BRAND ambition

Dr Medispa founder Dr Munir Somji talks to editor Anna Dobbie about how his multichannel aesthetics brand combines spa luxury with medical excellence

Founded in 2012 by Dr Munir Somji, Dr Medispa has become a leading brand in aesthetic medicine, offering innovative treatments and skincare products that combine surgical expertise, dermatology, and wellness. What began as a part-time endeavour while Dr Somji trained in the NHS has since grown into a thriving practice with three premier locations: Marylebone, Knightsbridge, and Essex.

The journey started on Harley Street with a single clinic, but Dr Medispa quickly expanded, moving to Marylebone in 2019 and later opening the Knightsbridge clinic in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. This expansion demonstrates Dr Somji’s mission: to make aesthetics accessible and to combine cutting-edge medical treatments with a patient-centred approach.

INNOVATIVE TREATMENTS AND PHILOSOPHY

Dr Somji’s holistic approach to aesthetics combines minimally invasive surgical procedures like keyhole facelifts, fat transfers, and hair transplants, with advanced non-surgical treatments. These protocols are designed to deliver exceptional results with minimal downtime, prioritising natural beauty and patient safety. He is also a trusted source for emerging technologies, introducing treatments like AgeJet, Emerald Laser and SofWave ahead of broader industry adoption.

One of Dr Somji’s pioneering techniques is sculpting the face through fat transfer and non-surgical procedures, emphasising a regenerative and results-driven approach. These advancements stem from his extensive consultancy and research roles with leading companies such as Galderma and L’Oréal: “It offsets my medical practice a bit and gives me something different to do because one of my passions is teaching and research. I probably work six or seven days a week, but I pack it all in.”

EDUCATION AND PATIENT-CENTRED CARE

Education is a cornerstone of Dr Somji’s philosophy. With a significant online presence, including over 300,000 YouTube followers, the clinic delivers honest, evidence-based content about aesthetic trends and treatments. The content aims to guide patients worldwide, promoting safety and helping them make informed decisions.

“The YouTube channel started about five years ago and we didn’t do much with it until 2021 if I’m honest,” adds Dr Somji. “It tells people very plainly and simply what they can do and what the limitations are. People resonated with the content, particularly around non-surgical treatments, and it snowballed.”

A COLLABORATIVE BRAND

‘Dr Medispa’ reflects both the medical expertise and teambased ethos of the clinic. While inspired by the American concept of ‘med spas’, the name emphasises the importance of comprehensive, doctor-led consultations and specialised care. “I did some of my post-surgical training, my hair transplant fellowship, in America,” says Dr Somji. “We were playing around with names, and I thought, ‘if we’re going to do everything, it’s not just a med spa’. Everybody in the clinic will see a doctor first who will analyse the patient and make their plans, then they can be directed to other, specialised staff members. That was my vision.”

Dr Munir’s ethos is rooted in collaboration and excellence, with a strong emphasis on professional development. All Dr Medispa staff receive extensive in-house training to ensure the highest standards of care and expertise.

This focus on team collaboration ensures patients benefit from a wide array of expertise, reinforcing the clinic’s reputation for excellence: “I didn’t want everyone to come to clinic to see me because I can’t be a jack of all trades. There are certain things that I’m good at and certain things that I’m not so good at. The aim was to construct a team that was passionate about every small facet of the treatments they do.”

Dr Munir’s commitment to community is evident in his Essex clinic, which fosters a sense of belonging and connection. The clinic also boasts an impressive celebrity clientele, ranging from A-list stars to influencers, further enhancing its reputation. However, the clinic prioritises patient education over glamourisation, ensuring a focus on ethical practices and informed decision-making.

DESIGN WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

Although Dr Medispa operates as a mini chain with three distinct clinics, each location embodies a unique design tailored to its local patient base. The unifying theme? A welcoming, familyoriented atmosphere. “The clinics aim to feel more like familiar community spaces than sterile medical facilities,” adds Dr Somji. “From open waiting areas designed to foster comfort to unisex, calming colour schemes, the goal is to create an environment that is professional yet unintimidating.” Gone are the imposing dark interiors of the Harley Street days, replaced with softer hues, wellness-inspired greens, and thoughtful design touches.

He goes on to explain how each clinic’s personality mirrors its location: “Marylebone offers a refined, understated elegance, Essex is rooted in community warmth with family photos adorning the walls, and Knightsbridge leans into bold sophistication with brass accents and artistic flair. Despite these differences, all clinics maintain a consistent ethos of care and hospitality, reinforcing the brand’s values.”

A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE

Central to Dr Medispa’s brand philosophy is its strong sense of family. Dr Somji runs the practice as a close-knit team with his spouse, extending their support to staff both professionally and personally. This family-like culture fosters loyalty and dedication, with many team members having grown alongside the business over the years.

“From award ceremonies to day-to-day interactions, we prioritise a supportive work environment,” adds Dr Somji. “This sense of unity is reflected in how patients are welcomed and cared for, ensuring their experience is as reassuring as it is transformative.”

LEADING THE WAY IN SKINCARE INNOVATION

Dr Somji’s expertise in product development has culminated in the creation of a bespoke skincare brand, DrSomjiSkincare. Years in the making, the brand reflects the clinic’s commitment to innovation and quality. “It incorporates extensive research, rigorous testing, and consumer trials to ensure that every product meets the highest standards,” he comments. This skincare line not only serves the clinic’s global audience but also offers a tangible way for patients worldwide to experience a piece of Dr Medispa.

LOOKING AHEAD: TRENDS AND ETHICAL CHALLENGES

As the aesthetics industry continues to grow, wellness and regenerative medicine are emerging as critical elements of modern aesthetics. From exosomes to advanced skin treatments like PRP and stem cell therapies, the focus is shifting toward enhancing skin health and longevity, which Dr Somji has built into his offering.

Equally important is addressing the growing influence of misinformation in the industry. Dr Medispa advocates for greater consumer education, emphasising the need for evidence-based treatments and transparency. With the rise of non-surgical and surgical procedures alike, the clinic highlights the importance of individualised, holistic approaches that consider a patient’s lifestyle, wellness, and long-term goals.

FUTURE GROWTH

With nearly 50 state-of-the-art machines across its locations and plans to launch an academy for advanced training, the Dr Medispa franchise is poised for continued growth. Since its founding in 2012, Dr Medispa has continued to evolve, not only in its treatments but also in its philosophy. By 2018, the clinic had embraced an ethos of providing accurate, transparent, and ethical information to patients. This change was a pivotal move, reflecting the importance of empowering patients through education while ensuring treatments are both safe and effective.

The brand’s growth has been organic, driven by the readiness of its team to take on new challenges. “While currently operating three locations, plans are in motion to expand further in suburban areas around London,” adds Dr Somji. “Accessibility remains a key priority, as patients often visit multiple clinics depending on their treatment needs and schedules.”

Each clinic offers specialised services — Essex provides a comprehensive range of treatments thanks to its larger space, Knightsbridge focuses on body and wellness, and Marylebone specialises in facial aesthetics. This diversity is a great example of how to expand a brand to continue to meet patients’ evolving needs, while maintaining high standards of care.