From wrinkles to radiance: How Botox transforms celeb looks and the unspoken side effects

How often do we marvel at the magical transformations of celebrities, wondering what keeps them looking perpetually youthful and flawless? From ageless beauty to sculpted features, is this blessing of eternal beauty reserved only for the wealthy? What exactly is the BOTOX treatment that celebrities use? And what about the much-discussed dermal fillers? Are these treatments prohibitively expensive, and can they cause irreversible side effects? Are they painful and high-maintenance?
We spoke with Dr.Geeta Grewal, a renowned Celebrity Cosmetologist and Founder of 9Muses Wellness Clinic and 9M Skincare. She provided an in-depth explanation of these treatments, discussing their potential benefits and associated risks. Read on to discover more.

Botox is a popular cosmetic treatment where small amounts of Botulinum toxin type A are injected into specific facial muscles. This helps to temporarily paralyze these muscles, which reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. For example, it's often used on the forehead, around the eyes (commonly known as crow's feet), and between the eyebrows (frown lines). The procedure is quick, usually taking about 10-15 minutes. During this time, a trained medical professional will administer a series of small injections into the targeted areas. The whole process is designed to smooth out the skin and give a more youthful appearance.

The cost of Botox can vary quite a bit depending on where you are, the expertise of the practitioner, and how much Botox you need. When we talk about the "treatment area," we mean the specific part of the face being treated, like the forehead or the area around the eyes. In India, you can expect to pay between INR 5,000 and INR 35,000 depending upon the part of the body you need treatment. To get a more accurate estimate, it's best to consult with a reputable clinic, as they'll assess your individual needs and the specific areas you'd like to treat.

Proper aftercare is crucial to ensure optimal results and minimize side effects. Here are some important guidelines to follow:
● Avoid rubbing or massaging the treated area for at least 24 hours: This helps prevent the Botox from spreading to unintended areas.
● Stay upright for 4-6 hours after the injection: This helps the Botox settle properly into the muscles.
● Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat (like saunas or hot tubs) for 24 hours: This minimizes the risk of increased blood flow that could spread the toxin.
● Refrain from consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours: Alcohol can increase the risk of bruising and swelling at the injection site.
Following these guidelines can help you achieve the best results from your Botox treatment.
The effects of Botox usually last between 3 to 6 months. For those who are getting their first treatments, the effects might wear off more quickly, around 3 months. However, with regular maintenance treatments, the duration can extend up to 6 months. This is because, over time, the muscles become trained to relax, which helps maintain the smoother appearance longer. It's a bit like training your muscles to stay in a more relaxed state.


Like any medical procedure, Botox comes with potential side effects. It's important to note that these side effects can vary from person to person, depending on skin type, the specific treatment, and the expertise of the doctor. Common side effects include:
● Pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site: These are the most common and usually subside within a few days.

● Headaches: Some patients experience mild headaches post-treatment.
● Drooping eyelids or eyebrows: This occurs when the Botox spreads to adjacent areas and typically resolves within a few weeks.
● Crooked smile or drooling: Rare but possible if the toxin affects muscles around the mouth.
● Eye dryness or excessive tearing: These symptoms are temporary and should diminish over time.
It's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider if any side effects persist or if more serious symptoms occur.

Botox isn't suitable for everyone. People who should avoid it are-
● Pregnant or breastfeeding women: There is insufficient research on the effects of Botox on unborn or nursing infants.

● Those with neuromuscular disorders such as ALS, myasthenia gravis, or Lambert-Eaton syndrome: Botox can make the condition worse for all those people having symptoms of these conditions.
● Individuals allergic to any ingredients in Botox or who have had an allergic reaction to another botulinum toxin product: An allergy can lead to serious complications like swelling, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.
● Those with an infection at the injection site: Injecting Botox into an infected area can make the infection worse and spread it to other parts of the face or body.

Dermal fillers are substances injected beneath the skin to add volume and fullness, addressing static wrinkles and enhancing facial contours. Unlike Botox, which relaxes muscles to reduce dynamic wrinkles caused by facial expressions, fillers work by filling in wrinkles and adding volume to soft tissues. Common types of fillers include hyaluronic acid (like Juvederm and Restylane), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse), and poly-L-lactic acid (Sculptra).


● Function: Botox relaxes muscles to smooth out dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles that appear when you move your face), while fillers add volume to fill in static wrinkles (wrinkles that are present even when your face is at rest) and enhance facial features.
● Common Uses: Botox is typically used for forehead lines, crow’s feet around the eyes, and frown lines between the eyebrows. Fillers are commonly used for nasolabial folds (lines from the nose to the mouth), marionette lines (lines from the mouth to the chin), and adding volume to areas like the lips, cheeks, and under the eyes.
● Duration: Botox effects last 3-6 months, whereas filler effects can last from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the type of filler used.
Combining Botox and fillers can offer a comprehensive approach to facial rejuvenation, addressing both dynamic and static wrinkles, and providing a more youthful and balanced appearance.
For those considering Botox or fillers, consulting with a qualified medical professional is essential to achieve the desired outcomes and ensure safety.