Visiting Viva Aesthetic Clinic: A First-Person Journalistic Observation
- Pooja Vishwakarma
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
When I stepped into the consulting room of Viva Aesthetic Clinic, I was there to explore why it is often recommended for Hair transplant for NRI in Mumbai. As a medical journalist, I wanted to meet the man behind the clinic — Dr. Deepam Shah — and understand his qualifications, clinical approach, and the environment in which hair restoration surgeries are performed. My visit aimed at evaluating whether the clinic delivers on its promises, especially for NRI patients seeking reliable, quality care.
Who is Dr. Deepam Shah — Qualifications, Experience, and Clinic Setup
Dr. Deepam Shah is a board-certified dermatologist, cosmetologist, and hair transplant surgeon. His academic credentials include an MBBS (from University of Bombay), followed by MD and DNB in Dermatology & Venereology. Later, he further specialized through a Fellowship in Aesthetic Medicine, Hair Transplant, Dermatology & Cosmetology (FAM) from the Institute of Laser & Aesthetic Medicine (ILAMED).
At Viva Aesthetic Clinic, Dr. Shah leads a practice with over a decade (12+ years) of experience in skin, hair, and aesthetic treatments. According to the clinic’s own disclosures, he has overseen more than 2,500 successful hair transplant procedures and numerous other cosmetic interventions.
The clinic itself is modest in scale — described as a 1,000 sq. ft facility — but equipped with modern technology, lasers, and medical devices for hair restoration, aesthetic treatments, and dermatologic care. During my visit I noted a clean, organised environment and staff attentive to hygiene and patient comfort. The clinic aims to combine clinical dermatology, cosmetology, and hair-restoration under one roof.
Given this background, Dr. Shah and Viva Aesthetic Clinic seem positioned among those described in directories as the “Best Dermatologist in Mumbai” or “Best Skin Specialist in Mumbai” for individuals seeking hair-transplant or cosmetic skin-hair solutions.
Hair Transplant Services: What’s Offered
At Viva Aesthetic Clinic, hair transplant services primarily include FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and, in some cases, non-shave or unshaven hair transplant — a method often preferred by working professionals or individuals who do not want to drastically change their appearance during surgery.
In addition to standard FUE, the clinic offers multi-modal hair restoration services: hair rejuvenation therapies, PRP, and scalp/skin care for those with thinning hair or early stages of hair loss, before transplant becomes necessary.
For international patients (NRIs), the clinic explicitly markets its services under “Hair transplant for NRI in Mumbai,” highlighting Mumbai’s quality medical infrastructure, lower cost compared to Western countries, and experienced surgeons like Dr. Shah.
Benefits & Risks of Hair Transplant
Benefits
Natural-looking results with minimal scarring: Under FUE, individual follicles are harvested and transplanted — avoiding large linear scars and delivering a more natural hairline.
Suitability for NRIs and busy professionals: Non-shave or unshaven methods allow patients to resume daily life without noticeable downtime or drastic hair loss immediately post-surgery.
Comprehensive hair restoration beyond transplant: For patients not yet ready for surgery, the clinic offers PRP, scalp therapy, and cosmetic dermatology — giving a chance for early intervention and perhaps delaying need for surgery.
Personalised care and doctor-led procedures: Dr. Shah handles consultation, transplant surgery, and post-operative follow-up personally — reducing risk of procedural inconsistency.
Cost-effectiveness compared to international rates: For NRIs, undergoing hair transplant in Mumbai with comparable quality can offer financial saving compared to similar procedures in Western countries.
Risks and Considerations
Variability in outcomes: As with any surgical hair transplant, success depends on donor hair quality, extent of baldness, post-operative care, and realistic expectations. FUE may not be equally effective for all types or patterns of hair loss.
Need for multiple sessions or adjunct therapy: Some cases may require additional sessions, PRP, or scalp therapy for optimal density — adding to time and cost.
