All you need to know about India's new wave of cosmetic surgery

India Today

4 hours ago

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 class.India 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 personal.advertisementSHIFTING 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 explains.TAILORED 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 says.Botox, 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 Shome.His 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 says.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 Shome.This 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 says.His 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