What are dermal fillers?
All of us have some minor skin imperfections. Most of us have lines, wrinkles, acne scars, deep creases, traumatic scars and so on. For many years, the only treatment for these skin imperfections was camouflage using make-up. Well, this has all changed now. Dermal fillers have been a great innovation in cosmetic surgery. These fillers can be injected into the deep layers of skin and can quickly erase most of the skin problems.
Why do people develop wrinkles?
In most people fine lines and wrinkles are part of aging. However, people who smoke, prematurely develop facial lines and wrinkles that make them look a lot older than the real age. The cause of wrinkles and fine lines is due to breakdown of underlying support structures. In most cases, collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin slowly decrease with age and support for superficial skin disappears- thus, resulting in lines and wrinkles
How do dermal fillers act?
Dermal fillers can be injected and provide additional support to underlying tissues. Every dermal filler available today can only temporarily erase signs of aging. Most dermal fillers fill up space underneath the skin and provide support. Dermal fillers can also be used to plump up lips, augment chin, and, erase deep groves in the cheeks. The result is a youthful looking face that looks smooth and beautiful. Unfortunately, the ideal result does not occur in everyone.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Chemical Peels: Part 3
After the peel, the stinging feeling can be relieved with a cold compresses. Strong peels like phenol usually require stronger pain medications.
After the procedure, it is very important to avoid the sun. A sunscreen is highly recommended when going out. If a strong chemical peel was used, the physician may even prescribe a short course of oral antibiotics.
The overall appearance of the skin after any peel is similar to that of a sunburnt skin. The skin will definitely become red and may breakout in blisters. The skin starts to peel over the next few days. Scaling may occur but it is transient and replaced by newly formed skin in several weeks.
What are complications of chemical peels?
Chemical peels can cause complications if care is not undertaken by the therapist. In some dark skinned individuals, the peel may cause excessive darkening or lightening of skin. This complication is sometimes not reversible. Peels can also activate the herpes virus and may require drug therapy for pain relief.
Some individuals may develop excessive scars or keloid formation. Any patient who is prone to keloids should not under chemical peel treatment.
What is cost of a chemical peel?
The cost of chemical peel is variable but starts anywhere from $75-$500 per session. Most people need several peeling treatments for the best cosmetic result. Today, milder concentrations of chemical peels are also available for home use.
Final point
Chemical peels are not a great way to change the appearance of skin. The lighter strength peels are a waste of money and the higher strength peels are associated with many complications. Chemical peels are a poor person’s choice. There are many better alternatives available today. Individuals, who are thinking of getting a chemical peel, should seriously think about the procedure. Sometimes it is better to live with an acne scar than have a face that is completely messed up by a chemical peel.
After the procedure, it is very important to avoid the sun. A sunscreen is highly recommended when going out. If a strong chemical peel was used, the physician may even prescribe a short course of oral antibiotics.
The overall appearance of the skin after any peel is similar to that of a sunburnt skin. The skin will definitely become red and may breakout in blisters. The skin starts to peel over the next few days. Scaling may occur but it is transient and replaced by newly formed skin in several weeks.
What are complications of chemical peels?
Chemical peels can cause complications if care is not undertaken by the therapist. In some dark skinned individuals, the peel may cause excessive darkening or lightening of skin. This complication is sometimes not reversible. Peels can also activate the herpes virus and may require drug therapy for pain relief.
Some individuals may develop excessive scars or keloid formation. Any patient who is prone to keloids should not under chemical peel treatment.
What is cost of a chemical peel?
The cost of chemical peel is variable but starts anywhere from $75-$500 per session. Most people need several peeling treatments for the best cosmetic result. Today, milder concentrations of chemical peels are also available for home use.
Final point
Chemical peels are not a great way to change the appearance of skin. The lighter strength peels are a waste of money and the higher strength peels are associated with many complications. Chemical peels are a poor person’s choice. There are many better alternatives available today. Individuals, who are thinking of getting a chemical peel, should seriously think about the procedure. Sometimes it is better to live with an acne scar than have a face that is completely messed up by a chemical peel.
Chemical peels: Part 2
Who responds best to chemical peels?
Individuals who have fair skinned generally respond well to chemical peels. Individuals with dark skin can have good results but only with the milder peels. Dark skinned individuals have a higher chance of complications and should seriously consider other options.
How is the chemical peel applied?
Chemical peel treatments are done at a clinic or a health spa. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the procedure. Once the skin is cleansed of all oils and dirt, the chemical peel is applied. The most important thing about chemical peel use is to ensure that the time of skin contact is well controlled. Side effects and complications can occur if time of contact is prolonged.
How many types of chemical peels are available?
The chemical peels most widely used today include trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, phenol, and glycolic acid.
Are chemical peels painful when applied?
The mild strength peels are similar to vinegar. They do nothing. The higher strength peels can be painful. The mid range peels may cause a warm sensation on skin that may last for several minutes. Individuals with fair skin often complain of a sharp burning pain. Strong peels like phenol often require general anesthesia and se of strong pain medications afterwards.
What happens after a chemical peel?
