Glamour is sweeping poll arenas, with more politicians turning to cosmetic procedures such as body contouring, hair transplants and Botox or Stunnox for wrinkle-free faces.
CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu election may be a tight contest, but you are unlikely to spot a single worry line on party leaders’ foreheads. It has less to do with the race and more to do with the dermatologist.Glamour is sweeping poll arenas, with more politicians turning to cosmetic procedures such as body contouring, hair transplants and Botox or Stunnox for wrinkle-free faces.“Awareness, accessibility and affordability of procedures have increased,” says Chennai-based dermatologist Dr D Dinesh Kumar. “Looking good projects youth and vigour, and helps politicians, especially those in their mid-40s and above, connect better with younger people.”A Chennai-based dermatologist, seeking anonymity, says he has had politicians knocking on his door from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. “Three months ahead of this election, several DMK, AIADMK, Congress and DMDK leaders, men and women, have made appointments for skin brightening, tan removal, Botox and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles, and glutathione injections for skin glow,” he says. The oldest among them was 75, and the youngest, 45. Procedures start at Rs 25,000. “Every politician wants to look young and aggressive,” says Dr Rohit Batra, senior consultant at New Delhi-based Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. “They want to show they are physically and mentally fit, that they are as good as Shah Rukh Khan.”Mumbai-based Cutis Skin Solution founder Dr Apratim Goel’s list of clients includes Union ministers, MPs and legislators. “Non-surgical facelifts, including Botox or Stunnox that reduce wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles, are among the most sought-after treatments,” says Dr Goel. “Botox is used for the upper part of the face. Radio frequency and high-intensity focused ultrasound are two non-surgical procedures commonly used to reduce sagging and wrinkling.”Hair transplant is a sought-after procedure among men, says Dr Goel. “Facelifts are taking a backseat. Polydeoxyribonucleotide and exosomes are used to rejuvenate the skin.”Most politicians don’t want Botox anymore, says Dr Goel. “It tends to freeze the face, and politicians don’t want expressionless faces. Most prefer baby Botox (a diluted version) as the effects last for only three months.”Social media has played a crucial role in driving this shift. “It is a make-believe world,” says Mumbai-based senior dermatologist Dr Sushil Tahiliani. “A candidate’s face is now a constant presence on campaign posters, digital ads and live streams. In this environment, looking tired or aged can be perceived as a lack of vigour. The skin is an interface between us and the world. It is all about desire dermatology, rather than disease dermatology.”Most politicians demand discretion. “I had a Shiv Sena politician-client, who insisted there should be no one in the waiting room when he arrived,” says Dr Tahiliani. COSMETIC PROCEDURESBOTOX OR STUNNOX: Botox or Stunnox, which is Botulinum toxin, is a purified protein that relaxes facial muscles to reduce wrinkles like forehead lines, frown lines and crow’s feet. Baby Botox lasts for about four months. Results are immediate.FILLERS: Dermal fillers are hyaluronic acid-based injectables used to restore lost volume, contour the face and smooth deeper wrinkles. Results are immediate, natural-looking, and can last up to 18 months.LASER SKIN TREATMENTS: These target acne scars, sun damage and dullness. Different lasers are chosen based on skin type and concern, offering gradual but noticeable rejuvenation.SKIN TIGHTENING: Ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser energy is used to stimulate collagen and lift sagging skin. Popular for jawline, neck and face contouring with minimal downtime and progressive results.SKIN BOOSTERS: Mainly for dry and wrinkled skin, injectable skin boosters hydrate and improve skin quality from within. They enhance glow, elasticity and smoothness rather than adding volume. Ideal for dull, tired or ageing skin.BODY CONTOURING: Non-invasive treatments like fat freezing or radio-frequency help reduce stubborn fat and improve body shape.PLATELET RICH PLASMA AND GROWTH FACTOR CONCENTRATE: These are derived from the client’s blood after centrifugation and then injected into the scalp to aid hair growth.HAIR TRANSPLANT: Hair from the back of the scalp or in men, from the beard and chest, too, is implanted into the front of the scalp, and the results are permanent. Go to Source
