Cosmetic Surgery Alternatives

As the demand for physical perfection rises, so does the number and quality of cosmetic surgery alternatives. For those who fear needles, pain or surgical procures, or those without the money or time, there is a remedy for the concerns commonly corrected by cosmetic surgery.

Liposuction
What it is: Liposuction is done to remove unwanted fat and reduce the appearance of cellulite. A small incision is made (about a quarter to a third of an inch), and fat is removed via hollow tube and suction device.

Possible side effects and complications: Most commonly, side effects include bruising, swelling, pain, numbness, limited mobility and scarring. More serious complications include infection, fluid imbalance, lidocaine toxicity (too much saline fluid), burns, contour irregularities and damage to the skin, tissue or internal organ.

Non-surgical alternatives: To lose the weight that would be drained out by liposuction, the healthiest and safest method is diet and exercise. However, to help the process along, Fat Girl Slim by Bliss tightens and firms loose and sagging areas for a slimmer appearance. For more cellulite-prone areas, try Lipo-Lift Serum paired with the Lipo-Lift Massage Kit, both by Glytone, to smooth dimpled skin.

Face Lift
What it is: A face lift is performed to tighten extremely loose skin and diminish the appearance of extremely prominent lines and wrinkles. An incision is made in front of the ear and then continued under the ear, ending near the hairline on the back of the neck. The skin is then removed from the deeper tissues with a scalpel or scissors, and, if desired, the deeper tissues can be partially removed or tightened with stitches. The skin is then draped over the face and pulled taut to be restored with sutures or staples.

Possible side effects and complications: Aesthetic complications include long scars, hair loss at incision points, overly taut appearance and distorted earlobes. More serious complications include bleeding, facial nerve damage and necrosis.

Non-surgical alternatives: To prevent lines and wrinkles, begin a healthy skin care regimen in your mid-teens to early twenties, making sure to graduate to more mature products as your skin changes and ages. For treating already visible lines and wrinkles, as well as sagging skin, an anti-aging regimen is extremely helpful. Research and choose individual products based on your preferences, or choose an entire line from one brand, such as Freeze 24/7. A more serious alternative to surgery is NuFace, a handheld system that uses a mild, non-painful electrical micro-current to relax muscles and tighten skin.

Lip Enhancement
What it is: Plumping the lips by injecting dermal material, fat transfer, collagen, donor tissue or synthetic materials, or implanting gore-tex tubes.

Possible side effects and complications: Aside from the risk of overly large, overfilled lips, side effects can include redness, swelling, itching, bleeding, uneven lips, implant movement or protrusion, bruising, lumps and infection.

Non-surgical alternatives: There are many lip-plumping glosses, creams and gels available that provide safe and effective plumping. Although the results are not as exaggerated as with professional enhancement, the results are generally more natural-looking, as well as safer, cheaper and more comfortable. LipFusion Micro-Injected Collagen Lip Plump by Fusion Beauty is a safe formula of dehydrated marine collagen microspheres that plump when re-hydrated for more defined lips for up to 48 hours. For grab and go touch-ups, Sugar & Butter Lip Exfoliator by Jane Iredale includes all-natural formulas to smooth and plump lips, as well as provide a smattering of sparkle and a sheer tint of natural color.

When choosing an alternative to surgery, it is important to remember that although results aren’t as quickly achieved, they are often more natural-looking, safer and healthier.

Article posted 1/07/2008.

http://www.glow.com/
Copyright © 1999-2008 Glow, Inc., All rights reserved.