Surgical risk and postoperative care demands: While FUE is minimally invasive, there remains a need for sterile environment, careful aftercare, and adherence to instructions to avoid infection or graft failure.
Not all hair-loss causes are transplantable: For diffuse thinning, hormonal hair loss, or scalp conditions, transplant may not address underlying causes; hence diagnosis and planning are important. As Dr. Shah mentioned during our interview, root-cause identification is central to treatment before suggesting transplant.
Approximate Cost Range (General, Neutral Estimate)
Based on information from the clinic’s public cost guidance, the cost for a hair transplant at Viva Aesthetic Clinic typically ranges depending on number of grafts, method (FUE vs FUT vs non-shave), and supplementary treatments. On average, many hair transplant clinics in Mumbai quote transplants in a mid-range relative to international rates — making the procedure more accessible for NRIs seeking quality at lower cost.
For a rough idea:
Small to moderate transplant (e.g. limited area, few grafts): likely on the lower end of cost spectrum — relatively affordable.
Full transplant or high-density restoration (multiple grafts, non-shave method): higher, but still generally less expensive than Western clinics, when factoring in travel for non-resident Indians.
Complementary treatments (e.g. PRP, scalp therapy, follow-ups): may add to overall cost, depending on individual needs and treatment protocol.
These cost estimates are speculative and vary significantly based on individual hair-loss pattern, donor availability, and chosen method.
Precautions & Aftercare Advice from Dr. Deepam Shah
During my interview, Dr. Shah emphasized several key points patients must understand and follow for best outcome:
Pre-surgery evaluation and counselling: Before recommending transplant, he insists on thoroughly understanding the underlying cause of hair loss — hormonal, genetic, stress-related, scalp condition, or mixed. Only after proper assessment does he advise a transplant or alternate therapy.
Post-operative care is critical: After FUE transplant, patients should follow strict hygiene guidelines, avoid strenuous activity for a period, protect the grafted area from sun and trauma, and adhere to the medication or topical regimen provided. According to clinic literature, the transplant is followed by careful aftercare to ensure graft survival and natural growth.
Patience for results: Hair transplant results unfold over months. Transplanted hair often undergoes an initial shedding phase, followed by gradual regrowth — with full density and natural hairline visible typically over 12–18 months.
Realistic expectations & combined therapy: For those with extensive thinning or genetic hair loss, Dr. Shah may recommend combining transplant with therapies like PRP, scalp care, or maintenance treatments rather than relying solely on transplant — offering a more sustainable long-term plan.
Transparency and follow-up: The clinic schedules follow-up visits to monitor healing, graft take-up, and overall scalp health. Dr. Shah underscores patient education — explaining risks, possible side-effects, and maintenance to avoid disappointment.
Reflections: Why Viva Aesthetic Clinic Appeals to NRIs
What struck me most about Viva Aesthetic Clinic during my visit was the balance between skilled medical care and practical accessibility. For NRIs — who might find hair transplant costly or inconvenient in their countries of residence — a clinic like this in Mumbai offers a viable option: modern surgical technique, experienced surgeon, doctor-led care, and aftercare support — all at relatively lower cost.
Moreover, the emphasis on root-cause analysis and combined therapeutic options indicates a thoughtful approach, not just cosmetic-first but patient-first. This makes the clinic relevant for individuals looking for long-term hair restoration and maintenance, not just a quick fix.
As someone evaluating hair-transplant clinics for an audience likely unfamiliar with the Mumbai medical landscape, I saw in Viva Aesthetic Clinic a blend of professionalism, transparency, and affordability that aligns with what many NRIs might prioritize.
If you are considering a transplant — especially as an NRI looking for trusted, experienced hair-restoration services in Mumbai — a consultation with Dr. Deepam Shah might be worth exploring.
Let’s enhance your natural transformation. Serving you from Charni Road and Colaba. Have a query or want to schedule a consultation? We are just a call away.
📞 93245 89084 | ☎️ 022 3573 1556
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