Everyone has a few cosmetic changes that they may want to make to their body, but some cosmetic treatments also have medical benefits. Having this knowledge can help you feel better about the cosmetic treatments you decide to get. It can also help you to get cosmetic procedures covered by insurance in certain situations if they are being taken care of for medical reasons.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatments like braces are generally considered to be purely cosmetic options, but for many people, they can come with medical benefits as well. Having straight teeth can certainly improve your appearance, but it can also prevent tooth decay. When teeth are sitting straight in your mouth, there is less overlap which means there are fewer places for plaque to be able to build up between teeth. This can prevent your teeth from getting damaged by plaque and decay and can make the process of brushing your teeth effectively much simpler. Orthodontic treatment can also help to improve your jaw health and prevent or decrease the symptoms of TMJ.
Botox
Botox is generally considered to be a cosmetic procedure that can decrease the appearance of wrinkles, but it actually can have medical benefits as well and is used to treat certain conditions. Because Botox essentially paralyzes a muscle, it can be used to prevent spasms and to treat many disorders where muscles are behaving ineffectively. One example is that Botox injections can be used to treat the symptoms of gastroparesis. In this case, because the muscles of the stomach are closed when they are at rest (not allowing food to pass through) Botox can be used to relax the muscles so the pylorus remains open which can improve digestion for people in this situation. Understanding the many ways Botox can be used can help you to get the help you need if you suffer from a condition that can be improved with the use of Botox.
Sclerotherapy
Taking care of varicose veins can sometimes be purely cosmetic, but in many cases, it can decrease pain and circulation issues that are caused by the affected veins. Sclerotherapy is a way to take care of varicose veins without surgery and in a way that is much safer for your body. These treatments are minimally invasive and can treat a number of vein diseases. Sclerotherapy simply involves an injection that can immediately start to help your vein shrink down in size and improve circulation and blood flow.
Coolsculpting
Coolsculpting is a procedure that is used to remove fat from various parts of the body. It is generally used in addition to diet and exercise to help perfect results and remove fat that doesn’t seem to want to recede on its own through working out and eating well. Because excess fat on the body is connected to a variety of medical problems, using Coolsculpting to remove extra fat can have many benefits for your overall health. This cosmetic procedure is minimally invasive, produces great results, and can help you lose fat that may be negatively impacting your health.
Breast Reductions and Augmentations
Breast augmentation is generally a cosmetic procedure, and in many cases, a breast reduction is considered cosmetic as well. However, a breast reduction can have major health benefits for people with large breast sizes.
Large breasts are heavy and can lead to back problems and other difficulties that can be both painful and debilitating. Getting a breast reduction to reduce the harm caused to your back and body by their weight is an important health procedure that can improve your quality of life. Even breast augmentation can be a medical procedure covered by insurance if it is taking place due to cancer-related breast loss, skin grafts, or other health difficulties.
Dermatological Care
Taking care of your skin is often considered a purely cosmetic decision, but in many cases, the health and appearance of your skin can have major implications for your overall health. Getting dermatological care to check for skin cancer, take care of eczema, or deal with a rash or other problem is a medically necessary practice that can improve your appearance but also help you to be healthier. Staying on top of skincare is an important part of staying healthy and keeping your body in good shape.
Many cosmetic procedures and treatments can provide medical benefits as well. When you understand the various purposes of cosmetic procedures, you can see if they will have benefits to you beyond simply your appearance and that can help you to decide if the treatment or procedure is worth it to you. Taking care of your body involves many elements, so remember not to neglect self-care as a part of your health practice.
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