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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle


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Ibd Sufferers: You Can End the Struggle

I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis eight years ago, and I was told that I would likely struggle with flare-ups for the rest of my life. I heard stories of other sufferers who had to eventually have their colons removed, and I became determined to not become part of this statistic. I was prescribed a daily medication that helps manage my condition, and although I don't like taking pills, I realize I need it to keep my colon healthy. I still experienced flares, so I began an elimination diet recommended by my doctor and found my "trigger" foods. I have now been flare-free for two years! I created this blog to help remind others with IBD that there is hope. You can end the constant struggle if you work with your doctor to try different methods of controlling your disease.

What Cosmetic Dermatology Procedures Are Available For Men?

Even if the idea of spending the day being pampered at a spa doesn't appeal to you, you may be considering some type of treatment to improve your appearance. Unlike women, men don't generally have the advantage of concealing makeup or high-priced beauty creams. Fortunately, recent advances in dermatological technology can now benefit men as well as women -- and men are flocking to cosmetic dermatologists and surgeons in unprecedented numbers. Read on to learn more about this topic and several appearance-improving procedures that are now popular among both sexes.

Laser resurfacing treatment

Although you may already be familiar with the use of Botox or other injectable fillers or treatments to help soften wrinkles around your forehead, eyes, and mouth, there are now much less invasive ways to achieve very similar results. In laser resurfacing, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon will use a fine laser to vaporize damaged cells on the surface of your skin. Because this laser only targets the skin that has already been subject to damage, it can quickly help create a more uniform appearance by diminishing lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring.

This procedure is gentler than the "laser peels" commonly used over the last few decades, and requires less recovery time than similar treatments. The results are also longer-lasting, as the damaged skin is now permanently gone, with your body commanded to produce new, damage-free skin in its place. To fully maximize the results of this treatment, be sure to drink plenty of water and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables during the weeks before and after your procedure. This will help your body reduce free radicals and create the best new skin possible.

Body sculpting

Whether your once-firm stomach has begun to soften over the years, or you're wishing to get yourself into the best shape of your life, you may be able to achieve the 6- or 8-pack of your dreams by undergoing a body sculpting procedure. Unlike liposuction, body sculpting is non-invasive and won't require you to go under general anesthesia or deal with bandages or a limited range of motion while healing. However, it does not offer the same level of instant gratification as liposuction, as it can sometimes take several months for the full results to take effect.

The most common type of body sculpting procedure involves the freezing of fat cells. If you've ever undergone the use of dry ice or other treatment for warts or moles, you may already be familiar with the concept of "freezing off" unwanted body growths. Because of their chemical composition fat cells freeze at higher temperatures than other types of body cells, which allows the applicator to fully freeze fat cells without damaging the surrounding tissues.

Once the fat cells have been frozen and killed, they'll gradually be re-absorbed into your body and excreted through your sweat, urine, and feces. Over the next few months, you'll begin to notice certain areas of your body slimming down and firming up, even without changing your diet and exercise habits.

Laser hair removal

When you hear the phrase "men and hair issues," you may think of male pattern baldness or other hair loss problems. Many men are instead struggling with a different issue -- unwanted hair around the face, neck, and chest, and sometimes even springing from ears and eyebrows. Traditional laser hair removal treatments have often been targeted toward the removal of facial, leg, armpit, or bikini-area hair for women. However, male hair is generally more coarse and stubborn than female hair, requiring more powerful lasers and a different type of treatment.

You may be able to have stray hairs eliminated from your beard and mustache area, minimizing the amount of time you'll spend shaving in the morning -- or have those stubborn, ingrown hairs on the back of your neck finally removed for good.