In recent years, aesthetic dermatology has seen a shift toward non-invasive, technology-led treatments. Its an evolution shaped as much by global clinical practice as by changing patient expectations. For Dr Sonal Ahuja, this approach began taking shape years ago during her exposure to international dermatology standards abroad, long before it found expression in her work in Navi Mumbai.
Having studied aesthetic dermatology in London and worked alongside practitioners trained in globally benchmarked systems, Dr Ahuja returned to India with a clearer understanding of how consultation, safety, and restraint influence outcomes. That perspective now informs her practice at Skin Aesthete, a dermatology and aesthetics clinic in Navi Mumbai, where globally used technologies such as Exion, HIFU, and PicoFusion Laser are incorporated within a consultation-led clinical framework.
Dr Sonal Ahuja
A practice shaped by global exposure
Dr Ahuja’s time in London, where she received a fellowship from the Avanti Aesthetics Academy in 2018, proved to be a turning point. The experience exposed her to healthcare environments where patient education, ethical treatment planning, and precision-based interventions were central to aesthetic care. “What stood out was the emphasis on understanding the individual, not just the condition,” she recalls in a chat with Global Indian. The idea of holistic consultation—assessing emotional, lifestyle, and psychological factors alongside clinical indicators became foundational to her practice.
On returning to India, she applied these learnings to her work, eventually establishing TVAK Skin Clinic, where she practised for nearly nine years. The experience allowed her to develop clinical confidence while learning how to manage a practice grounded in consistency, empathy, and responsibility. Her training continued through collaborations and mentorship under global experts, including work with Dr Rikin Parekh and specialised injectable training under Dr Raj Acquilla.
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Building a consultation-led clinic
By the time Skin Aesthete officially began operations in 2024, the clinic’s philosophy had already been shaped by years of clinical practice and global exposure. Conceived as a space that prioritises dialogue over volume, Skin Aesthete reflects a measured approach to aesthetic dermatology, balancing evolving technology with careful patient assessment.
The clinic’s offerings include a range of energy-based and laser treatments commonly used in international practices. Among these is Exion, a non-invasive platform developed by BTL, a Dublin-based global aesthetics company. Dr Ahuja is the exclusive partner for Exion by BTL in Navi Mumbai, allowing the clinic to offer a technology that is increasingly being integrated into global aesthetic practices. Treatments such as HIFU and PicoFusion Laser are also part of the clinic’s repertoire, addressing concerns related to skin laxity, pigmentation, and overall skin quality.
Each treatment plan is preceded by detailed consultation, with attention paid to skin biology, lifestyle patterns, and long-term maintenance rather than immediate cosmetic change.
Safety, ethics, and restraint
Operating in a field that often faces scrutiny for overuse and inconsistent standards, Dr Ahuja places significant emphasis on safety and ethical practice. All procedures at Skin Aesthete follow structured clinical protocols and use globally certified technologies. Personalisation remains central, and treatments are recommended only when appropriate and are adjusted to individual skin responses.
Keeping pace with rapid technological change is an ongoing process, she acknowledges. Regular participation in national and international conferences, exposure to global equipment launches, and continuous learning form part of how the clinic stays current. However, she remains cautious about adopting trends without long-term evidence. “Not every new technology needs to be used immediately. Timing and suitability matter,” she notes.
Underlying this approach is a belief that skin health is closely linked to mental and emotional well-being. Consultations routinely explore how skin concerns affect confidence and daily life, shaping treatment plans that are both clinically sound and psychologically considerate.
The foundation years
Behind this globally informed practice is a doctor whose roots remain firmly local. Dr Sonal Ahuja grew up in Navi Mumbai, a city that influenced both her work ethic and outlook. Coming from a business-oriented family, she was exposed early to ideas of discipline, accountability, and long-term thinking.
“One of my strongest influences was my mother, a working woman who managed her profession, home, and family with remarkable balance. Watching her taught me resilience and the importance of being present in every role,” she says. Her father and eldest uncle, who built the family business through sustained effort, further shaped her understanding of perseverance and responsibility.
Dr Ahuja completed her schooling in Navi Mumbai before pursuing her master’s degree in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. These formative years, she says, instilled a sense of structure that later helped her navigate the demands of clinical practice and entrepreneurship.
Inspiration and balance
While professional mentors have played a significant role in her journey, Dr Ahuja cites her immediate family as her primary source of support. Her husband, who is also the co-founder of Skin Aesthete, has been closely involved in shaping the clinic. “Having someone who believes in your ideas and challenges you constructively makes a difference,” she says. Her children, she adds, remain a grounding force.
She also draws inspiration from women entrepreneurs globally, often engaging with their journeys through professional platforms. Balance, she believes, is essential to sustainable success. “Productivity isn’t about working endlessly; it’s about being intentional with your time. Being present with family matters as much as professional growth,” she reflects.
Looking outward
Beyond clinical practice, Dr Ahuja is increasingly focused on education and awareness, particularly among younger consumers. She expresses concern over the growing exposure of Gen Z and Alpha generations to aggressive skincare routines and active ingredients. “We may see the effects of this over the next few decades in the form of compromised skin barriers and early ageing,” she says.
Through school outreach initiatives and published articles, she has begun advocating for minimalistic skincare and the importance of consulting certified professionals rather than relying on unverified sources.
Professionally, the next phase of her journey includes deeper engagement with research and global collaboration. Recently appointed as a Key Opinion Leader for Exion, Dr Ahuja plans to work closely with BTL on research involving emerging aesthetic technologies. Expansion is also under consideration, with the possibility of multiple Skin Aesthete locations in the future. A podcast focused on aesthetic dermatology, skin science, and youth skincare habits is currently in development.
As Skin Aesthete continues to evolve, its focus remains steady: integrating globally informed practices into a local clinical setting, carefully, responsibly, and with an emphasis on long-term skin health.
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