TRIA At-Home Laser Hair Removal Device Cleared by FDA

TRIA is First Entry to Home-Based Device Market Featuring Diode Laser
                       Technology for Hair Removal

   PLEASANTON, Calif., Feb. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- SpectraGenics, a leader in
light-based therapeutic beauty devices, today announced over-the-counter
(OTC) clearance from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
for their patented hand-held laser hair removal device designed for at-home
use. The TRIA is the first hair removal laser to enter the U.S. home-based
device market, an industry projected to grow exponentially over the next
three years.

   "The FDA clearance is the culmination of many years of research,
clinical testing and innovative product design efforts," said Robert Grove,
PhD, CEO, SpectraGenics. "Our engineers are the same scientists who
developed the first and gold-standard professional diode laser hair removal
system over 10 years ago which is still used by physicians nationwide.
We've invested significant resources to harness that same light-based
technology to deliver a safe, effective way for consumers to treat unwanted
hair in the privacy of their homes."

   The TRIA device is the first at-home device to feature a diode laser
specially designed to be safe and effective for at-home use. SpectraGenics
has been selling a version of the TRIA, called i-Epi, in Japan since 2005.
The TRIA is the first in a series of at-home science-based beauty devices
to be pioneered by SpectraGenics.

   "I have been performing laser hair removal in my office for 12 years
and welcome the arrival of TRIA as an adjunct to professional laser hair
removal," said Eric F. Bernstein, MD, Clinical Associate Professor at the
University of Pennsylvania. "TRIA is simple, safe and very effective. Many
of my patients will be able to use TRIA for touch-ups in between visits as
well as on other areas not treated in-office to achieve and maintain
beautiful results, and I expect it to increase the number of patients I see
for laser hair removal. The TRIA was developed by the engineers who created
the diode hair removal laser I use in my office today."

   Professional laser hair removal is consistently the leading
non-surgical cosmetic treatment for women 34 years and under, and the
second most popular procedure for women over 35, according to the American
Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The at-home device market is
relatively new and expected to grow exponentially with the introduction of
products targeted for treatment of hair, acne, wrinkles and skin
rejuvenation.

   TRIA will be available Spring 2008 from medical professionals and
select retailers, as well as online at http://www.triabeauty.com.

   SpectraGenics, Inc., the leader in light-based therapeutic beauty
devices, gives men and women the freedom to incorporate clinically-proven
aesthetic technologies into their personal care regimen. In 1993 Robert
Grove, Ph.D., and a team of American dermatologists and engineers developed
the first diode laser for hair removal utilized by physicians in their
medical practices. In 2003, these individuals founded SpectraGenics, Inc.
and assembled an internationally renowned team of experts in the field of
aesthetic lasers to begin the development of its flagship TRIA device and
future innovations in science-driven consumer beauty products.

Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Get rid of facial hair forever

Hair styles, dos and don'ts

Question: Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal

Maya, a reader from the UK, wrote in asking me about her best options for removing hair from her chin and upper lip. She was curious about electrolysis and laser treatments but was worried about the process involved, including having her upper lip shaved before a laser treatment (she didn't want her hair to grow back thicker).

Answer: Dear Maya, I suffer from chin hairs myself, so you are in good company here. Lasers and electrolysis are the only options for permanent hair removal on the chin and upper lip, but there are pros and cons to both.

Laser Hair Removal

Lasers work best on dark hair, light skin because the laser targets melanin which is found in dark hair. There are some lasers that now successfully remove blonde hairs, but from what I've read, they've not yet perfected them. If you have dark skin, beware also, because the laser will target the melanin in your skin as well, which can cause pigmentation problems.

The pain factor I've found lasers aren't as painful as waxing, but are more painful than depilatory creams or tweezing. I am going through laser hair removal on my legs right now (read all about it here) and it's working great. A pulsed light from the laser can feel like a rubber band snapping your skin. I recommend taking a couple Advil an hour before.

How much time, how much money? The good news is a laser session on the upper lip and chin is fast compared to the legs and bikini. Each session will take about 10 minutes. You'll need 5-6 treatments spaced four weeks apart. The bad news is laser hair removal is not affordable for everyone. Depending on where you live, each session can cost $150-$200.

To shave or not to shave? As for your concern about shaving, you may have to shave the area for a particular machine to work. But the good news is that all the hair falls out within 10-14 days. I have fast-growing leg hair, so when I get laser hair removal the hair grows in immediately per its usual tricks, but then it magically falls out (with a bit of exfoliating help on my part) within that magical 14-day period. Depending on how fast your hair grows, you might have a bit of coarseness for a few days, but it should all fall out.

And just so you know, shaving never makes hair grow back thicker. Virgin, never shaved hairs have fine, soft ends. Shaved ends are coarser. This is why the hair that grows back after you shave seems to be thicker.

Are results guaranteed? Results, unfortunately, are never guaranteed with laser hair removal. You can expect an 80% reduction in hair growth, but some people see more, some less. I have had great success with lasers, while a friend of mine turned to electrolysis because all his back hair grew back after his laser treatments.

