18th November 2021
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته
Question: I was wondering whether it is possible to give botox treatments and fillers. Eg. To enhance beauty etc?
الجواب حامداً و مصلياً
In the name of Allāh, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
Answer
In reference to your query, it is permissible to perform botox and filler treatments as these procedures do not permanently alter ones’ bodily features that does not fall under the category of tagh’yeer. It is merely injecting a substance so to temporarily freeze the muscles. Tagh’yeer means to permanently alter one’s natural features by adding or removing a certain bodily limb for beautification that is contrary to what Allāh Almighty naturally created one upon.[1]. The effects of botox and fillers o the other hand is not permanent and lasts for a month or so. The treatment is continuously performed if the aesthetic effects are desired. It is a non-intrisve method so it does not require a surgical procedure.
To further explain, botox is most commonly associated with reducing muscle tension around certain features of the face enhancing volume and consistency. This is achieved by causing the facial muscles to stiffen and reduce contraction, resulting in an evener skin surface. Botox is semi-permanent usually lasting 3-4 months and requires continuation if one chooses to. It is also used for several other treatments such as excessive sweating, over-reactive bladder and chronic migraines etc.[2]
Dermal filler is similar to botox that enhances and adds plumpness to certain areas of the face particularly the lips, sides of the mouth and cheeks. It can further be used to add volume to the forehead and assist in smoothing out wrinkles. However, as mentioned that botox usually involves injecting a solution containing non-toxic bacteria powder, which is then mixed into a saline dissolvent. The solution contains three main ingredients that are required for a successful outcome, the bacteria, human albumin (which is the donated blood plasma of humans) and sodium chloride. The human plasma is what causes the use of botox to become haram, as it is forbidden to take benefit from any part of the human body for any reasons including aesthetic.[3]
Furthermore, dermal fillers contain calcium hydroxylapatite (which is non-animal derived mineral), hyaluronic acid, Polyalkylimide, Polylactic acid, PMMA.[4] There are different types of dermal filler that are used specifically for enhancing certain areas. Juvéderm filler is made from a hyaluronic acid gel whilst Restylane filler is a non-animal derived hyaluronic acid gel. However, there are fillers such as Collagen which is used to smooth out wrinkles and lines originally made from sanitized cows’ skin.[5]
The following types of fillers are derived specifically from hyaluronic acid with additions of the main ingredients. Sculptra, Captique, Hylaform and Radiesse fillers are permissible to be injected into the skin due to the base ingredient of hyaluronic acid. Some fillers are considered vegan in terms of the ingredients used and are required by law to be tested on animals therefore, removing the vegan-friendly label.[6]
Though botox and filler are not Haram when the conditions are met one should consider the possible side effects and risks of each procedure. Breathing difficulties, bruising, swelling and in severe cases nerve damage. If one does not feel the need to perform these procedures then best avoided. One must understand that from an Islamic perspective they are unnecessary forms of beautification for verily Allah looks at one’s heart and not at his outward appearance. A final point on this is that the above explanation of botox is based on the current understanding of the procedure and ingredients. If it contains impure ingredients then it will not be permissible at all.
[Allāh Knows Best]
Written by: Muftiya Gul-e-Maryam Reviewed by: Mufti Abdul Waheed
Attested by: Shaykh Mufti Saiful Islam
JKN Fatawa Department
[1] Sharah Sahih Bukhari Libn Battaal, باب: المتفلجات للحسن, Vol 9, Pg 167
قال الطبرى: فى هذا الحديث البيان عن رسول الله أنه لا يجوز لامرأة تغيير شىء من خلقها الذى خلقها الله عليه بزيادة فيه أو نقص منه التماس التحسن به لزوج أو غيره، لأن ذلك نقض منها خلقها إلى غير هيئته،
[2]See https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158647.php
[3] Muheet Al Burhani, Kitab Istihsaan, Vol 5, Pg 373
وإنما لم يجز الانتفاع بعظم الخنزير والآدمي؛ أما الخنزير فلأنه نجس العين بجميع أجزائه، والانتفاع بالنجس حرام، وأما الآدمي فقد قال بعض مشايخنا: إنه لم يجز الانتفاع بأجزائه لنجاسته، وقال بعضهم: لم يجز الانتفاع به لكرامته وهو الصحيح، فإن الله تعالى كرم بني آدم وفضلهم على سائر الأشياء، وفي الانتفاع بأجزائه نوع إهانة به.
[4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320510.php#what-are-dermal-fillers
[5] Muheet Al Burhani, Kitab Istihsaan, Vol 5, Pg 373
ثم جلد الميتة يطهر بالدباغ، فكذا عظمه يطهر باليبس، فيجوز الانتفاع به، فيجوز التداوي به.
وإنما لم يجز الانتفاع بعظم الخنزير والآدمي؛
[6] https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/plastic-and-cosmetic-surgery-for-vegans-information