While cosmetic treatments can offer incredible anti-aging results, some procedures come with risks that are often overlooked. These popular treatments can also be damaging or even dangerous due to improper technique, allergic reactions, or long-term side effects. Approach these treatments with caution, and always make sure you go to a trained and recommended cosmetic professional.
1. Botox Overuse
Botox smooths out fine lines and wrinkles to temporarily turn back the clock and create a more youthful appearance that lasts 3-6 months. This injectable works to block the chemical signals from the nerves that cause muscles to contract and tense up. Mainly used to treat facial wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines, its age-reversing effects cause many to go overboard, resulting in an unnatural “frozen” face. In addition to ending up looking a little weird, over time, muscles can weaken, potentially causing long-term issues.
2. Lip Fillers
Lips lose their fullness and become dryer, and lines develop around the mouth with age. Whether you naturally have very thin lips or you just enjoy the look of having a plump pout, getting lip filler is a great way to boost the appearance of your mouth and create symmetry on your face. However, improper application or using low-quality fillers can cause lumps and what is known as “pillow lips.” If you go overboard, you can also end up with an unnatural large”trout pout.”
3. Chemical Peels
A chemical peel is a professional beauty treatment that removes the surface layer of the skin to reveal free skin underneath and rejuvenate the appearance of your complexion. This is a harsh treatment, and if done wrong or on sensitive skin, it can also cause burns, scarring, and hyperpigmentation, especially on darker skin tones. Always make sure to patch-test harsh beauty treatments such as chemical peels in order to protect your skin from serious or permanent damage.
4. Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair is annoying, and having to shave every other day or get a painful wax every few weeks is high-maintenance. This is why laser hair removal has become popular as a reasonably painless way to stay hair-free. The treatment uses a laser to emit light that’s absorbed by the melanin in the hair and converted to heat, which damages the hair follicles, inhibiting or delaying future growth. It is very effective, although it’s more about reduction than permanent removal. However, improper use can result in burns, scars, and skin discoloration. It’s especially risky for people with darker skin tones.
5. Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a procedure that uses tiny crystals to physically exfoliate the top layer of the skin surface. This results in a fresher, younger-looking appearance. Overuse or improper treatment techniques can cause skin irritation, redness, and even permanent damage to the skin barrier. When the skin is wounded, it creates an inflammatory response that triggers healing, but inflammation can also speed up aging.
6. Tanning Beds
We all want a sunkissed glow, but there’s no safe way of exposing ourselves to damaging UV rays. Tanning beds are popular, but these are just as damaging as sun exposure, and you should steer clear of them entirely. Using tanning beds exposes you to high levels of UV radiation, significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. If you want a radiant glow, try a spray tan or a self-tanner. The healthiest, safest tan always comes in a bottle.
7. Dermal Fillers
Dermal fillers are gel-like substances injected under the skin that can restore volume and smooth out the face. They can also cause allergic reactions, infections, and, in some cases, vascular occlusion, which can lead to tissue death and blindness. That’s the worst-case scenario, but fillers also have the ability to damage the skin and can even migrate, causing your face to appear warped and puffy. Tread with caution on fillers.
8. Eyelash Extensions
Eyelash extensions can be a subtle yet powerful way to draw attention to your eyes and add lift and volume to your lashes. If they’re done wrong, they can cause allergic reactions, infections, and damage to your natural lashes, leading to thinning over time. Similarly, if you don’t clean and maintain false lashes, they can accumulate dirt and grime from your skin and makeup over time and cause serious infections. It’s better to go for a volumizing mascara; there are so many good, affordable ones out there.
9. Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting)
CoolSculpting is a non-invasive fat reduction method that is touted as being friendlier than surgical methods like liposuction. While this seems excellent from the outset, this procedure can actually lead to paradoxical adipose hyperplasia, a condition where fat cells grow more prominent rather than smaller, requiring further treatment. Or, in worse case scenarios, permanent disfigurement, and weight gain; this famously happened to supermodel Linda Evangelista.
10. Dermaplaning
Dermaplaning uses a razor-like blade to remove dead skin cells and peach fuzz from your face to give you a smooth, radiant complexion. However, if this is done by someone without proper training, it can also lead to cuts on the face, infections, and skin irritation. Make sure to always go to a trusted, qualified beautician if you want it done correctly and safely.
11. Tattoo Removal
Statistically, one in four people admit to regretting getting a tattoo. That’s why tattoo removal is a booming industry. Tattoo removal is effective at camouflaging and dissolving tattoos we’d rather forget, but if not done right, this process can cause burns, scarring, and changes in skin pigmentation. Multiple sessions are often needed, which increases the risk of complications. It’s also super painful.
12. Thread Lifts
Facelifts are a surgical alternative to getting Botox and filler when aging and skin sagging are more prominent. For those who prefer not to go under the knife, thread lifts offer a non-surgical facelift option. A thread lift, also known as a “lunchtime lift,” is minimally invasive and uses medical-grade threads to tighten and lift sagging skin on the face and neck. While this is generally a safe procedure, the threads can sometimes break, cause infections, or create visible lumps under the skin.
13. Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Once used to treat osteoarthritis patients, hyaluronic acid injections are becoming an increasingly popular beauty treatment for adding volume and hydration to the skin. But once again, improper application can lead to lumps, asymmetry, and even vascular complications. It is also a temporary fix.
14. Permanent Makeup
Drawing on eyeliner, eyebrows, and lip liners and putting on makeup every day is time-consuming and can become tedious. This is why many women opt for permanent makeup to save time or if they have overplucked their eyebrows. However, you need to be sure that this procedure is done properly by a professional. If not, it can lead to infections, allergic reactions, and unsatisfactory results that are difficult to correct. It can also look unnatural, and you may regret it later.