Stretch Marks: The Facts!
by: David Chandler

Stretch marks are purplish streaks and scars that normally appear on the buttocks, hips, abdomen, breast, and arms. They are a common side effect of growing too fast. They form when the dermis (the middle elastic layer of your skin) is stretched breaking down the elasticity in your skin. As the elasticity breaks down, the skin tries to reinforce itself with collagen in the over stretched skin, thus causing stretch marks.

Factors that contribute to the formation of stretch marks are:

Heredity - some skin types are just genetically predisposed. If you mother had stretch marks, chances are you will.

Weight - excess rapid weight gain as found in pregnancy and bodybuilding or to the other degree excessive weight loss.

Skin type - Some skin types are dryer than others thus having less elasticity, while well-hydrated skin tends to have more elasticity.

Removal and prevention of stretch marks:

Surgical methods - Dermabrasion, chemical peel, and advancement in laser treatments can be used to treat stretch marks. As with any cosmetic surgery, age, skin type, and even diet will influence the results.

Lotions and Creams - Advancements have been made with over the counter creams. If you are pregnant or body building, consult with your doctor to begin a preventative treatment for stretch marks.

Diet - Maintain healthy hydrated skin by drinking plenty of water. Hydrated skin keeps your skin soft, supple, and less likely to develop stretch marks. Caffeinated coffee, tea, and soda tend to dehydrate the skin leaving you more vulnerable to stretch marks. Eat foods that promote skin health such as foods high in zinc, vitamins A, C, and D, and protein rich foods.

Remember that not all stretch marks are created equal. They age and heal differently depending on the skin type, heredity, diet, and hydration. In time, they will fade, but the best advice is to maintain healthy skin, which will minimize the effects of stretch marks if they should occur.

David Chandler
For more information about stretch marks go to: http://www.stretchmarksinfocenter.com

Before and After Your Liposuction
by: Dave Lavinsky

Although liposuction is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgeries in the U.S., prospective patients need to be aware that their individual results may vary. Many who are considering the surgery begin with false hopes that the surgery can transform their bodies into the firm and toned images portrayed in the media. Although most patients are satisfied with the end results of the surgery, it needs to be understood that with any surgery, there is a risk of infection, swelling, and bruising as well as other, more serious, side effects. Liposuction usually gives the best results to healthy people of normal weight with firm, elastic skin. Those who are overweight or who have skin that is not as firm may not achieve the results they hope for.

Though fatalities seem to be rare, very little data exists to give a solid number. Some studies suggest that approximately 3 of every 100,000 liposuctions performed result in death. Other studies suggest that number to be much higher - 20 out of every 100,000 surgeries performed. The Food and Drug Administration suggests that these risks can be likened to that of automobile accident fatalities, which involve about to about16 out of every 100,000 people. It is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure and therefore carries the risk of complications.

In preparing for liposuction, individuals should undergo a series of physical examinations to determine whether or not their health is good enough to have the procedure performed. The individual must discuss any health issues with the doctor, such as the use of any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, and/or herbal remedies currently used.

Most people are satisfied or happy with the results of liposuction. Having realistic expectations prior to the surgery reduce the chances of being dissatisfied with the result. It is important to note that individual results will vary.

Some of the potential complications from liposuction include scarring, a bumpy appearance around the liposuction site, and fatty deposits returning after the surgery. After surgery it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep the fat from returning.

Liposuction can only be a permanent weight loss solution if it is used in conjunction with a reasonable lifestyle after the surgery. This includes maintaining a proper diet and exercise regimen.

Liposuction Info provides comprehensive information on the costs of standard, tumescent, and abdominal liposuction.

Laser Hair Removal Frequently Asked Questions

Why should you use a laser to remove hair?
Lasers can target pigmented hair while leaving the skin around the laser treatment unaffected. With each pulse of the laser, you can treat many hairs. Each pulse only takes a fraction of a second. Compare this with electrolysis and you will see that laser hair removal is much more precise and faster.

Does laser hair removal really work?
The results are quite predictable. 90% of patients usually have permanent hair loss. 10% percent of patients, no matter what you do, hair loss just does not happen. Usually after each session, most of the treated hairs by the laser fallout. After about six weeks the hair follicles that have survived gradually start growing back. But on the average with each session, approximately one third of the hairs? treated never return back and, therefore, are permanently removed.

The remaining hairs tend to be lighter in color and also smaller in size. Patients typically, on the average, are satisfied with three to five treatments separated by two months apart. Patients that have darker colored skin may need more sessions as their skin may require lower energy levels in order to be a safe treatment.

Will it work for me individually?
A consultation is required to determine if you really are a suitable candidate for a laser hair removal procedure. Dark, coarse hairs on any part of the body usually respond well. As a rule, very fine or very lightly colored hair whether it’s white, gray, or red, do not respond well to treatment.

Patients with dark complexions really need to be treated cautiously because the dark skin interferes with the laser light even before reaching the hair. With the latest technology available, there is some flexibility to treat a wide variety of patients effectively and safely.

What should I do before treatments?
Prior to treatments some protection from the sun is recommended. Usually for at least a month in advance. Tan skin increase the pigmentation and this can compete with the laser light. This can result in less effective sessions with a higher chance of side effects. The hairs in the areas that you want treated must be short but visible. It is very important not to pluck or wax the hair for a month prior to the treatments.

