Breaking the Stigma Around Cosmetic Surgery in India: From Judgment to Empowerment
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."
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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
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