As a medical journalist exploring evolving aesthetic and dermatological practices across India, my recent visit to VIVA Aesthetic Clinic offered a unique window into how something as culturally embedded as ear piercing in Mumbai is being reshaped through dermatology-led precision. Walking into the clinic as an interviewer rather than a patient allowed me to observe the process with journalistic neutrality, focusing on safety practices, clinical protocols, and medical expertise. My conversation with Dr. Deepam Shah, who leads the centre, helped contextualize ear piercing as a medically governed procedure rather than merely a decorative choice.
Meeting Dr. Deepam Shah: Qualifications and Clinical Expertise
In person, Dr. Deepam Shah comes across as methodical, softly spoken, and extremely patient-focused. His professional background, as detailed on the clinic’s profile, reflects extensive training in dermatology, dermatosurgery, and cosmetic skin procedures. He is often referenced among professionals associated with titles such as “Best Dermatologist in Mumbai” and “Best Skin Specialist in Mumbai,” though he remains unwaveringly scientific in conversation.
With years of clinical experience, Dr. Shah manages a wide variety of skin, hair, and cosmetic concerns. He explained that ear piercing falls within dermatological practice when approached through sterile techniques, medical-grade instruments, and evidence-based skin safety protocols. His expertise ensures that the focus remains on hygiene, anatomical accuracy, and minimizing risks—parameters often underemphasized in non-medical piercing settings.
Inside VIVA Aesthetic Clinic: Clinical Setup and Patient-Centric Environment
VIVA Aesthetic Clinic maintains a modern, streamlined environment marked by its cleanliness, quiet professionalism, and well-organized workflow. Located across Mumbai with branches that cater to dermatology and cosmetic procedures, the clinic emphasizes clinical safety over glamour.
Inside the procedure room, instruments are sterilized, disposable needles are used, and skin preparation follows dermatology-grade antiseptic protocols. Dr. Shah walked me through each step, explaining how the clinic ensures that even routine procedures like ear piercing meet the same standards applied to more complex dermatological treatments.
The clinic’s environment aligns with its philosophy—precise, hygienic, and medically supervised.
Understanding Ear Piercing as a Medical Procedure
While ear piercing has been part of Indian culture for centuries, Dr. Shah emphasized that medical dermatology has transformed the practice into a safer, more predictable procedure. He explained that the anatomy of the ear—cartilage thickness, blood supply, and skin sensitivity—varies from person to person. A medically trained specialist can identify optimal piercing points, reduce trauma, and prevent complications.
Common Types of Ear Piercings Performed
- Earlobe piercings
- Helix piercings
- Conch or cartilage piercings
- Dual lobe piercings
- Paired symmetrical piercings
Each type requires specific placement, angles, and aftercare patterns, especially where cartilage is involved.
Benefits of Dermatologist-Led Ear Piercing
Dr. Shah explained that physician-performed piercings significantly reduce complications compared to informal settings.
Key Benefits
- Minimal risk of infection through sterile conditions
- Accurate placement based on ear anatomy
- Lower chances of swelling or keloid formation
- Use of hypoallergenic jewelry
- Reduced healing time due to controlled technique
One notable point he mentioned was that individuals with sensitive skin, history of allergies, or keloid tendencies should avoid non-medical piercing options altogether.
Potential Risks: A Medical Perspective
Despite being a “simple” procedure, ear piercing does involve risks—although significantly minimized under medical care. Dr. Shah outlined common issues observed in non-medical settings:
- Localized infections
- Redness or prolonged swelling
- Improper placement
- Cartilage injury
- Allergic reactions to low-quality metal
- Keloids (particularly in predisposed individuals)
He explained that dermatology-led piercing reduces these risks through controlled skin handling, sterile equipment, and proper jewelry selection.
Cost Considerations: A Neutral and General Overview
The cost of ear piercing varies based on:
- Type of piercing (lobe vs. cartilage)
- Equipment used (needle vs. cartridge)
- Clinic location
- Follow-up care or additional consultation
Generally, dermatology-based clinics fall into a moderate cost bracket, reflecting safety protocols and sterile environments rather than consumer-level pricing. Dr. Shah avoided commercial specifics and focused instead on the importance of choosing medically supervised procedures.
Precautions and Aftercare: Advice Shared by Dr. Deepam Shah
Dr. Shah dedicated a significant portion of the interview to aftercare tips—an aspect he believes patients often underestimate.
Aftercare Guidelines from Dr. Shah
- Keep the area dry and clean for the initial 24–48 hours.
- Use a dermatologist-recommended antiseptic solution for cleaning.
- Avoid touching the area with unwashed hands.
- Do not rotate or remove the jewelry prematurely.
- Avoid swimming pools or saunas for at least 2 weeks.
- Watch for early signs of infection such as redness, discharge, or warmth.
- Revisit the clinic if symptoms persist or worsen.
He emphasized that proper aftercare determines how smoothly the piercing heals, regardless of placement.
A Journalist’s Reflection
My visit to VIVA Aesthetic Clinic underlined an important shift happening within urban skin-care settings—where traditional aesthetic practices are becoming medically informed. In a city where countless options exist for ear piercing in Mumbai, it becomes vital for individuals to understand the difference between decorative services and dermatology-guided procedures.
What stood out most during my interview with Dr. Deepam Shah was his commitment to clinical precision rather than superficial beautification. His approach reinforced the idea that beauty procedures rooted in dermatology yield safer, more predictable results.
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