When I arrived at Viva Aesthetic Clinic in the heart of Opera House, Mumbai, my first question to Dr. Deepam Shah was: “What should a patient expect when they search for Psoriasis Treatment In Mumbai?” As a medical journalist, I aimed to go beyond marketing copy and get to the story behind the treatment options, risks, and real-world trade-offs.
Dr Deepam Shah: Qualifications, Experience & Clinic Setup
Dr. Deepam Shah holds MBBS, MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy, and DNB in Dermatology & Venereology. He further pursued a Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine (FAM) at ILAMED, specializing in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic practices. According to Dr. Shah, his experience spans over a decade in skin, hair, and aesthetic disciplines.
Viva Aesthetic Clinic is a roughly 1,000 sq. ft facility in a prime Mumbai location (Opera House / Charni Road). The interior features consultation rooms, procedure rooms, laser/dermatology devices, and a modest recovery area. The clinic emphasizes a modern layout, hygiene, and a supportive staff to run device-based and medical dermatology treatments.
Dr. Shah also maintains satellite or allied branches (e.g. in Vashi, Colaba) to improve accessibility. His Practo profile notes 15 years of cumulative experience, 9 years as a specialist, and a strong patient feedback record.
Other Dermatologists Doing Similar Psoriasis Treatment
To provide some context, I asked Dr. Shah about peers. Among dermatologists publicly known in Mumbai who manage psoriasis, two names came up:
Dr. Manish K. Shah (CSCC, South Mumbai) — a veteran dermato-clinic reputed for managing chronic skin conditions including psoriasis.
By comparing Dr. Shah’s approach with Dr. Manish Shah, one can sense divergences in infrastructure, therapeutic armamentarium, patient monitoring systems, regulatory oversight, and pricing.
Pros & Cons of Psoriasis Treatments
During our conversation, Dr. Shah walked me through the benefits and limitations of available treatments used at his clinic and in broader dermatology practice.
Pros:
- Symptom control and remission: Treatments (topicals, phototherapy, systemic agents) can reduce scaling, itching, and inflammation significantly.
- Personalized protocols: For many patients, a tailored multi-modal approach (combining topical + phototherapy + systemic) yields better long-term stability.
- Advances in biologics & targeted agents: For moderate to severe cases, newer biologic or small molecule therapies can achieve deeper remission.
- Improved quality of life: Reduction in visible plaques and symptoms can bring psychological relief, social comfort, and lower morbidity.
Cons / Risks:
- Side effects & systemic risks: Systemic medications (e.g. methotrexate, cyclosporine, biologics) carry risks like liver toxicity, immunosuppression, renal strain, or infections.
- Cost and upkeep: Long-term therapy is often required; relapses are common when treatment is stopped.
- Variability in response: Not all patients respond equally; some may show partial response or need switching of drugs.
- Adherence demand: Success depends heavily on patient compliance with medications, lifestyle control, and follow-up.
- Access and monitoring burden: Frequent lab tests, follow-up visits, and monitoring add logistic and financial load.
Dr. Shah emphasized that in Mumbai, many patients start with topicals or phototherapy, reserving systemic or biologic therapy only for refractory cases, under strict monitoring.
Approximate Cost Range
I asked Dr. Shah about costs for psoriasis treatments in his setting. He clarified that estimates vary widely depending on severity, medication class, monitoring, and follow-up duration.
- Mild to moderate cases (topical + phototherapy): ₹5,000–₹25,000 over several months (including clinic visits, phototherapy sessions, topicals, labs)
- Systemic therapy (e.g. methotrexate, cyclosporine): ₹20,000–₹60,000 for a 6- to 12-month course (medicine + monitoring + consultations)
- Biologics / newer agents: These are significantly costlier — in Indian context, perhaps ₹1,50,000 to ₹5,00,000+ annually or more depending on the drug and dosing (this is speculative and depends on insurance or subsidy).
- International comparisons: In developed countries, biologic therapy may cost several thousand US dollars per month, plus more expensive monitoring and health system overheads.
Dr. Shah cautioned that patients from outside India often budget additional costs (travel, accommodations, import costs for biologics) when seeking care abroad.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice
From both my interview and standard dermatology best-practices, here is a consolidated list of precautions and aftercare advice for patients undergoing Psoriasis Treatment In Mumbai or elsewhere:
- Thorough baseline workup: Before initiating systemic or biologic therapy, lab tests (CBC, LFTs, renal function, viral screening, TB screening, hepatitis panels) are mandatory.
- Lifestyle modification: Control of smoking, alcohol, stress, obesity, and triggers (cold, skin trauma) is vital.
- Avoid abrupt cessation: Systemic or immunomodulator drugs should not be stopped suddenly — tapering and proper supervision are necessary.
- Regular monitoring: Patients must adhere to scheduled lab tests and clinic visits to detect side effects early.
- Skin care adjuncts: Use emollients, gentle cleansers, avoid harsh soaps, protect from injury (Koebner phenomenon).
- Phototherapy precautions: Use eye protection, limit exposure as advised, and monitor for UV damage.
- Infection vigilance: Because immunosuppressants lower defenses, monitor for signs of infection (fever, cough, urinary symptoms).
- Pregnancy, comorbidities, contraindications: Some therapies are not suitable for pregnant women, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. This must be factored.
- Patient education: Dr. Shah stressed that patients must understand that psoriasis is often chronic; maintenance therapy and realistic expectations matter.
Recommendation & Final Thoughts
From my direct observations and discussions, Viva Aesthetic Clinic under Dr. Deepam Shah stands out for combining medical dermatology with a modest aesthetic clinic infrastructure, allowing sometimes in-house device or phototherapy support. His local experience, patient rapport, and integration of new therapies make him a doctor worth considering in Mumbai for Psoriasis Treatment In Mumbai.
Before making any decision, you owe yourself clarity: get lab work, ask hard questions about risks, side effects, and follow-up plans. Truly effective psoriasis care is not a one-off fix — it’s a partnership over time.
Our Clinic Location
Viva Aesthetic Clinic
clinicvivacosmetic@gmail.com / shahdeepam@yahoo.co.in
93245 89084 | 022 3573 1556
“Before embarking on therapy, seek clarity on risks, realistic goals, and long-term plans with a board-certified dermatologist — your skin deserves nothing less.”