Students hit clinics to be bold & beautiful

NEW DELHI: With 96 per cent in her senior secondary exams, Komal Sharma (name changed) is confident of getting admission in any top DU college. Her look, though, is now her concern.The 19-year-old has been spending hours at a beauty clinic in Panchsheel for a series of cosmetic procedures, involving de-tanning of her face and permanent removal of body hair.
"I was planning to get my lips enhanced but my parents did not allow that," she said.The permanent removal of body hair and de-tanning itself is costing Komal close to Rs 40,000, said her father.

Though there is no data available on the number of youngsters seeking cosmetic procedures ahead of the admission season, cosmetologists said there is certainly a spike in such cases.

"The youngsters want to make a lasting impression and are taking no chances. We have seen a sudden increase in girls who want to get rid of their acne marks and remove their tanning after swimming sessions. Dermal filler required to remove dark circles under eyes is in great demand. It costs anywhere between Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 depending upon the filler used," said Dr Rohit Batra, consultant cosmetologist at Sir Ganga Ram hospital.

He said whitening treatment including face and body peels range from Rs 2,000 to Rs 7,500 per session.

"In girls, underdeveloped or small breasts cause lack of self-esteem. Some of them come for breast augmentation," said Dr Sunil Choudhary , the director of aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery at Max healthcare.

Dr Simal Soin, medical director and cosmetologist, Three Graces, said, "Most girls who come for lip enhancement want to add volume to their lips or improve their shape for an attractive pout," said. Cosmetic dermatologists use filler injections to add volume to lips.The changes last for about 10 to 12 months and after that one needs to get it redone. The procedures cost anywhere between Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000.