Corporates getting boardroom ready with botox

Corporates getting boardroom ready with botox

Recently when 34-year-old Sanket (name changed), a senior marketing lead at an MNC in Gurugram, was to travel to Mumbai for an international conference, he visited a dermatologist to look his best. The expert recommended Profhilo, a non-invasive skin treatment that focuses on skin re-modelling with the use of hyaluronic acid.

“The results were visible within a week. My skin glowed and looked well-hydrated; my tired face was shining. Not even once did I have to worry about my appearance during the whole event, and my confidence doubled during my presentation,” he recalled.

“Previously, cosmetic treatments were predominantly embraced by fashion and beauty influencers and models. However, there has been a paradigm shift, and now even people from corporate backgrounds are turning to these treatments. This trend is driven by a desire to look presentable and confident in the professional sphere,” said Dr Chiranjiv Chhabra, chief dermatologist and medical director, Alive Wellness Clinics, New Delhi.

Just like Sanket, 36-year-old Shefali (name changed), COO of a fashion brand, too, underwent a cosmetic procedure—dermal fillers in her case, which plump up wrinkles and fine lines on the face. “I could see the results within three-four days. In my industry, people expect you to look presentable, and after this procedure I felt more integrated and confident in my professional environment,” she said.

The focus is to enhance the skin’s appearance, with effects lasting six to 12 months.

“This is a notable departure from surgical procedures, which often entail extensive downtime, as these non-invasive options allow individuals to promptly resume their daily routines,” explained Dr Chhabra. “In contrast to conventional cosmetic surgery, injectables present a less invasive alternative. Many individuals favour these non-surgical interventions due to their convenience, shorter recovery periods, and diminished risks. The allure of injectable treatments lies in their ability to provide relatively swift results. This immediacy is particularly attractive for individuals seeking to enhance their appearance before significant events or professional commitments,” explained Dr Sanjeev Nelogi, aesthetic physician, Glow Clinic, Mumbai.

Although an increasing number of people in the corporate sector are opting for these, the procedures are especially popular in roles where appearance and first impression are key. “For example, those in middle to senior management often go for these procedures, especially in competitive industries where looking youthful is seen as an advantage. People in industries like media and entertainment, where visibility is crucial, also tend to opt for these treatments. Jobs involving meeting clients, like sales roles, see professionals turning to cosmetic enhancements to make a positive impression,” said Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, consultant & dermatologist, MedLinks.

“These days, men also opt for beard reshaping,” commented Dr Seema Oberoi Lall, consultant-dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.Notably, the surge in the acceptance of men’s skincare and makeup has translated into a significant rise in men from the corporate sector seeking cosmetic treatments.

While the trend suggests a broader interplay between appearance, confidence and professional success, social media, especially Instagram, is playing a major role in fueling it. “I think more and more people are opening up their minds about cosmetic treatments, and social media is adding to this,” said Sanket.

The experts are of a similar opinion that Instagram, with its repository of pretty pictures and a ton of information on cosmetic procedures, is playing a role. “Moreover, these products are almost painless in application, ensuring that individuals can seamlessly integrate advanced skincare solutions into their routines without disrupting their busy lives,” said Dr Chhabra.

Not only that, the Covid pandemic made virtual meetings the norm, hence people came face to face with their own faces for an elongated time. “As a result, they tend to be more aware of signs of ageing when they appear,” said Dr Nelogi.

In the end, “no matter how hypocritical we might sound, looking presentable and attractive increases confidence,” said Dr Oberoi.