The Interview: Dr Ahmed El Muntasar on market trends and building a diverse, loyal customer base

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, known for his aesthetics treatments designed to deliver natural-looking results with minimal downtime, has recently opened his flagship in London's Mayfair. In this exclusive interview, he tells about his start in the business, his loyal and diverse customer base and the trends he's seeing in the market. 

Give us an overview of your background and how you started in aesthetics.

To give you a little background, I became the youngest medical student at St Andrews University at just 16 years old and was the only Arabic international doctor in my cohort. After earning my BSc in Medical Sciences there, I went on to pursue my medical degree in Manchester, followed by a master's in Medical Leadership at UCL. My commitment to continuous learning drove me to complete twelve aesthetics courses—well beyond the standard requirements—before opening my first clinic in 2018 at age 26. Drawing from my experience as a hospital doctor, I developed a strong focus on patient safety and now specialise in non-surgical aesthetic treatments that deliver excellent results with minimal downtime and reduced risk.

You recently opened your new flagship clinic. Tell us about it and what you offer.

My flagship aesthetics clinic is located in the heart of Mayfair, just moments from Selfridges and Bond Street Station. The space has seven treatment rooms, where we deliver the very latest in aesthetic medicine using world-leading technologies and brands including Vivacy, Alma, BTL, Ameela, Obagi, SkinCeuticals, and others. We offer a comprehensive range of procedures - from dermal fillers and polynucleotides to advanced laser treatments, bespoke skincare, skin boosters, anti-wrinkle injections, microneedling, and hyperhidrosis treatment. Every treatment is designed to deliver natural-looking results with minimal downtime, all backed by clinical excellence and innovation that ensures the highest standards of care.

Do you specialise in any particular treatments?

Absolutely, I specialise in more advanced treatments; treatments that require significantly more medical training and experience. For example, non-surgical rhinoplasty, tear trough dermal fillers, neck rejuvenation, and treatments for the hands. I also carry out more full facial treatments. Patients often come in not for one specific treatment, but because they want a general refresher. That could include Botox, toxin, dermal fillers, or energy-based devices. From there, we create a combination of treatments that works for them.

What are the trends you’re currently seeing in aesthetics and what are predicting for the future as technology moves forward?

I think there is going to be the biggest resurrection of all time when it comes to dermal fillers. People are starting to

realise that nothing else truly replaces filler when it comes to restoring natural volume. The issue previously was overdoing it and going to cheap and cheerful places that are actually not that cheerful. The return of dermal fillers is happening. Treatment stacking is also going to be a big trend. That means doing a bit of everything: energy-based devices, dermal fillers, collagen stimulants, facials, and skincare. A little of each element, to ensure results are balanced and visible across the face.

Can you tell us about your customer base in the UK?

I have one of the most diverse customer bases. I see patients of every ethnicity, gender, and age. The patient base is truly varied. I treat people from across the UK, including white British, Asian, and Black patients. I really do see everyone. Many patients also fly in for treatments, and I see a strong medical tourism population. People often find me through social media, which helps build familiarity. By the time they arrive, they feel like they already know me. That means the trust is already established, and they feel confident in both the treatments I provide and what I offer more broadly.

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar

What’s your approach to customer loyalty and acquisition?

I think customers are more empowered than ever to make their own choices, because there are so many clinics,injectors, and treatments available. My approach is rooted in honesty and transparency. I tell patients what is achievable and what is not. I also provide something called a shared care plan. This ensures patients fully understand the treatments we are doing, why we are doing them, how long the results last, and when they need to return. From there, we take it step by step. Patients often return for additional treatments, whether with me or with my team for things like facials. We also offer medical-grade skincare - these are products with stronger formulations, available in clinic. Patients can purchase online, but many come back to us in person to buy them, which helps maintain the relationship.

How would you describe your approach to aesthetics?

Medical. I use my GP and medical background to guide my work in aesthetics. I always say that I want to bring medicine back into aesthetic medicine. I approach each case with medical principles in mind. That includes taking a proper history, carrying out an examination and assessment, and then creating a tailored management plan. My goal is to help patients not only with their appearance, but also with the psychological and physical aspects of treatment. I always consider how the treatment supports them functionally as well.

It’s a competitive space, how do you stand out?

I always think that no one is going to do me better than me. I focus on putting out what I can offer and what I do best. If it works for you, great. If not, that is completely fine. There are enough patients for everyone. I truly believe that if you have confidence in what you are doing, and you deliver excellent service and fantastic treatments, the right patients will find you, book in, and return.