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India Today
2 days ago
- Health
- India Today
All you need to know about India's new wave of cosmetic surgery
What if beauty wasn't about chasing trends, but rediscovering your best self? In a world of filters, facial symmetry apps, and influencer aesthetics, cosmetic surgery in India is undergoing a quiet revolution—one that blends science, identity, and cultural nuance. No longer cloaked in taboo, aesthetic procedures are becoming mainstream, especially amongst India's urban middle Today spoke with Dr Debraj Shome, Co-founder and Director of one of India's leading multi-city The Esthetic Clinics , to explore how personalised cosmetic interventions are shaping a more confident, self-aware generation—one tweak at a time. From skin boosters to facial architecture tailored to Indian features, this is the new face of beauty: subtle, preventative, and deeply MINDSETS: COSMETIC SURGERY AS SELF-CARE, NOT VANITYAccording to Dr Shome, the past two decades have seen a significant transformation. 'Today's urban middle class sees cosmetic procedures not as vanity, but as smart self-investment,' he says. His patients range from young professionals to older individuals, all seeking natural-looking enhancements. Preventive treatments have surged. 'People in their twenties and thirties are choosing early interventions—Botox, advanced skin boosters, thread lifts, and our proprietary hair restoration therapy—to delay ageing instead of reversing it later,' he AESTHETICS FOR INDIA'S ETHNIC DIVERSITYFacial architecture, a foundational principle in Dr Shome's practice, requires an understanding of bone structure, soft tissue, and proportional harmony. With patients from across India's regions, he has developed a culturally sensitive approach.'Aesthetic ideals vary dramatically across the country. From the sculptural elegance of North Indian features to the fine angularity in the Northeast, we never use a one-size-fits-all formula,' he says. 'Each treatment plan is customised, not to Western standards, but to highlight what's inherently beautiful in each individual.'advertisementSKIN-DEEP SCIENCE: WORKING WITH INDIAN COMPLEXIONSIndian skin types—typically rich in melanin—demand unique treatment protocols. 'Our skin is more prone to hyperpigmentation and scarring,' says Dr Shome. He has tailored protocols for lasers, peels, and injectables to suit these needs.'From IPL and targeted fillers to customised rejuvenation therapies, every procedure is adjusted for safety and efficacy. When contouring Indian features, we consider broader mandibles or fuller cheeks—our approach is always structural, not superficial.'The demand for subtle, non-surgical procedures has overtaken traditional cosmetic surgeries. 'Earlier, patients wanted significant transformations—now they want small adjustments that preserve authenticity,' he dermal fillers, thread lifts, and under-eye rejuvenation are among the most requested. His signature hair therapy, a US-patented innovation for hair restoration, is also seeing high demand. 'Our goal is to refresh, not erase. It's about long-term confidence, not short-term correction.'CULTURAL INTEGRITY IN AESTHETIC OUTCOMESRespecting cultural identity is central to Dr Shome's practice. Consultations go beyond medical assessments—they involve discussions about heritage, regional beauty ideals, and personal values.'For instance, we design rhinoplasties that preserve ethnic contours while offering refinement. In facial contouring, the aim is not standardisation, but celebration of individuality. When someone says 'you look amazing' without pinpointing what changed, we've done it right.'SAFETY AND PRECISION THROUGH TECHNOLOGYadvertisementAdvancements like 3D facial scanning and AI-powered skin diagnostics have brought unprecedented precision. 'We use high-resolution imaging and smart injectable systems to plan treatments with millimetre accuracy,' says Dr patented hair treatment, developed after rigorous research, has already benefited patients across 10+ countries. 'Technology is allowing us to combine artistry with data-backed safety, making results not only beautiful but reliable.'THE FILTER EFFECT: COUNSELLING PATIENTS IN THE VIRAL ERAWith social media shaping beauty ideals, Dr Shome often has to educate patients. 'Many come in with filtered selfies or viral trends that don't suit their facial structure,' he emphasises consultation and education. 'We guide patients toward realistic goals. Whether it's our refined jawline contouring or nose reshaping techniques, the result should be enhancement, not transformation. Authenticity matters more than trends.'TRADITIONAL VALUES, CONTEMPORARY TECHNIQUESIndian beauty ideals have always prized grace, proportion, and subtlety—qualities that align well with modern surgical principles. 'We help patients understand how small refinements can amplify traditional features,' says Dr philosophy, he says, bridges generational expectations. 'A mother may want her daughter to retain family features, while the daughter wants subtle enhancements—we find a balance that honours both.'advertisementDEMAND BEYOND METROS: THE NEW FRONTIERThe demand for cosmetic care is growing in smaller cities. 'Patients from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities are informed, confident, and committed. Word-of-mouth success and social proof are driving acceptance,' he clinic network has expanded accordingly, with consistent quality and protocols. 'We're reaching regions where cosmetic care was once unthinkable. It's no longer luxury—it's part of self-care.'ADVICE FOR FIRST-TIME PATIENTSDr Shome's message to those considering aesthetic treatment is clear: 'Start with the right reasons. Do it for yourself—not others. Choose certified professionals, understand the risks, and be patient with the process.'With over two decades of global training, research publications, and clinical innovations behind him, he views every treatment as a collaborative journey. 'It's not about trends—it's about helping people become more confident, more themselves.'- EndsMust Watch
India Today
