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 Krishnas
Skin and Cosmetology Centre is located on Baliah Avenue in the
Mylapore area. It was opened in 1973 by Dr A Krishna, on
his return from the U.S.A., after training in Dermatology at the
Henry Ford Hospital, Michigan. The clinic offers all the latest
techniques available for the treatment of various skin disorders.
The centre also has a research wing, which constantly endeavours
to develop preparations in house, for various skin conditions. These
medicines are only available at the clinic and dispensed under the
supervision of the specialists.
We speak to Dr Vidya Ram Pradeep, M.D., Dermatologist, Krishnas
Skin and Cosmetology Centre, about the latest techniques available
in cosmetology.
What is the reason for the clinic to be a
referral centre, for Dermatology in the whole of India?
One reason could be that it is the oldest institution in the country
when it comes to dermatology. It was started at a time when there
were hardly any centres that were dedicated exclusively to dermatology.
Possibly the kind of quality care offered here is not happening
in the other place, so people are coming in here. Also Chennai is
doing very well when it comes to medicine, any field of medicine
for that matter.
What are the latest techniques and therapies
available in the area of cosmetology?
 Cryo-Surgery,
Chemical Peels, Laser Skin surgery, Dermabrasion for acne and
no-needle, non-invasive permanent hair removal systems are some
of the latest techniques available. Also Botox is the latest
skin rejuvenation technique, which we have introduced recently.
Botox is the latest brand name for the purified form of tox in type
A, which is produced by the bacteria, clostridium butulium.
What is the percentage of people who come
to you for cosmetic purposes as against those who come for skin disorders?
More people are coming in for cosmetology today than in the past.
I must say the awareness has really increased, particularly among
professionals and office-goers.
You have an in-house research centre; do you
also draw from traditional systems of medicine?
We do draw from traditional approaches. But the thing is we use
plant extracts and herbal extracts which are further processed in
the lab. So again that becomes part chemical. It is not possible
to use purely herbal or natural ingredients in the medicines, anyone
who claims so is not telling the truth. Unless you are taking the
apple and rubbing it directly on the skin, do not believe people
who say they are using natural ingredients.
 What
is the reason for the rise in incidences of allergy and sleep related
disorders?
Our lifestyles have changed and therefore there is a lot of stress.
Also, there is a very high level of pollution. And all this is resulting
in hair fall, eczema etc. Even small children today are developing
stress related skin conditions
Also it is seen that very young people are
becoming susceptible to premature greying and aging as in the early
appearance of wrinkles, what is the reason for that?
Premature greying yes…but not wrinkles. Most Indians have
a fairly good skin. We tend to age slower than westerners. In spite
of that if people are wrinkling fast it could be because of lack
of adequate protection. Premature greying can be genetic or could
be due to stress.
It is said that beauty parlours offer only
quick fix solutions that hardly last 24 hours…your comments?
 Many
a times the beauty parlours are not qualified. Nothing like a dermatologist
to handle your skin. In case of a complication are the beauty parlours
equipped to handle them? What if there is an emergency? What will
they do in such a situation? I would say, the solutions do not even
last 24 hours. It is psychological…they pamper you, you feel
good and since you have paid a hefty sum, you almost always end
up feeling that it works. There are no quick fix solutions to begin
with. You have a brow furrow and after a treatment session when
you go out, you will still be frowning, because the best results
take a minimum of six weeks. So all these things take time, depending
on your skin and your general condition.
I have only one thing to tell these beauty parlours, do it in a
professional way or else do not do it. If unqualified people handle
peels and lasers the repercussions can be bad.
But are these treatments really affordable
to the common man?
They are not meant for the common man. It is for people who want
to look good. It is not cheap abroad and it is not possible to give
these treatments cheap. The major portion of the cost goes into
the technique used, the treatment and the consultation. And of course
people now a days want an ambience. No body will come in if this
were a small dingy place.
How effective are the cosmetics that are available
over the counter?
The amount of chemicals used in the cosmetic is very…very
negligible and therefore there are very few cosmetics that are really
effective. They just have a placebo effect. But there are some good
products available and if used correctly in the right age can be
helpful.
How aware are people in Chennai about areas
of skin and hair care?
The awareness is there because of the exposure to media. People
do take care, many a time the wrong way. The problem is, the advertisements
on the media do not really portray the real picture. The model who
is shown as using the particular cosmetic product will sometimes
be a teenager, who may not even have any skin problem to begin with.
And a twelve year old, in most cases who does not even need to use
these products might try them out, which can be harmful in the long
run.
- Anuradha Sriraman
Photographs : V Ganesan |
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