'When art meets science': How Dr. Reza Mia made a career in aesthetic medicine

Stephen Grootes profiles Dr. Reza Mia, aesthetic doctor, owner of @antiagingart. He shares his journey into aesthetic medicine, what his work involves, and his vision for growing the business while staying at the forefront of skincare and anti-ageing trends.

Listen to the interview in the audio player below.

The Johannesburg-based Dr Reza Mia has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s leading aesthetic practitioners while also making remarkable strides in business, aviation, and philanthropy.

A graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand, Dr Mia earned his medical degree at the age of 23 before going on to complete an MBA from the University of Liverpool. His academic achievements also include an MSc in Finance and Investment from the London School of Business and Finance, majoring in investment banking and capital markets, and a dissertation on aerospace manufacturing.

In 2013, he even fulfilled a personal goal by becoming a member of MENSA, the international high IQ society.

Dr Mia’s career in aesthetics has been defined by a blend of science, artistry, and innovation.

He has participated in a global study on Restylane’s SkinBooster dermal filler and was the first South African doctor to complete the Silhouette Soft advanced training course.

His expertise and contributions to the field earned him the prestigious appointment as Hyalual Switzerland’s Key Opinion Leader for South Africa, representing one of the world’s leading anti-ageing and skin rejuvenation brands.

Dr Reza Mia also assisted his brother, Dr Ridwan Mia in performing Africa’s first skin cloning transplant, a groundbreaking operation on burn survivor Pippie Kruger.

Speaking to Stephen Grootes on The Money Show, says becoming a doctor was not his outright first choice.

"I didn't know what to do when I was a kid. I thought I should become a pilot. At the end of school I thought, I don't now what to do. Let me register for a few things. I chose medicine, law and actuarial science, and I said whichever one I get in for I'll do. The humour of the universe, I got accepted for all," says Mia.

He would then go onto do his internship and community service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, before later branching into the feel of aesthetics.

"I guess I enjoy the process. Our motto of 'art meets science' is very well placed in this profession. You need to have both sides of that brain active. You need to be in art, you need to respect the science and use it, then bringing them together brings very good results," added Mia.

Scroll to the top of the article to listen to the full interview.