‘Aesthetic clinics being run by non-experts’

Many of these clinics are run by doctors who have done a short-term course in aesthetic medicine. One must also understand the procedure before going under the knife. Kiran, an aspiring air-hostess, recently underwent a scar correction procedure at a centre in the city. While the scars failed to go, she is left with a huge rash as well. 

Upon questioning, she was told it was one of the side- effects. “They said my scars would be treated for just Rs 2000, but I had no idea about any side-effects. I was not told about it,” she says. Ask Kiran, if she checked for the centre’s credentials, she shakes her head in dismay. Laser treatment, hair transplant, liposuction, male breast correction, female breast augmentation: scope for aesthetic medicine is vast. It may seem harmless, but non-surgical procedures being carried out by unqualified professionals is worrying, say experts. 

Dr Jayanthy Ravindran, who runs Tamira Aesthetic Centre, says, “Many clinics are run by those who have an MBBS degree and some of them do a shortterm course in aesthetic medicine in the form of a fellowship attached to some university. How can they learn it all in just 10 days, when one actually spends three years?”  Proximity is a major reason for these clinics to thrive, points out. 

“Some of these procedures are recurring and many might feel it is easier to go for treatment to any clinic located close by.” Dr Rajmohan VM, plastic and cosmetic surgeon, says every medical procedure is crucial, irrespective of the speciality. 

“No cosmetic procedure is major or minor and they are all equally important for the clients and adequate precautions must be taken. The recent case of a medico student dying after hair transplant at a centre in the city shows how rules are beingbe flouted.,” he says. Awareness among clients is the key, according to Dr Jayanthy. 

“People must be aware of the treatment they are opting for. There is a big difference between negligence and complication. If the procedure is not followed and the patient’s safety is compromised, that is negligence. Complications can arise and the practitioner must know how to deal with it,” she says. Cost alone shouldn’t determine the choice of clinics, says Dr S Selvaseetharaman, plastic surgeon, SIMS. 

“It is always better for clients to check out the facilities and while you compare costs, don’t compromise on quality. These procedures involve tissue intervention and sterile conditions are a must,” he says.