The Telangana State Medical Council has sent notices to 18 cosmetic surgery specialists, asking them to furnish educational qualifications.
Published Feb 15, 2024 | 8:00 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 15, 2024 | 8:00 AM
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On Monday, 12 February, the Telangana State Medical Council (TSMC) dispatched notices to 18 cosmetic surgery practitioners, instructing them to provide documentation of their educational qualifications, on the suspicion of practising quackery in the field of dermatology in the state.
This notification follows a report by the President of the India Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists (IADVL) in Telangana to the TSMC.
It revealed that numerous individuals, ranging from dentists to those with degrees in BAMS, BHMS, and Physiotherapy, along with individuals lacking formal qualifications, are conducting complex cosmetic dermatology procedures. These procedures involve lasers and chemical peels for issues such as pigmentation, rejuvenation, acne, and acne scars, without possessing valid qualifications, thus engaging in illegal dermatological practices.
These unqualified practitioners are not only prescribing Schedule H drugs indiscriminately, including topical and systemic steroids and immunosuppressive drugs like methotrexate and tofacitinib, but are also putting numerous patients at risk of severe side effects, and in extreme cases, death.
“In this connection, it is requested to produce a set of copies of your educational qualification certificates to the Registrar in person within three days from the date of receipt of this letter at the office of the Registrar, TSMC, Hyderabad for verification,” the TSMC said in its notice.
Moreover, TSMC emphasised that failing to submit original educational qualification certificates for verification within the stipulated time frame will be treated seriously, and appropriate actions will be taken per the prevailing rules.
Turning our focus to the broader Indian scenario, cosmetic dermatology procedures, encompassing lasers and chemical peels for pigmentation, rejuvenation, acne, and acne scars, are witnessing a surge in demand.
However, these procedures necessitate the expertise of qualified dermatologists well-versed in the legal and regulatory dimensions of the field. According to Indian legal requirements, dermatologists stepping into the realm of cosmetic procedures should be cognizant of potential complications and legal challenges.
They should also be familiar with the basic requirements for running a speciality clinic, as well as local laws and clinic dimensions. Additionally, they should ensure patient compliance for post-procedure care and follow-up, and avoid over promising results to patients.
Furthermore, the regulatory framework in India extends to the use of medical devices in cosmetic procedures, emphasising the need for dermatologists to make informed decisions when acquiring and utilising such devices.
The influence of social media has significantly increased awareness about skincare practices. Individuals actively seek information on skincare routines, products, and treatments, contributing to a growing interest in related services. The accessibility and widespread reach of social media have facilitated skin care clinics in connecting with their target audience.
Yet, the legal and regulatory aspects of cosmetic procedures in India, governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, often go unchecked.
“The scope of influence in contemporary society has expanded significantly, primarily due to the rising disposable income and increased overall prosperity levels. This surge has elevated the importance placed on appearances, amplifying the scope even further for these cosmetic surgeries,” Dr Rajetha Damisetty, dermatologist and founder of Dr Rajetha’s Mohana Skin and Hair Clinic, tells South First.
She is also the chairperson of the IADVL Taskforce Against Quackery in Telangana.
Dr Damisetty explains that in the past, advertising options were limited to print media and television, both of which incurred substantial costs. “However, the advent of digital media has revolutionised this landscape, making advertising more accessible and cost-effective. Establishing a website or maintaining an Instagram account, for instance, is now relatively low cost, compared to traditional advertising methods.”
She adds, “The only remaining requirement is the investment of time, and with this newfound accessibility, there are minimal impediments to the proliferation of these cosmetic clinics.”
Dr Damisetty explains that these clinics are often run by unqualified professionals who received training in different fields.
She highlights an example, “There is a famous laser and cosmetic centre in Hyderabad, managed by an individual who initially worked as a therapist under a dermatologist.”
She adds that this now-famous therapist, without any formal degree, ventured into establishing the laser and cosmetic centre after being influenced by a company renting out expensive laser equipment.
“The therapist, leveraging this opportunity, began travelling to various locations, providing laser treatments using the rented equipment. Eventually, with the support of investors, she ventured out on her own, establishing the centre without even a degree,” Dr Damisetty reveals.
Explaining the role of therapists in a dermatology clinic in an attempt to help us understand how the therapist could provide laser treatments to people without a degree, Dr Damisetty says that eight trained therapists at Dr Rajetha’s Mohana Skin and Hair Clinic are responsible for patient preparation, room organisation, and instrument maintenance.
“The therapists, under my guidance, carry out the laser hair reduction procedures. The process involves marking of the treatment area, after which I or one of my junior dermatologists assess the required technical parameters, such as energy levels and duration. The predetermined details are then communicated to the trained therapist, who executes the procedure,” she says.
In India, the use of lasers in dentistry has witnessed a significant upswing, with many dental clinics incorporating laser-assisted procedures. Laser dentistry is being used for a variety of dental treatments, including gum surgery, periodontal therapy, teeth whitening, and oral surgical procedures.
However, this trend has extended beyond dentistry, with dentists now engaging in dermatological procedures like laser surgery for cosmetic purposes.
“In Hyderabad, most of the hair transplant surgeries are now performed by dentists,” alleges Dr Damisetty, emphasising the deviation from the established practice of practitioners only performing procedures for which they are trained.
“While I specialise in various laser treatments, my expertise is limited to skin-related procedures. I lack the training to perform procedures inside the mouth. Yet dentists are performing cosmetic surgeries,” says an exasperated Dr Damisetty.
The proliferation of these practices on social media poses a significant challenge. Dr Damisetty reveals that the Telangana State Medical Council has issued notices to 18 individuals out of the total 53 complaints submitted regarding unqualified practitioners.
The solution, according to her, involves three key elements:
“Our three-pronged approach includes awareness, advocacy for better laws, and vigilance. It’s crucial to call out unqualified practitioners and work towards strengthening regulations,” affirms Dr Damisetty.
She adds that the current state of affairs is complex, with instances of unqualified individuals claiming to be doctors. Even with complaints and police involvement, the resolution process is often slow and challenging.
