6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan ME
GTK the woman sculpting the Middle East's most fabulous faces: Dr. Dragana Spica
Instagram filters, you've met your match. With 20 years of sculpting the world's most discreetly fabulous transformations (including Dubai's elite), plastic surgeon Dr. Dragana Spica is the woman behind the best 'Did she or didn't she?' glow-ups. While everyone else is chasing plumped-to-the-gods lips and frozen foreheads, her superpower? Making work look like you woke up like this. (Spoiler: You didn't – and that's the magic.)
Speaking to Cosmo Middle East, Dr. Spica reveals all: The under-the-radar treatments worth your dirhams (and the overhyped ones she refuses to perform), the three non-negotiable products in her bag, and why some trends deserve to stay on TikTok. Consider this your backstage pass to glowing up without looking like you tried.
CosmoME: Why plastic surgery, and what's the most unexpected lesson you've learned?
Dr. Dragana: Art was always my favourite subject growing up, it taught me to see beauty in every detail. Plastic surgery felt like a natural extension of that passion. The most unexpected lesson? That sometimes, saying 'no' to a procedure is the most powerful form of care. Patients often come back grateful, realising that what they initially wanted wasn't truly right for them.
CosmoME: What's the biggest misconception clients walk in with?
Dr. Dragana: That plastic surgery is a one-size-fits-all solution. It's deeply personal. My goal is to enhance natural beauty, not to create replicas of trends or celebrities.
CosmoME: Can you share a career 'pinch me' moment?
Dr. Dragana: Becoming Medical Director at Aesthetics by King's College Hospital London in Dubai was such a milestone – leading this visionary team in one of the world's most exciting cities still feels surreal. But the real 'pinch me' moments came after working with everyone from celebrities to everyday clients, and all of them trusting me with their transformations. At the end of the day, though, what keeps me grounded is knowing that whether it's a subtle tweak or a full glow-up, I get to play a part in how people see themselves. That's why I love what I do.
CosmoME: What's your ultimate holy grail treatment?
Dr. Dragana: A 'liquid facelift' using collagen-stimulating injections. It's subtle, non-invasive, and a fantastic glow-up option.
CosmoME: What's one trend you'd never spend your dirhams on?
Dr. Dragana: Overfilled lips or exaggerated facial features. Beauty should be balanced and timeless, not trend-driven!
Glow Recipe Glass Balm Lip Treatment for Shine Hydration BYOMA SPF 50 face fluid Gucci Brume de Beauté Mist
CosmoME: Can you name three non-negotiable products in your handbag right now?
Dr. Dragana: 1) A hydrating lip balm infused with peptides – not just for softness, but to support collagen production and keep lips youthful. I use Glow Recipe or Laneige.
2) Broad-spectrum SPF with antioxidants – it's my daily armour against UV damage and premature ageing, protecting skin at the DNA level. I love the BYOMA SPF 50 Face Fluid.
3) A mini facial mist enriched with hyaluronic acid and growth factors – it's like a collagen-boosting refresh on the go, keeping my skin plump, radiant, and resilient throughout the day. The Gucci Brume de Beauté Mist is amazing.
CosmoME: What's your personal skincare splurge and save?
Dr. Dragana: Splurge: Collagen injections, without question. I rely on Nithya Collagen Treatments because they go beyond surface-level improvements – they actively stimulate the body's natural collagen production. What makes them truly special isn't just wrinkle reduction or temporary plumping, but how they restore skin's fundamental elasticity and structure. The results deliver this beautiful, natural-looking radiance – that kind of refreshed, youthful glow that makes people wonder what you're doing differently. It's one of the smartest long-term investments in skin health you can make.
Save: I'm a big believer in keeping your basics simple and effective like a gentle, hydrating cleanser. You don't need to spend a fortune for your skin to feel clean and calm. Anything that respects your skin barrier and keeps it balanced is a win in my book!
CosmoME: If you could ban one beauty myth on social media, what would it be?
Dr. Dragana: That everyone needs filler – I'd ban it in a heartbeat! Social media has glamourised volume to the point where people forget what true beauty is: balance, structure, and skin integrity. Filler isn't a universal fix, and when misused, it can distort rather than enhance. I've seen stunning faces lose their natural charm chasing trends that were never meant for them.
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CosmoME: Beyond the clinic, what's your 'unwind and recharge' ritual?
Dr. Dragana: It's all about connection and comfort. Being with family is equally grounding; their support and laughter remind me of what truly matters. Whether it's a quiet evening at home or a walk outdoors, these moments help me reset, stay present, and feel my absolute best inside and out. I love spending time with my dogs, their energy and unconditional love are the perfect antidote to a busy day!
CosmoME: Give us the scoop! What's the next big thing on your radar that you're obsessed with?
Dr. Dragana: Personalised regenerative treatments – they're a total game-changer. We're now harnessing the body's own healing power to rebuild and rejuvenate. No foreign ingredients, just pure biological magic. We're talking collagen biostimulation, stem cell therapies, and tissue remodelling that go way beyond surface-level fixes. It's not just skincare anymore – it's like hitting the reset button on your cells. I think it's going to completely redefine how we approach ageing, healing, and that lit-from-within glow we all want.
CosmoME: If you weren't a plastic surgeon, what would your dream job be?
Dr. Dragana: An interior designer. That's always been a dream of mine, and it totally aligns with my love for detail, symmetry, and creativity.
Going through a cosmetic research hole? Read about halal botox next.
