The doctor called botox injections in the ears for weight loss a marketing ploy

Dermatologist Zhovtan: injections in the ears do not reduce appetite and can cause swelling

Tue, 02/17/2026 - 00:25

Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov

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Injections of botulinum toxin into the auricle, which are promoted on social networks as a way to "turn off appetite" and lose weight without dieting and sports, have no evidence base and can be dangerous. Natalia Zhovtan, a dermatologist and cosmetologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences, told Izvestia about this.

According to her, no international clinical trial confirms a decrease in appetite when botulinum toxin is injected into the auricle.

"The mechanism of "blocking the vagus nerve" is a profanity. The auricular branch of the vagus nerve innervates only a small area of the skin of the ear canal. Botulinum toxin works locally by blocking neuromuscular transmission. To influence the feeling of hunger, it is necessary to influence the hypothalamus and signals from the gastrointestinal tract. This is physically impossible when injected into the ear," the doctor explained.

According to her, the subjective decrease in appetite may be due to the placebo effect — the expectation of the result and the patient's faith in the procedure.

Zhovtan also commented on another popular trend — injections into the plantar part of the foot, which are advertised as a way to wear heels without pain.

"Neuroprotein can really be used to treat hyperhidrosis of the feet. This is the only official indication for injection into the soles. But when it comes to "relaxing muscles for comfort," it's a substitution of concepts," she said.

According to the expert, the foot is a complex anatomical structure, and artificial muscle relaxation can lead to impaired cushioning function.

"Pain relief is achieved not through treatment, but through temporary "disconnection" of nerve endings. This is tissue injury. If the foot stops being a spring, the shock load when walking is transferred to the knee and hip joints, and then to the spine," Zhovtan warned.

She also pointed out possible complications with injections in atypical areas.

"For the ears, this is a risk of swelling and potential hearing impairment, as well as facial asymmetry when the drug is distributed. For the feet, gait disorders, swelling, infectious complications and, with repeated procedures, persistent muscle weakness," the specialist said.