Yash Mehta

Dr. Yash Mehta - A Surgeon's Journey Beyond the Scalpel | Founder: ACSC Mumbai

A Childhood Surrounded by MedicineI 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 ExperienceI 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 PracticeMotivated 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 solution - 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 ThisThere 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 BackMedicine 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.