“Invest in your skin. It is going to represent you for a very long time.” – How true is this thought by Linden Tyler! People tend to visit specialists and get customized treatments regardless of the healthcare issue. Likewise, it is advisable to follow a skincare routine; for that, expert opinion plays a crucial role.

With this thought, guided by Dr Rinky Kapoor, a team of highly qualified and experienced dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and internationally trained super-specialists is working to deliver exceptional results by using one of a kind platform – The Esthetic Clinics. The clinic is privileged to have mentors in India and abroad who are helping to build a world-class institution.

This clinic has a DCGI-approved ethics committee to help conduct research, and, they work on healing patients with their expertise, an outstanding example being one-of-a-kind patented hair regrowth formulation for treatment of various types of hairloss.

In an exclusive interview with CIOLOOK India, Dr Kapoor narrates her million-dollar story and dozens of achievements.

Please brief us about your journey in the dermatology segment and how you have made your clinic excel in the skin/hair care segment.

I am an experienced dermatologist and have excelled in this sector with persistence and knowledge. I started my career by acquiring a medical degree from Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College and General Hospital, Mumbai. I continued to the same institute to pursue specialized training in Dermatology.

Later, I was offered the prestigious Fellowship at the National Skin Centre (NSC), Singapore, by The International Society of Dermatology. For the first few years after my studies, I received training under cosmetic dermatologists in India and abroad and gained guidance and the latest in the field at that time.

Later, the Apollo group of hospitals invited me to start a cosmetic medical centre in Hyderabad. I set up their centre for a few years and later moved to Mumbai and started The Esthetic Clinics with a world-class cosmetic surgeon Dr Debraj Shome. Within ten years, I expanded the clinic in prime cities of India such as New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

Tell us more about your services.

The Esthetic Clinics is a renowned and world-class destination for the most advanced dermatology, trichology, cosmetic and plastic surgical procedures. We offer a wide range of patient-related services:

• General Dermatology (skincare)
• Cosmetic Dermatology and Lasers (Hair removal, pigmentation reduction, scar treatments, antiaging, etc.)
• Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Trauma/congenital disabilities/cancer complications)
• Cosmetic Surgery (Cosmetic as well as functional eye and nose surgeries, face lifts, breast lifts, Liposuction, tummy tucks, etc.)
• Non-Surgical Injectables (Botox, fillers, threads, etc.)
• Trichology (Non-surgical and surgical hair restoration)
• Bariatric Surgery
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Cosmetic Gynaecology

We also offer services such as clinical trials for upcoming treatments, Research publications in journals, Training future practitioners in the latest in the field, Philanthropy, etc.

What aspects make you stand out in the changing market situation?

There are various dermatology centres in the industry, yet The Esthetic Clinics attracts the attention of its clients as it attempts to stay accessible to patients in different parts of the country. For this reason, we have opened multiple centres across India. We are also investing in franchises to increase the reach of our services to a larger population. Moreover, we have a facility for online consultations for patients who cannot reach the centres, and they are in the safe hands of consultants with strong medical and research backgrounds.

We also boast our clinic as digitally forward as we store our data electronically and make customized treatment plans for our patients according to their concerns. Medical ethics and safety are paramount and are not compromised at any cost at the clinic.

The important benefit is our services are economical and are provided by world-class expertise facilities. We also focus on educating people through social media to spread awareness. This patient education includes informing people about skin and hair issues, cosmetic issues, available treatments, benefits, downsides, etc.

Tell us about the immersive benefits your dermatology clinic offers to people seeking to improve their skin and hair.

Being one of the renowned clinics in India, The Esthetic Clinics offers immense benefits. We are the best choice for those wishing to treat/improve/enhance their skin and hair condition. As we treat patients with a comprehensive and individualized approach using the latest technologies, they visit the clinic with assurance and trust.

