By Supriya Ramesh
Once confined to hospitals and emergency wards, IV drips have found a new calling鈥攁nd it is decidedly more glamorous. These nutrient-packed drips are now the favourites of beauty lounges, wellness spas, and Instagram stories. But what has got celebs lining up to be poked by a needle on purpose? Quick fixes, skin glow, energy boosts, and a dash of luxury. From Delhi to Mumbai, 鈥渂eauty drips鈥 with names like promise more than just hydration. They claim to brighten skin, reduce hair fall, enhance energy, and even detox post-party. Dr. Rozy Badyal, Consultant Dermatologist at Kaya Limited, explains that wellness and beauty industries are positioning IV drips as a magic wand鈥攓uick, effective, and perfectly social media-worthy. 鈥淢any celebrities share their IV sessions on social media, making it aspirational for young, urban audiences,鈥 she says. 鈥淭he appeal lies not just in its benefits but also in its image as a luxury health treatment,” adds Dr. Sapana Kamalani, Consultant Dermatology at Jupiter Hospital, Pune. For skin and hair, drips rich in vitamins C and glutathione are popular for reducing signs of ageing and giving that coveted glow. The Drawbacks Dr. Badyal warns that not everyone needs this kind of therapy. 鈥淚t is a medical procedure, not a beauty salon service, and should only be administered by trained professionals,鈥 she says. Risks include infections, overdosing on fat-soluble vitamins like A or D, and even allergic reactions. Dr. Kamalani agrees, cautioning that side effects鈥攆rom nausea to severe allergic reactions鈥攃an occur depending on the drip鈥檚 contents. 鈥淐ustomising it according to the person鈥檚 needs is very important. Once a proper consultation is done, then the drip can be administered,鈥 she says. Things to Watch Out For Not regulated well yet, so anyone offering it without medical oversight is a red flag.People with kidney disease, heart conditions, or on multiple medications should avoid unsupervised IV therapy.Overdependence on IV drips could mask underlying health issues or delay proper diagnosis.A thorough medical history should be taken, preferably by a doctor, to rule out contraindications.Patients with pre-existing health conditions or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should seek additional advice. Do Indians Really Need IV Drips? With clinics offering monthly IV packages and celebs flaunting post-drip selfies, the trend is hard to ignore. But as Dr. Badyal points out, 鈥淯sing IV drips too often, without medical need, can backfire.鈥 For the average healthy individual, a balanced diet, solid sleep, and hydration do just fine. Dr. Kamalani sums it up best: 鈥淚V drip therapy’s popularity among celebrities can be attributed to its perceived benefits, rapid results, and the luxurious image it conveys. However, it is essential to approach the therapy with informed caution and respect for individual health needs.鈥