Skin Care Gets a New Facelift: Derma OPD & Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic Inaugurated at Father Muller
Mangaluru: A new chapter in dermatological care was unveiled at Father Muller Medical College Hospital with the inauguration and blessing of the new Dermatology Outpatient Department and the state-of-the-art Aesthetic Dermatology Clinic. Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions, presided over the ceremony held on the second floor of the Utility Building at 3:30 PM and invoked blessings for the healthcare professionals and patients who will benefit from the upgraded facility.
Esteemed international dignitaries graced the occasion, including Dr Lucinda Claire Fuller, Chairperson of the International Foundation of Dermatology & International League of Dermatology, and Dr Hassan Galadari, Secretary of the International Society of Dermatology, President of the Asian Dermatology Society, and Former Secretary of the International League of Dermatological Societies.
Dr Fuller expressed admiration for the OPD’s capacity and patient volume, recognizing its potential to significantly reduce the burden of skin diseases. She offered prayers for continued guidance and healing through the work carried out by the clinic’s staff. Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Galadari commended the facility’s scale and reach, emphasizing the importance of translating knowledge into better diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.
In his address, Fr Richard highlighted the legacy of the Dermatology Department, which began its Postgraduate programme in 1991 (MD Dermat) — 8 years before the launch of the MBBS course in 1999—making it a rare distinction shared only by two other institutions in India. He credited this achievement to the department’s dedicated care for leprosy patients and the vision of the institution’s founder, Rev. Fr Augustus Muller, SJ.
Fr Ajith B Menezes, Administrator of FMMC, FMCOAHS, and FMCOP, received appreciation for spearheading the renovation in line with NMC guidelines, ensuring both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira and Fr Nilesh Crasta, Administrators at FMMCH, were also acknowledged for their support in logistical coordination.
Dr Ramesh Bhat, Head of Research, FMCI and former HOD of Dermatology, lauded the management’s initiative in establishing a comprehensive aesthetic dermatology clinic that addresses both medical and cosmetic needs.
Dr Jacintha Martis, Professor and Head of the Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy, delivered the vote of thanks and briefed the gathering on the wide array of services now available. She also extended a warm welcome to international delegates from Brawijaya University, Indonesia.
Dermatology Services at a Glance
The Department of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College is renowned for its excellence in clinical, procedural, and aesthetic dermatology. It has been conferred the Best Department Award three times by IADVL Karnataka.
Clinical Dermatology
The department offers expert care for infections, autoimmune skin disorders, pigmentary abnormalities, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair and nail disorders. Diagnostic tools include dermatoscopy, video dermatoscopy, Wood’s lamp examination, trichogram, patch testing, and skin prick testing. Laboratory diagnostics such as KOH mount, Gram stain, Giemsa stain, and fungal/bacterial cultures are routinely performed. Advanced management for chronic urticaria using Autologous Serum Skin Test is also available.
Procedural Dermatology
The clinic offers a wide array of dermatosurgical procedures including biopsies, excision of benign growths, cryotherapy, and cautery techniques. Treatments like PRP and GFC for hair loss, microneedling for scar and hair therapy, and surgical options for vitiligo (e.g., punch grafting, suction blister grafting, melanocyte transplantation) reflect the department’s advanced procedural capability.
Aesthetic Dermatology
Using cutting-edge laser technologies—Q-switched Nd:YAG, IPL, and CO₂ lasers—the clinic offers pigmentation correction, hair removal, vascular lesion treatment, and skin rejuvenation. Anti-aging therapies such as Botox and dermal fillers are also available for wrinkle and volume correction.
Chemical Peels & Rejuvenation
A comprehensive selection of chemical peels targets pigmentation, melasma, and acne. Radiofrequency-assisted microneedling is offered for scars, stretch marks, and facial revitalization.
STI & Leprosy Management
The clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic services for STIs and leprosy, employing tools like Tzanck smear, slit skin smear, and nerve biopsy. Supportive care such as MCR footwear and sensory-motor assessments is also integrated.
With an expert team of consultants, trained aesthetic dermatologists, and skilled support staff, the department remains at the forefront of dermatological innovation. Committed to excellence, it continues to serve as a beacon of hope and healing in skin care.