Dermatologist and founder of LP Clinic in Glyfada, Dr. Lefteris Papanikolaou, speaks to NouPou about his professional journey—from his decision to study medicine to the creation of his own clinic, the services in which they specialize, and his vision for Greece to become a leading destination for medical tourism.
With the concept of “Living Pretty”—the desire to live and feel well—at the core of its philosophy, experienced dermatologist Lefteris Papanikolaou founded LP Clinic in Glyfada. The clinic focuses on providing high-level medical services with care for people and scientific precision. Having built a significant career in Greece and abroad, Dr. Papanikolaou considers it his duty to offer top-tier services in dermatology, aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, and hair transplantation, in which the clinic specializes, with reliability, honesty, and a passion for perfect results.
We met with Dr. Papanikolaou and had an in-depth discussion about his love for medicine and his professional journey in Greece and abroad, as well as how his experiences overseas influenced his career. He also introduced us to LP Clinic and its range of services, and spoke about the efforts being made to establish Greece as a destination for medical tourism.
At what age did you decide you wanted to become a doctor?
In my case, my love for children and the desire to help them when they are sick were the driving forces that led me into the world of medicine. However, there was another motivating factor that influenced my decision—the passion I felt from a young age, which shaped my ambitions. This kind of motivation is not uncommon; the desire for recognition and respect, as well as financial security, are common factors that guide people in their choices.
What was your reasoning in choosing your specialty?
My desire for a profession that combines medicine with aesthetics led me to pursue dermatology, which seemed to offer a balance between the two, as well as a certain calm in my daily life. The wait for a position at Andreas Syggros Hospital was long, but at the same time, it presented a challenge with activity and prospects. Along the way, the opportunity to train in hair transplantation through DHI allowed me to develop my skills in a completely different branch of medicine.
To what extent do you believe your experiences abroad influenced the development of your career?
Traveling abroad opens new horizons and allows a person to experience different cultures, explore new ideas, and dream. The countries I visited—such as India, England, France, Switzerland, Italy, and Germany—offered me many opportunities and new perspectives. I met people from different social and professional circles, including princes, football players, actors, and politicians, as well as ordinary people with the same desire to maintain their youth and beauty. There, I realized that hair is more than just a physical trait; for many, it is a symbol of beauty and confidence. Working in a company specializing in hair transplantation gave me the chance to understand how this industry operates. This experience allowed me to help build a strong brand and expand new franchises.
A very important part of my experience has been the opportunity to train young doctors around the world. I recognized the growing demand for medical tourism and helped more than 50 countries develop this practice. Few know that Greek doctors are pioneers in hair transplantation, having conquered this field globally much like Alexander the Great.
What services do you offer today to the patients who trust LP Clinic?
At LP Clinic, we offer a wide range of services covering dermatology, aesthetic medicine, and hair transplantation, with recent additions including plastic surgery and scalp micropigmentation. In addition, we have developed a line of cosmetic products designed for the care and protection of the skin and scalp. In the field of hair transplantation, we have gained extensive expertise and experience. All procedures are performed exclusively by specialist physicians, while I personally lead the team as director and founder of the clinic. We have 17 years of continuous experience and continuously improve our technology, and we have received multiple awards for the naturalness of our results, which I consider our strongest asset.
What do you consider to be your competitive advantage in each area of activity, and specifically in hair transplantation?
In hair transplantation, I developed and implemented the Implantation DIRECT IN technique, which allows grafts to be placed directly without creating incisions. I may have been the first to apply this technique in Greece, and possibly in Europe, and I have trained many doctors in its use. I am equally passionate about dermatology, a field I love and excelled in after completing my specialty at Andreas Syggros Hospital—the best and most specialized hospital in Europe.
In addition, we have created the service THE LIPO CLINIC for smoothing procedures under local anesthesia, in collaboration with an experienced plastic surgeon, Michalis Mouzakis, who is a partner, colleague, and friend. To meet our patients’ needs for scalp micropigmentation, we offer the SMG technique, which provides greater density in hair transplantation using small tattoo dots that are permanent and virtually invisible. Finally, we continuously develop our services to provide the best possible care and support to our patients.
Tell us about the team that supports you at LP Clinic
The team we have assembled, which forms the core of our success, has remained unchanged and consists of seven key and exceptional members who ensure the smooth operation of the clinic. Among them are two dermatologists, one plastic surgeon, two nurses, one secretary, and my wife, who manages communication and public relations.
Beyond this core, I have incorporated as collaborators five additional outstanding doctors in the field of hair transplantation, as well as five nurses who perform procedures for clients from Greece and abroad. Additionally, there are the “unsung heroes” who manage our website, www.lp-clinic.gr, and our exclusive cosmetic products. These products, manufactured by a well-known company in Greece, are promoted through the online store (e-Shop) we have created.
Do you believe that all scientific advancements in your field are being applied in Greece today?
Yes, I am absolutely confident that the few doctors specialized in hair transplantation possess the full expertise, skills, and advanced know-how required, and I believe we are among the first in the world in several aspects. However, we are very few to meet the needs of hundreds of thousands of patients. Greece has the potential to become a major player in medical tourism in Europe—a field we began developing many years ago without organized state support—with the goal of expanding it and growing it to the scale seen in Turkey.
What efforts has LP Clinic made to help develop Greece as a destination for medical tourism?
Regarding medical tourism in Greece, we firmly believe that our country can grow as a destination for medical tourists. LP Clinic already collaborates with countries such as Israel, the USA, the UK, Dubai, and others, sending patients to us for various medical services, especially hair transplantation. We have already submitted a proposal to the Mayor of Glyfada concerning the Elliniko project, which is expected to bring thousands of tourists to the area.
Our goal is to create a platform that brings together doctors with high-quality medical expertise. Additionally, we plan to offer minor surgical procedures under local anesthesia in luxury five-star hotels. This initiative represents a dream for us and contributes to the further international development of LP Clinic. How many hours do you work? Do you have any hobbies?
Dedication to hard work is often the path to achieving goals and personal success. My hobby is certainly my work, which I pursue with indescribable passion and love. Painting, exercise, and basketball are also important parts of my life, helping me balance my professional life with personal free time. My involvement in basketball—including creating my own team, LP CLINIC BC, where I am both sponsor and player, and participating in championships such as the EKA Nikos Galis League—highlights my passion and the competitive drive present in my life outside of my professional activity.
What is your life motto?
Living beautifully and feeling beautiful is essential for our well-being and balance, both mentally and physically. Achieving self-confidence and improving our image can come through small interventions in the body, as well as through the love, laughter, and joy brought by our relationships and moments. It is important to live life with passion and authenticity, to cherish moments of happiness, and to forgive quickly—never regretting anything that made you smile.
Life is a short break! Live Pretty, Love Truly, Laugh Uncontrollably. So forgive quickly and never regret anything that made you smile! NouPou.gr