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Throughout history, people have gone to extreme lengths to meet societal beauty standards. In Africa and Asia, women from certain tribes wear metal coils that distort their necks and shoulders. In China, foot binding, though now outlawed, has left elderly women permanently disabled. The Western world is no stranger to bizarre practices, with people injecting toxins, undergoing surgery, or even bathing in excrement in pursuit of youth. Here are ten of the most dangerous, bizarre, and absurd beauty treatments worldwide.
10. Thai Face Slapping Therapy
While many treatments on this list are risky, Thai face slapping is more about fun than danger. Offered by Bangkok masseuse Tata in her San Francisco spa, the treatment involves skin manipulation and gentle slaps that supposedly reduce wrinkles and tighten pores. Though its effectiveness is questionable, the experience doesn’t come cheap—a 15-minute session costs $350.
9. Stem Cell Beauty Treatments
The use of stem cells in medical procedures is highly debated, with critics arguing it’s akin to ‘playing God.’ Stem cells have the unique ability to develop into any cell type, aiding the body in repair. While the US FDA has only approved stem cell treatments for bone marrow transplants in leukemia cases, some individuals pursue experimental cosmetic surgeries. In these procedures, stem cells are extracted via liposuction and injected into the face to reduce wrinkles. However, the science is still emerging, and outcomes are unpredictable. In one alarming case, a woman developed bone growth in her eyelid.
8. Fish Spa Therapy
The doctor fish, native to Middle Eastern rivers and springs, is a small, toothless creature similar in size to a guppy. These fish are known for their indiscriminate eating habits and have been used for pedicures, where they nibble away dead skin from feet. While many find the treatment effective and painless, it has been banned in numerous countries due to hygiene concerns. Shared fish baths can spread bacteria, including strains linked to cholera and streptococcal infections.
7. Geisha-Style Bird Dropping Facial
The geisha tradition, often misunderstood in the West, involves roles ranging from entertainer to servant. A defining feature of geishas is their white makeup, historically lead-based and harmful to the skin. To counteract the damage, geishas used a cream made from nightingale droppings, believed to contain skin-revitalizing enzymes. Shizuka New York, a luxury spa in Manhattan, offers a modern version of this treatment for $180. The bird droppings are sanitized with UV light and mixed with other ingredients to mask the odor. While the benefits are debated, some clients report a noticeable glow post-treatment.
6. DC-CIK Cancer Treatment
DC-CIK therapy is a contentious procedure where blood is drawn from a cancer patient, processed in a lab to concentrate its components, and then reinjected post-chemotherapy or surgery to aid recovery. However, some questionable clinics in Hong Kong have started offering this treatment as an anti-aging solution. Reports include one death from septic shock and multiple hospitalizations due to infections caused by mycobacterium abscessus, a dangerous bacterium linked to lung disease and wound infections.
5. Urine Therapy
While most people dispose of urine without a second thought, a small but passionate group believes in its healing properties. Advocates claim that drinking urine can alleviate or even cure conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Additionally, they use urine topically to treat skin issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne. The most potent urine is said to be collected midstream first thing in the morning, when hormone levels are highest. Despite these claims, the medical community has not endorsed urine as a beneficial treatment.
4. Toe Slimming Surgery
While many beauty procedures can be seen as unnecessary, toe narrowing stands out as particularly extreme. A rising number of individuals, unhappy with what they perceive as ‘fat’ toes, are seeking help from podiatrists. The procedure involves splitting the toe open and removing bone and fat to create a slimmer appearance. Though not highly risky, it still carries the usual surgical risks and often requires a lengthy recovery period.
3. Nipple Tattooing
This practice pushes the boundaries of masochism to new heights. Decades ago, tattoos were primarily associated with bikers and sailors, often seen as outsiders. Today, they are popular among sorority girls worldwide. Cosmetic tattooing, such as eyebrow or lip enhancements, is not new. However, a recent trend in the UK involves women getting their nipples darkened and reshaped. Over a dozen salons now offer this service, and its popularity is growing. The procedure uses local anesthesia, with a color chosen to match the patient’s skin tone. Maintenance sessions are required every year to 18 months to preserve the results.
2. Bee Venom Facial Treatment
Marketed as a safer alternative to Botox, bee venom wrinkle cream has gained popularity, even among the UK’s Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Cornwall. The cream, which is quite costly, tricks the skin into thinking it has been stung, boosting blood flow and collagen production to repair the area. The venom is collected by passing a mild electric current through glass, prompting bees to sting. While bee venom has been promoted as a remedy for conditions like multiple sclerosis and arthritis, studies show limited effectiveness. However, the treatment carries risks, as allergic reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock.
1. Micro-Needle Skin Therapy
The micro-needle roller looks like a tool from medieval times, featuring hundreds of small spikes designed to create microscopic punctures in the skin. This process encourages the skin to heal itself and enhances the absorption of topical creams. Popular among celebrities and widely used in China, the treatment’s effectiveness is debated. However, the risks are clear: the device cannot be fully sterilized, and sharing it increases the risk of transmitting infections, including HIV and hepatitis.
