It is 10am in a conference room in Nairobi. About 10 doctors, some gynaecologists, and other dentists are seated attentively, their eyes fixed on Dr Fahad Usman, a regenerative and aesthetic dermatologist and senior faculty member of the American Board of Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery.
He projects intricate diagrams of body parts and step-by-step guidelines on how to cut and nip. The doctors, a mix of those in their 30s and 50s, are learning cosmetic surgery to meet a growing interest from Kenyans who want more than surgery to fix a sick part of the body.
From a desire to have a flawless face, plump lips, and youthful skin—once the preserve of Hollywood elites—Kenyans are now asking their doctors if they can perform such aesthetic procedures.
The surge in requests is now pushing medical professionals—including gynaecologists, dentists, and general practitioners—to go back to class and learn about cosmetic procedures that were previously a domain of dermatologists and plastic surgeons.
These doctors’ interest is in non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments, where they can learn how to make small cuts or no external incisions at all, to fix sagging skin or tighten some body parts.
Clinifine Training Institute and Aesthetics, based along Nairobi’s Mombasa Road, is among the colleges that are seeking to fill this need.
Brenda Henry, an aesthetic trainer and coordinator at the institute, says now they offer four training sessions annually, signaling the rising interest.
“The training sessions are divided into two categories: non-medical aesthetics and medical aesthetics. Medical aesthetics training is strictly for qualified healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses,” she says of the training that lasts from four days up to three months.
On this particular day, Dr Usman is teaching how to do Botox [injections that smooth wrinkles], dermal fillers, and laser treatments, which do not involve surgery.
“My students are gynaecologists and plastic surgeons. While surgeons traditionally focus on invasive procedures, the demand for alternatives has pushed plastic surgeons to master non-invasive techniques as well. People fear going under the knife, so they seek less invasive options—and surgeons are adapting to meet those needs. This shows how much the industry is evolving,” he told BDLife.
Clinifine Aesthetics, Aesthetics Dermatologists Dr Fahad Usman gestures during an interview at Imara Mall on February 20, 2025.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
With the growing accessibility of aesthetic training and technology, Dr Usman notes that Kenya is on the brink of becoming the cosmetic surgery hub in the region—because beauty enhancements are safer, more efficient, and tailored to the modern patient’s needs.
“Patients are looking for safe, effective, and quick solutions to enhance their beauty. By embracing these technologies, Kenyan doctors can offer world-class treatments and meet the rising demand for aesthetic procedures,” Dr Usman says, adding, “the market is booming, not just in Kenya but globally. However, when compared to markets like Dubai, Kenya’s aesthetic industry is still in its early stages. Economic factors play a significant role in accessibility, as disposable income affects the affordability of these treatments. Also, a key challenge in Kenya’s aesthetics industry is the lack of standardised training.”
Treatments like Botox, fillers, and thread lifts, which are the most sought-after according to Dr Usman, offer quick results with minimal downtime, allowing individuals to resume their daily activities almost immediately.
Unlike traditional fat transfer methods that require liposuction [where doctors suction to remove fat from the stomach, hips, thighs, buttocks, arms, or neck], fillers containing hyaluronic acid provide instant volume enhancement with a simple needle injection.
“If you compare fat transfer to fillers, the latter is a more straightforward process. Fat transfer involves liposuction, which can create imbalances in the body,” Dr Usman notes.
However, many patients often question Botox’s short-lived effects, usually lasting about three months.
“Botox effectiveness depends on multiple factors, including muscle strength, product quality, dilution techniques, and the expertise of the injector,” Dr Usman says. He emphasises the importance of proper training.
He also highlights the increasing demand for fillers for breast and buttock augmentation, which other than plastic surgeons, and gynaecologists are now offering, reflecting a significant industry shift.
“Traditionally, implants [where silicone implants were surgically placed deep within the butt tissues] were the go-to option, but today, body fillers are gaining traction due to their non-invasive nature,” he adds.
Hair removal
Further, Dr Usman, notes that another key area in aesthetic medicine that has seen many inquiries is laser hair removal. This is particularly popular among women dealing with excessive hair growth.
He says many women struggle with conditions like hirsutism, which causes thick, dark facial and body hair due to hormonal imbalances.
“Obesity, hormonal fluctuations, and genetics play a significant role in hair growth patterns. That’s why a holistic approach, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and consultations with gynaecologists or endocrinologists, is essential alongside laser treatments,” he advises.
Is there a particular age group that the doctors are targeting?
“Some patients are 40 or 45 years old but look quite young because of their genetics, while others may be in their 20s and already show signs of ageing. It also depends on underlying health issues, environmental exposure, and lifestyle factors such as diet and skincare.
Legally, anyone over the age of 18 can undergo aesthetic treatments.
However, a thorough medical evaluation is essential to determine the suitability of a procedure,” he says, adding, “For example, a younger person who dislikes their small lips may choose fillers, while an older individual may seek skin-tightening treatments.”
However, he cautions that beyond medical risks, ethics in aesthetic medicine are crucial. Practitioners should prioritise patient welfare over financial gain.
For instance, if a patient presents with excessive facial hair and an elevated body mass index (BMI), they might be suffering from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). In such cases, referring them for an ultrasound before proceeding with treatments is a responsible medical approach.
“Aesthetic medicine should integrate ethical referrals. A gynaecologist may not be the best specialist for diagnosing PCOS—radiologists are better equipped to analyse ultrasound results. The goal is to offer comprehensive care while maintaining professional integrity,” he adds.
“Doctors take an oath to serve humanity. Aesthetic medicine should be practised with integrity, ensuring that procedures enhance confidence while maintaining health and safety standards. With the right training and ethical practice, we can elevate the aesthetics industry in Kenya to global standards,” he says.
The cost of these procedures has also been a concern, as some are so high or so low that customers wonder if the doctors use unsafe counterfeit products. Dr Usman says the cost of aesthetic procedures varies based on the clinic, the doctor’s expertise, and the products used.
“Patients have the right to ask about product quality. Lower-budget options may use Chinese or Korean products, while higher-end treatments often involve premium European or American brands. Transparency in pricing and product selection is an ethical obligation for practitioners,” he says.
