Cosmetic treatments are saviors and there is no doubt about it.
These treatments can help us look better and correct those imperfections on our skin and body contours.
Today, there are several advanced cosmetic therapies available for us to choose from some of which are invasive and some non-invasive.
If you go back by a few decades, there were only invasive or surgical treatments available. Invasive surgical cosmetic treatments were not so sought-after because few people want to “go under the knife”.
But, now, with newer and more advanced non-invasive therapies, a large number of men and women are undergoing cosmetic treatments without hesitation and with successful results.
Want to know why? Read on to learn why non-invasive cosmetic treatments are considered safer than invasive treatments.
The Procedures of Non-invasive Cosmetic Treatments
1. The procedures
Non-invasive cosmetic treatments are safer than invasive treatments. For invasive treatments, the patient has to undergo a surgical procedure.
This involves the administration of anesthesia making an incision on the skin, and sometimes, a period of hospitalization before and after the procedure.
The successful outcomes of a surgical treatment rely on several factors that range from the type of procedure, the general health of the patient, the extent of imperfection to be treated, and so on.
Non-invasive cosmetic treatments, on the other hand, have higher chances of successful outcomes because, in most cases, the procedure is simpler. It could be as simple as a physical examination or deep-tissue stimulation.
Although popular invasive procedures like liposuction are safe and effective, non-invasive cosmetic treatments that do not need any incisions or anesthesia, can produce effective results without the risks like bleeding and scarring. [1] [2]
2. Safety
Safety is a major concern for most invasive cosmetic procedures. Like any other surgery, cosmetic treatments have a risk of serious side effects and complications that can occur during or after the procedure.
The risks may be associated with the use of anesthesia or the surgical wound caused by the incision.
In some cases, the infection of the surgical wound may become worse causing scarring and permanent disfigurement. These risks can be easily avoided by undergoing non-invasive cosmetic treatments. [3]
Non-surgical cosmetic treatments like dermal fillers and Botox do not leave any scars on the face. They do not require making large incisions so patients do not have to worry about infections of the surgical wound.
These are FDA approved procedures that can be performed without any general anesthesia. Surgical complications and side effects that can occur during and after the procedure can be avoided by choosing non-invasive cosmetic treatments. [4]
3. Faster recovery
Recover time is a major factor that drives people to choose non-invasive cosmetic treatments.
Traditional cosmetic treatments have a recovery period. Patients often have to stay in the hospital for a few days after the procedure.
This can be inconvenient for most people.
Non-invasive procedures, on the other hand, provide the convenience of faster recovery and no downtime. The sessions can be performed in the doctor’s clinic on an out-patient basis.
No hospitalization is needed before, during, and after the procedure. Patients can go home immediately after the sessions. They can also resume their routine activities immediately after the treatments.
Most working professionals prefer to visit the doctor for non-invasive cosmetic therapy during their lunch hour and go back to the office after the procedure.
This is why; these therapies are sometimes called ‘lunch hour face job’ or ‘lunch hour nose job’. It indicates how quickly you can get in and out of these therapies. It can help people save valuable time. [5]
Also, according to the skincare experts at Fashionista, “As appealing as the quick turn around is, unlike most things in life, faster might actually be safer when it comes to these cosmetic surgeries. The key factor here is the anesthesia. Though complications from anesthesia are uncommon, studies have found that the risks to the patient increase with the amount of time spent in la-la land. Less time under = less chance of things going wrong. Throw in the fact that smaller incisions heal faster and decrease the areas vulnerable to infection, and you have a process that many doctors feel is safer than the classic methods of cosmetic procedure.” [6]
The short sessions of non-invasive cosmetic treatments can be safer than the longer-lasting sessions of invasive treatments.
4. Natural results
Unlike invasive treatments, non-invasive therapies provide natural-looking results as they work by stimulating the natural healing mechanisms and physiological processes of the body.
For example; Dr. Lorraine Hill, a renowned skincare expert has opinionated in the article published in the Glamour, “Ultherapy is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based treatment used to trigger the production of new collagen and elastin, as well as tighten muscles. It gives the skin a lifted look and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.” [7]
This indicates that the treatment works by stimulating the collagen and elastin production in the skin to restore the natural youthful appearance of the skin making it safer than invasive surgeries.
5. Long-lasting results
Compared to invasive procedures, non-invasive cosmetic treatments are quick to deliver the expected results.
Not only that, the results are usually faster and longer-lasting making them more desirable than invasive treatments that may take a few days to weeks to show the desired results.
Conclusion
Ever since non-invasive cosmetic treatments showed up, the use of invasive treatments has declined considerably.
Most patients want to go for an improvement in their skin and body contours without the stress of any side effects, injections, and a recovery time of several days.
This is why people prefer non-invasive cosmetic treatments that do not involve the use of anesthesia or require making any incisions.
Quicker sessions, no downtime, and faster results are some other advantages of non-invasive therapies that make them highly sought-after procedures than invasive cosmetic treatments.
References:
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/
- https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/safety
- https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/what-does-an-fda-approval-mean-for-cosmetic-treatments-and-devices
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14533572/
- https://fashionista.com/2016/12/non-invasive-plastic-surgery
- https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/botox-alternatives
Strong bones form the foundation of a stable framework for your body. It is important to maintain optimum bone health to be able to live a physically active life.