One of the benefits of acquiring treatments from The Esthetic clinics is that we follow a definite approach that includes Detailed consultation, diagnosis by experts, personalised treatment plans and ensuring safety. Moreover, patients receive all treatments under one roof, with all related specialists available at the same centre. It benefits them as they do not need to find the right opinion elsewhere.

Being an experienced leader, share your opinion on how adopting modern technologies like AI and ML impacts today’s skincare sector and how your clinic is adapting to the change.

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are having a huge influence on the skincare industry, we have also incorporated them into the practice by adopting digital tools, image analysis software, and AI-powered platforms, among other things. These systems can be used in appointment management systems, Maintenance of electronic records, Photographic records, Analysis of images of skin diseases, telemedicine, etc.

The introduction of Laser equipment has revolutionized the skincare industry, and novel medications and treatment options for various skin disorders have been discovered and developed. Moreover, social media and tools like Zoom and Google Meet have been a great help for facilitating discussions, interactions, knowledge upgradation, etc. However, clinical judgment is essential, and no technology is a substitute for a well-trained doctor and the humane care our experts can give a patient.

Considering the current modern lifestyle of the people, what kind of challenges do you face in skin treatments, and how do you drive your services to overcome them?

With the changing world, people face different skin and hair-related issues due to pollution, UV radiation, chemicals, unhealthy lifestyle, information overload, FOMO (fear of missing out) syndrome, etc. These factors lead to skin change, and disorders like acne, hair fall, allergies, eczema, pigmentation, ageing, obesity, and hormonal disturbances affect today’s lives.

Moreover, body dysmorphia disorders are getting increased due to anxiety as this is a selfie obsessed generation. Emerging issues also include “text neck,” “digital eye strain,” and “tech acne.” To deal with such problems and offer the best care, we, as skin doctors, must educate ourselves and stay updated on the latest trends. Also, we ought to educate people through authentic, medically sound videos, lectures, etc., collaborate with other specialists, including nutritionists and lifestyle experts, and provide a holistic and personalized plan.

How do you envision scaling your skin care services in the future?

We have already established and expanded our clinic to prime cities in India and wish to open more franchises in the future. We see ourselves as an organization implementing digitalization, telemedicine, and patient satisfaction, increasing our social media presence and strengthening our research and development teams. We also aim to launch mobile apps for our clients.

What would you advise budding professionals aspiring to venture into the dermatology sector?

As a professional dermatologist, I want to add some points to help my budding leaders in the coming years. You pursue your education from a good institute and focus on inculcating the habit of research from your training period. Do not restrict yourself to the local level but explore internationally. Never compromise on ethics and be legally protected. Keep upgrading your knowledge and expertise regularly. Develop your network of skilled dermatologists and other field specialists.

I would also love to add some personalized comments here, such as respecting your colleagues and cherishing the support from your family, friends, and other close people. The staff that works for you must be taken care of and motivated as they are the backbone of your institution. Always empathize with your patients, understand their concerns, and provide customized services. Last but not least, commit to lifelong learning and professional development.

Please give us a glimpse of your numerous accomplishments that accurately highlight your position in the dermatology segment.

With a happy heart, I would love to share some awards and achievements that The Esthetic Clinics and I have received.

• One of the top 10 cosmetic clinics in the world 2023 by ‘The Luxe Insider.’
• One amongst the Top 3 cosmetic clinic chains in Skin care, plastic and cosmetic surgery, and hair restoration (2019-2022 (Times Health Survey)).
• Innovator of the year 2021 for the invention of QR678 hair regrowth solution.
• Best Cosmetic Dermatologist India 2016.
• Best Dermatologist in India 2016.
• Most valuable and admired Cosmetic Dermatologist India 2015.
• Best Dermatologist in India 2015.
• Grooming expert and invited judge for the Mrs India Globe beauty pageant, Mumbai, India, 2015.
• Selected for the WCD 2011 Scholarship.
• Been consultant to Miss India, Mrs India finalists, Dance India Dance competitors for Zee, etc.