9 risky cosmetic procedures, which can harm the body

Non-surgical interventions are not always safe. Why is the result of these 9 procedures could disappoint you – or worse.

1. Breast lift with Botox

Why do they do this: in the spring 2008 renowned New York dermatologist Patricia Wexler, M.D., launched an advertising campaign for a new way to use Botox. In an interview she stated, that injections of the drug into the pectoralis minor muscle provoke temporary paralysis and force the rhomboid muscle of the back to work.

She claims, what, as a result of, the patient straightens up, what, in turn, tightens chest muscles non-surgically.

Problems: “Complete nonsense. Worse than that, dangerous nonsense", says Michael McGuire, M.D., President-elect of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Him and Patrick McMenamin, M.D., President of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery concluded, that Wexler's practice is ineffective. Both doctors say, that injections of any drug into the pectoralis minor muscle are dangerous. This muscle is very thin, covered by the larger pectoral muscles and located on the upper part of the chest. One wrong move and the needle could pierce your lungs. McGuire and McMenamin are concerned about the negative impact of pectoralis minor paralysis, namely, difficulty breathing and possible drug overdose.

2 “Fish Doctor” does manicure and pedicure

Why do they do this: “Fish Doctor”, known as garra rufa, feeds on dead skin, leaving young skin cells on the surface.

The fish has caused a sensation in Europe and Asia, where it was used for manicure and pedicure, and also for the treatment of psoriasis. This method is becoming popular in other countries.

Problems: it is very difficult to keep living things in sanitary conditions. At least, three states – Washington, New Hampshire and Texas - banned the use of doctor's fish, claiming, that there is no guarantee that, that fish do not carry infections. Martin Grasberger, M.D., who studied garra rufa at the Medical University of Vienna, speaks, that unsanitary conditions are not the only problem. Some spa beauty salons use other types of fish, which are called chinchin, and behave more aggressively, than garra rufa. Chinchin sucks blood and spreads blood-borne diseases. If there are cuts on the skin, can be infected through pool water or directly from fish. Grasberger recommends the following:: if you visit SPA salons, where are procedures done using fish?, then check, Is the water container disinfected and only garra fish are used?, and not others.

3. Waxing

Why do they do this: Waxing removes unwanted hair right from the roots. The procedure is faster and the results last longer compared to shaving.

Problems: At first, burns from hot wax are severe and more common, than you think, as reported in the medical journal Burns. Also, Waxing increases the risk of infection. The Federal Drug Administration does not recommend waxing at all for people with weakened immune systems.. Women, who use anti-wrinkle cream or anti-acne products, containing retinol, you should also think twice before, how to decide on waxing. As a result of using retinol, the skin becomes very sensitive and the likelihood of skin removal along with hair increases. Local anesthetic cream, which is used to reduce pain during the procedure, of greatest concern, since drugs can easily enter the bloodstream. Excessive use of the cream or exceeding the dosage of the narcotic substance in it can lead to death. The best thing, do not use anesthetic cream at all during depilation, but if you still decide to apply it to the skin before the procedure, The Federal Drug Administration recommends choosing a safe cream or using only a small amount. After depilation, you should not cover or dress your skin.. Remember, only doctor (not a hairdresser or SPA salon worker) will help you choose the right cream.

4. Eyelash extension drops

Why do they do this: Recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration, Latisse helps lengthen eyelashes.

Latis is actually the drug Lumigan, only with reduced dosage. It is used with 2001 years for the treatment of glaucoma, and the growth and thickening of eyelashes turned out to be side effects.

Problems: the drug may cause side effects, namely, twitching and redness of the eyes, what will overshadow the effect of new gorgeous eyelashes. Also, Latis provokes darkening of the eyelids and iris for some time - not very good news for those, who appreciates the blueness of their eyes. Like other medicines, Latis is contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women. According to the National Institutes of Health, the active ingredients of this drug have been linked to low birth weight or miscarriages in mice and rats. Detailed studies of the effect of the drug Latis on human embryos have not yet been carried out. Not yet known, Can Latis be used by pregnant women or not?.

5. Teeth whitening with ultraviolet radiation

Why do they do this: Who doesn't want to have shiny pearly white teeth?? Most whitening methods are carried out using a hydrogen peroxide solution., but some companies claim, that hydrogen peroxide gives better and more stable results with the simultaneous use of ultraviolet lamps.