Find a reputable aesthetician Beware the cheap places that offer discounts. You want to make sure you are going to a credible, licensed aesthetician who is most likely using the best, most up-to-date machines available. City Search has a salon section where users rate salons in cities.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a more guaranteed form of hair removal and works on dark AND light hair.

How it works The aesthetician inserts a sterile needle into every hair follicle. A low-level electrical current kills the follicle. Because electrolysis focuses on one hair at a time, it can be a tedious process, which makes it ideal for small areas like the brows, upper lip and chin.

The pain factor The pain from electrolysis is greater than laser and it may feel like 20 pricks to your one for laser hair removal. Cost is about $60 for a typical 30-minute session, but the con is you need about 15-30 visits to see the best results (ouch!)

Are results guaranteed? Yes. Unlike laser and pulsed lights, electrolysis kills every follicle the aesthetician treats.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right For You

The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is a fair skinned individual with dark hair. Lucky for them, that's who's most likely to have it done.

There is no treatment that removes all hair forever. This is the closest thing, but it doesn't happen overnight. April Baumeyer never considered laser hair removal until she hurt her arm in a car wreck, making it hard to shave under her arms.

During laser hair removal, a spray cools down the epidermal layer of the skin before the laser pulses. It's energy is then transformed into heat which disables the hair follicle without harming the surrounding skin. "It kind of reminds me of getting your ear pierced. It's a little sting, but as soon as she puts her finger on it, it goes away," explained Baumeyer.

The laser likes contrast, such as dark hair on light skin. Otherwise, it may leave light or dark patches on the skin. And you don't have to let the hair grow out beforehand.

Laser technician Kris Culbertson said, "The laser energy works in the hairs that are in the anagen stage of growth. So, the hair growth cycle grows in three different stages at all times. So, that's why this is not a one-time treatment."

Hair that's lying dormant will get zapped next time around. All patients require at least two to three treatments, anywhere from one to two months apart. In the meantime, patients may wonder what's going on. "It almost appears as if the hair is starting to grow, but it's just starting to fall out of that hair follicle mouth," explained Culbertson.

Shaving is still necessary for April for a few more weeks. Then the hair will fall out completely. For most patients, that redness and swelling goes away in two hours. And they can shave 24 hours later.

That may not be the case for people who take certain kinds of medication that make them more sensitive to light, such as acne medication or St. John's Wort. So those patients would need a different type of laser.

This procedure isn't cheap. It can cost $300 for a small area and up to $1,500 for a large one like your legs. And that's just for the first treatment, but the price does go down for every treatment after that.

Gilette Invests in Home Laser Hair Removal Research

Now we are talking - home laser hair removal. I just cannot bring myself to go into a doctor for hair removal. Too much expense, I just can’t rationalize it. I can, however, rationalize DIY laser removal. Unfortunately that isn’t available - yet. Gilette has just invested a big chunk of money into the development of a home laser system - so our time may be coming. [Source]

Now I am not saying laser in the doctors office is a bad thing - only that I am stingy with my cash and would rather shuck out money to a department store than a doctor. If you are looking into going into the office for a laser procedure, you might be interested in this FAQ from Cutera, about laser hair removal with their product, the Pro Wave:

Did You Know?

* Laser Hair Removal is the most requested cosmetic dermatology treatment in the U.S. among females
* ProWave Laser Hair Removal can be used on both light and dark skin tones safely and effectively - - wavelengths can be adjusted depending on the skin type
* ProWave offers faster treatments using larger spot size and is great for backs and legs
* ProWave is twice as fast as other hair removal systems

The ProWave Difference

The ProWave hair removal system delivers a specially tailored light source for permanent hair reduction. Cutera’s newest hair removal innovation provides treatment for a wide range of skin types. An additional patient benefit is the ability of the handpiece to treat large areas such as a women’s legs and men’s backs – quickly and safely.

What do ProWave treatments feel like?

When the pulse of light is delivered, some patients experience a mild pinching or stinging sensation. No local anesthesia or pain medication is typically required; however, some patients may prefer to use a topical anesthetic when sensitive areas are treated.

How many ProWave treatments will I need?

Most areas require 3-6 treatments. However, the number of treatments required for optimal long-term benefits depends on multiple factors – hair thickness, the area treated and your hair’s growth cycle. Each hair grows at a different rate and goes through three distinct phases: growth, regression, and resting. ProWave treatments work by disabling the hair that is principally in the active growth phase at the time of treatment. Since other hairs will enter this active growth phase at different times, additional treatments may be necessary to disable all of the hair follicles in a given area.

What happens after the treatment?

Immediately following your ProWave treatment, the area may appear a bit red and swollen. Three to seven days after the treatment you may experience what seems to be regrowth of hair. Actually, most of these hairs are being shed as a result of your treatment and are not regrowing. Between treatments you should not wax or pluck your hair, but it is permissible to shave.