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Want to get your face insured? You might not even stand a chance
Just a couple of days back, rumours were rife that Karan Johar had made multiple visits to South Korea to get his face insured (yes, that's a thing).Now, while the rumours went crazy viral, thanks to a Reddit thread, there has been no statement or confirmation from his side yet that could substantiate these claims. He, in fact, shared a cryptic post amidst all the hullabaloo around his so-called face insurance. The Reddit thread that went viral. While there is doubt looming over the authenticity of this update, there is also a lot of curiosity surrounding the concept of face Today spoke to cosmetologists to understand things better, and this is what we fuss about face insuranceYou can get an insurance policy for almost anything valuable – your house, car, jewellery. But it turns out there are more things (or body parts) that can be insured than what just meets the insurance refers to a type of insurance policy that protects a person's facial appearance, typically taken out by celebrities, models, actors, or public figures whose face is directly tied to their is not your conventional insurance product, available to everyone off the shelf. Rather, it's a customised policy often created under body part insurance or celebrity insurance offered by specialised underwriters (Lloyd's of London).Dr Debraj Shome, co-founder and director, The Esthetic Clinics, says, "This type of insurance provides monetary compensation in the event of facial trauma, disfigurement, burns, or complications from reconstructive procedures that may result in loss of income or career disruption. While relatively rare, face insurance has gained attention in Western countries through high-profile examples such as actors and athletes insuring body parts critical to their professions."Why would someone insure their face?Well, the idea is simple: if your face is your brand (in case you are a movie star, model, or beauty influencer), any damage done to your it, like permanent scars, disfigurement, etc, it could lead to a loss of income or career opportunities. This insurance will make sure to cover any loss that you incur, just in case something untoward Akanksha Singh, Senior Cosmetologist, SENS Clinic, also adds that since facial appearance is an important differentiator and a critical determinant of commercial value for actors, models and influencers, it makes for an important asset that is worth evaluations are essential to policy underwriting. Experts in facial surgery, dermatology, and biometric analysis conduct baseline documentation that supports future is the assessment doneDr Singh says that the procedure for face insurance is highly customised, taking into account the face's commercial value based on an assessment of linked endorsements and other commercial about the evaluation, Dr Shome, explains, "Pre-insurance evaluations involve high-definition photography, dermatological assessments, and digital facial symmetry mapping. These evaluations are often supported by clinicians with experience in both aesthetic medicine and reconstructive surgery. Institutions with a multidisciplinary approach."The process begins with a consultation between the applicant and an insurer, where the insured value and risk exposure are is followed by a comprehensive facial assessment conducted by qualified medical assessments typically include three-dimensional facial imaging, skin health analysis, and structural symmetry reports. Medical practitioners with expertise in facial aesthetics and reconstructive surgery are best positioned to conduct these clinical documentation is submitted, the insurer conducts risk analysis based on the applicant's profession, exposure to facial risk, and previous medical or cosmetic terms are then tailored to the individual, with coverage potentially including trauma, burns, medically indicated surgery, and career-impacting reassessments are often required to ensure policy accuracy. These reassessments are supported by consistent documentation from medical centres that maintain standardised photographic and diagnostic protocol ensures transparency, minimises claims disputes, and anchors the insurance policy in medical then, there is body part insurance tooJust like you can insure your face, you can also insure any part of your body. However, you need to prove it's a real asset and not an appendage. It also involves proving that you have used a considerable amount of time and money perfecting the skills and functions of the body part in instance, surgeons can get their hands insured since they have been through extensive training throughout their lives and if something were to happen to them that could finish their ability to perform more surgeries, the insurance will take care of the with a sommelier, whose taste buds or their sense of smell is their source of and their insured body partsFor an average person, face or body insurance can be really difficult to obtain because it comes with a hefty price tag. Only high-net-worth individuals with higher disposable income can opt for Klum apparently insured her legs for about $2 million, but one was worth more than the other because of a Kardashian, Miley Cyrus, and Julia Roberts have all been rumoured to have insured various body parts, including their faces or smiles, as part of personal branding does India standadvertisementFace insurance is still uncommon, but it is slowly gaining recognition in countries where personal branding and appearance are directly linked to economic opportunity. While the number of policies issued globally remains limited, demand is increasing among professionals who are into visual media or performance insurers in markets such as the United Kingdom and the United States have developed bespoke policies for actors, musicians, and media personalities, says Dr Shome. "In emerging markets, awareness is growing, but uptake remains low due to a lack of tailored insurance products and standardised assessment protocols. However, aesthetic and reconstructive clinics in India and Southeast Asia are beginning to receive increasing queries related to face insurance," Dr Shome concludes.
