In response to the rising focus on youthful, ageless skin in today’s times, researchers are constantly developing newer and better techniques to reverse the signs of aging. According to statistics released by Global News Wire, the international industry for anti-aging treatments is projected to touch the $216.52 billion mark by 2021. That’s an estimated growth of 7.5% in the five years from 2016 to 2021.
Before you reach for the phone to contact your dermatologist to find out about the latest technique available, you might want to conduct a bit of research into it. That’s because the best options you can get today are not without their downsides. And, yes, the possibility of the anti-aging treatment going horribly wrong is very real.
Read ahead for a quick look at the most popular procedures available and the side effects you may want to prepare for.
Ultherapy Side Effects
Ultherapy is an anti-aging treatment that uses sound at specific frequencies to stimulate the layer of collagen and elastin under your skin to regenerate. Your dermatologist delivers the radio-frequency waves using a wand moved over your skin at the problem areas. She also uses diagnostic imaging devices to target the collagen with precision.
For a few days after the session, you may experience some amount of redness, swelling, and bruising. You may also note numbness and tingling in the treated area. All of these effects settle within a couple of days. And, your dermatologist may recommend that you ice the area for quicker recovery.
Worst case scenario? Some users on RealSelf have reported that the ultrasonic waves dissolved the layer of fat under the skin of their faces leading to unattractive hollows and changes in the shape of the face along with swelling.
Vampire Facial Side Effects
You may have heard about the hype surrounding one of the most innovative of anti-aging treatments that celebrities swear by, PRP therapy. The process involves extracting a healing serum or plasma from the blood of individual patients and then, re-injecting it back into problem areas to promote the rejuvenation of the layer of collagen and elastin. Cosmetologists have also been experimenting with combinations of PRP with Hyaluronic acid for more effective results. In place of injecting the serum, your doctor may choose to administer therapy with microneedling.
As for PRP injection side effects, you can expect to see redness and flushing for a couple of days after the session. The inflammation, if any, can be easily soothed with icing and topical numbing agents. If you sense any discomfort, your dermatologists may recommend basic pain medications like Tylenol.
Worst case scenario? PRP treatments for the face have no side effects or allergic reactions. At the most, the therapy may not work on you at all, but there is a rare possibility of it causing any harm. If you do see any major side effects, they could be caused by factors other than the actual treatment. Like, for instance, the lab technicians not maintaining sterile conditions, and improper methods used to create and administer the serum.
Dermal Rolling or Micro Needling Side Effects
Dermal rolling or micro needling works on the premise that by inflicting micro injuries in the skin, it is possible to stimulate the regeneration of the layer of collagen under it. Dermatologists have used the procedure as an anti-aging treatment to help patients erase their fine lines and wrinkles. The procedure has also been found to be helpful in the removal of acne scars and injury marks.
Like in the case of Ultherapy and Vampire Facelifts, you can expect to see redness, bruising, and soreness. Depending on how sensitive your skin is, you might also feel irritation, itchiness, and the skin may look raw with imprint marks of the needles. These effects should settle within a few days and your dermatologist will recommend that you apply organic hydrating agents that don’t contain toxins or chemicals.
Worst case scenario? Studies conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information have shown that you could develop an infection in case the needles or derma roller has not been sterilized properly before use. If the needles are longer than what you can comfortably tolerate, you can sense pain and bleeding. In rare cases, your skin may also display scarring.
Microdermabrasion Side Effects
This anti-aging treatment involves scraping off a fine layer of the cells from the surface of your skin to reveal fresher, younger looking layers. Given a choice between using acid solutions that burn away the top layer, you may want to opt for crystal or diamond Dermabrasion that has a lower chances of causing adverse effects. Microdermabrasion works by giving your skin a more even look. As a result, skin flaws like lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and injury marks may seem lighter and less noticeable.
Right after the session is complete; you may notice that the skin looks red and raw. Your dermatologist will likely recommend that you stay out of the sun for several days and refrain from using chemicals on your skin. Keeping your skin hydrated with toxin-free moisturizers can help your skin recover faster.
Worst case scenario? Like HealthLine explains, given that the procedure removes the protective upper layer of your skin, you risk infections, bruising, and pain. In case the practitioner holds the wand for too long against your skin with too much pressure, you also risk permanent pigmentation and scarring.
Before signing up for any kind of anti-aging treatment, you may want to weigh the pros and cons carefully. Talk to your dermatologist at length about the adverse effects you can expect and what you can do to minimize the risks. Of course, the best way to avoid harmful after effects is to work with a certified practitioner who has a good track record and positive reviews from past users.
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