As a medical journalist, I often encounter acne framed as a cosmetic inconvenience rather than a medical condition with physical and psychological consequences. To better understand how acne is evaluated and treated in a structured clinical setting, I recently visited VIVA Aesthetic Clinic in South Mumbai, where I interviewed Dr. Deepam Shah—frequently referred to by patients as the best acne doctor in South Mumbai. Sitting in on consultations and discussing treatment philosophies offered a grounded view of how dermatology balances science, patience, and long-term skin health.
Dr. Deepam Shah: Qualifications and Clinical Experience
Based on information published by VIVA Aesthetic Clinic, Dr. Deepam Shah is a qualified dermatologist with formal medical training and focused clinical experience in medical and aesthetic dermatology. His work spans acne management, pigmentation disorders, scar revision, and procedural dermatology, with acne forming a substantial portion of his daily practice.
During our conversation, Dr. Shah emphasized that acne is not a uniform condition. It varies widely based on age, hormones, lifestyle, genetics, and skin type. His experience includes treating adolescent acne, adult-onset acne, hormonal acne, and acne complicated by scarring or pigmentation. This breadth of exposure allows for treatment plans that evolve over time rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions.
Within Mumbai’s competitive dermatology landscape, Dr. Shah practices alongside peers recognized as the Best Dermatologist in Mumbai, while maintaining a strong subspecialty focus on acne and acne-related complications.
Inside VIVA Aesthetic Clinic: Environment and Setup
VIVA Aesthetic Clinic operates out of well-established locations in Charni Road and Colaba, catering to a diverse urban patient base. The clinic environment is modern but restrained—clinical rather than overtly cosmetic. Consultation rooms are designed for privacy, and diagnostic discussions are supported by visual skin assessments and treatment charts.
What stood out during my visit was the systematic approach to acne evaluation. Patients are assessed for acne severity, skin sensitivity, lifestyle factors, and prior treatment history before recommendations are made. The clinic is equipped for both medical management and in-clinic procedures, allowing continuity of care under one roof.
Dr. Shah’s setup reflects a practice model where dermatology is treated as longitudinal care, not a single intervention—an approach often associated with clinicians regarded as the Best Skin Specialist in Mumbai.
Acne Treatment Explained: Benefits and Risks
Acne treatment, as Dr. Shah explained, is a spectrum rather than a single protocol. Options range from topical therapies and oral medications to chemical peels, light-based treatments, and scar-focused procedures, depending on disease severity and skin response.
Benefits of Structured Acne Treatment
- Reduction in active acne lesions, including inflammatory and non-inflammatory types
- Prevention of long-term scarring and pigmentation, particularly with early intervention
- Improved skin texture and tone over time
- Psychological relief, as visible improvement often impacts confidence and social comfort
Dr. Shah stressed that consistency and adherence are key benefits of dermatologist-guided care, especially for patients who have tried multiple over-the-counter remedies without success.
Risks and Limitations
No acne treatment is without potential drawbacks. Depending on the modality, risks may include:
- Temporary dryness, redness, or irritation
- Initial purging phase with certain medications
- Sun sensitivity following peels or active treatments
- Rare systemic side effects with oral therapies
The most common risk, Dr. Shah noted, is discontinuation—patients stopping treatment prematurely due to slow initial response. Managing expectations is therefore as important as managing the skin itself.
Approximate Cost Range: A Neutral Overview
Acne treatment costs in South Mumbai vary based on severity, duration, and treatment modality. During our discussion, Dr. Shah did not quote fixed pricing but acknowledged that acne care is typically cumulative rather than a one-time expense.
In general terms, costs may depend on:
- Type of medication prescribed (topical vs oral)
- Frequency of follow-up visits
- In-clinic procedures such as peels or laser-based therapies
- Treatment duration, which may extend over several months
Most acne treatments are outpatient-based, making them more accessible than surgical interventions. However, patients are encouraged to view cost alongside safety, evidence-based care, and long-term outcomes.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice from the Interview
Aftercare emerged as a critical component of acne management during my discussion with Dr. Shah. He emphasized that treatment success depends heavily on daily habits outside the clinic.
Key precautions and aftercare advice included:
- Avoiding self-medication or frequent product switching
- Using sunscreen consistently, especially during active treatment
- Not picking or squeezing acne lesions to reduce scarring risk
- Following prescribed routines even after visible improvement
Dr. Shah also highlighted the importance of follow-up visits to adjust treatment plans based on skin response. Acne, he noted, often requires phased management rather than abrupt cessation of therapy.
A Journalist’s Perspective
Observing acne consultations at VIVA Aesthetic Clinic reinforced how deeply personal skin conditions can be. Acne is visible, persistent, and often emotionally taxing, yet it is frequently trivialized. What became clear during my visit was that structured dermatological care transforms acne from a frustrating cycle into a manageable condition.
For individuals seeking the best acne doctor in South Mumbai, the takeaway may not be about quick fixes but about committing to informed, medically guided care over time.
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