Founder of Environ - The Dr Des Fernandes Story
Dr. Des Fernandes studied medicine and graduated MB.B.Ch at Witwaatersrand University in Johannesburg, South Africa and obtained his surgical education and training (specializing in cardiology), F.R.C.S.(Edin), from the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1973.
After training in various hospitals in the UK, he returned to his homeland of Cape Town, South Africa to work as a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon and join Professor Christiaan Barnard in the world famous heart transplant unit of Groote Schuur Hospital where he became part of the world's first heart plant team, and was also responsible for the illustrations, of the Piggy-Back" or "Double" heart transplant.
In 1975 he returned to his passion, Plastic Surgery, and eventually became the consultant in charge of Cleft Lip and Palate Division at the Red Cross Children's Hospital for 21 years.
As a result of this expertise, he was made a fellow of the Plastic Surgery Unit at Showa University, Tokyo. In 1979 he commenced a private practice in the field of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, the specialty in which he continues to practice and in which he is internationally renown.
Dr. Fernandes has written numerous papers and chapters for medical publications on various Plastic Surgery procedures, and in more recent years he has studied, written and lectured around the world on skin health and rejuvenation with the use of vitamin skin preparations and technology.
He is the pioneer in skin needling or collagen induction therapy. He has lectured at many Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Congresses and Dermatology Meetings throughout the world.
The Environ® Skin Care range of products was first formulated as a result of Dr.Fernandes' misfortune when he attempted to treat the melanoma of two young patients, who both died before they were twenty-three years old.
This unfortunate experience left an indelible scar on him and for this reason, he started to study the mechanism of skin cancer and the effects of topical application of vitamins, especially vitamin A, on the skin. Thus, Environ® was born!
Initially in 1988, he created just 2 cosmetic creams, based on vitamin A, antioxidants C,E, beta-carotene, and alpha hydroxy acids, to treat only his patients. Seeing the results, many other people wanted to purchase his products, and so Environ®, the company, was formed.
The products are now distributed in 70 countries worldwide. Environ® Skin Care(Pty) Ltd., the cosmetic manufacturing company, founded by Dr. Des in 1990, continues, as a family business, to experience extraordinary international growth. Dr. Fernandes, the Chief Formulator and Medical Director, leads the development of products that are at least a generation ahead of and set the gold standard for all other skin care companies in the world.
The company proudly opened it's new state-of-the-art pharmaceutical grade manufacturing facility, staffed by approximately 200 employees, in 2013. It remains one of the few companies in the world with its own factory.
Key Innovations & Pioneering Work
Microneedling / Percutaneous Collagen Induction Therapy (CIT): Dr Fernandes pioneered medical, surgical and cosmetic skin-needling, beginning his clinical research in the mid-1990s. He developed the world's first roller-type device for skin-needling in 1997, laying the groundwork for one of the most effective regenerative treatments in aesthetic practice today.
Vitamin A in Skincare: He pioneered the use of vitamin A in cosmetic products, achieving results comparable to retinoic acid for skin rejuvenation.
Technology: He took skincare into technology with the launch of the patented Ionzyme DF Machine — the world's first low-frequency sonophoresis and iontophoresis facial treatment device.
Surgical Techniques: He pioneered the suture suspension "scarless" forehead, face and neck lift, and developed new techniques for maintaining facelift results over extended periods.
Professional Memberships
He is a full member of APRSSA (Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of South Africa), a full member of IAAPS (International Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons), a Fellow of the College of Surgeons of South Africa, and registered with both the Health Professions Council of South Africa and the South African Medical Association. He is also a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Surgery and the International Society of Dermatological Sciences (DASIL).
Awards & Recognition
He received the first Lifetime Achievement Award from the South African Skin Cancer Foundation for his contributions to cancer prevention research, and the International Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society of Dermatologic Surgeons (DASIL) in 2015. He was also awarded the title of Distinguished Adjunct Professor by the University of Cape Town.
A remarkable career spanning cardiac surgery, cleft palate reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and skincare science — Dr Fernandes is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern aesthetic medicine.