Together We Grow & Lead
A true community not just a network of experts, mentors, and friends who share knowledge, experiences, and success.
Learning, connecting, and celebrating milestones as one global family.Here, every story inspires another, every voice matters, and every achievement becomes a shared victory.
We come together across borders and backgrounds, driven by curiosity, collaboration, and a shared vision for growth.
Each interaction builds trust, each conversation sparks an idea, and each challenge becomes an opportunity to rise together.This is where leadership meets learning, where friendships grow into partnerships, and where growth becomes a journey we all share.
Together, we empower, uplift, and redefine what it means to lead not just with success, but with purpose, passion, and unity.
A community of leaders and mentors dedicated to sharing wisdom, building connections, and celebrating growth across the globe.
ISTAL Officers and Board
Leading with vision, experience, and passion for excellence in dermatology and aesthetics. Meet our dedicated team shaping the future of ISTAL
Dr Ioannis Peros
Dr. Ioannis Peros is a renowned Dermatologist and Dermatosurgeon based in Zurich and Athens, with over two decades of international experience. Trained across leading institutions in Germany, France, and the USA, he has specialized in dermatologic surgery, liposuction, and lipofilling.He is the Founder President and Secretary of the International Society of Tumescent Anaesthesia Liposuction (ISTAL), established in 2025 to promote advanced techniques in tumescent anaesthesia, liposuction, and fat grafting worldwide.Dr. Peros is the pioneer of ISTAL, advancing tumescent liposuction
Dr Loek Habbema
Dr. Louis (Loek) Habbema is a leading expert in Cosmetic Dermatology with over 30 years of experience. A pioneer in breast reduction using liposuction alone, he has played a key role in advancing safe and effective liposuction techniques. His expertise includes lipedema, tumescent anaesthesia, and liposuction safety. Having performed over 10,000 procedures and treated more than 2,500 lipedema patients, Dr. Habbema has also chaired the national guideline committees for liposuction & lipedema in the Netherlands.
Dr Martin Barsch
Dr. Martin Barsch, MBA, is a distinguished Dermatologist specializing in dermatologic surgery, laser medicine, aesthetic surgery, and liposuction. He is the Director of the Center for Lipedema in Linz, Austria, performing several hundred liposuctions annually under tumescent local anaesthesia. Trained in Vienna and Bristol, with further experience in Latin America and Asia, he gained extensive expertise in aesthetic and vein surgery before focusing on lipedema.He established and expanded the Center for Lipedema, treating patients from across Europe. He established the Center for Lipedema.
Birgit Buxmeyer
Dr. Birgit Buxmeyer is a highly experienced Dermatologist specializing in liposuction and aesthetic dermatologic surgery. With over 30 years of experience performing liposuction under tumescent local anaesthesia (TLA), she is recognized for her precision and dedication to achieving safe, natural results.
She trained in liposuction under Dr. Gerhard Sattler, founder of the renowned Rosenparkklinik in Germany, where she has practiced for over 26 years. Her vast experience and commitment to innovation have helped advance minimally invasive liposuction techniques.
Dr Nilesh Goyal
Dr. Nilesh Goyal is a highly experienced dermatosurgeon with over 30 years in clinical and surgical dermatology. Trained in India, the UK, Canada, and the USA, he has gained extensive international expertise in complex dermatologic procedures, cosmetic dermatology, and innovative skin treatments. Renowned for his precision and dedication, he has been recognized with the Outstanding Contribution to Dermatosurgery award by Prof. Lawrence Field at the DASIL Annual Meeting in Shanghai, 2017.
Dr Eckart Haneke
Dr. Eckart Haneke is a distinguished dermatologist and academic with over five decades of extensive experience in clinical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, and research. A graduate of Martin-Luther-University Halle/Saale, he completed his dermatology training and board certification in 1971. He later served as Professor and Chairman of Dermatology at Wuppertal Hospital and Senior Consultant at several leading centers in Ghent, Berne, Nijmegen, and Porto.
Dr. Rommel P. Caballes
Dr. Rommel P. Caballes is a board-certified dermatologist and aesthetic physician with over 20 years of extensive experience in clinical and aesthetic dermatology. Trained in the Philippines and abroad, he specializes in advanced nonsurgical facial rejuvenation using energy-based devices, fillers, threads, and biostimulators. He is past president of PADSFI, mentor for ASDS, and trainer for Allergan Academy and Profhilo, currently practicing at The Body Clinic, Medical Plaza Ortigas.
