Interview with aesthetic physician Anouk Tans
Aesthetic physician Dr. Anouk Tans combines medical expertise with a holistic approach to beauty. As a former general practitioner, she looks beyond appearance alone and also considers internal health in her approach.
She works internationally, including in Belgium and Dubai, and is known for her subtle, natural results. From skin improvement and injectables to personalized health programs, everything revolves around balance, safety, and long-lasting self-confidence.
You started as a general practitioner and now work as a cosmetic doctor in Belgium and Dubai. Who are you as a doctor?
From what I hear from my patients, I am a very caring person. I truly want to take care of people that was also my main motivation for becoming a doctor. That is why I consciously chose to start as a general practitioner, because in primary care you can reach and guide many people.
However, the healthcare landscape changed significantly, including in Belgium. I felt that my sense of care was gradually turning into frustration, because due to system limitations I could not do what I truly wanted to do for my patients. Not because of my own limitations, but because of the limitations of the system. I could not continue like that.
At the same time, I had always had a passion for aesthetics and art. I paint myself and took painting lessons for many years it was my creative outlet. When I saw more colleagues making the transition to aesthetic medicine, I started to feel drawn to it. I hesitated at first, mainly because of the question: “What will people think?” But my husband encouraged me to simply try it.
I started small, alongside my work as a general practitioner, with a home-based practice. Through word of mouth, it gradually grew. When my husband was offered an opportunity in Dubai, it felt like the right moment to fully commit. I have not regretted that decision for a second.
In this field, I can still care for people while also using my creativity. It gives me tremendous satisfaction. It is absolutely more than “giving injections”; it is about helping someone feel better about themselves, both mentally and physically.
What from your time as a general practitioner still helps you today in your work as an aesthetic doctor?
My background as a general practitioner helps me every single day. I still look at patients through a medical lens. That means I look beyond the aesthetic request alone.
Sometimes there are underlying medical causes behind skin problems or fatigue. For example, I have had patients whose aesthetic complaints ultimately turned out to be caused by thyroid issues. In such cases, I first treat the underlying cause and only then consider aesthetic treatments.
I also regularly refer patients to specialists or advise blood tests and supplements. As a doctor, you take an oath to do no harm, and that remains my most important guiding principle.
Inner Health Clinic revolves around “feeling good on the inside and the outside.” What does that look like during a consultation?
Our intake usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes. I always begin with an open question: “What brings you here today?”
I believe it is important that patients feel free to be themselves. External changes are often connected to internal factors, both physical and emotional. That is why we work holistically.
We look at the skin, overall health, lifestyle, and any medical factors. Sometimes we recommend blood tests or supplements, or refer patients to other specialists. My background as a general practitioner plays a major role here.
The goal is not just to perform a treatment, but to build a long-term journey together with the patient.
Who is the typical patient in your clinic in Aarschot? What do they mainly come for?
In Belgium, I mainly see women from their late 30s to 80 years old. They are often patients who are starting to notice the first signs of skin aging and want to maintain a natural appearance.
They are usually looking for a holistic approach—not just fillers or Botox, but also collagen boosters, skin boosters, and overall skin improvement.
About 70% literally say: “I don’t want anyone to see that I’ve had something done.” That perfectly characterizes the Belgian audience.
In Belgium, many people want to look fresher without anyone noticing. How do you adapt your treatments to that?
I mainly work with subtle techniques and treatments that improve skin quality rather than add volume. Think of collagen-stimulating products, skin boosters, and medical skincare.
The goal is for people to look well-rested and healthy, not “treated.” That requires a different approach and a personalized long-term plan for each patient.
In Dubai, treatments are often more pronounced. What is different there about the patients and their wishes?
In Dubai, I see a much younger audience, often starting in their early 20s. They more frequently come for beautification treatments: lips, cheekbones, and contour enhancement.
Social media plays a major role here. Patients sometimes come with photos and high expectations, which makes expectation management very important.
Skin problems such as acne are also more common due to the climate, water quality, and lifestyle.
What has working in both Belgium and Dubai taught you about beauty ideals and expectations?
I clearly see two movements emerging.
On the one hand, there are people who pursue the more pronounced “Dubai ideal.” On the other hand, there is a growing group who prefer to remain more natural.
Social media strongly influences expectations. Sometimes I even have to advise patients against treatments, because they are already beautiful just the way they are.
What does your life in Dubai look like, both as a doctor and as a person? What does the combination with Belgium give you?
We live in Dubai Marina, and I start my day with sunlight, which gives me a lot of energy. I work three long days per week at the clinic and spend the rest of my time managing my practice in Belgium.
In addition, I collaborate with a longevity company focused on preventive medicine, where we analyze people in their homes and create personalized health plans.
On a personal level, Dubai is what you make of it. We have a wonderful expat group of friends and take part in many activities. Life is more spontaneous than in Belgium, which results in less stress.
The combination with Belgium keeps me grounded and connected to my roots.
You are looking for a new doctor for Inner Health Clinic. What kind of colleague are you seeking, and what makes your clinic an attractive workplace?
I am looking for someone with a passion for aesthetics and genuine care for people. Experience is less important than motivation and a willingness to learn.
It can be a general medical doctor or a general practitioner; we provide internal training.
Our clinic is not a “high-volume practice.” We build long-term relationships with our patients and work with personalized treatment plans. That makes it a warm and educational workplace.
You are developing your own skincare brand inspired by South Korea. What do you feel is missing in today’s European market?
What I mainly miss is transparency. Many marketing terms such as “clean,” “dermatologically tested,” or “vegan” are not legally protected and can be misleading.
My line focuses on back-to-basics skincare, skin barrier restoration, and hydration, especially for sensitive skin types.
We work closely with a Korean manufacturer and carefully monitor ingredients and production processes. Quality and honesty are central to everything we do.
Where would you like Inner Health Clinic to grow in the coming years?
I would like to move to a larger location and hire a second doctor to meet the growing demand.
In addition, I want to expand our educational efforts: information evenings, lectures, and long-term patient guidance.
My goal is for Inner Health Clinic to become a trusted, established place where people can come for years—similar to the relationship someone has with their dentist.
Schedule a non-binding consultation with aesthetic physician Dr. Anouk Tans