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Aesthetic medicine has never been more accessible, or more crowded with noise. Treatments are marketed like products off a shelf, results are chased for instant gratification rather than longevity, and it can be easy to forget that behind every procedure should sit years of judgement, training, and restraint.
It’s a tension Dr. Shehzadi Kohli knows well. As Medical Director at Tajmeel Clinic Dubai and a German board-certified plastic surgeon, she has spent her career pushing back against the idea that beauty is one-size-fits-all, championing instead an approach rooted in diagnosis, individuality, and outcomes that age well with the person wearing them.
In this edition of the GRAZIA career edit, she walks us through the path that led her from Munich’s operating theatres to the top of one of Dubai’s most respected clinics, and why, for her, protecting what makes someone unique will always matter more than chasing what’s trending.
My current role is…
As Medical Director at Tajmeel Clinic Dubai, I oversee clinical governance, patient experience, and the strategic direction of the clinic, while continuing my practice as a plastic surgeon. My focus is on delivering evidence-based, highly personalised care that combines surgical precision with aesthetic judgement, ensuring every treatment plan is tailored to the individual, and every outcome feels natural, balanced, and authentic.
When I was younger, I wanted to be…
I was drawn to medicine from an early age. The combination of scientific enquiry, problem-solving, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives resonated deeply with me, and I knew it was a path I wanted to pursue.
My favourite subject at school was…
Biology. I was fascinated by the intricacies of the human body and the remarkable ways in which it functions, adapts, and heals. That curiosity ultimately inspired my decision to study medicine.
My first job was…
My professional career began at Muenchen Klinik Bogenhausen in Munich, one of Germany’s leading centres for plastic and reconstructive surgery. Training in such a demanding and respected institution provided an exceptional foundation in surgical technique, clinical discipline, and patient-centred care. It was there that I developed the meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence that continue to define my practice today.
My career path so far has been…
A rewarding journey shaped by international experience and continuous learning. I completed my training in Germany, where I became a board-certified plastic surgeon, before returning to the UAE to bring that expertise to a diverse patient population. Practising across different healthcare systems and cultures has broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of combining scientific advancement with empathy, integrity, and individualised care.
The role the UAE has played in my career is…
The UAE has been far more than a place of practice. It has been a catalyst for growth, innovation, and opportunity throughout my career. From my earliest exposure to medicine to my current role as a specialist and clinic leader, the country has consistently demonstrated an ambition to set new benchmarks in healthcare. The UAE has established itself as one of the world’s most dynamic destinations for aesthetic medicine where excellence is expected. Being part of that journey has been both professionally rewarding and deeply inspiring.
The story of Tajmeel Clinic Dubai is…
At its heart, Tajmeel Clinic Dubai is built on the belief that aesthetic medicine should enhance confidence without compromising authenticity. In an industry that can often favour standardised solutions, we have built a clinic centred on expert guidance, clinical integrity, and truly personalised care. Our approach here at Tajmeel combines medical expertise, advanced technology, and thoughtful consultation to ensure decisions are guided by what is right for the patient, not by trends.
I was inspired to enter the medical and aesthetics space because…
Plastic surgery exists at the intersection of science, artistry, and innovation. What intrigued me was its transformative potential, not in altering appearance, but in restoring confidence and improving quality of life. The ability to create meaningful change through a combination of technical skill and aesthetic judgement is what continues to inspire me every day.
My daily routine consists of…
No two days are ever quite the same. My time is typically divided between patient consultations, surgical procedures, clinic leadership responsibilities, and continuous up-skilling and training since the field evolves rapidly. Equally important in my daily schedule are regular feedback loops that we maintain, allowing us to continually refine the experience and ensure we are delivering the highest standards of care. Outside of work, I prioritise family, workouts for self-care and spending time with my pup. I unequivocally endorse that balance is fundamental to sustained professional performance.
My role as Medical Director entails…
Maintaining the highest standards of clinical excellence across the organisation, empowering and mentoring our medical team, ensuring best practice in patient care, and helping shape the clinic’s long-term vision. It is a role that requires equal attention to medical leadership, patient experience, and strategic growth.
The biggest hurdle I have experienced in my career…
One of the greatest challenges facing the industry today and all professionals in the field, is the increasing commoditisation of aesthetic medicine. Too often, treatments are presented as interchangeable products, when in reality successful outcomes depend on a far deeper understanding of the individual patient. Plastic surgery is not about selecting procedures from a catalogue. It is about diagnosis, judgement, experience, and creating a personalised strategy that aligns with a patient’s anatomy, goals, and long-term wellbeing. Navigating this landscape while remaining committed to a patient-first philosophy has been one of the most important responsibilities of my career. It requires continually educating my patients, challenging oversimplified narratives, and ensuring that every recommendation is guided by what will genuinely serve my client best.
The biggest milestone I have achieved is…
Becoming a German board-certified plastic surgeon remains one of the defining achievements of my career, reflecting years of rigorous training and dedication. Equally significant has been the opportunity to lead and grow Tajmeel Clinic in Dubai. Ultimately, however, the milestones that matter most are the patients whose confidence has been transformed and the trust they’ve rewarded me with.
A quote I live by is…
“Beauty evolves, individuality lasts.”
As surgeons, we have more tools, technologies, and techniques than ever before, but our responsibility remains the same, to recognise what makes each person unique and protect it. The privilege of my work is helping patients enhance what is already there, rather than changing who they are.
What I hope for 2025 is…
I hope to continue advancing standards of patient care while embracing innovation with responsibility and discernment. As aesthetic medicine evolves, it is increasingly important to champion an ethical, evidence-based approach that prioritises safety above trends. My aspiration is to help more people achieve greater confidence through treatments that celebrate individuality, preserve authenticity, and deliver results that stand the test of time.
