The sudden and tragic death of actress Shefali Jariwala, popularly known for her appearance in Kaanta Laga, has triggered nationwide concern over the safety of cosmetic procedures, particularly anti-ageing injections. While initial reports suggested cardiac arrest as the cause of death, speculation about recent aesthetic treatments has prompted cardiologists and plastic surgeons to caution the public against unregulated anti-ageing therapies.
What Are Anti-Ageing Injections?
Anti-ageing injections broadly include:
- Botox (Botulinum Toxin Type A): Used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by temporarily paralysing facial muscles.
- Dermal Fillers: Hyaluronic acid or collagen-based injections to restore volume and contour facial features.
- Biostimulators (e.g. Sculptra, Radiesse): Stimulate collagen production for longer-term structural rejuvenation.
- IV Anti-Ageing Cocktails: Infusions containing vitamins, glutathione, NAD+, and amino acids marketed for reversing age-related cellular decline.
Medical Community Raises Red Flags
Dr. Vikas Aggarwal, Senior Cardiologist at AIIMS Delhi, warns:
“These injections, particularly IV cocktails administered in spas and unregistered clinics, can lead to severe adverse effects including arrhythmias, hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, and cardiac arrest in vulnerable individuals.”
He explains that substances like NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), though under research for cellular ageing, can alter metabolic and cardiovascular function if overdosed or administered without proper monitoring.
Plastic Surgeons Question Their Effectiveness
Dr. Rajesh Singh, Consultant Plastic & Aesthetic Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals Mumbai, states:
“Botox and dermal fillers have established safety when done by certified professionals. However, anti-ageing IV infusions claiming to reverse ageing are largely unproven and not approved by regulatory bodies like US FDA for such purposes.”
According to him:
- Botox reduces wrinkles temporarily (3-6 months effect).
- Fillers restore lost volume but need periodic maintenance.
- No injection can reverse ageing or extend lifespan as marketed in many wellness centres.
Risks Associated With Anti-Ageing Injections
| Procedure | Potential Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Botox | Eyelid droop, muscle weakness, allergic reactions |
| Fillers | Vascular occlusion, tissue necrosis, asymmetry, blindness if injected improperly |
| IV Cocktails | Kidney stress, electrolyte disturbances, cardiovascular instability, anaphylaxis |
| Biostimulators | Nodules, granuloma formation, immune reactions |
(Compiled from Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists guidelines)
What Went Wrong in Shefali Jariwala’s Case?
While official cause of death is under investigation, reports indicate Shefali had undergone multiple cosmetic procedures in recent months. Cardiologists emphasise that:
- Pre-procedure cardiac screening is critical, especially for patients above 35 years or with undiagnosed hypertension, diabetes, or congenital heart conditions.
- Injections administered in salons, unregistered spas, or by untrained personnel amplify risks manifold.
The Growing Obsession With Youth
India’s aesthetic market is projected to touch USD 3 billion by 2027, driven by:
- Social media filters setting unrealistic beauty standards.
- Celebrity endorsements normalising invasive procedures.
- Unregulated clinics offering cheap, unverified treatments to meet demand.
Dr. Priya Nair, Clinical Psychologist, cautions:
“The cultural obsession with looking younger can push individuals towards unproven therapies, risking their physical and mental health. Cosmetic intervention should be a well-informed choice, not compulsion.”
Legal and Regulatory Gaps
Unlike the US FDA or EU EMA, India’s cosmetic procedure regulatory framework under CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) remains weak for wellness and anti-ageing infusions. Key gaps include:
- No standardisation of injectables’ quality used in salons and spas.
- Lack of trained personnel certification for aesthetic IV infusions.
- Misleading advertisements promising “age reversal” or “permanent youth”, violating ASCI (Advertising Standards Council of India) norms.
Global Medical Consensus on Anti-Ageing Therapies
International medical bodies maintain that:
- Ageing is a biological process; current science supports slowing age-related damage via lifestyle interventions (nutrition, exercise, sleep) rather than miracle injections.
- NAD+ and glutathione therapies remain experimental, with inconclusive human trial results on anti-ageing outcomes.
- Cosmetic injectables should only be administered by certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons in sterile, regulated setups.
Voices from the Industry
Dr. Shweta Reddy, Aesthetic Dermatologist, Hyderabad, adds:
“Patients need to understand that while dermal fillers or Botox can enhance appearance, they cannot halt ageing. Anti-ageing infusions are best avoided unless clinically indicated for deficiency management under a doctor’s supervision.”
Public Reaction After Shefali Jariwala’s Death
Netizens expressed shock and concern, questioning:
- The safety of celebrity-endorsed aesthetic treatments.
- Lack of transparent information on potential side effects in beauty marketing.
- The need for stricter regulatory oversight on anti-ageing wellness clinics mushrooming in urban India.
Recommendations for Safe Aesthetic Treatments
- Verify Credentials: Choose only board-certified dermatologists or plastic surgeons.
- Understand Procedures: Know what the injection does, its risks, and maintenance needs.
- Avoid Non-Medical Setups: Never opt for injectables in salons or spas without medical supervision.
- Pre-Screening: Undergo necessary health checks, especially cardiac evaluation if over 35.
- Stay Informed: Research scientific evidence rather than relying on influencer promotions.
Conclusion
Shefali Jariwala’s untimely demise serves as a grim reminder that aesthetic treatments, while enhancing appearance, are medical procedures requiring professional expertise and ethical standards. The Indian cosmetic and wellness industry must prioritise patient safety over market expansion, ensuring individuals make informed decisions rather than chasing unscientific anti-ageing myths.
Disclaimer: This report is based on public statements by cardiologists and plastic surgeons and should not substitute individual medical advice. Always consult qualified specialists before undergoing any aesthetic or anti-ageing treatment.
