Are Med-Spas Putting You in Danger?

Anti-aging treatments are some of the most popular medical spa treatments. Often non-invasive or minimally invasive and at a price many can afford, chemical peels, microdermabrasion and anti-aging injections like Botox are increasingly popular. However, these treatments, while largely routine and safe, can carry significant risks.

Chemical and fruit acid peels, which are designed to reveal younger, smoother skin, generally come with short-term side effects such as redness, tenderness and swelling. But in some patients, these treatments'' impact can be more severe, either due to sensitivity or something going wrong in treatment. Risks here include burning, blistering and in some rare cases, even scarring. To minimize risks, it''s important to get these treatments done in a medical setting and performed by a doctor. Following after-care advice about avoiding the sun and caring for the skin is also extremely critical.

Injections used to reduce the appearance of wrinkles carry a range of risks both to your appearance and long-term health. The popularity of these treatments has largely shown that they are safe in most circumstances, but there are risks which everyone considering these types of treatments should know.

Botox is a significantly diluted version of a paralytic toxin. Ideally, it partially freezes some small areas of the face to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, while also preventing new ones from forming or deepening. Since Botox is injected into the skin, it carries several risks. These include bruising, which is generally short-lived; infection, which can be serious; and, occasionally, the spread of the Botox beyond the area it was intended for. This can create partial paralysis or stiffness in the face, an odd appearance or other more threatening conditions.

Additionally, it is also possible to have an allergic reaction, regardless of whether you have tried the product before, because some allergies develop over time. Allergic reactions can range from unpleasant to life-threatening, and this is why it''s important to always receive your medical spa treatments in an appropriate environment.

Other popular anti-aging injections are known as fillers. These products are injected into the site of wrinkles to smooth and fill them, reducing their appearance. These fillers are made from a range of materials, most of which the body reabsorbs in time, which is why fillers, like Botox and other anti-aging treatments, must be periodically repeated for continued efficacy.

The risks associated with fillers are similar to Botox and include allergic reaction, bruising, infection and pain. But there are also several risks unique to these products, such as the filler moving and creating unsightly lumps under the skin or even creating bumps on the surface that need to be surgically removed. There is also a risk of tissue death, which can be disfiguring.

It is important to remember that while some of the risks of anti-aging treatments will manifest immediately, many may take time to become apparent. This means you can have an adverse reaction days, weeks, months and sometimes even years after an initial treatment. Be sure to weigh the risks when considering the benefits of these increasingly popular treatments.

Racheline Maltese is a writer for Yodle, a business directory and online advertising company. Find a med spa or more med spa articles at Yodle Consumer Guide. Are Med-Spas Putting You in Danger?