Latest news with #DebrajShome
Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
Doc, I want to look like my selfie
A 14-year-old girl recently approached cosmetic surgeon Dr Debraj Shome with her selfie and a request: 'a pout' like in her photo, something she generated using a lip-enhancing photo filter on Instagram. Dr Shome denied the request as patients below the age of 18 need parental consent and recommended therapy instead. 'She was annoyed,' says Dr Shome. 'Her boyfriend also wanted the look, she said, and told me she had 30,000 rupees for the procedure.' She later went on to write a caustic review of the doctor online. There was a time when patients approached cosmetic surgeons with requests to look like celebrities. But now, many come with their own selfies with filters applied – where the skin is smooth, jawlines unnaturally sharp, and facial proportions altered beyond biological feasibility, the latest being the 'upturned upper lip,' says Chennai-based regenerative medicine specialist Dr Chandan A. 'A third of my clients are men,' he says. Such is the power of filters that Dr Shome recently did a study on their effect on youngsters. 'We realised there was a growing psychological disconnect between real and virtual self-perception, and very little data in the Indian context,' says Dr Shome, founder of The Esthetics Clinic. The study found that posting edited selfies on social media, especially with AI filters, worsened people's self-image, driving them to approach cosmetic surgeons with requests for the filtered look in real life. Women and Gen Z reported higher impact on confidence and interest in surgery, says the study, which was published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in December 2019. It also showed filtered selfies created unattainable beauty standards that deeply affected mood, self-esteem, and real-world identity. 'It echoed what we see in the clinic every week, which is young people tying self-worth to their digital selves,' says Dr Shome. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai He adds that selfies with filters may lead to a 'perception drift', wherein someone gets so used to the edited version that their sense of self gradually drifts from the original. 'For example, someone with a wheatish complexion always uses a fairness filter when posing selfies, and over time, their brain gets rewired. They expect the face to look fairer in the mirror, but the skin colour has not really changed. This causes a false sense of self, which may lead to body dysmorphia. ' Such people end up in cosmetic surgeons' clinics. But then, achieving the look isn't easy. 'Social media has filters that blur the pores and blemishes with a single click, which is not possible in real life,' says Dr Sasikumar Muthu, plastic and cosmetic surgeon and founder of PearlHealth Clinic in Chennai. 'Once the idea gets into their head, they just want to somehow achieve the look. I've been in this field for more than 15 years, and the cases have considerably increased after phone camera filters became popular. Children as young as 13 come in with these requests, and the parents indulge them. I send them away at the consultation stage itself. As cosmetic surgeons, generally, we believe that the more we say no, the better for the patient. We don't operate unless the patient is fit for a procedure mentally and medically, and usually only if there is natural deformity or one caused by injury or illness.' Women ask for sculpted bodies with a slim waistline, smooth skin, and plumper lips. Men generally look for sharp jawlines and hair transplants. Some want entire facial features altered according to filters, says Dr Sasi. But the bone cage is what gives the shape to body parts, which is augmented by soft tissue, and altering it will lead to more complications, he says. While some among Gen Z, such as 21-year-old Ahaana R, a copywriter from Chennai, feel that looking up to one's own refined image rather than that of a celebrity is a positive shift, there could be larger consequences on self-esteem due to the perception drift, says Dr Shome. 'The person starts worrying that people may not like the real person vs the one on Instagram. At the ages of 12 and 13, the neural connections of the brain have not completely formed yet. They live in a world where likes = worth, and where AI filters have blurred the line between aspiration and reality. The brain is a neuroplastic organ, which means it can be moulded. By constantly scrolling and seeing themselves and others look unrealistic all the time, we might be creating long-term changes in the way the neural circuitry behaves. Cosmetic surgery is a medical decision, not an emotional or trend-based one.' Filters are adding to body dysmorphia, and more young adults have developed self-doubt over the shape and size of their face and try for correction surgeries, says S Vandhana, clinical psychologist. 'Patients are rarely satisfied with just one, and will keep going back for more. Self-esteem forms in childhood, and issues develop following comments about features, which can lead to depression and anxiety. It's time we created awareness about body dysmorphia.' **Tell, don't show, says France** To address the potential negative psychological effects of manipulated images on viewers, particularly young people, France is considering a law that would require social media influencers to disclose when they use filters or retouch photos. This proposed law also aims to prohibit influencers from promoting cosmetic surgery. **In demand** - Rhinoplasty, driven largely by how noses appear in selfies, which distort angles - Lip fillers and jawline contouring, especially among young women - Under-eye rejuvenation, to remove 'tiredness' filters often erase - Skin polishing and laser facials inspired by smooth-skin filters Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Struggling with hairfall? Doctor reveals it could be the early symptom of 4 underlying health issues
