Laser Tattoo Removal – Myths and Facts

Laser tattoo removal is the most effective and safe method for removing tattoos on the skin. Despite of its popularity and demand, laser tattoo removal may sound scary. There are many misconceptions about laser tattoo removal that an individual must know about. Here we will discuss the most common myths and facts associated with the procedure.

Myth: Laser Tattoo removal is very painful procedure.

Fact: The treatment may cause slight discomfort, similar to snapping of rubber band on the skin but it is highly bearable. Numbing cream is applied on the skin prior to treatment to minimize the discomfort. so, laser tattoo removal is virtually pain free procedure.

Myth: Tattoo removal will remove natural pigment of the skin as well.

Fact: Certain types of lasers like Alexandrite and Ruby may damage the melanin causing skin bleaching but some types such as Nd: YAG won’t damage melanin or cause pigmentation. So individuals having darker skin tones should avoid Alexandrite or Ruby laser.

Myth: The treatment will leave scar.

Fact: Laser tattoo removal, when done by an experienced practitioner with right laser, does not cause scarring. However hair removal lasers may cause scarring and burning. Furthermore, frequencies of Ruby and Alexandrite lasers also cause scarring, so you should avoid them.

Myth: Darker colors are hard to remove.

Fact: Tattoos having black or dark colors are easier to remove because dark colors absorb all the wavelengths of laser. Lighter shades such as green and yellow, on the other hand, are difficult to remove because they selectively absorb laser light. Multiple wavelengths of laser are used to treat all the colors of tattoos.

Myth: Laser Tattoo Removal is a lengthy procedure.

Fact: The treatment is very quick, simple and short. It requires few minutes to complete, which is far shorter period than having tattoos.

Myth: Laser removes tattoo by burning the shallow layers of skin having tattoos.

Fact: Modern types of lasers do not burn the skin. They work by breaking down the pigments of tattoos. The removal of broken pigments is dependent on body’s natural immune system.

Myth: Laser will either remove tattoo completely or won’t. Partial removal is not possible.

Fact: Lasers used for tattoo removal are extremely accurate and customized. So, the procedure can easily remove the portion you aren’t happy with instead of removing entire tattoo.

Myth: You will require having the treatment sessions every week.

Fact: Laser treatment is no doubt done in multiple sessions but you will not need to have them every week. The treatment usually requires time span of four to eight weeks between two consecutive sessions to allow body get rid of shattered ink particles.

Myth: Old and amateur tattoos are harder to remove.

Fact: Most of the people consider removal of amateur tattoos harder as the ink or pigments are placed closer to skin surface but actually they are easier to remove. The removal of tattoos is also dependent on the depth of tattoos and therefore professionally made tattoos are harder to remove because of their depth. Older tattoos are also easier to remove because the ink tends to fade over time.

Tummy Tuck Surgery – Myths and Facts

Tummy tuck surgery – also known as abdominoplasty – is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries. While the popularity and demand of this procedure is significantly increasing, myths and misconceptions that are misleading men and women regarding tummy tuck surgery are also popping up. Most of the myths about tummy tuck are mostly believed to be true. Here we will discuss some common misconceptions along with the facts.

Myth: Tummy tuck eliminates stretch marks

Fact: Whether tummy tuck eliminates stretch marks or not? It depends. Stretch marks can be eliminated completely only if they are located on the skin that will be removed during procedure, especially below the navel. If they are not removed completely, there is a chance that they will become less noticeable.

Myth: You can’t have children after tummy tuck

Fact: It is another misconception of many women that they can’t have child after undergoing tummy tuck. You can absolutely get pregnant after tummy tuck. This is because tummy tuck surgery does not have any impact on reproductive organs. However, it is recommended to wait for at least six months after surgery. Pregnancy may also affect the outcomes of surgery because it stretches the skin and abdominal muscles.

Myth: Just women can benefit from tummy tuck

Fact: No doubt tummy tuck surgery is the only most effective procedure that helps women improving the appearance of their abdomen after pregnancy but it is not only for women. Men, who have fat deposits on tummy area that is unresponsive to dieting and exercise, can also undergo abdominoplasty to get flat tummy.

Myth: Results of tummy tuck are not long lasting

Fact: It is another misconception that results of tummy tuck are not long lasting. Its results are permanent but you will have to maintain them as fat may accumulate on some other area of body. So, in order to make the results of tummy tuck permanent, you will have to follow healthy diet and exercise regime.

Myth: You will get flat stomach instantly after tummy tuck

Fact: The procedure improves the contours of abdomen but you should have realistic expectations with it. The procedure will no doubt give you very beneficial results but final results will take time to become visible. Furthermore, it can’t flatten your tummy completely.

Myth: Tummy tuck is not a painful procedure

Fact: Whether abdominoplasty is painful or not, it depends on patient, the type of procedure and the plastic surgeon. The severity of pain and discomfort after surgery varies from patient to patient. Some patients may experience soreness and pain for several months. You can minimize pain by following post-surgical instructions.

Myth: There will be no visible scars

Fact: It is a common misconception about tummy tuck that it does not cause visible scars but it is not the fact. Though plastic surgeons make full efforts to make scars invisible by making incisions in inconspicuous sites, scarring may be visible. However, you may apply body art to hide scarring.

Myth: You should get tummy tuck immediately after C-section

Fact: Most of women consider it more beneficial to undergo tummy tuck and C-section simultaneously. But most of the plastic surgeons do not recommend doing so. Getting tummy tuck after complete healing and recovery following C-section will give you better results.

