Drinking Water Quality Testing – Is it That Important?

Author: Kalona Karrington
Source: ezinearticles.com

Seekers of youthful looks can now rejoice in this new innovation of a non-surgical procedure. Laser skin tightening uses infrared light to heat up and contract or tighten the collagen. At the same time there is an increase of new skin cells replacing damaged ones. This process results in visible changes immediately, skipping over a recovery period.

Examples of laser skin tightening treatments are the Titan, Polaris, Candela or GentleYAG systems. All of these systems use laser technology to heat up the bottom skin layers where collagen is found while cooling the external skin masking any signs of external injuries.

Similar to the laser hair removal, laser skin tightening applies laser light – an intense throbbing beam of light – to the areas of the skin to be treated. The light goes through all the dermal layers.

The waves of light heat up the skin’s water content producing a uniformed heating effect in the areas to be treated, making the damaged, disorganized collagen fibers tighten as fibroblasts produce new collagen.

At the same time, there is a cooling system that prevents the surface of the skin from heating up. This process, called collagen remodeling, brings about a firmer, younger-looking smooth skin.

Who would benefit from laser skin tightening?

The skin becomes loosened and sagging because of several reasons, like aging, pregnancies, abrupt or drastic weight loss.

Those with obviously sagging skin and fearful about the facelift procedure of surgery can choose laser treatment with its minimal invasion. Lines and sagging are improved in less time.

For those with really excessive floppy or baggy skin, plastic surgery can be combined with laser treatment for best results. Laser treatment is best for those who want clear results on their skin minus the bother of cosmetic surgery.

Preparation

3 to 4 weeks before the treatment, you would be instructed to apply sun block and keep away from direct sunlight. You should also stop the tretinoin treatment, if you’re taking one, at least one week before the procedure.

The doctor would also prescribe prophylactic antiviral medicines like Valtrex, for those predisposed to oral herpes, for a daily application before and for a week after the laser skin tightening treatment.

The treatment

Laser skin tightening procedures last from 30 to 60 minutes, or longer involving large areas like the face and neck or the abdomen.

A covering will be put on your eyes for protection and a cooling gel on your skin. You would be feeling some warmth but as a whole, the process is comfortable enough not to need any anesthesia.

Pulses of infra-red light will be directed to target areas of your face or body. The laser emits energy which the water in your skin absorbs, affecting the collagen to contract and therefore, tighten. The machine has a cooling system which will keep the skin surface cool. Immediately after the treatment you can go back to your normal lifestyle.

After treatment

The redness, warmth and tightness will diminish in a few hours. You will be able to observe some changes in tone and condition of your skin immediately after the treatment. The full renewal of your skin will take effect in 90 to 180 days, the time it takes to form new collagen.

Acutely sagging skin will need more than one treatment every 4 to 6 weeks. Your doctor will be able to determine the number of sessions your skin will need. The usual number is 3 to 6 sessions.

Your skin will stay renewed for 1 to 2 years, in some instances, even longer. You must stay away from the sun; its rays are harmful to your newly treated skin by breaking down the collagen faster. If you need to go out you must apply a high SPF sunscreen or sun block.

Complications and Precautions

You would see some swelling and redness but this is expected and will disappear in a few days. There are rare cases of bruising or blistering, about which your doctor must be informed. In some other patients, the treated areas would exhibit some pigmentation.

You must be candid with your doctor if you suffer from chronic herpes infections. S/he will assess your condition and advise you on the matter, which usually means the application of prophylactic measures.

Pregnant women and those with skin cancer are not qualified to go through laser skin tightening.

Tell your doctor about skin care and anti-acne medications and their adverse effects prior to the treatment.

Laser Skin tightening costs vary depending on the size, type of laser used, location of the target areas. On the average, $1,000 covers all but is still priced lower than invasive cosmetic surgery.

Kalona Karrington is a writer and researcher for Cosmetic Surgery Today.

Cosmetic Surgery Today is an up-to-date cosmetic surgery website containing information on all types of cosmetic surgery. If you need help finding a surgeon in your area, have questions, or just need information, visit http://www.cosmeticsurgerytoday.com.

Author: Kalona Karringtonbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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Glycolic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid derived from the sugarcane, and one of the most popular choices for chemical peeling. It has been found to be particularly beneficial in the treatment of acne, wrinkling, uneven pigmentation, as well as rugged and desiccated skin, thereby earning it the honorable distinction of being a mean anti-aging substance.

