Thousands of people undergo cosmetic surgery procedures in a bid to look healthier or younger. Botox, microdermabrasion, fillers,laser hair removal and the list goes on, but how safe are these procedures and are we getting a short term gain but a long term loss?

One of the most common procedures is teeth whitening. The dentist applies a strong bleaching gel which is activated by light, heat or ultrasound. You can also do this at home using whitening systems. this can cost anywhere from £400 to £1000. The problem can be that some salons are providing this treatment but haven’t given their staff the proper training, and some kits bought over the internet are no properly regulated and can contain dangerous levels of bleach. Gums can be burned, teeth can be irritated and in worst case scenarios it can lead to permanent damage to the surface of the enamel. So if you have sensitive teeth, veneers,crowns or a bridge this treatment is best avoided. If you do want to go ahead just check that the treatment is by a qualified dentist or the kit you buy is properly authorised.

Laser eye surgery is also proving popular with people who prefer to ditch their glasses.It’s a surgical way to reshape the cornea and thereby restore normal vision. This can cost from £600 to £1600 per eye. The side effects mostly relate to the cutting of the cornea which can include infection, dry eyes and corneal haze. The vision can sometimes be worse after surgery and not better. So if you are already prone to frequent eye infections or eye related problems maybe give this one a miss. If you do opt for treatment check that your practitioner is qualified with the Royal College of Opthalmologists.

Always do your research thoroughly before any cosmetic procedure and make sure that the person giving you the treatment is properly qualified.