BONAVADA Aesthetics is an independent and fully inclusive aesthetics clinic led by founder and aesthetic practitioner Rick Howard-Pay, better known as Injector Rick.
Formerly known as Mr Beautox Aesthetics, the clinic has grown well beyond its original name and now offers a much wider range of aesthetic, regenerative, laser and specialist treatments from clinics in Worthing and Angmering.
The name BONAVADA was created by Injector Rick and his husband, Ant. It takes inspiration from Polari, a colourful form of language with Italian, Romani and other influences that was historically associated with Britain’s gay community. In Polari, bona means good and vada means to see or look.
For Rick and Ant, the name felt like the right fit. BONAVADA reflects what the clinic has always been about: helping people look and feel good through honest advice, thoughtful treatment and care that feels welcoming, inclusive and personal.
MEET INJECTOR RICK
Injector Rick is the founder and practitioner behind BONAVADA Aesthetics, a gay-owned clinic in Worthing and Angmering. As a gay man and part of the LGBTQ+ community, he understands how important it is to feel comfortable, respected and able to be yourself, especially when talking about something personal.
Rick’s route into aesthetics has been anything but conventional. His background includes hairdressing, fashion, modelling, NHS sexual health, private healthcare, personal training, group fitness and, of course, aesthetics.
It may look like quite a mix on paper, but over the last 40 years those experiences have shaped the way Rick works. They have given him a strong understanding of people, confidence, anatomy, movement and, importantly, the difference between helping someone feel more like themselves and trying to turn them into somebody else.
Rick is known for his straightforward advice, relaxed manner and natural-looking approach. He believes treatment should suit the individual, not the latest trend, and that saying “you do not need that” can sometimes be every bit as important as recommending something that may genuinely help.
Clients are encouraged to ask questions, talk openly about their concerns and make informed decisions without pressure. Every gender, sexuality, body type and background is welcome, including people seeking treatments that may feel personal, sensitive or difficult to discuss elsewhere.
QUALIFICATIONS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Rick believes qualifications should be easy to understand and easy to verify, particularly in an industry where titles, certificates and impressive-sounding claims can sometimes create more confusion than clarity.
Rick holds the following academic and teaching qualifications:
Rick also holds multiple treatment-specific qualifications covering the treatments he provides and is fully insured to practise within the scope of his training.
He is registered with the Independent Aesthetic Practitioner Register, and the BONAVADA Training Academy is an Approved CPD Provider with The CPD Group, Provider ID #789549.
Copies of Rick’s qualifications and treatment-training certificates are available to view on request. They are shared openly so clients and learners can see the education, training and continuing professional development behind the treatments and courses offered at BONAVADA.
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Rick is also currently a Student Nurse (Adult), studying for a Nursing (Adult) BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Brighton, and a member of The Royal College of Nursing.
For Rick, the degree feels like a natural next step. It builds on his existing experience in aesthetics and training while developing his knowledge in areas including anatomy, physiology, clinical assessment, patient care and evidence-based healthcare practice.
He is not yet a registered nurse and will not describe himself as one unless and until he has completed the degree and registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. For Rick, that distinction matters. Titles should describe what somebody actually is, not what they are studying to become.
THE BONAVADA APPROACH
BONAVADA is not about changing faces, chasing every new trend or persuading people to have treatments they do not need.
It is about listening properly, explaining options clearly and treating the person in front of you rather than following a template. Sometimes that means recommending a treatment. Sometimes it means suggesting something different. And occasionally, it means saying that doing nothing at all is probably the best option.
Honest advice, natural-looking results and inclusive care are not extras at BONAVADA. They are the foundation of the clinic.
For a behind-the-scenes look at life at BONAVADA Aesthetics – from real client results and treatment insights to tips on looking and feeling your best. We share honest, unfiltered content that reflects who we are: a calm, professional clinic where natural-looking results always come first.
Whether you’re curious about anti-wrinkle treatments, regenerative skin care, or our male-focused aesthetics, our feed is the perfect place to get inspired. Come and join our growing community and see the work we’re proud of!
