`Skin Health' and `Skin Confidence' have taken centre stage in the current world of Aesthetics. Having healthy, glowing radiant skin makes one feel more confident and less tired looking. Skin Care and Skincare products are most sought after, across all ages and in both males and females. Dr. Malavika Kohli, a pioneer of Aesthetic Dermatology in India, helps instill this confidence within her clients through a comprehensive and complete solution to all Dermatology and Cosmetology related conditions and problems.

Dr. Malavika Kohli , a renowned Dermatologist with over 28 years of experience in Aesthetic Dermatology is the Founder and Director, Skin Secrets, State of Art, Cosmetology centre, Skin Secrets with two branches one at South and another one at North Mumbai. She is one of the first to introduce Mesotherapy and Lipolysis in the country. She has been a cosmetology consultant for major events like Vogue Beauty Awards and Bridal Show, Lakme India Fashion Week and Ponds Femina Miss India Pageant. Dr. Kohli enjoys curating and mentoring CME (Continued Medical Education) programs on Botox, Fillers, Mesotherapy, lasers and laser devices across India. In appreciation of this efforts she has been the recipient of the Dronacharya Excellence Awards 2021. She is a National and International faculty and trainer at numerous conference platforms.

In an interview with the Women Entrepreneur team Dr Malavika takes us through her expertise as a Dermatologist. Here are excerpts from the conversation.

Introduce Us To Dr Malavika Kohli & Associates And Its Journey So Far.

I started my clinic more than 28 years ago, and at that time, there was only dermatology, which was growing gradually, but there was no aesthetic medicine, or cosmetology. I was curious and always interested in knowing about skin care & skin care products and my advice to my patients for the skin care was well appreciated. This encouraged me to seek more knowledge and information and fine tune my skills.

This was also the time when technology and cosmetology was evolving and I trained both in laser hair removal, in lasers for skin resurfacing and other new technologies in the U.S. and later on offered these services at my clinic too. During that time, peels and microdermabrasion had just made their appearance and these were also included in our skin care armamentarium to help patients achieve, smoother, more flawless skin, clear acne, remove a tan, scars and other concerns like fine lines and wrinkles.

A few more years of practice I realized, that I needed a team and I spent my energy and focus on creating a competent team, this also led to an increase in exponential growth and therefore my clinic expanded into two levels so that I could handle both, clinical dermatology as well as aesthetic patients and procedures with ease.

My team grew exponentially and about three years ago, I had 10 dermatologists on my team and we have grown across other locations as well as cities, while retaining our dermatology associates over 10-15 years.

On a personal front, I am always reaching out for new avenues to expand our horizons for safe and effective treatments and skincare plans for our patients and today hair and body concerns are also commonly asked for.

My journey has been satisfying for me by sharing, mentoring, and teaching about Aesthetic Dermatology, Cosmetology to the young doctors on a National and international level.

Take Us Through Your Early Education Journey. What Factors Motivated You To Venture Into The Field Of Healthcare And Eventually Pick Such A Niche Segment?

I was born into a family of doctors. My father is a well-known cardiologist who has also received the Padma Shri award. My mother practiced obstetrics. My husband is a Radiologist, head of imaging at Breach Candy Hospital. I studied at Mumbai's Cathedral and John Connon School before enrolling at the Grant Medical College, J J School of Medicine and subsequently went on to do my diploma (DVD), I completed MD in dermatology at the Lokamanya Tilak Hospital. I have also completed a DNB-Diplomate in National Board of Exams from the Delhi Board. Following that, I established my practice and spent the initial 5 years in building expertise, discovering my areas of special interest, learning various types of patient requirements, and discover my passion for skin care & cosmetology. It was then that I went to the U.S to take Preceptorship at various institutions to further my knowledge and understanding in the field of cosmetology and skin care.

My clinic was founded with the goal of meeting the unmet skin care needs for my patients in Clinical Dermatology as well as slowly it extended into Aesthetic Dermatology to deliver customized therapy for Indian skin as per the Indian climate.

In Your Opinion How Has The Dermatology Industry Evolved Over The Past Few Years?

Aesthetic medicine has really grown as a field in the last decade and Aesthetic Dermatology as it is known today is a very important part of it and is booming as a result of which there are a large number of skin clinics but Dermatologist themselves have become entrepreneurs and are providing all the services in their own clinics and is also increasing their expertise to developing more skin clinics of their own in a different part of the same city or in other cities of the country and this is to be able to deliver the best quality services in the best environment to those who are seeking Aesthetic services. So, this is a very healthy trend for those who wish to get into the field of Aesthetics. It is important that to get the right training from a known expert or institution and you have to have sound knowledge of skin and hair anatomy and physiology as well as good knowledge of facial anatomy and the various aspects of skin and hair care from an expert.

Skin care was once dismissed as a frivolous pursuit, but as science was applied to it, the practice of beauty science became more credible. There's a lot of focus on prevention these days. It's not just for diabetes and blood pressure; it's also for skin. There are several treatments for preventing pigmentation, ageing and hair loss.

“We devote a significant amount of effort to provide our clients with a detailed and complete approach and long term solutions for healthier skin and hair”

Tell Us About The Major Areas In Which Dr Malavika Kohli & Associates Specializes In? What Approach Do You Take While Working With Your Clients To Ensure A Fruitful Outcome?

At our clinic we offer perfect brows, facials, pigment reduction, acne scar removal, skin boosters, and anti-aging treatments under Face treatments. Back acne, pigmentation in body folds, scars and keloids, stretch-marks, Dermatosurgery, tattoo removal, fat freezing, body contouring, lipolysis, and cellulite are all therapies available for the body. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is another option we have for promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. We also have a technology called Regenera Activa, which uses dermal micrograpts, that treats both male and female pattern baldness while also regenerating fresh, high-quality hair.

Apart from addressing aging concerns with Botox, Fillers, RF and Hifu technology, we also perform Laser hair removal, lasers for pigmentation, acne scars, toning for texture and tightening, brightening of skin and laser genesis for treating acne & rosacea, photo facial are all available in the Laser and Lights category. We have large basket of non-invasive feel good treatments such as Medfacials, Skin boosters, Body shaping, Contouring and Bridal treatments.

I love my work, I enjoy meeting new people every day and making them feel good about themselves with the hair, skin and body care I provide. I believe one's self-confidence reflects on their face. When it comes to representing yourself, having healthy skin, hair and body is crucial. We devote a significant amount of effort to provide our clients with a detailed and complete approach which also include lifestyle and diet for the healthy glow.

What Would Your Words Of Advice Be To Young Women Aspiring To Foray Into The Field Of Healthcare? 

Passion, Vision, Compassion are the three main virtues to a gratifying and fulfilling career in Asthetic medicine. Today a Dermatology practice includes aesthetics. We have patient at the forefront of our minds at all times. It's crucial to establish a rapport with patients, and it's also crucial to be a good listener, especially as a cosmetologist. You must connect with your patient and develop a good rapport with them, and this will result in transformation, which will be satisfying and gratifying for both parties. We should also provide high-quality services while maintaining a high level of safety. You must maintain a high quality of service and your SOPs must be up to date. It is imperative to keep updating one's technical and soft skills set.

Dr. Malavikakohli, Founder, Skin Secretsmd, DVD, Dnbconsultant Dermatologist Jaslok & Breach Candy Hospital

DrMalavikaKohli, a pioneer of Aesthetic Dermatology in India, provides a comprehensive and complete solution to all Dermatology and Cosmetology related conditions and problems.