A
Childhood Surrounded by Medicine
I was born into a family where medicine wasn’t just a
career; it was our language, our value system, and our identity. I’m a
third-generation doctor, with both my grandfather and father practicing before
me. Growing up, I remember dinner table conversations that revolved around
patient stories, diagnoses, and the ethics of care. From those moments, I
realized early on that medicine is as much about service as it is about
science.
In 2003, I took my first formal step into this world by
joining SSR Medical College - Mauritius for my MBBS. I can honestly say those
six years shaped me profoundly. Between intense academic work and endless
nights in the hospital wards, I discovered my passion for surgery—the
precision, the complexity, and the immediacy of impact it could have on a
patient’s life.
When I came back to Mumbai, I interned at Lokmanya Tilak
Hospital (Sion Hospital), one of the busiest and most demanding environments in
India. Spending nearly two years rotating through departments, I gravitated
towards trauma and burns units. I found these areas intense but rewarding,
where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. Those
experiences, sometimes overwhelming, taught me resilience and compassion I
could never have learned from textbooks alone.
I also worked closely with my father and grandfather
during those early years. Observing them, I learned that medicine was more than
treating disease—it was about seeing the person behind the illness, listening
deeply, and maintaining an ethical compass in every situation.
Shaping
My Path Through Surgical Experience
I decided to pursue a masters in ENT surgery
(Otorhinolaryngology) at NHL Medical College, one of Ahemdabad’s top medical
institutes. As part of my ENT residency, I dedicated significant time to
assisting with head and neck cancer surgeries. These procedures were among the
most complex and emotionally charged in medicine, requiring surgeons to balance
precision with compassion as they navigated the difficult realities of
aggressive cancers. I learned to stay focused during high-pressure situations,
communicate honestly with families, and approach every case with unwavering
dedication.
During this period, I reflected on how I wanted to apply
my skills over the course of my career. I discovered a growing drive to work in
a field where I could see patients experience not only healing but renewed
confidence and optimism about their future. With support from mentors, I
decided to transition into facial plastics, where each procedure could help restore
harmony, dignity, and a sense of wholeness for my patients—work that keeps me
inspired to this day.
It was the first time I considered a shift that still
honored my love for surgical precision but offered a new kind of fulfillment.
Finding
My Calling: Specialization, Philosophy & Building a Practice
Motivated by my love for precision and aesthetics, I
pursued a fellowship in facial plastics and reconstructive surgery in Beirut
under the Spanish Facial Plastic Society. There, I learned advanced techniques
in rhinoplasties, blepharoplasties, and facial reconstructions, while gaining a
deeper understanding of how facial features influence identity and confidence.
I came to believe that aesthetic surgery isn’t about chasing arbitrary beauty
standards, but about helping someone feel comfortable and authentic in their
own skin.
When I returned to Mumbai, I founded ACSC—Aesthetic and
Cosmetic Surgery Clinic—with a commitment to practicing ethically. I wanted
every patient to feel heard rather than judged, so I built a clinic culture
that prioritized honest conversations over selling procedures. We focus only on
what a patient truly wishes to address; if expectations don’t align with
natural or safe outcomes, we provide thorough counseling and, when needed, recommend
alternative solutions—or even decide not to operate.
I’ve always been clear about my boundaries: I won’t
perform surgeries beyond my expertise or ones chasing unrealistic trends.
Comprehensive psychological counseling is central to my approach; I’ve seen how
emotional or mental health concerns can drive dissatisfaction with appearance,
and I believe ensuring a patient’s mindset is as important as surgical
readiness. Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to say no.
Building my own practice was exciting yet stressful,
requiring me to learn everything from managing finances to training teams. But
separating myself from daily financial pressures let me stay focused on my
goal: helping patients regain confidence without compromising my values.
Moments
That Remind Me Why I Do This
There are cases that stay with you forever. One that
I’ll never forget is a six-year-old boy who accidentally drank acid, mistaking
it for water, suffering horrific burns on his face. After multiple unsuccessful
skin grafts elsewhere, he came to me at age ten. We performed advanced nanofat
grafting and skin reconstruction. His journey was long and painful, requiring
constant support, both medically and emotionally.
Through his recovery, I wasn’t just his surgeon—I was
his confidante, his advocate, sometimes even a source of hope for his
devastated parents. Years later, he came back to my clinic, a confident
teenager, smiling brightly and eager to show how well he was doing. Seeing his
transformation, not just in appearance but in spirit, reaffirmed why I chose
this path.
These moments make every challenge worth it. They remind
me that at the heart of my work isn’t perfection or profit, but the power to
help someone reclaim their life.
Committed
to Growing and Giving Back
Medicine is a lifelong journey. The past five years
alone have seen rapid advancements in facial aesthetics—from cellular-level
anti-aging therapies to breakthroughs in nutrition-driven healing. To stay
ahead, I read research papers weekly, discuss complex cases with my mentors and
peers, and attend international and local conferences. I also regularly
participate in dissection workshops to keep refining my surgical techniques.
Continuous learning isn’t optional in my field—it’s a
duty. I’m equally passionate about teaching. I love sharing my experience with
younger doctors, because mentorship was a crucial part of my own growth. By
giving back knowledge, I hope to help raise the standards of care in aesthetic
surgery.
My long-term dream is to build a charitable institute
where anyone—regardless of financial status—can access life-changing facial
surgeries. Inspired by my grandfather’s advice, I believe everyone deserves a
chance to look in the mirror and feel whole, confident, and unashamed of their
reflection.
To anyone reading my story: know that finding your path
doesn’t always mean following the straightest road. It’s okay to pivot when you
recognize what truly inspires you. Challenges and changes are part of growth,
and staying honest with yourself is the most powerful way to make an impact.
Keep learning, stay humble, and always remember why you started.