One of Bollywood’s biggest stars, Lia Bhatt, has spoken out about the constant criticism she gets about her appearance and mannerisms. She addressed rumors and clickbait articles that went viral, claiming she had undergone “botched” botox procedures, resulting in half of her face being “paralyzed,” in an Instagram story.
Bhatt voiced her dissatisfaction with the harmful nature of such speculations and the hypercritical lens through which women are constantly viewed, even by other women.
“Absolutely no judgment for anyone who opts for cosmetic surgery or corrections—your body is your choice. In any case, goodness, this is past absurd!” She penned, ” She responded, “I have a “crooked smile” and a “weird way of speaking,” according to YOU, to the random video that literally claims I’ve had botox done wrong and to the numerous clickbait articles.
“This is your hypercritical, nitty-gritty evaluation of a human face. And now, with self-assurance, you’re offering “scientific” explanations, claiming that I’m paralyzed on one side? Are you serious?” She went on to express her worry about the way that these judgments keep setting unrealistic beauty standards.
“These are serious claims that are casually made without any evidence, confirmation, or support. Worse yet, you are having an impact on young, impressionable minds that may actually adopt this falsehood. Why are you saying this to me? What’s clickbait? Attention? because nothing makes any sense.
Bhatt asked everyone to take a moment to talk about the “absurd lens through which women are judged and objectified on the internet” for their faces, bodies, and personal lives, including the fact that “bumps are up for critique.”
She stated, “We should be celebrating individuality, not dissecting it under a microscope.” People are left with the impression that they are never “enough” as a result of judgments of this kind that maintain unrealistic standards. The worst thing about it is that it is harmful and exhausting. Other women are largely to blame for this judgment. What has become of “live and let live?” She inquired.
Bhatt’s remarks come when a more extensive discussion is being had on psychological wellness and mental self view in the time of virtual entertainment, where everything about a VIP’s life is examined.
For your information (Botox edition), a lot of people think that botox, a popular cosmetic treatment, can make you paralyzed, which is the same idea that fuels the rumors Bhatt mentioned. However, what does science say?
What’s botox?
A neurotoxin called botox temporarily paralyzes a muscle, stopping it from contracting. Fillers, on the other hand, assist in the reduction of facial wrinkles and folds (such as smile lines), the contouring of the body (such as reducing the appearance of a double chin), and the restoration of facial volume to areas of the face that, as we get older, have a tendency to lose volume (such as the cheeks and lips).
Is botox responsible for permanent paralysis?
The effects of Botox usually wear off within three to four months as the treated muscles regain their function, so they do not cause permanent paralysis. However, issues like drooping eyelids, asymmetry, or even difficulty swallowing can be caused by improper injections or high doses. These side effects can last for several months in rare instances, but they can be reversed with time and care.
According to a 2020 review, botox that has been mishandled or is counterfeit carries a higher risk of serious complications. For instance, a report published by the CDC in 2024 warned of botulism cases linked to counterfeit botox, with 22 women experiencing adverse reactions such as blurry vision, muscle weakness, and difficulties breathing. Although permanent paralysis is unlikely, patients who receive multiple injections over a long period of time may experience difficulty flexing their facial muscles.
Misinformation is often the source of persistent rumors about half-face paralysis following botox procedures. Although botox temporarily weakens facial muscles, it cannot cause paralysis for life. According to a review published in 2022, regular botox users may experience long-term changes in the function of their muscles, such as weakened muscles, which can affect how their faces look. However, rather than being paralyzed, these changes are the result of muscle inactivity.
In addition, there is some concern regarding the possibility of botulinum toxin spreading beyond the injection site. Even though the concentrations used were significantly higher than what is given to humans, research conducted in 2015 revealed that the toxins traveled along nerve cells in rats. Experts like Frederic Meunier point out that such spread would be highly unlikely at clinical doses.