There is no down time with mild chemical peels. With the higher strength chemical peels, one always requires some time off. The skin is usually bruised, red and looks like crap.
Individuals who have fair skinned generally respond well to chemical peels. Individuals with dark skin can have good results but only with the milder peels. Dark skinned individuals have a higher chance of complications and should seriously consider other options.
How is the chemical peel applied?
Chemical peel treatments are done at a clinic or a health spa. There are no extensive preparations required prior to the procedure. Once the skin is cleansed of all oils and dirt, the chemical peel is applied. The most important thing about chemical peel use is to ensure that the time of skin contact is well controlled. Side effects and complications can occur if time of contact is prolonged.
How many types of chemical peels are available?
The chemical peels most widely used today include trichloroacetic acid, salicylic acid, lactic acid, phenol, and glycolic acid.
Are chemical peels painful when applied?
The mild strength peels are similar to vinegar. They do nothing. The higher strength peels can be painful. The mid range peels may cause a warm sensation on skin that may last for several minutes. Individuals with fair skin often complain of a sharp burning pain. Strong peels like phenol often require general anesthesia and se of strong pain medications afterwards.
What happens after a chemical peel?
There is no down time with mild chemical peels. With the higher strength chemical peels, one always requires some time off. The skin is usually bruised, red and looks like crap.
Chemical Peels 101
What are chemical peels?
Chemical peels are acids of varying strengths that have the ability to remove most debris and dead material from superficial layers of skin. By removing dead skin, chemical peels promote synthesis of new skin that appears younger and smoother looking.
What skin disorders can be used to treat with chemical peels?
Today, chemical peels are being used to treat many skin disorders like acne, acne scars, pimples, fine lines, wrinkles, skin discolorations, tattoos, freckles, age spots, melasma and photo aged skin.
Do chemical peels work well?
In general, there are weak chemical peels that can be used at home and are essentially a waste of money. The stronger chemical peels are used at a clinic or a spa and do work, but they also have a higher chance of complications. You can just imagine what would happen to your face if you repeatedly applied strong acid on your face- the result in most cases is poor cosmesis.
Strong chemical peels should not be used at home. Many chemical peels require some experience on part of the technician. If you leave the peel on your skin for too long, you are bound to develop severe complications. While many health professionals routinely brag about chemical peels, the results are not great. Strong peels may sometimes erase your fine lines and very mild scars. Chemical peels suck when it comes to treatment of acne scars, deep skin wrinkles, bulges, and creases.
Chemical peels are acids of varying strengths that have the ability to remove most debris and dead material from superficial layers of skin. By removing dead skin, chemical peels promote synthesis of new skin that appears younger and smoother looking.
What skin disorders can be used to treat with chemical peels?
Today, chemical peels are being used to treat many skin disorders like acne, acne scars, pimples, fine lines, wrinkles, skin discolorations, tattoos, freckles, age spots, melasma and photo aged skin.
Do chemical peels work well?
In general, there are weak chemical peels that can be used at home and are essentially a waste of money. The stronger chemical peels are used at a clinic or a spa and do work, but they also have a higher chance of complications. You can just imagine what would happen to your face if you repeatedly applied strong acid on your face- the result in most cases is poor cosmesis.
Strong chemical peels should not be used at home. Many chemical peels require some experience on part of the technician. If you leave the peel on your skin for too long, you are bound to develop severe complications. While many health professionals routinely brag about chemical peels, the results are not great. Strong peels may sometimes erase your fine lines and very mild scars. Chemical peels suck when it comes to treatment of acne scars, deep skin wrinkles, bulges, and creases.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Acoustic Wave Therapy: part 3
What else is recommended after AWT?
Doctors suggest that individuals who want to maintain cosmetic benefit of AWT should join an exercise program and watch their diet. Makes one wonder about AWT-first compression garments, next stockings followed by a change in diet- if this treatment was great, why is all this needed
Does everyone benefit from AWT?
Unfortunately, not everyone seems to benefit from this treatment and the reasons are unknown. It is hard to find one individual on this earth who has gotten rid of cellulite with AWT
So what else is recommended if AWT does not work?
In some cases, AWT is combined with Mesotherapy to potentiate the results. All consumers should by now be apprehensive about this BS treatment. More alternatives are added with time
Is AWT covered by Insurance?
AWT is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by Medicare or any other medical insurance carrier.
What is cost of AWT?
The cost of the treatment is quite variable and depends on where you go. The price per session of treatment ranges from $300-$500 and a complete package deal may cost about $3,000-$4,000. Please consumers do not be a sucker and sign up for the entire package until you have experienced at least one session. Moreover, even if the doctor gives you a free “pen” or calendar- keep away from AWT.
Final point.
Currently AWT is only available in some cosmetic centers. It is a relatively new cosmetic procedure and thus experience with the procedure is limited. To avoid any complications, read about the procedure and choose the therapist well. Remember there are no refunds when it comes to cosmetic surgery. In summary, AWT is best described as BS
Doctors suggest that individuals who want to maintain cosmetic benefit of AWT should join an exercise program and watch their diet. Makes one wonder about AWT-first compression garments, next stockings followed by a change in diet- if this treatment was great, why is all this needed
Does everyone benefit from AWT?
