Archive for the ‘Dangerous Procedures’ Category
Dangerous Facelift Alternatives
Posted by: Suzanne Costa in Aging Information, Dangerous Procedures, Face Lifts, Thermage, Thread Lifts on December 27th, 2009
When we talk about alternatives to the traditional facelift, many people wrongly begin to assume that the risk factor is so greatly diminished as to be nearly non-existent. This is definitely not true, and there are a number of common side effects for creams, lotions, exercises, treatments, and other alternatives. Some of these can be very painful, if not fatal for some people. While the chance of them being unbearably bad is slim, and much smaller than the painful risks associated with plastic surgery, it is possible to have a reaction to even an over-the-counter option.
Thermage treatments can be almost as painful to endure as a facelift is to recover from. In fact, many people report little or no change even after the painful and expensive treatments. For most, thermage is not an option at all, and would not be considered as an effective anti-aging remedy.
Thread lifts are another common plastic surgery alternative, though they should probably be classified as surgery. After all, a surgeon must pass a barbed needle under the skin in order to complete the treatment. While it is not as bad as a facelift, it still has characteristics that would normally classify it as a type of liposuction. If the barbs fail, the thread can pop out and become very painful and even leave a scar.
Many creams and lotions can cause allergic reactions to the sensitive skin of the face and neck areas. It is important to talk with a doctor, pharmacist, dermatologist, or other healthcare professional before you use any, especially if you are taking any medications or have known allergy problems, particularly those to medications.
Similar to a thread lift, acupuncture can be painful and expensive, although it has no downtime and very minute chance of causing any type of allergic reaction. However, some long lasting side effects for a very few include nerve damage, full or partial facial paralyzation, and similar problems.
As you can see, simple is not always better, but these solutions are likely a better alternative to plastic surgery than a risk to your body. Overall, many doctors would recommend them highly over liposuction, and they will normally cost much less without a recovery period as well.
Collagen Injections
Posted by: Suzanne Costa in Aging Information, Botox, Dangerous Procedures, Face Lifts, Thermage on November 10th, 2009
Collagen is the substance that supports and connects our bodily tissues including skin, bones, muscle, tendons and cartilage. As collagen degrades and production is hindered, wrinkles begin to appear in various zones of the body. Collagen keeps our skin looking plump and tight. However, as our skin is damaged by external elements and age takes its toll, collagen production slows down and existing collagen degrades. For those who may be bothered by the tell-tale signs of age associated with collagen degradation, there are treatments available in the form of collagen injections. Here are a few things to know about collagen injections before you decide to undergo treatment sessions.
What Are Collagen Injections Made Of?
The collagen injections used cosmetically are made of human, bovine and porcine collagen as well as a number of synthetic substances. The majority of these injectable collagens are biodegradable, creating the requirement for regular injection treatments. There are some designed to be a permanent fix.
Where can Collagen Injections Be Administered?
Collagen can be used as a treatment for wrinkles in many areas of the face, but are administered mainly to areas between the nose and mouth and are also used to reduce the appearance of crow’s feet around the corners of the eyes. Collagen is also used to heal scars, burns, and to fill in hollow cheeks and plump the lips.
Common Side Effects
Because of the use of bovine and porcine collagen, which comes from cows and pigs, it is quite common for these substances to incite some form of allergic reaction when the human body rejects them. An experienced practitioner knows this and will do allergy testing before administering any injection – a good question to discuss during the initial consultation.
Collagen can be a great alternative to face lifts because of their non-invasive nature and their use of natural elements. Even their synthetic elements are derived from the use of all-natural vitamins, herbs and minerals. Each practitioner may use a different form of collagen, so it is important for patients to discuss their medical history and any underlying allergies or medical conditions prior to treatment in order to avoid adverse effects.
