The panel, comprising veteran dermatologists, said that understanding patient suitability is as vital as the device itself.
Published Nov 17, 2025 | 9:48 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 17, 2025 | 9:48 AM
Experts at the Dakshin Health Summit.
Synopsis: At Dakshin Health Summit 2025, dermatologists warned that advanced body-contouring devices like cryolipolysis, HIFU, RF microneedling, and EMS deliver safe, effective results only when wielded by skilled and ethical hands. Mishandling can cause burns, scarring, and even nerve damage. Experts stressed on strict patient selection, holistic assessment, realistic expectations and combining tech with lifestyle changes for lasting fat loss and muscle tone.
From fat-freezing and muscle toning to non-invasive lifts, aesthetic technologies today promise transformation without surgery.
But as devices become more advanced — from cryolipolysis to Haifu and radiofrequency — dermatologists warn that results depend less on the machine and more on the hands that guide it.
At the Dakshin Health Summit 2025, experts agreed that while technology can amplify precision and safety, untrained or careless use can do more harm than good.
The panel, comprising veteran dermatologists and aesthetic physicians, underlined that understanding anatomy, energy parameters, and patient suitability is as vital as the device itself.
Dr. P. Ashwini, senior dermatologist at AIG Hospitals, cautioned that the surge in device use has also led to side effects. “Haifu, many studies have shown, can cause complications if not handled properly. RF micro-needling too has caused scarring, burns, and even neurological damage,” she said, stressing that selecting the right parameters — and a well-trained practitioner — is crucial.
Dr. Sharon Baisil, epidemiologist and AI in public health, said the next generation of devices are becoming more intelligent. “These systems can scan and understand the skin’s texture before treatment and automatically fine-tune their settings to make the procedure safer,” he explained.
While such innovations inspire optimism, Dr. Priti Shukla, cosmetic plastic surgeon, noted that technology alone cannot guarantee outcomes.
“Cryolipolysis and radiofrequency are proven technologies, but the ideal patients are barely 10 percent. The rest require a combination of treatments and a proper fitness plan,” she explained. “These machines demand a new set of skills and realistic expectations — not just button-pushing.”
Dr. Jenny Mathew, clinical and cosmetic dermatologist, elaborated on how patient selection and personalization forms the foundation of safe practice. “We can’t do body contouring for everyone,” she said.
“You need to evaluate metabolic issues, hormonal imbalances, and compliance. I check for hernia with ultrasound, assess fat type — pinchable or non-pinchable — and only then decide whether to use cryolipolysis, microwave, or EMS-based toning. It’s a holistic process.”
For Dr. Jenny, results are about long-term body health, not quick fixes. “If you don’t address why the patient is gaining fat, they’ll regain it and blame you,” she cautioned, adding that her clinic integrates dietitians and fitness advisors to ensure sustainable outcomes.
Beyond aesthetics, Dr. Jenny noted that some of these technologies also have therapeutic benefits. “High-intensity EMS is particularly useful for post-pregnancy patients with weakened abdominal muscles or diastasis recti,” she said.
“It helps strengthen the core, reduce bulging, and improve tone—like doing 20,000 crunches in half an hour.” She added that newer 360-degree cryolipolysis systems, which use uniform cooling to target fat cells, now minimise pain, bruising, and recovery time.
Dr. Padmavati Surapaneni, a senior sermatologist urged practitioners to act as trusted advisors, not salespeople.
“We must explain what the patient truly needs and give them the choice, instead of pushing treatments. The responsibility is on both sides, doctors must be transparent, and patients must know whom they are approaching,” she said.
In the end, the panel’s message was clear: devices may define the modern aesthetic era, but discipline defines the practitioner.
Technology, they agreed, can elevate outcomes only when guided by knowledge, ethics, and care — not by marketing or machines.
(Edited by Amit Vasudev)
