Introducing Dr. Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon and Founder of MZ Skin
meet Dr. Maryam Zamani, Oculoplastic Surgeon and founder of MZ Skin. Dr. Zamani is a global leading Oculoplastic Surgeon and Aesthetic Doctor based in London with international clients. Owing to her extensive experience in Oculoplastic surgery and skin rejuvenation, Dr. Maryam Zamani is known as ‘the eye doctor’.
“I am the eldest of 4 and the daughter of two doctors. I was born and raised in the states and now live in London with my husband and two children. Having studied on both continents, I am a Board-Certified Consultant Oculoplastic Surgeon specializing in the delicate area around the eyes surgically and enhancement of the face non surgically. In 2016 I founded MZ SKIN.”
How did you get involved in this space, what's your training and background?
I completed my undergraduate studies at Georgetown University and my medical doctorate and residency at the George Washington University School of Medicine. After completing my training, I became part-time faculty at GW and started my own private practice. Going into non-surgical aesthetics was not something I planned on particularly as my training was on the onset of non-surgical rejuvenation and had not been part of our curriculum. When I moved to London and completed two oculoplastic fellowships, I did much research in the use of hyaluronic acid fillers in treating patients who had undergone multiple surgeries from trauma, cancer, or other medical conditions. It was from that exposure that the depth of my knowledge increased in the realm of non-surgical.
There after I became interested in learning more and did a Dermatology Course with Cardiff University followed by another oculoplastic fellowship focused on eyelid and facial surgery. That time helped to foster my belief that treatment needed to fuse the non-surgical and the surgical together. That is exactly what I did when I started my private practice in London in late 2012.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
Ultimately, the multifaceted nature of helping individuals achieve healthier skin and feel good about themselves at every age is what I enjoy most. Beyond prescribing and recommending products and treatments, I take immense satisfaction in contributing to people's overall well- being.
One of the most rewarding aspects is witnessing the transformation in individuals' confidence and self-esteem. Beauty is not just about external appearances; it's intricately connected to a person's overall lifestyle (sleep, nutrition, sleep, stress management) and mental well-being. By incorporating a holistic approach, I can guide my patients towards practices that benefit their skin from the inside out, fostering a sense of well-rounded health to make them live well, feel well and look well.
What are the most common concerns clients are looking to alleviate through working with you?
Dark circles and ‘looking tired’ are THE most common presenting complaints in my Clinic. There are many causes of dark circles and the tired eye. A common reason for dark circles under the eye originates from volume loss in the area and the downward descent of the midface, starting in the mid to late 20s and progressing with age. When we are young, the eyelid-cheek junction is confluent; there is no beginning and no end. As we age, the eyelid- cheek junction becomes more pronounced and demarcated creating a darkened shadow effect. This demarcation is the anatomical tear trough and looks like a semi-circle in the lower eyelid often referred to as ‘bags’ or dark circles.
Dark circles from volume loss and descent can be improved non-surgically with various injectables (Hyaluronic Acid fillers, Nucleofill, PRP to name a few). The idea behind the injectable treatments is to help re-volumize the area and support collagen and elastin production. It is essential to assess each patient individually and tailor the treatment plan based on their specific concerns and goals. A thorough consultation allows me to recommend the most suitable combination of surgical and non- surgical interventions to achieve optimal results. When there are not suitable alternatives, surgery can help alleviate fat herniation in the lower eyelid and remove skin redundancy in the upper eyelids.
As our skin changes through the years, especially towards and through menopause, how should we adapt our skincare routines?
As we age, there are several factors that impact our skin: accumulative UV exposure, external factors (like pollution, and environmental factors), a decrease in cell turnover rate decreases, hormonal changes like pregnancy and menopause, stress, sleep, nutrition, seasonal changes the list is long!
Skin changes begin in our 20’s and can dramatically change with time, particularly with menopause in women, and seasons. As we age, we need to help improve the skin barrier, give skin hydration and lock it in and bolster collagen and elastin production while protecting it from the elements.
Targeted skin care is essential towards specific skin concerns and layering of skincare may increase depending on skin type. Ultimately, we should all use the ethos to Reveal, Enhance and Protect the skin to help it look its best at every age.
What skincare product or tool couldn’t you live without?
I formulate all my products to work in synergy to ‘Reveal, Enhance and Protect’ skin. However, I cannot go without Reviving Bio-Placenta & Stem Cell Serum to promote cell renewal as I sleep and our Soothe and Smooth Eye Complex.
What would you say is the secret to healthy skin?
