Stars are born, but they are all perfected later. Mumbai-based dermatologist-cosmetologist-cermatosurgeon Srilata Trasi is one of the few who is credited for perfecting the look of our filmstars and she has been into it for the last 25 years. The demand for cosmetology among stars and masses has led to the opening of a new advanced state-of-the-art clinic called La-Piel in Oshiwara, Mumbai, with her daughter Shefali Trasi-Nerurkar.
Srilata, one of the first doctors to do HPL (Human Platelet Lycet) in India was head of department at BYL Nair Ch. Hospital & Topiwala National Medical College, Mumbai, before taking over her father-in-law’s practice in 1989. Her achievements are worthy of mention. She is attached to various charitable hospitals in Mumbai, is on the panel of leading airliners and heads the Dermocosmetology Department of Hiranandani Hospital. She is credited with introducing Alma lasers in Mumbai that helps in difficult-to-treat acne-scars and stubborn cases of excessive hair. She has even used Stem Cell Treatment along with lasers. Several awards have also been conferred upon her.
That she is extremely dedicated to her profession is a given. Srilata says, “We have been running this Oshiwara clinic for the past eight years. The other two are at Khar and Dadar respectively. However, due to ever increasing number of patients, we decided to move into a larger space. Men too suffer from skin problems and need to look young and handsome. Hence we decided to make the clinic unisex. We chose a gender-neutral colour (violet) to represent that it’s meant for all.”
Some new treatments include Chemical Peels, Microdermabrasion (skin polishing), Crytherapy, Electro/ Radio Frequency, Iontophoresis, Dermal Fillers, Dermato, lasers, Thermage, Mesotherapy,Cavitation etc.
A number of film celebrities have been flocking to her for treatment and advice. When asked to mention her celebrity clients, Srilata refused, citing ethical reasons. “I cannot reveal the list of stars coming to the clinic as I respect the privacy of my patients.” But after some cajoling, she agreed to name her favourite star-clients—Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu. “They have always shown utmost faith in my work. They have always showered me with encouragement every time I have come across them. In spite of being such great names in the film industry, I am totally humbled by their attitude and love for me.”
So what drives film celebrities to seek her out? “Stars have to take extreme precautions to keep their looks fresh, keep the skin healthy and also to look young. There are high incidences in Bollywood of photosensitivity and early ageing due to exposure to lights, allergy due to shared make-up, acne and pimples due to occlusion by make-up, hair loss due to recurrent change in hair styles, stretch marks due to continuous variation in weight, tanning and pigmentation, etc.” When asked as to what sets her apart from the other skin specialists, she reveals, “We have an integrated approach to treat patients by the means of the best cosmological and dermatological treatment available. We follow a standard protocol that is clinically proven and is on par with the treatment options available at the international stage. We make a conscious effort to update our knowledge and the equipment levels so that we can offer our patients the best possible outcomes.”