China's Fire Facial Treatments Claim To Fight Wrinkles (VIDEO)

A treatment has emerged from within China that would seem to be a bit too scary for most here in the United States. "Fire Facials" are gaining in popularity there, and are said to stimulate the skin and improve dullness, sagging and wrinkles. But would you be willing to try it?

Setting one's face on fire is not how most people would envision trying to remedy wrinkles. Torture springs to mind quicker than a smooth face. But, in China, the procedure is gaining momentum as a spa treatment called Huǒ liáo is being used on the face, legs and/or other parts of the body.  The procedure involves placing an alcohol-soaked towel and a special "elixir" on the area, then lighting it on fire for a few seconds.

VIDEO WARNING:
This video may be disturbing to watch.




Theoretically, this procedure can work. By "damaging" the surface of the skin, your body fights to heal the wound. When healed the process leaves you with refreshed new skin. Here in the United States, we accomplish the same thing when we perform laser resurfacing, but it is done with much more precision because we can control the depth the laser affects and the amount of exposure, or laser energy, the skin receives. Chemical peels, such as the ViPeel, work in the same manner, yet are gentler and do not have as much down-time as with a full laser resurfacing.

Dr. Robert Young spent seven years as plastic surgeon at the Burn Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center, and later as Chief of Plastic Surgery there. His experience with burn victims is extensive. He explains, "The risk of igniting your face or your body with flammable liquid seems immense. " Leaving the fire too long could permanently damage the skin, leaving horrible scars that may not ever heal. It would seem a huge risk. What do you think?

REFERENCE / RESOURCES FOR MORE INFORMATION:
HuffPost Style - 'Fire Facial' Treatment, AKA Huǒ liáo, Claims to Fight Wrinkles By Setting Face on Fire 

ABOUT DR. YOUNG
Robert N. Young, founder of Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center, is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years experience. He has been trained and has extensive experience both as a reconstructive plastic surgeon and a cosmetic plastic surgeon. He has been performing successful Brazilian Butt Lift procedures for several years. His San Antonio practice includes a fully accredited outpatient Surgery Center staffed with qualified Registered Nurses, Anesthesiologists and surgical technicians. As a leading plastic surgeon in San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Young is a member of the following professional organizations:

• ABPS Diplomate - Board Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)

• Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)
• Member, American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
• Fellow, American College of Surgeons
• Member, Texas Medical Society (TMS)
• Member, San Antonio International Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (SAISPRS)
• Bexar County Medical Society (BCMS)
• Accreditation by the American Association for Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AAAASF)

About Dr. Young

Dr. Young is a well-known Plastic Surgeon in the San Antonio area, and has a reputation as one of the leading Breast Augmentation specialists. He is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, and has been specializing in Cosmetic Plastic Surgery for over 19 years.

Dr. Young earned his undergraduate degree from the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point, and completed his medical degree at Tulane Medical School in 1975. Dr. Young finished his general surgery residency at Brooke Army Medical Center in 1980, and went on to serve as Chief of Plastic Surgery, where he performed all types of major reconstructive procedures.

Following Dr. Young's accomplished military career, he went into private practice, founding Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Center in 1990. His vision was to bring the most innovative cosmetic surgery procedures to his patients in a comfortable and professional environment. Dr. Young pioneered one of the first in-office Outpatient Surgery Centers which specialized in cosmetic plastic surgery here in San Antonio. His surgical facility is accredited by the AAAASF (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities), and is designed to provide cost effectiveness for the patient, while allowing total discretion, comfort and safety.

Dr. Young has limited his practice to cosmetic surgery to concentrate his skills on the aesthetic improvement of his patients' beauty. Incorporating the latest technological procedures, Dr. Young specializes in endoscopic (minimal incision) axillary breast augmentation, and remains a leader in the field of liposuction. Providing cosmetic surgery for total body enhancement, he offers all types of breast surgery, tummy tuck, body sculpting, and facial surgeries such as face lift, eyelid surgery and laser resurfacing with state-of-the art lasers including the Sciton.

Dr. Young is an accomplished athlete, having competed in many local and national tri-athlete competitions, marathons and biking events. When not working, training or competing, he spends time at home with his wife, three wonderful dogs and two cats.