How long does each session usually last?
The treatment is relatively quick but also depends on the amount of hair to be treated. The laser can treat the hairs about the size of a quarter every second. A small area like the upper lip can be treated in less than a minutes, while large areas like the back or the legs may need up to an hour.

Will it hurt?
An anesthetic cream is usually recommended to numb the skin before treatments. This you will need to speak with the doctor and he can discuss with you which cream would be effective. The procedure is usually tolerated well with a mild sensation of heat tingling or stinging.

What should I expect after the Treatment?
The laser hair treatment area looks and feels much like a sunburn that usually last one to two days. You can use a cool compress and moisturizers. The area treated pretty much is usually pain-free the day after. Makeup can usually be used after the treatment unless there are blisters. Blisters, though not common, are more likely to happen in patients with darker skin. The lasered hair falls out over a month period and should not frighten you. Also, you should use sun protection for a month afterwards so it won?t change the pigment in your skin. Changes that sometimes may occur, which are permanent undesirable side effects, are scarring or skin color changes, though rare.

Again you really need to speak with a doctor before you even consider having laser hair removal. This is only general information and not to be taken as the only answers to these questions.

Fern Kuhn, RN-Specializing in Diabete
http://www.diabetestestingcenter.com & http://www.gastricbypassreviews.info

I’ ve Noticed My Hair Thinning - What Can I Do?
by: Peter Crump

If you notice your hair thinning, this might not be any immediate cause for alarm. There can be any number of reasons why this is happening. It is impossible to come up with a simple explanation for hair thinning because everyone has different medical conditions and different circumstances in their lives. The only way to determine the cause of the thinning is to visit your doctor. He/She will set up a series of tests to determine whether the reasons are genetic, dietary, the symptoms of a disease or medical treatments.

By far, the leading cause of hair thinning in both men and women is genetic. Scientists have determined that wearing a cap does not cause thinning hair and that many of the hair thinning products on the market, such as shampoos and solutions, do not work.

Hair thinning treatments prescribed by the doctor have varying results and are different for each patient. While some of these treatments do have success, as soon as you stop using them the hair starts thinning out again. You will never recover the full head of hair of your youth, but many hair thinning products can help you from becoming completely bald.

Surgical hair thinning treatments are successful, but costly. The surgeon removes a small patch of healthy hair and used this to create several hair grafts. With this treatment for hair thinning, he/she will place them over the thinning patches at angles so that when the hair starts to grow, no one will ever notice the difference. You may also have to use other hair thinning products prescribed by the doctor, such as a pill or a topical solution that you use twice a day on your scalp.

Women appear to be better candidates for this treatment because they usually don?t lose all their hair. These hair thinning treatments are also different for men and women because some of these products cause hair to grow on other parts of the body that might be unseemly for a female.

You also have to be careful about the hair thinning treatments, even if they are prescribed. Some of them have harmful side effects and some of them only promote hair growth on the top and the sides of the head and not for hair thinning on the back. You might want to have beautiful hair again, but not at the expense of your health.

Hair thinning treatments can vary widely, so consult your doctor first.

For a website totally devoted to hair replacement visit Peter’s Website The Hair Replacement Guide.

Microdermabrasion Acne Treatments - Harsh or Helpful?
by: Peter Crump

Many people think of microdermabrasion acne treatments as those supplied in salons by professional skincare specialists, but there are actually a multitude of microdermabrasion acne treatments available on your drugstore shelves. Many of the well-known and highly effective acne control products available today include beads or crystals that offer a microdermabrasion effect.

But many acne sufferers have been warned off using harsh products on their skin, as these can simply exacerbate the condition rather than helping to control it. Microdermabrasion acne treatments work by scraping away impurities and dead skin cells - surely this is not a treatment suitable for daily use? Won’t this aggravate my skin, leaving it raw and sore?

Older products might in fact have had this effect upon the skin. Usually exfoliants were recommended as a once or twice a week treatment. But advances in skincare have produced a wide variety of microdermabrasion acne treatments that combine an exfoliating effect with mild and soothing cleansers, which in combination can clear the skin of debris without aggravating sensitive skin.

In fact, using a mild exfoliant, such as those used in microdermabrasion acne treatments, is one of the most effective weapons in acne control. The daily use of these microdermabrasion acne treatments clears the skin of impurities, leaving it refreshed and revitalised, allowing blemishes to heal and preventing new ones from forming. The beads or crystal are complimented by other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, which are established tools in acne control. The combination of two powerful cleansing substances doubles your power in the fight against acne.

While this type of dermabrasion acne treatment might not be suitable for those with extremely sensitive skin, these products contain soothing ingredients that make them suitable for daily use in acne control. Home dermabrasion treatments are usually offered with toners and other products, and it is important to use all of these in combination, as the ingredients in each balance the effects of the other.

These skincare packages offer a complete routine for your skin that can make a real difference to your acne. Try a microdermabrasion acne treatment, and see what its gentle power can do for you.

Microdermabrasion acne treatments may be simpler than you thought.

Find out more about Natural Acne Treatments as well as Acne Scar Removal and Adult Acne, Acne Skin Care Products, the Best Acne Treatments and more at Peter’s website, http://www.acne-all-gone.com.