Can Anti-Ageing Treatments Kill You?

The question has jolted us in the last few weeks and therefore, we asked the experts the truth behind these treatments

- Sukriti Shahi

From Botox to under-eye and lip fillers and (in)famous IV drips, the pursuit of youth is no longer limited to society's elite or the beauty enthusiasts. Today, more people than ever are investing in anti-ageing treatments to look sharp, feel confident, and compete in a world that often equates appearance with vitality. Needless to say, access to these treatments has become easier and affordable for many. But beneath the surface of this billion-dollar industry lies a bunch of myths, doubts and fear that not many are ready to face.

Anti-ageing is no longer just about creams and serums. As more people opt for invasive or semi-invasive procedures, the stakes are getting higher. TV personality and actor, Shefali Jariwala's tragic death last month brought these concerns to spotlight again. While it’s not been confirmed if these treatments were actually the cause of her death, it did start the dialogue around the safety of anti-ageing treatments. A few years ago, legendary actor's Sridevi's death also sparked similar concerns and recently, two engineers lost their life after undergoing hair transplant at an unregulated clinic.

So, the larger question is, ‘can these treatments be fatal?’ The real answer is that most of the anti-ageing treatments are safe but only when they are done by a certified and qualified dermatologist. “However, risks can increase when these procedures are performed in an unregulated, unhygienic environment, or by individuals who do not have proper training or are unlicensed. For example, treatments such as dermal fillers or Botox, when performed incorrectly, may result in serious complications like infections, vascular occlusion (blockage of blood vessels), or tissue necrosis,” explains Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Celebrity Dermatologist, and Founder of Yavana Aesthetics.