Bengaluru: You may see videos online of celebrities hooked up to IV drips while chatting with friends or getting their hair done. Or perhaps “glow drip” advertisements recently appeared on your Instagram feed. The practice of injecting proteins such as glutathione and collagen directly into the bloodstream, a trend that began in Mumbai and Delhi, has now grown significantly in city’s beauty clinics as wellness and aesthetic options.Shruthi Iyer, a techie and resident of Jayanagar who got the treatment, said, “When I first heard about glutathione for fairness, I was hesitant because of the cost. It was not cheap at all — I spent a lot more than on any other beauty treatment before. But honestly, the glow and fairness it gave me were worth every rupee. I’m thrilled with the results; it is slightly painful, but it is amazing!”While glutathione and collagen tablets, powders and gummies were long consumed for glowing, supple skin, IV therapy works on a similar principle, except nutrients are delivered directly into the bloodstream rather than being ingested. However, doctors caution there is limited scientific evidence supporting long-term skin or health benefits for IV therapy. They also warn that improper or unguided administration, especially outside regulated clinical settings, can lead to both short-term and long-term side effects.When TOI visited several clinics and salons across the city, staff reported receiving at least 10 clients daily on average, with numbers rising during wedding and festive seasons. According to clinic personnel, beauty-focused infusions such as glutathione and vitamin C are marketed for skin brightening and collagen support. Addressing safety concerns, they said doctors are available on board and that the drips used are produced in centralised manufacturing facilities.At a popular spa and clinic on Kanakapura Road, multiple options were offered, beginning with a hydration drip priced at Rs 10,000. “Every day, at least seven people come in for drips. Earlier, most women in their 40s or 50s opted for anti-ageing drips, but now people of all ages visit us. Many walk in seeking glow, relaxation and stress relief, and we also receive requests during wedding seasons and house parties for hangover drips,” the clinic manager said.Other commonly promoted options include clear-skin drips, fat-burn drips, PCOS support drips, hair-fall control treatments and hangover recovery infusions. These wellness drips typically range from about Rs 5,000 to Rs 30,000 a session. Staff suggested that visible results usually require around 10 sessions spaced roughly 10 days apart, along with maintenance through diet and exercise, warning that benefits may fade within a month otherwise.At another clinic in Jayanagar, an assistant manager noted, “It is important for a doctor to analyse the skin first and then recommend suitable drips. Brides approach us frequently ahead of weddings to look their best, and with summer approaching, we are also seeing more demand for hydration drips due to rising temperatures.”Inset 1: Common risks:Allergic reactionNausea and vomitingHeadachesIrritation of the veinInfection of the injection siteElectrolyte imbalanceIn severe cases, anaphylactic shock, multi-organ failure and fluid overloadInset 2:What is collagen and glutathione?Collagen is the body’s natural glue that keeps skin firm, joints flexible, and bones strong. It declines with age, causing wrinkles and sagging. Glutathione acts as the body’s super antioxidant that protects cells, detoxes the liver, and keeps skin bright and healthy.QuotesExperts speakBoth glutathione and collagen can be better supported nutritionally than is commonly appreciated. Rather than being ingested, the body must utilise certain amino acids, vitamins, and minerals on its own to produce glutathione. No more than a healthy diet packed full of whole foods that include vegetables, fruits, proteins, and healthy oils is required for the stimulation of glutathione and collagen production– Dr Priyanka Kuri, consultant – dermatology, Aster Whitefield HospitalIV drips can be safe when administered by a qualified medical professional in a proper clinical setting. Risks arise when they are given in unregulated environments, such as at-home services or by untrained individuals. At-home IV therapy is particularly risky due to lack of medical supervision, sterility concerns, and unregulated dosing – Dr Pankaj Singhai, HOD & consultant – internal medicine, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road