Unfortunately, not everyone seems to benefit from this treatment and the reasons are unknown. It is hard to find one individual on this earth who has gotten rid of cellulite with AWT
So what else is recommended if AWT does not work?
In some cases, AWT is combined with Mesotherapy to potentiate the results. All consumers should by now be apprehensive about this BS treatment. More alternatives are added with time
Is AWT covered by Insurance?
AWT is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered by Medicare or any other medical insurance carrier.
What is cost of AWT?
The cost of the treatment is quite variable and depends on where you go. The price per session of treatment ranges from $300-$500 and a complete package deal may cost about $3,000-$4,000. Please consumers do not be a sucker and sign up for the entire package until you have experienced at least one session. Moreover, even if the doctor gives you a free “pen” or calendar- keep away from AWT.
Final point.
Currently AWT is only available in some cosmetic centers. It is a relatively new cosmetic procedure and thus experience with the procedure is limited. To avoid any complications, read about the procedure and choose the therapist well. Remember there are no refunds when it comes to cosmetic surgery. In summary, AWT is best described as BS
Acoustic Wave Therapy: part 2
How many treatment sessions are required?
As always, one treatment never helps. The providers of this therapy claim that to obtain the maximum cosmetic benefit, at least 6-12 treatments are required. Current recommendations are that the individual undergo two treatments per week over 4-6 weeks.
How does AWT work?
There is no proof that AWT does anything but the manufacturers of the device claim that the ultrasonic waves break down connective tissue that cause cellulite.
Is AWT painful?
No, it is painless and it does absolutely squat.
How does one feel after AWT?
There are claims by doctors that people who undergo AWT feel refreshed and energized. Others claim that there is a sense of warmthness. This sensation lasts a few days.
Are there any additional treatment with AWT?
After AWT, some physicians ask patients to wear compression garments to improve the results and limit side effects. In reality, you can wear compressive garments for a million years and you still will not get rid of your cellulite.
When does one see results after AWT?
Most people see nothing. ZERO. The vendors claim that the effects take time. Body contouring and skin texture do become apparent after a few sessions. In truth, many individuals have had 20 sessions and seen nothing.
Is AWT permanent treatment for cellulite?
Well, it never works in the first place. Therefore, the results are not permanent
As always, one treatment never helps. The providers of this therapy claim that to obtain the maximum cosmetic benefit, at least 6-12 treatments are required. Current recommendations are that the individual undergo two treatments per week over 4-6 weeks.
How does AWT work?
There is no proof that AWT does anything but the manufacturers of the device claim that the ultrasonic waves break down connective tissue that cause cellulite.
Is AWT painful?
No, it is painless and it does absolutely squat.
How does one feel after AWT?
There are claims by doctors that people who undergo AWT feel refreshed and energized. Others claim that there is a sense of warmthness. This sensation lasts a few days.
Are there any additional treatment with AWT?
After AWT, some physicians ask patients to wear compression garments to improve the results and limit side effects. In reality, you can wear compressive garments for a million years and you still will not get rid of your cellulite.
When does one see results after AWT?
Most people see nothing. ZERO. The vendors claim that the effects take time. Body contouring and skin texture do become apparent after a few sessions. In truth, many individuals have had 20 sessions and seen nothing.
Is AWT permanent treatment for cellulite?
Well, it never works in the first place. Therefore, the results are not permanent
Acoustic Wave Therapy: Another useless treatment for cellulite
Everyone is trying to come up with a novel method to break up body fat or cellulite. The latest method to break up cellulite is known as acoustic wave therapy (AWT). The principle is the same as that used to break up kidney stones. A machine delivers ultrasound waves at high velocities and this is supposed to break up fat particles. The vendors of this therapy claim that over time, the site, which is treated, becomes well contoured, tight, smooth and firm.
What are benefits of Acoustic Wave therapy?
The doctors who recommend AWT indicate that not only can the therapy remove cellulite but also help improve elasticity of skin, make skin smoother and evenly reshape the body (same bullcrap you hear all the time).
On what part of the body can AWT be used?
Acoustic wave therapy can be used on almost any part of the body. The procedure is typically done at a clinic or a health spa. The procedure takes about 5—15 minutes depending on the area being treated. There are no needles or the need for general anesthesia.
Most individuals utilize AWT to get rid of cellulite from the buttocks, hips, thigh, waist, back of neck and even the chin.
What are benefits of Acoustic Wave therapy?
The doctors who recommend AWT indicate that not only can the therapy remove cellulite but also help improve elasticity of skin, make skin smoother and evenly reshape the body (same bullcrap you hear all the time).
On what part of the body can AWT be used?
Acoustic wave therapy can be used on almost any part of the body. The procedure is typically done at a clinic or a health spa. The procedure takes about 5—15 minutes depending on the area being treated. There are no needles or the need for general anesthesia.
Most individuals utilize AWT to get rid of cellulite from the buttocks, hips, thigh, waist, back of neck and even the chin.
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