6 mins
Changing faces
Dr Ahmed El Muntasar tells editor Anna Dobbie about his journey from Libya to Mayfair, and the importance of representation
You may recognise Dr Ahmed El Muntasar from his significant following across social platforms as The Aesthetics Doctor, but there is much more to him than just internet clout. As an accomplished NHS GP and cosmetic doctor, born and raised in Tripoli, Libya, his journey to becoming a respected figure in both general practice and aesthetics demonstrates resilience and a desire to break boundaries.
Growing up in Libya posed numerous challenges for Dr El Muntasar. As a gay man in a conservative society, he faced considerable adversity. Despite this challenging environment, Dr El Muntasar found solace in his academic abilities. “At the age of 12, I knew the only thing that I had going for me was my brain,” he says. With a love of education and science, he excelled academically, skipping two grades and completing his A-levels by age 15.
MOVING TO THE UK
At 16, Dr El Muntasar moved to the UK to study at the University of St Andrews, making him one of the youngest medical students ever. After obtaining a BSc in Biomedical Sciences to give a solid scientific foundation, he transferred to Manchester University to pursue his medical degree, graduating at the age of 23, going on to complete a masters from University College London.
During his medical school years, Dr El Muntasar’s experiences were often isolating. “I was one of the only people from outside the UK that was openly gay there,” he says, reflecting on the lack of diversity and inclusivity in his early medical training. These experiences influenced his decision to shift his focus from plastic surgery to dermatology, a field where he felt more at home and able to make a significant impact.
After completing his foundational training, he was at a crossroads, unsure whether to pursue dermatology or another speciality. A pivotal moment came when he decided to get a dermal filler treatment for under-eye hollowing. “I felt that I could bring something very unique to the patient experience in aesthetics,” he says, referring to his medical background, combined with a passion for patient safety and education. Determined to excel, Dr El Muntasar undertook extensive training, completing 12 different short courses in injecting before attempting it himself. He began sharing his journey and expertise on social media, quickly gaining a following for his personable and educational approach. By showcasing diverse patients, including transgender individuals and women of colour, he demystified aesthetic treatments and made them accessible to a broader audience. “I was bringing a unique perspective that people had never seen before,” he explains.
COMMITMENT TO VISIBILITY AND REPRESENTATION
Dr El Muntasar’s success in the aesthetics industry has had a profound impact, not just on his patients, but also on aspiring medical professionals from similar backgrounds. “I’ve received messages from people across the Middle East who never thought they could move to the UK or become doctors,” he says. He has inspired others to break through cultural and societal barriers, proving that, with determination and hard work, anything is possible. He has built a reputation for having a keen understanding of diverse aesthetic needs, particularly in addressing the unique requirements of patients from various ethnic backgrounds. “I see a lot of women from different parts of the world coming in with that classic broader African nose,” he adds. “They want to strengthen the bridge, but because of the thickness of the skin, it is quite heavy, so you need to use a product that can hold that heavier skin. I use slightly thicker products for these cases, whereas for a petite, Chinese nose, using the same, thicker products would be crazy, so I use something lighter.” By tailoring his approach to cosmetic treatments and selecting the right products for different skin types and structures, Dr El Muntasar ensures optimal results for his patients. “This is why patients come to us,” he emphasises. “Sometimes patients come in thinking they know more than us because of all the information they gather online. It’s important as doctors to confidently explain that from experience, certain treatments will work better for them.”
TRUST THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Dr El Muntasar’s varied medical background, including his work as a GP, plays a significant role in building trust. “It’s okay for patients to challenge us,” he adds. “If anything, an informed patient is the best kind of patient. When patients challenge you, it’s crucial to explain things clearly. They might have read reviews or seen things on TikTok, but we have seen thousands of patients and done thousands of procedures.”
He adds, “Reviewing before-and-after examples of similar cases helps patients see the rationale behind the recommended treatments. They respect it more than just being told ‘because I say so’.”
When Dr El Muntasar finished his master’s he knew he wanted to do general practice because he loved patient education. He is therefore a strong advocate for thorough consultations: “One of the things I think is missing in the aesthetics industry is the power of consultation and how important that is. Certain medical specialities, like psychiatry or general practice, teach you how to explore the real mindset of patients.”
He employs the ICE methodology (Ideas, Concerns, and Expectations) to uncover the real reasons behind a patient’s visit: “Understanding why your patient is there before you start treatment is so important. If you’ve done the treatment and they’re not happy because underlying issues weren’t addressed, they will never be satisfied.”
APPLYING GENERAL PRACTICE PRINCIPLES
Dr El Muntasar’s GP training has significantly influenced his approach to aesthetic medicine. “Understanding that a patient’s concern about their appearance might be linked to deeper personal issues is crucial,” he continues. “If you don’t ask the right questions, you won’t know they might think getting a treatment will fix unrelated personal problems.
“The consultation should be the main part of the visit,” he says. “Extend your appointments when you first start, until you’re confident. Each patient is unique, and many international patients have different beauty standards.”
Looking ahead, Dr El Muntasar sees several trends shaping the future of the aesthetics sector. “Prejuvenation is going to be big. Preventing signs of ageing before they start is crucial. Collagen banking and treatments like Ellanse and polynucleotides are gaining traction. Skin boosters are very popular at the moment. However, many of them take ages to show a difference and patients don’t want to wait too long to see any improvement.
I am a KOL for Vivacy, and the Stylage Hydro and HydroMax boosters show an immediate difference in the skin, that continues to improve over the coming weeks, which patients love.
“While there’s been talk about a decline in dermal filler popularity, I believe they’re here to stay, especially when used correctly.”
Dr El Muntasar also mentions his involvement with an innovative new (as yet unnamed) laser technology, expected to launch soon. “I’m excited about this new laser that treats over 60 different indications. It’s a significant advancement, and we’ll have exclusivity in the UK for a while.”
CONTINUED GROWTH
Post-Covid-19, Dr El Muntasar’s practice has expanded significantly. “I started seeing patients locally in London and have a large patient base there. My social media presence also grew exponentially during Covid-19, allowing me to share my experiences and connect with a broader audience.”
He concludes with a nod to his numerous collaborations and media features, including British Vogue and Tatler, as well as upcoming projects. “Understanding your value and effectively communicating with patients is ke,” he concludes..” As we expand, I’m excited to continue providing personalised, high-quality care.”
Dr El Muntasar continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for diversity in the medical field. His journey from a challenging upbringing in Libya to becoming a pioneering aesthetic doctor in the UK demonstrates his dedication to making a difference. By sharing his experiences and expertise, he hopes to inspire the next generation of doctors and patients alike, showing that excellence and compassion can transform lives.