Hairfall is common, common enough for many to turn a blind eye. Often brushed off casually, deeming it to be the result of haircare neglect, stress, or ageing, many realign their focus on amping up the routine with oils, serums, and more. But sometimes, it is not as surface-level as it seems, but rather a deeper, more concerning sign of health issues. The focus should be on broadening attention to consider underlying health factors that may result in hair shedding, rather than simply doubling down on oiling or hair treatments. Hairfall indicates serious health conditions, and can be one of the early symptoms.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Is stress one of the main triggers of hairfall? 8 tips to protect your hair Dr Debraj Shome, Director & Co-Founder, The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) addressed this concern and told HT Lifestyle about the connection between hair health and systemic wellness. He said, 'Hair follicles are among the most metabolically active structures in the human body, requiring a steady supply of nutrients, hormones, and oxygen to maintain their rapid growth cycle. When the body faces physiological stress, hair follicles are sometimes the first to suffer, making hair loss a potential early warning system for various medical conditions, such as diabetes, hormonal problems, stress, depression, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid disorders, to name a few.' So this raises a very valid point that your hair loss is not always a cosmetic concern, but a very well body's first distress signals, reminding the need to search for deeper root causes to these otherwise common problems. Dr Debraj Shome listed out the 4 possible health issues that may be the root causes of hairfall: 1. Iron deficiency One of the most common causes of chronic hair fall in Indian women is iron deficiency, often without anaemia. Even marginal drops in ferritin, a protein that stores iron, can push the follicles into dormancy. Studies have shown that low ferritin levels correlate with more severe telogen effluvium, particularly in menstruating women and those with restrictive diets. 2. Thyroid dysfunction Thinning of the scalp is another sign.(Shutterstock) Thyroid hormones control the growth, differentiation, metabolism, and thermogenesis of body cells, making the thyroid-hair connection particularly significant. Studies show that alopecia is a symptom in approximately 50% of people who experience hyperthyroidism and 33% of those with hypothyroidism. The pattern typically manifests as diffuse thinning across the scalp, affecting both men and women equally. 3. Autoimmune diseases Hair loss can also be the body's way of signalling autoimmune activity. Alopecia areata, an immune-mediated condition, presents as smooth, coin-shaped patches of hair loss and is often associated with conditions like vitiligo, lupus, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. 4. Cardiovascular links In men, early-onset androgenetic alopecia has been linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. A 2025 study published in the Journal of Medical Sciences and Health found that early onset androgenetic alopecia can be a clinical marker of cardiovascular issues such as metabolic syndrome, atheromatous plaques, hypertension, obesity and hyperlipidemia. As you go for a doctor's checkup, it is important to identify the timeline of the hairfall, as it would act as a valuable clue for understanding the deeper root causes. Dr Debraj Shome emphasised the value of timing. He said, ' Hair's strength lies in its timing. Its reaction is often delayed by weeks or even months, which makes it an excellent retrospective clue. For example, when a patient presents with hair shedding in March, the trigger often occurred in January. This can be an illness, weight loss, a medication, or even emotional trauma. The follicles respond slowly, but visibly. This delayed feedback loop is why thorough history-taking matters so much. A scalp may tell us that something is wrong, but only a systemic lens reveals what that is and how we can work to fix it.' He also gave a heads-up that dermatologists ask not just about recent haircare but also about sleep patterns, stress levels, nutrition, menstrual history, thyroid symptoms, and gut health, which help them arrive at a comprehensive evaluation. The evaluation also includes tests like thyroid function tests, complete blood count, iron studies, vitamin D levels, and hormonal panels. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Time of India
22-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hair Regrowth Without Transplant? New Molecular Approach Offers Hope
Mumbai: A team of scientists by mapping the complete molecular network of human hair, have identified several treatment procedures that can potentially eliminate the need for surgery or transplants for restoring hair growth. According to a recent study published in "Stem Cell Research & Therapy" integrating stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling can potentially help to treat hair loss conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA) without the need of a transplant. The study co-authored by a multidisciplinary team from US and India, involving researchers of QR678, a hair regrowth formulation and The Esthetic Clinics (TEC) , suggest androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss—not as an irreversible condition, but as a breakdown in regenerative signalling that can potentially be reversed.' Under the study, the researchers analysed five key molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that collectively manage the hair follicle lifecycle. During their analysis, researchers found that in conditions like AGA, the communication between these aforementioned pathways breaks down, particularly with Wnt suppression and BMP overactivation, causing follicles to fall into dormancy. To correct such breakdowns the study outlined that gene-editing tools like CRISPR and stem cell therapies can help to correct misfiring signals, rebuild a supportive microenvironment. As per the researchers some of these treatments have already shown success in lab-grown tissue and animal models, and early clinical trials are expected to begin within the next two years. 'By mapping out the molecular misfires behind hair follicle dormancy, we now have a clearer pathway to develop therapies that don't just slow hair loss—but potentially reverse it by reawakening the body's own regenerative systems,' said Dr Michael Gold, dermatologist and founder of Gold Skin Care Center, USA. 'Hair follicles don't disappear; they go dormant due to disrupted cellular signals. By identifying how these signals fail—and how they can be restored—we move closer to resetting the system at a molecular level. It's a fundamental shift in how hair loss can be understood, and ultimately, reversed,' Dr Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC, added. Scientists involved in the study suggest the global hair loss treatment market, valued around $4 billion (₹34,000 crore) available solutions includes only external therapies–-drugs, and treatment procedures—surgery, transplants. Whereas, the study's findings signal a space for exploring gene- and cell-based molecular therapies—a therapeutic domain that follows a completely different approach with differentiated targeting and treatment mechanisms.
