Beauty Tips

When Beauty Treatments Backfire

We are all suckers for beauty treatments that promise a quick fix to our biggest dilemmas. But are the risks worth it? Find out

by Sharon J. Yi

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The quick fix: Taking diet pills Diet pills can have a variety of active ingredients, but board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Victoria Karlinsky, M.D. of New Look New Life says, the most popular ones tend to have phentremine, which acts almost exactly like cocaine. "Phentremine suppresses your appetite, gives you some elation, and may make you feel more energized," says Karlinsky. "However, when patients abruptly stop [using] it, they may experience the same side effects as someone who is addicted to cocaine, such as low energy levels, depression, nausea and vomiting, generalized body pain, headaches, and lack of motivation."

Karlinsky herself has taken phentremine. "When I was studying for my boards I thought it would be a good idea to take phentremine, thinking it would help me concentrate and stop me from eating all the time -- because when you study, all you do is eat and the weight comes on with every breath you take.

"After taking just one pill, I felt like I could take over the world. I studied for hours, had no desire to eat or drink, I felt very energized and happy -- this lasted all day," she says. Karlinsky took another pill the next day, then on "the third morning, I felt lightheaded, miserable, and sad when I woke up. I was starving and nauseous at the same time and couldn't even look at my books. I realized that my body was craving another pill.

"I realize now that I was very quickly getting addicted to this medication. It took me two days to get back to feeling normal -- and I will never take phentremine again."

The better option: Eat right and exercise
"I recommend a healthy diet [and] exercise to all of my patients," says Karlinsky. When you're feeding your body properly, moving your body, and giving it enough rest, your appetite and energy levels will regulate, experts agree. For tips on eating wisely and learning easy-to-stick-to fitness regimens, check out these health and diet tips.

SEE NEXT PAGE: The quick fix: Dying your eyebrows

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Older comments

yikes!

by LittleBunny Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 11:10AM Report as inappropriate

I Could never wax anything!

by EricaC123 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 04:21PM Report as inappropriate

nice tips

by aishak55 Friday, December 21, 2012 at 06:43PM Report as inappropriate

Good tips! People need to remember that fillers are very temporary as well.

by robyne00 Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 12:26PM Report as inappropriate

These are all common sense tips that women should definitely make sure they are careful with!! Do not mess up and ruin your beautiful face and body!

by Lamexicana1 Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 07:29PM Report as inappropriate

peroxide might be a safer option, it takes a while...

by lilas Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 03:43PM Report as inappropriate

THE QUICK FIX: DYING YOUR EYEBROWS - i think someone actually meant DYEING. If your eyebrows are dying, then they are approaching the end of their life.

by lilinah Tuesday, September 25, 2012 at 08:36PM Report as inappropriate

i try to get rid of pimple by putting toothpaste on it, only to be backfire. i wake up with really red and huge ball in my forehead. (sigh)

by hazr_rayn_hashim Saturday, August 25, 2012 at 09:23AM Report as inappropriate

yikes! just eat right and exercise!

by LittleBunny Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:08AM Report as inappropriate

I don't think I would do any of these things other than eat right and exercise. I already pluck my brows (carefully). Getting them colored is a waste - I use makeup to match my hair color as the brow color doesn't last (mine grow to fast).

by Taylerbootz Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at 11:27AM Report as inappropriate