SPEAKERS 2025
Dr. Mariano Suppa
Dr. Mariano Suppa is Associate Professor of Dermatology at the Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB). He specializes in dermatological imaging, artificial intelligence, and the application of new technologies to improve the diagnosis and management of skin disorders. With a strong academic background and multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Suppa is recognized internationally for his research on dermoscopy and AI-based diagnostic tools. He is actively involved in clinical practice, teaching, and mentorship of young dermatologists. His current work focuses on integrating imaging innovations into aesthetic dermatology with a strong emphasis on patient safety and evidence-based practice.
Dr. Christophe Leys
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Dr. Christophe Leys is a practicing dermatologist in Sint Truiden, Belgium, with a special interest in aesthetic dermatology and the safe use of injectable treatments. He is widely respected for his practical expertise in managing complications related to fillers and injectables, often lecturing on best practices for complication prevention and management. Dr. Leys combines daily clinical work with teaching and professional engagement, helping to establish safety protocols and guidelines in aesthetic procedures. His work emphasizes patient education, careful technique, and evidence-based decision making.
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Bernhard Paetzold
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Bernhard Paetzold is a synthetic biologist and scientific co-founder of S-Biomedic, where he leads research and product development focused on harnessing the skin microbiome for cosmetic innovation. His work bridges microbiology, biotechnology, and dermatology, aiming to translate fundamental microbial insights into new solutions for skin health.
Bernhard completed his PhD in synthetic biology, where he collaborated with the pharmaceutical industry to engineer bacteria as “living pills” — self-replicating therapeutics capable of modulating human physiology. This early work laid the foundation for his lifelong interest in microbial ecosystems and their interactions with the human host. Driven by curiosity for the untapped chemical diversity of our own microbiota, Bernhard is passionate about uncovering the natural bioactive compounds produced every day on human skin — and leveraging them to shape the next generation of microbiome-based therapies.
Dr. Peeters Wouter
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Dr. Peeters Wouter is Head of the Plastic Surgery Department at AZ Klina in Belgium. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he specializes in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery with a focus on facial rejuvenation, minimally invasive techniques, and bio-stimulatory approaches. His leadership at AZ Klina has contributed to the development of innovative surgical programs and multidisciplinary care models. Dr. Wouters is active in academic teaching and has published on aesthetic outcomes and patient safety. His clinical practice is guided by precision, natural results, and continuous improvement in patient care.
Prof. Firas Al Niami
Professor Firas Al-Niaimi is a highly experienced and skilled consultant dermatologist, Mohs and laser expert with nearly 20 years’ experience and an international standing trained in some of the UK's top hospitals and fellowship-trained in dermatologic surgery and lasers at St. Thomas’ hospital in London where he continued to work there as an honorary consultant for a number of years before moving to fulltime private practice.
His passion for education, research and science has led him to publish over 220 publications in Dermatology and lasers including his own published book and 10 book chapters making him one of the most prolific and well-published consultant dermatologists in the UK. In addition to this he has delivered more than 600 scientific presentations in 83 countries around the world (nearly half of the globe!) including keynote lectures at prestigious international conferences. His contribution to British dermatology was such that in 2019 he was awarded the “Global excellence award” for the title of consultant Dermatologist of the year in London and won this award for the second time in 2022. His academic success culminated in 2021 when he became a professor at Aalborg university in Denmark. His main interest is the application of lasers in dermatology and has performed hundreds of treatments.
Prof. J. Gutermuth
Jan Gutermuth is head of the dermatology department and coordinator of the center for inflammatory diseases of the Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel/ Vrije Universiteit Brussel. With a scientific background in allergology & immunology he trained in healthcare management Harvard Business School and applies a structured approach to healthcare delivery. He recently founded the research group “Healthcare Research in Dermatology” and is involved in organizing the UZ Brussel leadership academy.
Dr. S. Baharlou
Doctor Samira Baharlou obtained her Medical Degree at the Medical School Chant & Humboldt University Berlin. Germany and specialized afterwards in dermatology, venerology and tumor therapy.
Dr. Baharlou is head of clinic at the university hospital in Brussels and consultant at the hospital Sint-Maria Halle.
She is a founding member of "Belgian Laser Group in 2016 and secretary and active member of the Belgian Euromelanoma Group since 2019.
She is a member of the Belgian and French Society of Dermatology, the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology as well as the French and European Laser Society.
Her clinical focus is on laser therapy, esthet dermatology, dermatological surgery and dermato-oncology.