News18
29-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
Last Updated: Cosmetic surgery in India is no longer about vanity it's about agency, healing, and the right to feel whole. For decades, cosmetic surgery in India has existed in a strange paradox widely sought after in whispers, yet shrouded in societal judgment. Despite the millions who undergo aesthetic procedures globally, the stigma surrounding cosmetic surgery in India remains deeply entrenched in cultural, historical, and spiritual narratives. But change is in the air. Dr. Debraj Shome, Director of The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) and Co-Founder, Esthetic Centers International Pvt. Ltd., is at the forefront of this transformation. A Diplomate of the American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shome is a globally renowned facial plastic surgeon whose work is as much about restoring confidence as it is about reshaping features. In a candid conversation, he deconstructs the persistent stigma, uncovers the deeper motivations behind cosmetic procedures, and offers a humane, ethical lens on the future of aesthetic medicine in India. 'India's hesitation around cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome explains, 'is rooted in a complex interplay of cultural conditioning and historical scarcity." In a society shaped by colonial trauma, post-independence austerity, and conservative spending patterns, investing in one's appearance has often been seen as indulgent or worse, vain. Spiritual philosophies, too, have played a role. Many Indian traditions emphasize antarmukhi (looking inward) over bahirmukhi (external focus), associating concern for appearance with ego (ahankar). As a result, aesthetic enhancements have long been viewed as superficial or even morally suspect. But things are changing. 'Today's India is younger, wealthier, and more globally connected," says Dr. Shome. 'People are realizing that taking care of how they look is not vanity it's agency. It's self-respect." At The Esthetic Clinics, the focus is on emotional well-being just as much as physical transformation. 'A tired-looking face might not match the energy of a dynamic professional. Or someone who has been teased for a facial feature might carry that burden into adulthood. In such cases, surgery becomes a way to reclaim one's sense of self." Far from being frivolous, cosmetic surgery can have profound ripple effects boosting self-confidence, restoring dignity, and opening doors to professional and personal growth. Some of the most powerful outcomes, Dr. Shome shares, are not about glamour—they're about healing. He recounts the journey of a 26-year-old woman with PCOS-related hair loss, whose social life had collapsed under the weight of her self-esteem issues. With targeted treatments, her confidence was restored and so was her presence in the world. Then there's the 52-year-old breast cancer survivor. 'After her mastectomy and chemotherapy, she didn't recognize herself. Reconstructive procedures gave her a renewed sense of femininity and wholeness." But perhaps the most soul-stirring transformations are those of acid attack survivors. 'These are not just medical cases," says Dr. Shome, 'they're emotional and social recoveries. Surgery allows these individuals to reclaim public space, move without fear, and live with dignity." Celebrity Silence: A Barrier to Awareness In an age where celebrities shape beauty standards, their refusal to acknowledge cosmetic procedures has serious repercussions. 'When a 60-year-old celebrity credits flawless skin to yoga and green juice without mentioning aesthetic work it perpetuates myths and fuels insecurity," notes Dr. Shome. He emphasizes the importance of transparency, 'Honest conversations by public figures could normalize cosmetic surgery, eliminate shame, and help people make informed choices. In a media-driven world, honesty is no longer optional, it's critical." The Ethics of Saying No: Where Responsibility Meets Empathy At TEC, ethical boundaries are sacred. 'Roughly 10% of our consultations are redirected to psychological counseling," reveals Dr. Shome. From body dysmorphia to emotionally charged requests, the team prioritizes patient mental health over profit. 'When someone walks in asking to look like a celebrity, or wants multiple procedures that distort their natural aesthetic, we engage in gentle but firm conversations. Surgery should never be a Band-Aid for deeper emotional wounds." This compassionate approach reinforces one of Dr. Shome's core beliefs, 'Cosmetic surgery should heal, not harm. Enhance, not erase. The goal is to help people feel like the best version of themselves—not someone else entirely." The Road Ahead: From Stigma to Self-Respect India is at the cusp of a new era, one where self-care includes the right to feel good in one's own skin, without judgment. 'As India evolves, so must its understanding of cosmetic surgery," Dr. Shome reflects. 'This is not about chasing perfection. It's about choosing agency, dignity, and alignment. When done with empathy and ethics, aesthetic medicine becomes a tool for healing." top videos View all At The Esthetic Clinics, the mission is clear: to empower individuals to make informed, guilt-free choices supported by science, compassion, and the belief that beauty is deeply personal. Because at the heart of every successful procedure lies something profoundly human: the desire to feel whole. First Published: May 29, 2025, 07:44 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
