr. Bakuradze remains hands-on, personally performing the majority of injection procedures to maintain quality and individual attention.
Building Patient Trust through Transparency and Care
Transparency is a core principle at the Millennium Center. Before any procedure, patients are shown the exact products to be used—including packaging—and are encouraged to ask questions. This openness cultivates trust and ensures patients feel fully informed.
Dr. Bakuradze believes that aesthetics is about more than physical appearance; it is intimately tied to patient confidence and emotional well-being. Her goal is to support her patients holistically, helping them feel comfortable and empowered.
Recognition and Influence
The center’s contributions to Georgian aesthetic medicine were formally recognized in 2024 when Dr. Bakuradze and the Millennium Center received the “Persona 2024” award for their dedication to advancing the field.
Internationally, Dr. Bakuradze’s expertise is also acknowledged. In 2021, she was invited to speak at a major conference in Prague, where she presented on topics including complications following injection procedures and the techniques behind bloodless rhinoplasty.
A Professional Life Marked by Dedication
Dr. Bakuradze’s personal dedication to her work is profound. She recalls a poignant episode during pregnancy when, despite exhaustion and illness, she chose to treat a patient who arrived unexpectedly. This decision, she believes, ultimately cost her the pregnancy—a sacrifice that illustrates the seriousness with which she approaches patient care.
Everyday Skin Care Advice from an Expert
Dr. Bakuradze kindly offers straightforward recommendations for maintaining healthy skin:
- Remove makeup before sleep to avoid skin irritation and clogged pores.
- During warm weather (above 25°C), regular face washing is essential—tonics or lotions alone are not sufficient.
- Eyelid hygiene is critical, especially for those with eyelash extensions; regular cleansing with mild soap prevents infection and irritation.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, Dr. Bakuradze plans to establish an academy named after her mother, Nino Mdivni. This new institution aims to train the next generation of cosmetologists, combining rigorous scientific education with the ethical standards and dedication that have guided her own career.
For over 30 years, Kutaisi’s Millennium Aesthetic Center has evolved from humble beginnings into a modern institution respected across Georgia. It stands as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and the enduring commitment of one woman to her profession and her patients.
