Scalpel Without Skill: The Rise of Quacks Masquerading as Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetologists

The Rise of Cosmetic Procedures in Kerala—and the Alarming Truth Behind the Boom By Dr. Anoop G Mohan
Senior Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon | Founder, TLC AESTHETICA, Kochi

A Beautiful Revolution or a Dangerous Illusion?

Drive through any city or even small town in Kerala today, and you’ll notice a subtle transformation—Bright LED boards advertising “aesthetic clinics,” “skin hair nail,” or “dental and cosmetology.” From Parashala to Palakkad, from Koyilandi to Kuttikanam, Kerala is in the midst of a cosmetic revolution.

But behind this facade of sculpted bodies and selfie-perfect faces, a far more concerning reality is emerging: a sharp increase in complications, deformities, and even life-threatening outcomes—all stemming from procedures done by unqualified people in poorly equipped facilities.

As a plastic surgeon with over 15 years of experience, I’ve dedicated my life to the science and art of aesthetic surgery. I’ve seen how transformative these procedures can be—when done right. But I’ve also seen the flip side: young women left scarred after a botched liposuction; patients struggling with collapsed noses after unscientific fillers; or worse, families devastated by critical complications after “minor” cosmetic procedures performed in unsafe settings.
This article isn’t meant to discourage aesthetic enhancement. On the contrary, I believe in its power when practiced ethically. But it’s time we had an open, honest conversation about what’s really happening across Kerala’s rapidly growing beauty industry.

The New Epidemic: Unqualified Hands with a Scalpel

The core issue is simple: India, including Kerala, lacks strict regulation over who can call themselves a ‘cosmetic doctor’ or run an aesthetic centre.

The term “aesthetic” is unregulated, and therein lies the danger. Today, it is not uncommon to see:

• MBBS graduates with no surgical training offering advanced liposuction.
• Dentists performing thread lifts and nose reshaping surgeries.
• Ayurvedic or homeopathic practitioners injecting fillers and Botox.
• Beauty therapists running machines meant for trained medical personnel.

This might sound unbelievable, but it’s happening—every day, right under our noses.

The problem isn’t just their lack of expertise; it’s the false sense of security they offer patients with impressive marketing, misleading “before-after” photos, and the promise of low-cost beauty.

Cosmetic surgery, like any medical procedure, carries risks. When performed in a poorly equipped room, without proper sterilization, by someone who doesn’t know how to handle complications, a simple procedure can quickly spiral into a medical emergency.

Real People, Real Consequences

I recently saw a 32-year-old woman who came to me with severe asymmetry after a ‘budget’ liposuction done in a non-medical spa in a Tier-2 town. Not only was the fat unevenly removed, but she also had deep skin burns from improper use of equipment. Tragically, her mental trauma was worse than her physical scarring.

Another patient, a young man, underwent a filler injection in his nose by a non-medical professional and ended up with vascular compromise that nearly caused tissue necrosis. These are not isolated cases—they are becoming frighteningly common.

5 Essential Things to Verify Before You Say “Yes” to a Cosmetic Procedure

To protect your health, confidence, and future, please do not walk blindly into an aesthetic procedure. Do your research. Ask questions. Insist on safety. Here’s what you must always check before putting your body in someone else’s hands:

1. Is Your Surgeon Truly a Plastic Surgeon?
Only those with M.Ch. or DNB in Plastic Surgery are qualified to perform cosmetic surgery. These specialists undergo over a decade of surgical training, including reconstruction, microsurgery, and aesthetic mastery. Ask for their registration, degrees, and board affiliations. Don’t be misled by vague terms like “cosmetologist” or “aesthetic physician.”

2. Is the Procedure Being Done in a Fully Equipped Surgical Facility?
Aesthetic centres must be hospital-grade setups with emergency protocols, anesthetic safety, sterilization, and post-operative care. If your procedure is being done in a converted apartment or beauty parlour, walk away. Your life is not worth cutting corners for.

3. Who Will Be Operating on You?
In some centres, the “celebrity surgeon” you meet in the consult doesn’t even perform the procedure. It’s passed on to junior staff or technicians. Always meet the operating surgeon in advance and ask for their track record—not their Instagram following.

4. Are the Results and Risks Communicated Honestly?
A good surgeon will never promise “zero scars,” “instant results,” or “no downtime.” Real surgery needs real recovery. Transparency is the cornerstone of ethical practice.

5. Is the Price Too Good to Be True?
Cheap packages usually come at a cost—your safety. Quality equipment, trained staff, OT infrastructure, anesthesia monitoring—all of these cost money. If it feels like a steal, it probably is. And your health is the price.

Informed Choices Make Beautiful Outcomes

Cosmetic surgery is not a fashion trend—it’s a branch of science. It deserves the same seriousness and caution that you would give to a heart procedure or orthopedic surgery. The goal is not just to look good in photos, but to feel confident and safe in your own body—for years to come.

I urge every person reading this to become an informed, empowered patient. Whether you are considering a mommy makeover, liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, or just a non-surgical tweak, make safety your first priority.

The Role of Surgeons: To Sculpt, Not Sell

At TLC AESTHETICA, our ethos is simple: we do not operate unless we believe in the long-term success of the result. I often turn away patients who are not physically or emotionally ready for surgery. Why? Because this field is not about transactions—it’s about transformations. And true transformation requires trust, ethics, and skill.

Don’t put a price tag on safety
There is still a majority of patients who call up a plastic surgery office for a procedure like gynecomastia and the only question they have is “what’s the cost for a grade 2 gynecomastia?”
The absurdity of the question ain’t funny but scary, a young man is going to take a decision he is going to repent his entire life….
You pay for safety
You pay for quality

Final Word

Kerala has some of the finest medical minds and surgical talent in the country. But this boom in unregulated cosmetic procedures threatens to tarnish that legacy. As a community, we must demand better standards, push for regulation, and spread awareness.

Your beauty is not just skin-deep—it reflects your choices, your values, and your courage to ask the right questions.

About the Author
Dr. Anoop G Mohan is a leading Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon and founder of TLC AESTHETICA, one of Kerala’s most advanced luxury centres for body sculpting, mommy makeovers, and aesthetic medicine. With over 15 years of experience, he is known for ethical practice, signature results, and a deep commitment to patient education and safety.