Meet Dr Margarita Goncarova

Going on a journey of rejuvenation with her patients

With a background in aesthetic dental surgery, it was a natural transition for Margarita to move into the field of medical aesthetics.

Margarita’s extensive training in facial anatomy has given her a deep understanding of the underlying issues that contribute to the need for treatment. Through this, she offers a truly tailored approach to her patients, with transformative results.

Why did you choose to study dental surgery?

“I was born into a family of dentists. My mother was a dental surgeon and I grew up observing her work from a young age.  

Following my degree in general dental practice, I chose to further specialise in cosmetic dentistry.”

What led you into the field of aesthetic practice?

“For me it was a very natural transition, firstly because of my interest in the aesthetic side of dentistry, but moreover because of the detailed medical knowledge I can bring.

Dentists receive very detailed training in anatomy, in particular the human skull – in this regard, our training is more extensive than in general medical practice. We are also very skilled in the use of needles.

What I enjoy about aesthetics, and why I transitioned to this field, is the element of art and creativity.

We collaborate with the patient to understand their desired look, and to bring the youthfulness back. It’s very rewarding.”

When you meet a patient, can you see quite quickly how you might be able to help them?

“Every patient that comes though my door will receive a tailored approach for their individual needs.

Age brings natural anatomical changes such as a decrease in muscle tone, changes in the skin structure and appearance, and bone loss. Therefore, we don’t just treat one aspect such as a particular fold on the face or lip shape – we look at the underlying causes and build a comprehensive treatment plan accordingly.

Through this process, everything comes together for that individual patient, to achieve the best possible outcome for them.”

You have advanced training in botox and dermal filler treatments. What is the most important medical aspect of giving these treatments?

“Patient safety is the number one priority.

It is imperative for aesthetic practitioners to have fine dexterity and manual expertise – this can only be learned over time. It takes years of hands-on experience to master these skills.

My advice to new or younger practitioners is always that less is more. It is better to offer a more limited portfolio of treatments and learn how they feel in your hands, before moving into more advanced treatments.

I was very lucky to start in a field which gave so much hands-on experience – I find that this has given me an understanding of the subtleties of treatment administration, and when it is creating a truly transformative effect in the skin.”

Have you had a particularly memorable patient – someone for whom treatment made a big difference?

“I genuinely couldn’t single any one out – not least because every patient is equally special and important.

All treatments contribute to wellbeing – that is the joy of aesthetic practice – and every patient receives the same level of excellence.”

What sort of results can you achieve for your patients?

“The first thing I would say is there is no ‘one size fits all’. For every patient there is a journey that we go on together. We work with the patient to understand what they want to achieve.

Whilst some treatments can provide instant results, which is very rewarding – botox or lip filler for example – other patients will require a more structured approach.

It has been interesting for me to observe how trends have changed in the 15 years that I have been practicing aesthetic medicine. Nowadays this treatment is more widely accessible – it’s accepted that ageing is optional.

This is increasingly true of men. It is encouraging to see that men are no longer strangers to aesthetic treatment and are not excluded from rejuvenation.

In general, I’m excited to see how the trend in aesthetic medicine is definitely shifting – there is more emphasis on preventative treatments, as well as those that address existing issues.”

Are there any aspects of your practice that are particularly rewarding?

“I do find it very rewarding to work with more mature people who are lacking in confidence – we can help.

Whilst we can’t bring back youth per se, we can certainly start to reverse what life and age have taken away.

For some older people, we need to start by understanding and addressing the anatomical signs of ageing such as muscle tone and bone loss. Several treatments may be required, which is the journey side of things – we work with patients to get them where they want to be.

Importantly, we can tailor to different budgets. There is always something we can offer, something for everyone.”

Which aesthetic treatments do you specialise in?

“I offer a comprehensive range of aesthetic therapies – from treatment for hyperhidrosis to non-surgical facelifts, I enjoy it all.

The joy is looking at a patient and asking ‘where do we want to be?’ The process is as gratifying for me as the outcome.”

Which clinics do you practice from?

“I see patients at our London Harley Street and Sevenoaks clinics.”

Are there treatments which give particularly impressive results?

“A non-surgical facelift can’t be beaten in the level of transformation it can achieve.

I always say that the mother of good skin care is a good peel. This can be as simple as daily exfoliation, but professional peels from time to time are the basis of effective skin care. The skin is a multi-layered organ, so it’s important to manage the healthy removal of dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear dull and prevent the absorption of moisture. There is no point in investing in costly skincare products if they can’t to do their work.

Profhilo is becoming a very popular treatment, and from an aesthetic perspective it is revolutionary. It represents the shift in emphasis – from fixing a particular facial fold, to preventing it from actually developing. When someone first shows signs of skin laxity, Profhilo can delay the effects of the ageing process – it’s an exciting direction for aesthetics.

Everyone has a unique anatomy and reacts differently to the ageing process. As aesthetic doctors, we have a palette of skills that we can draw on – knowing how and where to use them is what creates the magic. That’s what sets us apart.”

What do you enjoy about being part of Melior Clinics?

“I consider myself very lucky to work at Melior Clinics. As a company they are extremely professional and supportive.

For me, the most important aspect of Melior Clinics is that there is leadership that understands the clinical side of things. Above all else, our work is medically led.”

When you’re not busy treating patients, what do you do to relax?

“When I can, I love travelling – especially to warmer climes.

I enjoy horse-riding, I find it very therapeutic, it’s something I’ve done since the age of six.

A more recent hobby is playing pool, which I now do with my husband – we even compete sometimes!”