Shahid Akhter, Consulting Editor, FEHealthcare, spoke to Dr Anmol Chugh, Associate Director, Plastics & Aesthetics Centre, C K Birla Hospital, to understand the boom in cosmetic surgery in India, the role of technology and regulation, and how aesthetic medicine is moving beyond vanity to empower confidence and wellness.
India’s cosmetic surgery market has jumped into the global top five post-Covid — what’s driving this boom?
Cosmetic surgery in India over the last five years, especially post-Covid, has boomed. People are now much more aware—and perhaps more conscious—of how they look, largely because of the social media explosion. Constantly looking at themselves on screens has made individuals more attentive to their appearance.
Before Covid, the cosmetic surgery market in India was relatively small. The International Society for Plastic Surgery survey ranked India around number 14 or 15. In the most recent survey, however, India is now among the top five nations in the world.
The increase in numbers is largely due to the popularity of non-surgical procedures such as Botox and fillers. These are outpatient treatments that require very little time, with results achievable in just 30–40 minutes. In India, we are also seeing a growing number of people focusing on losing stubborn body fat. With the fitness and wellness industries booming, there is greater demand from individuals who want to look and feel good.
The introduction of anti-obesity drugs like Ozempic will also drive further growth. While such drugs lead to weight loss, they often leave behind saggy skin, which in turn increases demand for post-weight-loss surgeries. This trend has already been observed in the US, where plastic surgeons are performing a large number of skin removal surgeries following weight loss.
Another noticeable shift is that demand is no longer confined to top metropolitan cities. Tier 2 and even some Tier 3 cities are seeing rising awareness and interest, driven by media exposure and celebrities openly discussing procedures they have undergone.
Do we need stricter laws for cosmetic surgery clinics?
The cosmetic surgery market is on the rise, but with this growth has come a mushrooming of clinics. The main concern is the number of uncertified clinics, which raises serious safety issues. It is crucial for patients to choose clinics that are certified and have qualified plastic surgeons or dermatologists on board, to ensure they receive the right treatment.
The biggest challenge the industry faces is the absence of a uniform policy to regulate credentials and training. For example, there have been tragic cases, such as a patient dying after undergoing a hair transplant at an unapproved clinic. To address this, the National Medical Council (NMC) has laid down rules specifying that only dermatologists and plastic surgeons are permitted to perform hair transplants.
We need broader policies that cover not just aesthetic concerns but also functional aspects. For example, a crooked nose may not only require cosmetic correction but also medical intervention to address breathing issues. A qualified plastic surgeon performing rhinoplasty can resolve both.
The government has taken some steps, such as framing policies around gender-affirmation surgeries for patients with gender dysphoria, but a unified policy for the entire cosmetic and aesthetic surgery sector is still needed.
From scars to simulations—how far can technology take cosmetic surgery
Technologies have advanced to the point where surgical scars now almost fade away. With the latest techniques, scars can be placed in such a way that they are barely noticeable. There is also the use of 3D and 4D technologies powered by artificial intelligence, where patients can see how they are likely to look after surgery. For example, in nose procedures, patients can view real-time changes even before undergoing the surgery. The same applies to breast and body procedures.
Fifteen to twenty years ago, surgeons relied on photographs morphed with basic software. Today, patients can feed in their own data, even use their phones, and see highly realistic results. They can also determine in advance whether a procedure will actually work for them or not.
Looking ahead, robotics is making inroads across medical fields. In aesthetic surgery too, robots may soon complement surgeons in decision-making, planning, and enhancing precision. While they may not be performing surgeries just yet, the future possibilities are exciting.
What makes India the rising center of excellence in cosmetic surgery?
India is steadily emerging as a hub for cosmetic surgery thanks to advanced technologies and supportive policies. E-visas and medical visas, now processed within three days, have boosted medical tourism significantly. On top of this, Indian doctors are trained to international standards.
What makes India stand out is our ability to deliver results on par with global benchmarks while tailoring techniques to Indian needs. Skin types and body morphology here are very different from those of Caucasian or African patients, and we have refined our methods accordingly to achieve natural-looking results.
Another important factor is the cultural rhythm of Indian medical practice—marked by empathy, patience, and guidance. Cosmetic surgery is sometimes dismissed as vanity, but for many patients it is life-changing. Whether it’s helping a breast cancer survivor regain confidence, supporting someone struggling with obesity, or correcting a deviated nose that affects breathing, cosmetic surgery often goes far beyond appearances. It is empowering, and that is why our mission is to make India a global hub and a true center of excellence in this field.
What values should guide modern plastic and aesthetic surgery?
We believe in a philosophy of refining your reflection—aligning outer appearance with inner confidence. The goal is not superficial change, but to help people feel more comfortable with themselves. That is the true essence of aesthetic surgery.
Our core values place safety above everything else. My mentor taught me the “family test”—never perform a procedure unless it is safe enough for your own family member. This principle, combined with advanced safety technologies and global training, guides every decision we take.
Idea behind the Refine Your Reflection series
The main aim was to bridge the gap between public perception and reality. Cosmetic surgery is often dismissed as vanity, but in truth, it can restore confidence and quality of life. The Refine Your Reflection series highlights real stories—mothers regaining self-esteem after pregnancy, men overcoming the challenge of a heavy chest, and women finding relief from back and neck pain caused by large breasts.
Cosmetic surgery is not just about appearance; it is about building self-confidence, improving well-being, and helping people feel good about themselves. And when individuals feel happier within, that positivity radiates outward—strengthening families, communities, and society as a whole.