It works by removing the glue which holds dead skin to a persons body, typically the face. But it can also be used to improve the appearance of an individuals hands, chest, neck, and arms.

The Procedure

The peeling process is generally a short one, taking only about twenty minutes. Preparation for the procedure is as simple as washing and cleansing the area to be treated. The glycolic acid is then applied, and left to set for several minutes. After removing the acid by either an alkaline substance such as sodium bicarbonate, or washed away with water, the skin will appear to have a pinkish hue.

Because the acid stings when applied, it is recommenced the patient take an over-the-counter pain killer such as Advil or Tylenol before the treatment begins.

Cost

The average cost for a glycolic acid peel is around $188 per treatment; far less expensive than comparable laser treatments.

Side Effects

There are very few side effects associated with glycolic acid peeling, apart from the small risk of complications, which can include scarring, re-activation of cold sores, and permanent or temporary changes in the color of skin.

These complications occur in less than two percent of all patients. To minimize your risk, a small area of the skin can be tested prior to treatment. If a re-activation of cold sores occurs, medication can be prescribed.

Recovery

Patients are allowed to resume all normal activities immediately. However, because the skin will lightly peel for the first few days, it is recommended they minimize going out in the sun, or at the very least use a sunscreen on the treated area. Within a week of having had the treatment, the patients skin will appear younger, clearer, and vibrant.

Those considering a glycolic acid peel should know that it cannot remove broken capillaries on the face and nose, reduce pore size, tighten sagging skin, or remove deep scars. It can eliminate small scars, aging lines around the mouth and under the eyes, blotches caused by medication, and give the skin a more radiant glow.

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pFor more information on glycolic acid peels and other cosmetic procedures, please visit a target=_new href=http://www.cosmeticsurgerytoday.com rel=nofollowCosmetic Surgery Today/a/ppKalona Karrington is a writer and researcher for Cosmetic Surgery Today./pbr
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Author: Ingrid Lihan
Source: ezinearticles.com

Laser acne treatment is considered to be without any side effects. However, most people are unaware of the care to be taken post-laser treatment. Besides, there are dangers of darkened skin tone and burns. Ensure that you are well informed about the treatment and go to a skin specialist who carries out cosmetic corrections after trying alternate lines of treatment.

What you must know

Laser acne treatment is known to be a painless procedure that reduces the blemishes on the skin caused by acne and reduces the sebaceous glands oil production. The use of the laser removes and prevents future onslaughts by acne-causing bacteria. The treatment also tightens the skin from the outside. Laser technology works are layers deeper than the epidermis and has the effect of providing greater suppleness and smoothness to scarred tissue. There is always an inherent risk of laser burns that cause permanent damage to the skin. The fact of the burn does not come into the open until the patient finds that the redness associated with the treatment is not reducing as it is supposed to in the 12 to 18 day period of the treatment. This treatment is recommended for some skin types only.

Why you must know

Though effective, laser acne treatment leads to hyper pigmentation of certain skin types. Darker toned skins tend to face this issue as a result of laser treatment. This is a highly specialised line of treatment and should only be taken at the hands of specialised practitioners. Avoid offers of cheaper treatment by smaller beauty based businesses. You will have to keep your sun away from exposure to sunlight for a few weeks after the treatment. After laser treatment, the skin is raw and red and requires antibiotic and other topical creams to counter the problems associated with the treatment. In case you face a worsening of symptoms, you must know whether to call the doctor or whether temporary worsening is to be expected in the course of recovery.

How to find out

The sources of finding out more about laser acne treatment are the internet, specialists who use laser treatment and those who work with non invasive methods. Normally, a medical practitioner may suggest laser treatment when the skin condition is severe and other treatments have been tried to no avail. If friends have gone through successful treatment, ask them to describe it and see whether you are willing to make the move towards laser treatment. If somebody you know has had a bad experience, find out what caused the problem instead of rejecting the treatment outright. Log on to discussion sites on the subject and pose your queries regarding what to expect.

Where to find out

Medical practitioners are the best source of advice about your need and helping you set expectations of laser acne treatment. The internet is another source of information though you need to check back what you read with an expert. Visit the office of skin specialist and ask for an explanation about what the treatment involves.

If you want to find out about the efficacy and appropriateness of Laser Acne Treatment for you, log on to http://www.skinacneremedytreatmentproduct.com for information from professionals in the field.