While such technologies are already guided by strict data and privacy regulations in the US and the UK, India currently does not have AI laws governing patient data.
Published Nov 13, 2025 | 3:02 PM ⚊ Updated Nov 13, 2025 | 3:02 PM
Experts highlighted how AI is gradually entering aesthetic dermatology as a precision tool.
Synopsis: At the Dakshin Health Summit 2025, experts highlighted how AI is gradually entering aesthetic dermatology as a precision tool. While such technologies are already guided by strict data and privacy regulations in the US and the UK, India currently does not have AI laws governing patient data.
Everyone wants flawless, Korean glassy skin. Imagine a machine that could map your skin with precision before a single needle or laser touch — bringing science closer to perfection in aesthetics.
However, like all powerful tools, this advancement comes with its own set of vigilance and accountability.
At the Dakshin Health Summit 2025, organised by South First at the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology in Hyderabad on Sunday, 9 November, experts highlighted how AI is gradually entering aesthetic dermatology as a precision tool.
Dr Sharon Baisil, Epidemiologist & AI Expert in Public Health, explained that, similar to how advanced car systems map the road to prevent accidents, AI can map a patient’s skin before treatments, identifying areas that are sensitive, thick, or thin, and automatically adjusting laser or radiofrequency energy to prevent burns, hyperpigmentation, and scarring.
While such technologies are already guided by strict data and privacy regulations in the US and the UK, India currently does not have AI laws governing patient data.
Dakshin Health Summit 2025. (Supplied)
Dr Baisil highlighted three major concerns of AI tools in dermatology: Privacy, algorithmic bias, and the “black box” problem.
He explained, “One of the main concerns regarding AI is privacy. Creating a tool is one side, but training it to provide 95 to 99 percent accuracy needs a large amount of data. Most of these companies will be using data from hospitals, and patient data is a big thing.”
Dr Baisil further noted the black box phenomenon: “When AI makes a decision, we don’t know the reasoning behind it. If something goes wrong, AI cannot be held accountable.”
He also warned about algorithmic bias: “Suppose an AI model is trained on 3 million cases, 2.5 million of which are white patients. Indian data may be only 50,000. The decisions AI takes may not apply to Indians, and that is a serious concern.”
He stressed that clinicians must remain the final decision-makers: “AI should augment, not replace, medical judgment.”
Dr Jenny Mathew, Clinical & Cosmetic Dermatologist, shared her experience using AI in clinical practice: “We photograph every patient and use a 3D system to check skin pores, redness, and inflammation, which helps track real changes before and after treatment. We don’t show predicted results because we can’t guarantee them. Ultimately, the responsibility is always ours.”
Dr Mathew emphasised how AI helps in objective assessment: “Even when patients feel there is no change, we can show them measurable improvements, like glow or skin brightening, using these tools. This increases transparency and trust without over-promising results.”
Dr Padmavati Surapaneni, a senior dermatologist, shared that while AI hasn’t yet been integrated into her practice, she sees its potential as a valuable support tool.
“AI can help with facial analysis, tracking treatment outcomes, scheduling, patient education, and even addressing FAQs with accurate information. But ultimately, technology should complement human expertise,” she said.
Dr Maya Vedamurthy, a senior dermatologist from Chennai, recalled a striking example from her clinical practice that underscored the importance of human judgment in aesthetic treatments.
“One of my patients, who is also a doctor, came with an AI-generated map showing exactly where fillers should be placed — all over her face. The AI even suggested injecting her forehead and doubling the usual volume. I explained that following AI blindly isn’t safe. While these tools can guide us, the final decisions must always consider each person’s unique facial structure and safety.”
She emphasised the importance of personalised care: “Every face is different. AI can suggest points and volumes, but they cannot be applied uniformly. Expert guidance is essential to ensure treatments are safe and truly suited to the patient.”
As AI gradually becomes part of aesthetic dermatology, experts at the Dakshin Health Summit 2025 stressed that technology is only as safe and effective as the humans guiding it.
Dr Baisil noted, “AI can assist, but it cannot replace the clinician’s judgment. The responsibility for patient safety always rests with us.”
As the field evolves, balancing innovation with caution will be key to ensuring technology serves patients—not the other way around.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