Genetics plays an important part, but equally important is what we put on our skin and how we live. Sleep, nutrition, lifestyle choices (alcohol, smoking) and of course skin care all play a pivotal role in looking your best at every age.
Can you tell us your go-to skincare routine?
I keep it pretty simple following my Reveal, Enhance and Protect approach. I wash my face with MZ SKIN Cleanse & Clarify while I am in the shower. Afterwards, I layer MZ SKIN Brighten & Perfect 10 % Vitamin C Serum to combat oxidative damage and promote collagen production while decreasing the appearance of pigmentation, a condition I suffer from. Soothe and Smooth Eye Complex is critical to help bolster collagen and elastin production and hydrate the delicate skin around the eyes and my last step of the morning is either MZ SKIN Tint & Protect or MZ SKIN Rich Moisturizer followed by an SPF to help maintain hydration on my skin while also protecting it from the harmful UV rays.
What are some of the aesthetic trends that you think are questionable, or nonsense?
I think there are so many trends in aesthetics that I personally am not in favour of including the surgical fox eye lift, or threads to the periorbital area. These can cause asymmetry, puckering or unnatural position of the eyebrow, suture exposure and in some cases tissue or nerve damage.
Where do you see the future of aesthetics heading in the next couple of years?
I think the biggest shift I have seen is the acceptance of doing tweakments and surgery in mainstream society to look and feel your best at every age. Personalisation of treatment is here and will continue to be at the forefront of what I do.
At home medical-grade treatment devices will also continue to thrive as consumers are busy and having time to spend at the doctor’s office or even a spa is hard to find. They want convenient at-home treatments.
And of course, conscious formulations with clinically backed studies will continue to dominate the scene. We want products that work and make us feel good about ourselves.
The at-home tech space is undergoing a dynamic evolution, driven by technological advances, changing consumer habits, and the post-pandemic landscape. Consumers are increasingly seeking convenient and personalised solutions for health, wellness, and beauty. This has led to a proliferation of innovative devices that offer Clinical experiences at home, from advanced skincare tools to virtual fitness platforms.
The integration of AI, IoT, and data analytics is enhancing device capabilities and user experiences. However, regulatory scrutiny and the need for reliable efficacy remain important considerations as the at-home tech sector continues to reshape self-care routines and redefine traditional industries. It’s an exciting time to be part of this evolution.
WEALTH
Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words?
Conservative, Calculated Risk
What does Wealth mean to you?
Wealth means being able to do what you want to do and the way you want to do it whenever you want to do it without worrying about the financial implications.
What money lessons did you learn when growing up?
Spending other people’s money (i.e. your parents) is a lot easier than spending your own! Hahaha....
Who manages the finances in your household?
We both do
What is the best money decision you have made?
I do not think there is one decision that I can say is the most critical. I think taking calculated risk has always served me well.
What is your number one financial priority?
I think it is important to invest well so that your money works for you.
How often do you talk about money with your friends?
Almost never.
Which area of finance do you wish you knew more about, and why?
As an entrepreneur, I have learned quite a bit as I have needed to, but I think investing in the future Is always something I wish I knew more about.
WELLNESS
What do you do to relax?
Exercise and meditation are my great de stressors. And most importantly, the few moments a day I spend on skincare also help to relax tensions and help me unwind.
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Trust your instincts and do not second guess those feelings. Intuition is important. If there is something inside you that doesn’t sit right, listen to it. And I am still learning not to sweat the small stuff (and I think I am getting better)
Do you have a mentor or inspirational figure that has guided or influenced you?
I had a mentor when I was a resident and when I was about to embark on my private practice in Washington, DC there were many who told me that I shouldn’t do it, that the area was too saturated. I asked the advice of my mentor who said, “there is always room for one more, so if you want to do, do it. You will make it happen.” He was right then, and I still think that today. There is always room for everyone to succeed so if you have the passion, just do it. I have never been competitive with anyone but myself. I love this philosophy and always hope I can help others in their journey like my mentor did for me.
What is a book that has influenced your life?
Between seeing patients and working on MZ Skin, I need a good book to take my mind off work and life after reading Ariana Huffington’s, ‘The Sleep Revolution’, I really do make an effort to have at least 7.5 hours a night! Having said that my natural circadian rhythm is to sleep late and ideally wake up later in the morning- holidays I indulge this!
What’s next for you?
There is so much I hope to still accomplish. I feel I have only just started. Of course, growing MZ SKIN is a top priority.
What are you currently reading and listening to?
I am reading Adam Grants Hidden Potential and always listening to the Podcast from Peter Attia.