When we think about beauty, makeup and skincare instantly come to mind. However, while makeup provides a temporary cover up of skin flaws, aesthetic treatments and cosmetic dermatology provide a holistic treatment of underlying factors causing the skin and hair problems. The cosmetics sector in India underwent a considerable development as a result of shifting lifestyles and rising awareness. The industry is also quickly realizing the need for expert treatments to rejuvenate the skin. Body Science - The Aesthetic Clinic has been providing expert treatments for various skin and hair concerns under the foresight of founder, Dr. Fathima, a cosmetic dermatologist with a passion to empower clients and make them feel more confident by revealing their skin’s hidden glow.

Here are some highlights from our interaction with her.

Take us through your early educational journey and prior industry experience. What are some important features about your expertise as a cosmetic dermatologist?

My schooling and college were from Bangalore. Baldwin Girls’ High school and Mount Carmel college, respectively; Coming from a conservative muslim family, my father went against the societal norms of the 1980’s and ensured that my siblings and I, got a good education, making us all competent professionals. After completing MBBS from Bangalore Medical College, I pursued a postgraduate degree in dermatology from Cardiff University (UK) and Aesthetic medicine from Singapore, Italy and South Korea. Professionally, I am a member of various Aesthetic medicine societies, nationally and internationally and attend various conferences and training programs annually to stay updated in the field.

The field of Cosmetic Dermatology is expansive and integrative in nature. It is not merely fixing scars and removing hair. We go beyond the superficial and find the underlying cause, be it acne, pigmentation or premature ageing to treat the underlying causes whether hormonal, genetic, stress, unhealthy lifestyle, or even early signs of a serious disease. We house doctors with various areas of expertise like psychologists, plastic surgeons, dermatologists and nutrition counselors to provide an integrated approach, right from understanding the patient’s concern and expectations to delivering optimal results.

As a part of Allergan Aesthetic Academy (USA), I take an active part in training doctors in advanced antiaging procedures. In addition, I am a skin care Expert at Prasad Bidapa Institute, that helps their students develop their personality and confidence to enable them to take on the world with a more positive light.

What motivated you to establish Body Science? Tell us about the underlying idea behind the clinic and its most unique features and treatments and procedures that you specialize in.

My passion for Aesthetic medicine that involves creating beauty through science, motivated me to start Body Science, a center dedicated to providing safe, scientifically proven and cost effective solutions to Skin and Hair concerns. Our unique feature is the integrated and holistic approach to solving cosmetic issues. In today’s world of advanced skin science, we have a choice of preventing, slowing down or treating deseases or inevitable genetic patterns of ageing. Our treatments range from recommending a routine skin and hair care regimen to in-clinic procedures These treatments target pimples, scars, moles, unwanted body hair, hair loss, sagging skin; face and body contouring; skin glow, reduction of unwanted fat with fat freezing and fat dissolving methods, erasing facial expression lines with growth factors, treatment of excess and embarrassing sweating, clearing unwanted pigmentations and many more. It’s not just pills and creams that make the issues go away like they show in ads. Treating the internal causes simultaneously, provides long lasting results. There are several quick fixes as well for the ageing face, like fillers, thread lifts and Botox, which works in improving the health and appearance of the skin, thereby dramatically improving the way a person looks and feels. A healthy and radiant appearance emits youthful energy and vitality.

What are some of the most pressing challenges that you encounter as a healthcare professional? How do you successfully mitigate these challenges?

Managing multiple verticals, personally and professionally is quite a challenge. However, within my profession, we see people coming in with unrealistic expectations. So, the counseling part is essential, not only to educate them about how the treatment works and what outcomes they can expect, but to help build their confidence in their own appearance. Conditions like hormonal acne, weight loss etc need longer time to see results. Another challenge, rare yet significant, is an allergic reaction to a cream or medication. Some patients may fail to achieve the expected results and In such cases, we may need to reevaluate and restrategisete treatment plan.

What are some of the most significant milestones that you have achieved throughout your professional journey? What has been the driving force behind your success?

In terms of milestones, I believe that the journey from being an observer at a hospital, to working under an experienced doctor, assuming the role of chief cosmetologist of a centre, setting up my very own clinic and practice, to creating my brand of skin care products have all been significant achievements. The consistent endeavor to keep up with the evolving Aesthetic trends, has enabled me to encourage medical tourism and to treat international clients, by establishing an aesthetic facility on par with the international standards. They are all milestones achieved, in my journey as a Cosmetic Dermatologist.

Drawing from your experience as a business leader, what would your advice be to young women and girls who also aspire to become business leaders and entrepreneurs in the future?

Today there are many more opportunities and people are more open minded. Choose a career that you are passionate about. One that gives you joy, and you will succeed, if you work with persistence, discipline and integrity. There will be challenges and failures along the way but learn from the failures and turn them into stepping stones towards success. Do not waver. It is imperative to enjoy the journey and inculcate a spirit of healthy competition. Teamwork and collaboration are other important keys to success, so having respect for your peers is crucial.

Dr Fathima Mohammed, Cosmetic Dermatologist

Dr. Fathima is a leading Cosmetic Dermatologist in India with decades worth of experience. She has obtained her education from various countries, strengthening her skills through the diverse experience. Fighting against stereotypes, she became a doctor and through persistence started her own clinic which has now become a multi-specialty Aesthetic center based in Bangalore.