Wonder why your political leaders look young in this election season? Well, dermatologists may reveal some secrets

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu election may have been a tight contest, but there were fewer worry lines on party leaders’ foreheads. The run up to an election is not just about fiery speeches, bitter contests and relentless grind of campaigning. Glamour is sweeping across poll arenas. And it is not just about elegant attire. A quiet transformation is underway, unfolding inside dermatology clinics. An increasing number of politicians are turning to cosmetic procedures like body contouring, hair transplant and Botox or Stunnox for a smooth forehead and wrinkle-free face, signalling a new dimension in electoral preparedness -- image management. The need to look and feel-good cuts across professions, and even age groups with the powerful influence of social media. There is increased awareness of procedures and also accessibility and affordability, said former Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists & Leprologists secretary general Dr D Dinesh Kumar. Looking good gives a projection of younger age, vigour and helps to connect with people better, feel politicians, especially those in their mid-40s and above. There is increased awareness of procedures and also accessibility and affordability, said Dr Dinesh.In Tamil Nadu, candidates from across parties hit the road with vigour ahead of the assembly election. Some senior politicians looked younger, brighter, and wrinkle free. A Chennai-based dermatologist, seeking anonymity, said he has had politicians knocking on his doors from the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Several politicians, from DMK, AIADMK, Congress, DMDK and more, including a moderate number of high-profile functionaries, quietly sneaked into his clinic at least three months ahead of this election for skin brightening, tan removal, Botox and dermal fillers to reduce wrinkles, and Glutathione injection for skin glow. The oldest among them was 75 and youngest 45, both men and women. “It can cost anywhere from Rs 25,000,” he said. “Clients tell us they want to present themselves for rallies and connect with the public, besides looking good for TV interviews,” said the dermatologist.Elections today are as visual as they are verbal and television, social media, and high-resolution cameras capture every detail. Politicians are aware that their appearance is essential to build and strengthen public perception. Said Delhi-based Sir Ganga Ram Hospital vice-chair and senior consultant Dr Rohit Batra, “Any head of the state wants to look young and aggressive. They don’t want to appear as if they cannot run the country, state or party. They want to show they are physically and mentally fit. They want to show their aura on social media.”Mumbai-based Cutis Skin Solution founder Dr Apratim Goel gets clients from across the country, who include a few hundreds of politicians, including Union ministers, MPs and legislators. According to her, among the most sought-after treatments are the non-surgical facelifts, including Botox or Stunnox that reduces wrinkles by relaxing facial muscles. “Botox is used for the upper part of the face. For lower part of the face, for sagging and wrinkling, radio frequency and HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) are two non-surgical procedures commonly used.” Occasionally, there is use of dermal fillers too, restricted to mid-face and jawline contouring. Due to risk of downtime, mainly some swelling and bruise, use is limited, said Dr Goel. Hair transplant is a very sought after procedure among men. Procedures like Threads and facelifts are taking a backseat. The newer procedures are PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) and Exosomes, latest innovation in regenerative medicine.The use of botox by politicians has come down, says Dr Goel. “Everybody needs expressions. Use of Botox will freeze the faces. News readers use it more. Now, politicians prefer baby Botox (a diluted version), whose effects last for only three months,” said Dr Goel. Hair transplants have also gained popularity, especially among male candidates aiming to address thinning hair or baldness, seen as signs of aging. “We refrain from chemical peeling, threads or other deeper peeling as it entails long-time care and time is not a luxury for politicians,” said Dr Goel.Social media has played a crucial role in driving this shift. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have amplified the importance of visual appeal of a politician, especially during elections. “It is a make-believe world,” said 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.“Skin is an interface between us and the world. It is all about desire dermatology, rather than disease dermatology,” said Dr Tahiliani. But the process of aesthetic enhancement is intensely private and politicians, like any other individual, are finicky about their privacy. “I had a Shiv Sena politician-client, who insisted there should be no one in the waiting room when he arrives,” said Dr Tahiliani. The intersection of glamour and politics where public figures are expected to look as refined as they sound is nothing new in Tamil Nadu where cine personalities have dominated the field. As the state geared up for elections, the campaign trail was no longer about just rallies and roadshows. It included a hushed stop at the clinic, where candidates prepared to face not just voters, but cameras as well. 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.