Dr. Anja Arellano Montalvo, MD, FECAMS, FAFS, FABCS, is an internationally trained Plastic Surgeon with a strong clinical foundation in facial, body, and hair restoration procedures. With academic training across Mexico and Europe, and extensive participation in global congresses and advanced surgical workshops, she represents a new generation of surgeons committed to evidence-based, internationally aligned aesthetic practice.

Her academic background includes a Master’s degree in Laser and Phototherapy in Dermatological Pathology from the University of Barcelona, alongside a Master’s in Aesthetic Surgery and a medical degree from Tecnológico de Monterrey (ITESM). Her clinical and academic exposure spans multiple healthcare systems, including advanced surgical training in Germany and participation in high-level cadaveric dissection programmes in institutions such as Duke University and the University of California, San Diego.

To further refine her expertise in aesthetic facial surgery, Dr. Arellano undertook the double Fellowship in Aesthetic Facial Surgery & Aesthetic Body Contouring Surgery at ECAMS—an internationally recognised, structured and competency-based programme designed for practitioners seeking the highest standards in aesthetic medicine and surgery.

As part of this fellowship pathway, she completed advanced training in facial aesthetic procedures through a combination of cadaveric dissection and live patient surgical training. Each stage of the programme required pre-course theoretical preparation through structured e-learning and assessment, ensuring a strong anatomical and clinical foundation prior to hands-on participation.

During the practical phases, her surgical skills were directly evaluated and graded by expert faculty using objective, competency-based assessment criteria. This was followed by supervised clinical mentoring and the submission of verified case logbooks demonstrating the safe and effective application of techniques in clinical practice. Only upon successful completion of all stages and final assessment was she awarded the title of Fellow of the European College of Aesthetic Medicine & Surgery (FECAMS).

This fellowship represents a rigorous and validated pathway—distinguishing it from conventional course-based certifications—and reflects a high level of clinical competence, consistency, and commitment to patient safety.

In addition to her facial aesthetic practice, Dr. Arellano specialises in advanced hair restoration, leading the Hair Restoration Department at a dermatologic and cosmetic surgery clinic in Puebla since 2017, where she performs FUT, FUE, and robotic techniques. She is an active member of leading international societies including ISRHRS, AACS, and ASHRS, and continues to contribute to the field through research, publications, and global scientific engagement.

Fluent in Spanish, English, German, and French, Dr. Arellano combines international perspective with clinical precision—delivering aesthetic outcomes grounded in anatomy, safety, and continuous professional development.