Celeb Cosmetologist Aashna Kanchwala, Who’s worked With Uorfi Javed & Others, Breaks Silence On Botox Myths

Celebrity cosmetologist Dr. Aashna Kanchwala, who has worked with celebrities like Munawar Faruqui, Aly Goni, Jannat Zubair, Reem Shaikh, Uorfi Javed, Sargun Mehta and Ravi Dubey among many others, opened up about the growing demand for aesthetic treatments, misconceptions around Botox and fillers, and how celebrities maintain their appearance under constant public scrutiny.

Talking about the impact of social media, filters and HD cameras on beauty standards, she says, "The demand is increasing rapidly. Clients today are much more self-aware and also more critical about their appearance. At the same time, self-doubt and scrutiny have increased because of social media and constant exposure to filtered realities. As a result, aesthetic treatments have gradually taken the front seat for many individuals."

Speaking about the growing trend of subtle "tweakments" over dramatic cosmetic changes, she shares, "I agree that audiences have become smarter and more aware. However, injectors have also become smarter. The art of subtle work has evolved tremendously, and if you choose your injector wisely, treatments can be done so skillfully that nobody can really tell something has been done. The goal today is enhancement, not alteration."

Opening up about transparency around cosmetic procedures in the entertainment industry, Doctor Aashna says, "From a commercial and ethical point of view, transparency is important. However, I also understand why certain things may be kept under wraps. Firstly, for celebrities, beauty is a part of their brand and often a selling point. Naturally, they may want audiences to believe that their appearance is entirely effortless or natural. Secondly, if procedures are promoted too openly without the right context, it can encourage unrealistic expectations and unhealthy trends. I already see younger individuals seeking procedures at ages where they may not be necessary, and as doctors, we often have to guide and prevent such practices."

Addressing the biggest myths around Botox and fillers, she says, "The biggest myths are that Botox gives you a frozen face and fillers give you a 'pillow face' or make you look overfilled and unnatural.

Certain celebrities may choose a fuller or more dramatic appearance because that is the look they personally prefer, and they actively ask for it. That has contributed to misconceptions among the general public. The reality is that many celebrities who look effortlessly beautiful both on screen and in person may have undergone the exact same procedures just with the right injector and the right treatment philosophy. Good work should enhance your features, not announce itself."

She also clarified the common confusion people have between Botox, fillers and plastic surgery. Aashna explains, "The biggest misconception is that they all fall into one category. Plastic surgery is an actual surgery and requires an operation theatre. Botox and fillers, on the other hand, are non-surgical, minimally invasive procedures that are often referred to as 'lunchtime procedures' because they involve minimal downtime."

With aesthetic treatments becoming increasingly common in both celebrity and non-celebrity circles, Dr. Aashna Kanchwala believes the focus today is shifting towards subtle enhancement rather than drastic transformation. From debunking myths around Botox and fillers to highlighting the pressures created by social media and beauty standards, she emphasises the importance of responsible treatments, realistic expectations and choosing the right expert. According to her, the ultimate goal of aesthetic medicine should always be to help individuals feel more confident while still looking like the best version of themselves.