In the 85th episode of Jam With Sam, Sampath Iyengar sits down with Dr. Amit Karkhanis, a pioneering dermatologist and founder of Dr. Twacha clinics. Dr. Karkhanis shares his journey from growing up in a family of doctors to building a leading skincare brand, offering insights into his innovative approach to dermatology, business expansion, and the ever-evolving beauty industry.
Early Life and Medical Inspiration
Dr. Amit Karkhanis grew up in a family deeply rooted in medicine. His parents, grandparents, and extended family members were all doctors. This exposure to healthcare ignited his passion for medicine, further fueled by the 48-year legacy of Karkhanis Hospital, now known as Snail Hospital. Despite considering alternate careers in business, his fascination with improving lives through dermatology led him to specialize in skincare and aesthetics.
Founding Dr. Twacha: A Vision for Holistic Skin Care
In November 2005, Dr. Karkhanis opened the first Dr. Twacha clinic. The name “Twacha,” meaning skin in Sanskrit, reflects his Indian roots and innovative branding. Over the years, his venture expanded into a network of ten clinics across Mumbai, Pune, and Indore. Dr. Twacha’s approach combines science with patient-centric care, offering non-invasive treatments that focus on enhancing natural beauty.
The clinics stand out for their blend of cutting-edge technology and attention to emotional well-being. For example, Dr. Karkhanis explained how treatments addressing “emotional looks” can transform perceptions of tiredness or anger often associated with facial features, helping clients feel and look their best.
Scaling the Business: Challenges and Successes
Dr. Karkhanis’s journey from one clinic to ten required strategic thinking and a robust management system. Each clinic is company-owned and operated, with teams managing operations, accounts, and marketing. He emphasized the role of strategic partnerships, such as those with the Times Group’s Brand Capital, to scale his ventures effectively.
The clinic also leverages technology for patient care and operational efficiency, using CRM systems and machine-level monitoring to streamline services. Digital marketing plays a significant role, although Dr. Karkhanis noted the challenges of filtering genuine inquiries from fake ones.
The Science of Beauty
Dr. Karkhanis delved into fascinating concepts like the “Rule of Phi,” a mathematical ratio underlying facial aesthetics, and how non-invasive procedures like fillers and lasers enhance natural beauty. Treatments at Dr. Twacha cater to a wide audience, including men seeking solutions for pigmentation, hair growth, and skin rejuvenation.
He highlighted the importance of sun protection and moisturization in skincare, recommending SPF-infused products and proper application techniques for optimal results. Additionally, he shared insights on balancing natural remedies with scientific advancements, underscoring the efficacy and safety of clinically-tested products over DIY treatments.
Personal Life and Hobbies
A cricket enthusiast and seasoned traveler, Dr. Karkhanis balances his professional life with personal passions. He participates in a medical cricket league in Mumbai and enjoys playing chess occasionally. His wife, a leading IVF specialist, complements his medical journey, running Cocoon Fertility. Together, they form a power duo in the healthcare space.
Looking Ahead: The Vision for Dr. Twacha
Dr. Karkhanis envisions scaling Dr. Twacha to 50 centres within the next two years. With a focus on innovation and patient satisfaction, he aims to redefine the dermatology landscape in India and beyond.
About Dr. Amit Karkhanis:
Dr. Amit Karkhanis is a renowned dermatologist and founder of Dr. Twacha, a leading chain of skincare clinics. With over 18 years of experience, he is an expert in non-invasive aesthetic treatments and a visionary in the Indian dermatology field. Dr. Karkhanis is also an avid traveller, sports enthusiast, and dedicated family man.