Dr Marlene Capelo
Dr. Capelo is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in aesthetic dermatology and body contouring. Practicing at Rosenpark Klinik since 2014, she trained in liposuction under Dr. Gerhard Sattler and has expertise in tumescent liposuction and advanced aesthetic treatments. She is actively involved in national and international dermatology forums, clinical research, teaching, and professional development activities.
Dr. Haris Rigas
Dr. Haris Rigas is a dermatologist and Mohs surgery fellow with a focus on cosmetic and surgical procedural dermatology. Passionate about tumescent anesthesia liposuction, he aims to develop expertise in this under-practiced technique in Romania and Greece. Committed to rigorous training and continuous learning, Dr. Rigas is dedicated to mastering advanced procedures and helping patients achieve results.
Dr. Tess Ferrariz
Dr. Ferrariz is a board-certified dermatologist, dermatologic surgeon, and cosmetic surgeon with expertise in tumescent anesthesia liposuction. She is a founding member of the Philippine Liposuction Society & Philippine Academy for Dermatologic Surgery, and a sought-after speaker at local and international dermatology conferences, training colleagues and advancing innovative surgical techniques.
Dr. Konstantin Feise
Dr. Feise is a board-certified dermatologist and phlebologist specializing in liposuction under tumescent local anesthesia. Trained with Dr. Gerhard Sattler in Darmstadt (2011–2015), he has practiced at Sophienklinik, Stuttgart, since 2015, performing over 2,500 liposuctions and focusing on lipedema and laser-assisted lipolysis. He is a published author, international speaker, and former vice-president of the German Dermatological Laser Society (DDL).
Dr Mihaela Leventer
Dr. Mihaela Leventer is a dermatologist with over 30 years of experience, practicing since 1992 in Bucharest, Romania. An Associate Professor at Carol Davila University of Medicine, she leads the country’s largest private dermosurgery and cutaneous oncology clinic, featuring a Mohs microsurgery department. Trained in liposuction under Prof. Lawrence Field. Her skill and dedication establish her as a leading authority in safe, effective dermosurgery and liposuction techniques.
Dr Hajo Bruinning
Dr. Hajo Bruining is a dermatologist with over 30 years of expertise in cosmetic and medical fat treatments, including tumescent liposuction, lipofilling, and injectables. Based in the Netherlands, he leads ReSculpt Clinic, ReSculpt Aesthetics, and ReSculpt Academy, combining advanced surgical techniques with a patient-centered approach. Trained under Dr. Loek Habbema and with extensive clinical experience, he is a founding board member of ISTAL and a recognized authority in lipedema dermatosurgery.
Dr Emily Soriano
Dr. Miriam Emily Piansay-Soriano is a board-certified dermatologist with over 30 years of expertise, practicing since 1990 in Davao City, Philippines. She is Associate Professor of Dermatology and Chair of the Department of Dermatology at Davao Medical School Foundation, and President of MediSkin Clinics. Trained in liposuction by Dr. Pierre Fournier, she has extensive experience in tumescent anesthesia and advanced fat transfer techniques.
Dr Alina Fratila
Born in Bucharest, Romania, Prof. Fratila studied Dermatology at the University of Bonn, Germany. For over 40 years, she has specialized in Aesthetic Dermatology and Surgery, Phlebology, Aesthetic Laser Medicine, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery. Since 2012, she has been a visiting professor at “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania, and served as President of ISDS (2002–2004). She founded Jungbrunnen-Klinik Dr. Fratila GmbH, now part of Bergman Clinics, offering advanced aesthetic and laser treatments.
Dr. Patrick Schauer
Dr. Schauer is a nationally and internationally recognized dermatologist specializing in aesthetic medicine. He graduated from the University of Vienna School of Medicine, holding degrees in general medicine and occupational health, and completed his dermatology training at AKH Linz.His expertise includes medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, with clinical interests in dermatosurgery, laser surgery, anatomy, and minimally invasive procedures. He is known for his patient-focused approach and commitment to achieving natural, long-lasting results.