Medical Cosmetology - Dr. Reshma G
Dr. Reshma G is a dynamic healthcare professional with a diverse background in dentistry, medical cosmetology, and clinical psychology. A BDS graduate from Century Dental College, Kerala, she later pursued a fellowship in medical cosmetology from ILAMED, Delhi, and earned an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from IGNOU. With certifications in clinical hypnotherapy, she integrates a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
In this interview, Dr. Reshma shares her journey from dentistry to cosmetology, her experiences in aesthetic medicine, and insights into the evolving field of medical cosmetology. She discusses patient expectations, AI's role in her practice, and offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What was your inspiration to pursue medical cosmetology after dentistry?
Dr. Reshma: My inspiration to pursue medical cosmetology after dentistry was my love for what the job entailed. I started working as a dentist in a multispecialty clinic in Kochi, which also offered treatments with lasers and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma). Seeing those procedures was quite interesting, and after observing a few, I wanted to take it further. So, I joined the course.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What is medical cosmetology? Can you describe your educational and training background in this field?
Dr.Reshma: Medical cosmetology is a branch of medicine that focuses on enhancing a person's appearance by treating skin, hair, and body concerns using non-surgical medical treatments. It combines medical knowledge with cosmetic procedures to address issues like acne, pigmentation, scars, signs of aging, hair loss, and other aesthetic concerns.
I have a fellowship in medical cosmetology from ILAMED, Delhi, and have been practicing for the last four years.
Dr.Theresa Lily: How did you apply for this? What is the curriculum? What qualifications do you need? What is the fee structure?
Dr.Reshma: I applied for this course through a friend and mentor. We had to go through the anatomy and physiology we learned in dentistry. The rest of the curriculum included learning about injectables, PRP, lasers, skin anatomy, and skin resurfacing. Any medical degree/qualification is sufficient to pursue this course. The course duration is one and a half years. When I took it four years ago, the fee was around ₹75,000, but it might have changed now.
Dr. Theresa Lily: What are the general procedures performed or demanded by patients?
Dr.Reshma: General procedures include fractional lasers, PRP, carbon lasers, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin), and GFC (Growth Factor Concentrate) for hair and skin. The basic principles we follow are collagen stimulation in the skin and hair follicle preservation in the scalp.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What are the most common misconceptions about cosmetology?
Dr.Reshma: One of the most common misconceptions in medical cosmetology is the high expectation of skin color changes after a procedure. We cannot change the original skin tone or color; we can only reverse or repair the damaged part to restore its normal appearance. Tanning or damage can be corrected, but completely altering someone's natural appearance is impossible.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What role does AI play in your current practice?
Dr.Reshma: AI helps schedule diets, recommend lifestyle changes, create pre and post-procedure instructions for patients. It also assists clients in following these important guidelines. It plays a vital role in follow-ups too.
Dr.Theresa Lily: How do you determine the cost of different procedures? What factors influence it? Who can afford it?
Dr.Reshma: The cost depends on factors such as product costs, expertise, procedure duration, and other overhead expenses. Since these are luxury treatments, they are mostly affordable for premium clients.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What are your future goals in this field? How do you keep updating yourself?
Dr.Reshma: My future goals include pursuing advanced courses in hair transplant and other cutting-edge techniques in lasers and injectables, including advanced Botox and filler techniques.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What is the most challenging case you have handled? How did you approach it?
Dr.Reshma: One of the most challenging cases I handled was a patient with lichen planus and another with psoriasis on the scalp. The challenge was treating them without triggering their existing condition.
For the psoriasis case, the patient was advised to use ketoconazole and salicylic acid shampoo, alternating with ketoconazole lotion. Dietary supplements like omega-3 fatty acids were recommended, along with avoiding alcohol, dairy, and gluten to eliminate potential triggers.
Local applications of aloe vera gel and coconut oil were also suggested, along with lifestyle modifications. Oxygen therapy was administered as well. Different patients may require different approaches.
Dr.Theresa Lily: How do you handle competition in this industry, where procedures and patient preferences keep changing?
Dr.Reshma: Constantly updating our knowledge is the only way to stay competitive in this field. Proper client handling and management also play a crucial role.
Dr.Theresa Lily: What advice would you give to those who want to pursue a career in this field?
Dr. Reshma: It's a highly creative field where you can witness the transformation of a client and see a visible improvement in their self-confidence. At the same time, like any other profession, it comes with challenges, as we are dealing with people and their expectations.