Problems: New research results indicate that, that ultraviolet lamps not only do not promote whitening, but even worse - they can cause harm. In February 2009 year, an article with research results was published in the online version of the journal Orthopedic Dentistry, according to which there is no difference between the teeth, bleached with a solution of hydrogen peroxide using an infrared lamp and just one solution. Research, published in January 2009 year in the British Journal of Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, showed more detailed results: light activated whitening is not only ineffective, but also exposes humans to astonishingly high levels of oncogenic ultraviolet radiation. Scientists have determined, that the radiation dose from one lamp was four times the radiation level, which can be obtained, sunbathing in the summer half a day in the sun.

6. Permanent makeup

Why do they do this: Eyeliner for lips and eyebrows in the form of a colored tattoo is an excellent solution for women, who want to have permanent makeup.

Problems: A colored tattoo does not always suit the human body. In fact, The FDA has not approved ink tattoos or other types of colored ink., used for permanent makeup, since the same ink is used in the automotive and printing industries. The FDA has received a large number of reports of allergic reactions in women, who got this kind of tattoo. These tattoos are also extremely difficult to remove, even with the help of new technologies. If you wish to change the color or remove the tattoo altogether, painful laser therapy will not work 100% guarantee that, that all pigment lines will disappear.

7. Chemical peels

Why do they do this: Chemical peeling – cream or serum, containing mild fruit acid, Helps remove dead cells and clear acne skin, according to Mayo Clinic experts. Pilling also promotes new cell growth.

Problems: Most types of chemical peels have minor side effects: the appearance of spots on the skin, if a woman is taking contraceptives; peeling and blistering (in case of sensitive skin); increased risk of herpetic rashes. The real danger arises when exfoliating at home, purchased in the online store, since there is a risk of painful scarring burns. The danger lies in the concentration of the substance: The most effective over-the-counter peeling creams contain 8% alpha hydroxy acids, as reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center. But such products are also sold without a prescription in online stores., the concentration of alpha hydroxy acid reaches 60%. Such creams cannot be used at home., because it is very dangerous, especially, if you are used to cream, contains 8% alpha hydroxy acids.

8. Breast correction Brava

Why do they do this: appearing in 1999 year, The Brava breast correction system has made a breakthrough in non-surgical breast enlargement.

Problems: According to clinical studies, Brava system works, but the process itself is long and fraught with many side effects. The result of using the system will not be so striking, as in the case of surgical implants. Brava is a set of plastic cups, connected to a vacuum pump. Cups are placed on the chest, and the pump turns on, the system must operate at least 10 hours a day for 10 weeks. In case you missed it 1 day, add it to the total. Sometimes there is redness and blistering from prolonged use. The positive thing is that, women, average, increase breast size by one size. This system is ineffective for those women, who have very small breasts or low height and weight. Sometimes disappointment with the system is due to, that the final result is mistaken for breast swelling, and women think, that Brava works better, what it really is. Ingdid Schlenz, Doctor of Medicine from the University of Vienna, scientist, who studied the Brava system, warns, women, who want to use this system, must know, that the final results do not coincide with the initial ones.

9. Thermage and its dangers

Why do they do this: Approved by the Office of Sanitary Inspection in 2002 year, Thermage is a procedure, which uses high-temperature radio waves to tighten the skin. Thermage is often promoted as a non-surgical facelift.

Procedure in 2003 was called ThermaCool and the first patient was American television presenter Oprah Winfrey.

Problems: Possible side effects and results of the Thermage procedure itself were not discussed to the extent required during the Oprah Winfrey Show, as stated in a New York Times article for 2006 year. Thermage cannot always replace a facelift, although it reduces fine wrinkles and removes acne scars. Sometimes patients become frustrated with the procedure because, that the result does not live up to expectations. Side effects are unlikely, but doctors say, that in some cases they are kept silent about them. The procedure may cause skin burns, especially if the doctor exceeds the temperature regime in order to obtain a better result. The installation can also melt subcutaneous fat, leaving scars, dents and grooves on the face. But this happens in rare cases, Therefore, doctors should inform potential clients about risk factors.