Pranav Pancholi has known since childhood that he wanted to be a medical doctor. Today, he owns Avane Clinics in Nairobi, with branches at Yaya Centre and Gigiri.
Contrary to common belief, skin conditions are not just about looks. Some, like cellulitis, can be fatal if untreated. Others, such as psoriasis, severely affect quality of life. Skin cancer is also a serious, life-threatening illness. Beyond physical health, how people feel about their appearance deeply affects their mental health. Studies have linked negative self-image to increased suicide risk. Pancholi urges people to listen carefully if a loved one often speaks negatively about their looks, as it could be a sign of deeper emotional distress. For him, his work is about protecting human health and dignity.
Is appearance really that important? Pancholi says yes. Attractive people often get advantages in life. For example, studies show that beautiful women are more likely to marry wealthy men, and attractive people often get jobs ahead of others. He recalls a study where babies spent more time looking at beautiful faces compared to less attractive ones.
When asked why he chose cosmetic medicine instead of other fields like urology, Pancholi explains his family influence. His father is a dermatologist practicing in Mombasa. Growing up, Pancholi often helped his father prepare papers for medical conferences. During medical school, a mentor named Colonel Gakuru, also a dermatologist, encouraged him to follow the same path. Pancholi also considered joining the army but chose dermatology instead. During his residency at Thika Level 5 Hospital, he realized he wanted to help people with low self-esteem, something he could personally relate to.
Pancholi shares that he was bullied as a child for being a nerd and not socially outgoing, which hurt his self-esteem. This experience motivated him to help others feel better about themselves, especially those struggling with issues like acne, stretch marks, or body image.
He has grown his practice quickly, now seeing hundreds of patients daily. Though currently focused on work, Pancholi plans to take on more of a leadership role at Avane Clinics, managing a team of doctors, nurses, and cosmetic technicians, while still seeing some patients himself.
As a dermatologist, Pancholi treats a wide range of skin conditions, including infections, psoriasis, and skin cancer. However, his clinics are best known for cosmetic procedures such as Botox, dermal fillers, facial symmetry treatments, laser skin tightening and rejuvenation, vaginal tightening, non-surgical weight loss, laser hair removal, acne treatment, body contouring, and removal of skin tags and blemishes.
Currently, he notes a trend towards non-surgical, non-invasive, and non-injectable facelifts, as patients prefer treatments with less downtime and fewer risks. Surgery remains a last resort due to potential complications, including death.
Pancholi emphasizes that cosmetic dermatologists are trained to identify patients with unrealistic expectations or mental health issues like body dysmorphia. They prioritize the patient’s best interests and may refer such patients for counseling instead of performing procedures.
Regarding lifestyle, Pancholi advocates for healthy eating, regular exercise, and drinking plenty of water. He admits that if everyone lived healthily, his patient numbers might drop by about 30 percent. But modern life, with office jobs, processed foods, and pollution, takes a toll on the body, meaning demand for his services will likely continue.
In sum, Pancholi’s work combines medical care with helping people regain confidence and dignity through cosmetic dermatology.
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