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Business Standard
21-07-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Researchers map hair growth pathways for non-surgical hair restoration
Mumbai-based The Esthetic Clinics (TEC), in collaboration with QR678 Research, have co-authored a research paper that maps the complete molecular network governing human hair growth—potentially offering the clearest path yet to hair restoration without the need for surgery, medication, or transplantation. Shome added that the global hair transplant market is currently valued at $15.22 billion and is projected to reach $23.32 billion by 2030. Published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, the paper was developed by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from India and the United States. It redefines androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most common form of hair loss. Significantly, the study is among the first to integrate stem cell biology, gene therapy, and molecular signalling into a unified therapeutic approach for treating AGA. 'For decades, we have treated hair loss as a cosmetic issue. This paper consolidates what we now understand about the biological breakdown behind it—and reframes baldness as a malfunction of the body's regenerative system,' said Debraj Shome, senior author and Director at TEC. The paper focuses on five main molecular pathways—Wnt/β-catenin, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP), Notch, and AKT/MAPK—that work together to control the hair follicle's growth cycle. In cases of AGA, this communication system breaks down—especially due to reduced Wnt activity and increased BMP signals—causing hair follicles to become inactive or dormant. The research proposes several therapeutic strategies to biologically 'reset' hair follicles, such as using stem cell therapies to restore a healthy follicle environment, among other approaches. The Esthetic Clinics noted that some of these approaches have shown results in lab-grown tissues and animal models, with early-stage clinical trials expected to begin within the next two years.
India Today
21-07-2025
- Health
- India Today
Scientists decode molecular secret behind hair loss, regrowth without transplant
Scientists have figured out the molecular system in our body that controls how hair grows. This could lead to new treatments that help people regrow hair naturally, without needing surgery, medicines, or hair in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, the study suggests that the most common type of hair loss (called androgenetic alopecia) isn't permanent. Instead, it's caused by a breakdown in the signals that tell hair to grow, and that process might be team combined years of research to understand what causes hair to stop growing. They found five key systems in the body that manage the hair growth cycle. In people with hair loss, these systems stop talking to each other properly, causing hair follicles to "go to sleep."To fix this, the scientists suggest using certain treatments to wake the hair follicles up again. This could include boosting helpful signals, blocking harmful ones, using tools to fix faulty genes, or even using stem cells to support hair trials could begin within the next two years, as early lab tests on animals have shown positive results.'This changes everything,' said Dr. Debraj Shome, Department of Facial Plastic Surgery and Facial Cosmetic Surgery, The Esthetic Clinics, one of the lead researchers of the paper. 'Hair follicles don't die, they just go silent. And now we know how to make them active again.'Today, most treatments for hair loss only slow it down or cover it up. But this new research aims to tackle the root cause and help people grow their own hair Depti Bellani, one of the lead authors of the paper, added: 'We're not just trying to stop hair loss anymore—we're trying to restart growth.'If the upcoming tests go well, hair restoration in the future could rely not on cosmetics but on the body's own ability to grow hair."In the future, hair regrowth treatments are likely to become more personalized. Doctors may use a person's genetic information and specific body markers to design treatments that match the exact cause of their hair loss. New medicines, including some small molecules like valproic acid and CHIR99021, will aim to target the key signals that control hair growth—making treatments safer and more effective," the paper editing tools like CRISPR could help fix genetic problems that lead to hair loss. And in more severe cases, combining stem cell therapies with tissue engineering may help rebuild or regrow hair follicles from scratch.- EndsMust Watch