Bone health is also important to avoid diseases that can occur due to the loss of bone mineral density. Read on to know the best supplements you can use to promote bone health.
Top 8 supplement women can use to improve bone health
1. Calcium
Calcium is the building block of the bones. It is the most important mineral the body needs to form the bone mass. The requirement of calcium for adult women is about 1000 to 1200 mg per day. [1]
The daily requirement may be higher in menopausal women who experience faster bone loss due to the hormonal changes that put them at risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. [2]
The use of calcium supplements would promote the bone formation processes in menopausal women and make their bones stronger and denser. [3]
Women can start using calcium supplements in a lower dose initially, especially if they are prone to develop frequent gastric upsets. They may increase the dose gradually as the stomach gets used to it.
Also, for adults, the maximum limit for calcium intake is 2000 mg. Using a very high dose of calcium supplements may increase the risk of kidney stones. Women should keep in mind these factors and use calcium supplements as recommended to improve bone health. [4]
2. Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in improving bone health. It facilitates the absorption of calcium in the gut and increases its availability to the bones. Vitamin D is also needed for the physiological processes involved in bone growth, development, and remodeling.
Hence, it is advisable to use calcium supplements in combination with vitamin D to derive better results. [5]
3. Vitamin K
Vitamin K, particularly vitamin K2, is essential for bone health. Vitamin K2 (menaquinone) can act as a coenzyme for certain proteins that are required in bone formation and remodeling processes.
Vitamin K also helps calcium to bind to the bones more efficiently and inhibits the loss of minerals from the bones.
Research studies have shown that vitamin K2 supplements can also support bone health in menopausal and postmenopausal women and reduce their risk of osteoporosis. [6]
The recommended dosage of vitamin K is 150 micrograms per day. However, it should be noted that vitamin K can interfere with the action of blood-thinning drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.
4. Magnesium
Magnesium is another mineral that is essential for maintaining optimum bone health. Though it is found in natural food sources such as whole grains, green vegetables, and nuts, the use of supplements may be essential for patients who suffer from poor absorption of food in the intestine.
The recommended daily dose of magnesium is about 300 to 500 mg. The requirement may be higher in people whose diet comprises mainly of processed foods or ready meals that are known to have a poor nutritional profile.
5. Herbal supplements
Herbal supplements that possess natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties could help to support bone health.
For example; the use of supplements containing Herba epimedii, Fructus psoraleae, and Fructus ligustri lucidi has been found to improve bone mineral density. [7]
These herbs produce a bone-protective effect, particularly in postmenopausal women, by creating an estrogen-like effect.
The use of black cohosh is recommended for women who suffer from osteoarthritis. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of black cohosh would reduce damage to the bones and joints and slow down the progress of osteoarthritis. [8]
Similarly, fruits and herbs containing vitamin C such as amla (Indian gooseberry), and oranges may produce antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects and reduce the risk of joint damage due to rheumatoid arthritis. [9]
Herbs such as holy basil and turmeric would help to minimize the risk of infections in the bones such as osteomyelitis by improving immunity and producing a natural antibacterial action.
6. Boron
Most people are not aware that trace elements like Boron also play a vital role in improving bone health. Your body does not need Boron in high amounts. However, it is still important to ensure your bones are not deprived of this mineral as it has the potential to help your body use calcium more efficiently.
Boron can also help in the management of osteoporosis and osteopenia by activating vitamins and minerals essential for bone formation.
The body needs around 3 to 5 mg of boron per day. Boron is found in food sources such as apples, peaches, grapes, nuts, and pears. If you suffer from osteoporosis, you can use a boron supplement to support bone formation and reduce bone loss.
7. Omega 3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are revered for their natural anti-inflammatory properties. Supplements containing omega 3 fatty acids would support bone health by minimizing inflammation caused due to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Silicon
Silicon is another trace mineral needed for the growth and development of bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is estimated that taking around 25 to 50 mg of silicon every day might help to prevent osteoporosis.
Why do we need to use supplements to improve bone health?
Most of the nutrients the body needs to support bone health can be derived from our diet. Hence, eating a balanced and nutritious diet is often considered the most effective way to ensure optimum bone health.
However, sometimes, you may have to use supplements to make the bones healthier and stronger.
Factors such as advancing age, menopause, diet restrictions, loss of appetite, and digestive disorders can affect the amount of nutrients your bones receive. As a result, the bones are deprived of the nutrients they need to build strong mass.
In this case, the use of supplements may offer an effective alternative to enhance bone health and prevent diseases caused due to the deficiency of essential vitamins and minerals.
Conclusion
The use of these supplements would protect your bones against several diseases including osteopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, osteomyelitis, and rheumatoid arthritis. You can choose the best supplement suitable for you depending on your risk factors and tendencies.
References:
- http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199709043371003
- https://www.endocrine.org/guidelines-and-clinical-practice/clinical-practice-guidelines/osteoporosis-in-postmenopausal-women
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-Consumer/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20068257
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/vitaminK-HealthProfessional/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S222541101630181X
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-857/black-cohosh
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-c/