Get Killer Facial Contours with Cheek and Chin Augmentation

Most of the people are unaware of the fact that facial beauty is all about perfect facial contours, symmetry and balance and how different facial features can affect one another. The volume of cheeks and chin create the balance and harmony in the facial contours and play an important role in making your facial appearance youthful and beautiful.  These areas are more likely remain unnoticed when it comes to facial rejuvenation. But they play an important role because proportional and youthful facial contours add to the beauty. Cheek and chin augmentation are ideal options for you if your chin and cheeks have lost their contours because of aging or if you have naturally depressed cheeks and receding chin.

What is cheek and chin augmentation?

Cheek augmentation – also known as malar augmentation – is the cosmetic surgery procedure that involves placement of cheek implants in the cheeks to create more volume and enhance facial contours.

Chin augmentation is the surgical procedure in which implant is placed in the chin to give it volume and prominence. Chin augmentation can be performed alone or in combination with Rhinoplasty – nose surgery – to improve facial proportion.

Who are good candidates for cheek and chin augmentation?

Men and women whose chin and cheeks have lost volume can undergo cheek and chin augmentation surgery to improve their facial contours. Individuals who have good general health and have realistic expectations with the outcomes of surgery can be good candidates for the procedure.

How cheek and chin augmentation are performed?

Chin augmentation surgery is generally performed under general anesthesia on outpatient basis. During surgery, an incision is made beneath the chin or inside the mouth. Chin implant is then inserted in the chin through this incision, which is then closed with sutures.

Cheek augmentation surgery is also performed under general anesthesia. It involves making incisions in the mouth. If cheek augmentation is being performed in combination with other facial procedures, incisions may also be made inside the lower eyelid or in the hairline. After making incisions, cheek implants are inserted in the cheeks. Finally incisions are closed with sutures.

Cheek implants are divided into three types varying in shapes. These types include:

·         Malar implants: These implants are placed directly on the cheekbones to provide higher projection.

·         Submalar implants: These implants are inserted just below the malar bone to create fullness in the lower cheek. These implants are used to balance out the pre-existing high cheekbones.

·         Combined: Combined implants are used to improve the contours of both cheekbone and lower cheeks.

Benefits of cheek and chin augmentation surgery

These procedures have many aesthetic and psychological benefits, which include:

·         Improve weak facial contours

·         Improve asymmetry of facial features

·         Make your facial appearance younger-looking and attractive

·         Boost your confidence and self-esteem

In short, cheek and chin augmentation can greatly improve your facial contours by making your cheeks and chin proportionate.

Botox Treatment – Not For Wrinkles Only

Botox is one of the most common non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Botox is often known for its cosmetic uses but it is not only for wrinkle eradication. It has a number of other cosmetic as well as medical uses also. Botox is actually a muscle relaxer that paralysis muscles temporary and is effective for treating a number of conditions caused by improper muscles movements.

What is Botox?

Botox is natural purified protein that is made from a neurotoxin produced by clostridium botulinum. Botox, in its original, concentrated form, is one of the most harmful substances on earth. It is responsible for causing botulism, which is a fatal disease but when used in diluted, purified form, it becomes the most effective drug. Small quantities of diluted Botox are injected in the skin for treatment purpose.

How does Botox work?

A mentioned earlier, Botox is a muscle relaxer, it works by temporarily inhibiting nerve impulses that stimulate muscles. Ultimately, the condition caused by improper muscular movement is treated. Botox works in the similar manner for not only wrinkles, but other conditions as well. Botox treatment is simple, easy and effective procedure. The only drawback of this treatment is that its results are temporary and last till the affect of Botox is there.

Botox is used for treating a number of cosmetic as well as medical conditions. Usually, it is used for treating following issues:

Wrinkles and lines

Botox safely and effectively reduces or eliminates the wrinkles caused by movement of facial muscles. Botox is injected into the facial muscles with fine needles.  It is an FDA approved non-surgical procedure for facial rejuvenation. Common facial areas that are treated include:

·         Horizontal lines on the forehead known as forehead lines

·         Vertical lines on forehead between eyebrows called frown lines

·         Lines around the corners of eyes called crow’s feet

·         Excessive lines besides nose and around mouth

Botox can also be injected in the neck to remove wrinkles on neck.

Lip enlargement

Besides eradication of lines and wrinkles, Botox is also effective for improving the appearance of thin lips. Small amount of Botox is injected in few sites in and around the lips that gives them volume and improves their symmetry and definition.

Improving facial contours

Botox can also improve the facial appearance by enhancing jaw line contours. For this purpose, Botox is injected in the masseter muscle.

Excessive sweating – hyperhidrosis

Excessive sweating, especially in armpits, palms and soles, known as hyperhidrosis, is the medical condition that occurs because of over activation of sweat glands. Botox can effectively treat this condition by temporarily blocking nerve signals that activate sweat glands. Botox treatment can also be done to treat excessive sweating in the palms and soles but mostly, it is used to reduce sweating in armpits.

Chronic migraines

Migraine aches are quite common. Injecting small amount of Botox in few sites in head, forehead and neck is helpful for treating chronic migraine that occurs for more than 15 days per month lasting for 4 hours or more. Botox has been approved for migraine treatment and showed effective results by significantly reducing the frequency of headache.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is the neurological condition characterized by forcible twitching of eyelids. It occurs because of improper eyelid muscles movement. Botox treats blepharospasm by blocking nerve impulses to eyelid muscles. The treatment involves injecting small quantities of Botox into several sites above and below the eyes with tiny needles.

Lower back pain

Lower back pain is another condition caused by severe muscle spasms. For treatment of lower back pain caused by muscle spasm, Botox is injected in few sites in back. The treatment provides temporary but very effective results.