Are there any restrictions on my activity after treatment?

Following the treatment, you can return to your normal activities right away, but some redness may occur. The use of sunscreen is recommended on any treated areas exposed to the sun. In addition, your physician may recommend that you use a specially formulated skin care product line or prescribe a skin care regimen especially formulated for your skin type.

What are the possible side effects?

Although patients experience few side effects, the most commonly noticed are slight reddening and local swelling of the skin, similar to a sunburn. These effects typically last for several hours or less. In rare instance, blistering may occur. Consult with your medical professional for complete information on the benefits and risks of treatment.

How does ProWave compare with other hair removal methods?

Shaving, waxing, and depilatory creams are all temporary methods which must be repeated on a frequent basis. ProWave offers permanent hair reduction for lasting results.

How does ProWave compare with electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a tedious, invasive and painful process that involved inserting a needle into each individual hair follicle and delivering an electrical charge to them one at a time. Electrolysis often requires years of treatments at regular intervals. By delivering light energy to hundreds of hair follicles at a time, ProWave effectively treats an area in just seconds that would take over an hour with electrolysis.

Why is ProWave a good choice over other hair removal systems?

Using the latest technology in hair removal, ProWave can rapidly treat large areas safely and effectively on patients with a wide range of skin types. The cooled handpiece increases patient comfort and minimizes the adverse skin reaction commonly seen with other light sources.

Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup

The first day after the laser hair treatment, I noticed little purple dots when I got home from work. They instructed me to put their special lotion on 4x/day, but I forgot the bottle at home, so only had it on once in the morning. I called, of course, and Claudia the office manager was very sympathetic and instructed me to apply the lotion and call if it got worse. I applied the lotion, and all was better in a few hours.

That weekend was the week in the country, and I applied religiously, plus covered the lasered areas in their special 65 Total Blocker. Another successful move. No sun. No purple dots. Just smooth skin. One notable thing is a freckle on my leg must have gotten zapped (remember the laser is attracted to the contrast of dark pigment and light skin), because it looked raised. I will bring this up at my September visit.

Did the hair fall out yet from the laser blasts? No. I am not aloud to pluck or cream, as that would encourage the hair follicles. I have been shaving, so I know that the hair is not out yet. We'll see after the second zap if there is a difference. It is scheduled to take 6 sessions. Some people see results sooner, some don't. I have a feeling my hair will be a little resilient (but not for long...hehehe)

Laser Hair Removal

Unwanted hair growth may appear on many areas of the body including the upper lip, sideburns, chin, ears, chest, back, armpits (axillae), legs, fingers, feet, or toes and is annoying for both men and women. Lasers help eliminate unwanted hair.

Causes of Excessive Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth is classified as either hypertrichosis or hirsuitism. Hypertrichosis is the presence of excess
hair in a normal or abnormal pattern. This may be inherited (genetic), or due to medications, hormones, malnutrition, tumors, or metabolic problems. Hirsuitism is the presence of excess hair in women in a male pattern such as the beard, mustache, or lower abdomen, and may be due to hormonal problems, medications, tumors, or heredity.

Female with hirsuitism of the chin and neck

One year after three IPL treatments

Hair Removal Methods

There are many ways to remove unwanted hair including shaving, plucking, electronic tweezers, radiofrequency tweezers, waxing, depilatories (creams), and electrolysis (inserting a needle into each hair follicle one at a time followed by an electric spark to burn out the follicle). Most of these methods, however, are temporary. A topical cream called eflornithine can be applied to slow hair growth on the face in women, but must be used on an ongoing basis. Lasers offer the only method for permanent hair reduction.

Male with back hair before IPL

Six months after three IPL treatments

Types of Lasers and How They Work

A large area of the skin can be treated at one time making laser hair removal cost-effective and faster than other methods. Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin that is absorbed by dark pigment (melanin) present in the shaft of the hair follicles. Since hair cycles as it grows, repeated treatments are necessary to destroy about 80 percent of the hairs. Different types of lasers may be used. The ruby, alexandrite, and diode were the first lasers approved for hair reduction. The intense pulsed light (IPL) systems are also used. These lasers work best on light-skinned, dark-haired individuals because dark pigments in the surrounding skin cannot absorb the light they emit. Lasers with longer wavelengths, such as the Nd:YAG lasers, have the ability to treat darker skin types including African-American skin.

Male with undesired neck hair before alexandrite

One year after two alexandrite laser treatments

Preoperative Consultation

Patients interested in laser hair removal should consult a dermatologist who will make an assessment of:

• Skin type (i.e., ability to tan or to burn)
• Hair color
• Thickness and location of hair
• Presence of tan
• Previous hair removal methods
• Medical history including ovarian or thyroid disease, medications, history of abnormal scarring, history of cold sore (herpes simplex) outbreaks in the treatment area, or past isotretinoin use
• Presence of tattoos or moles in the treatment area

After the preoperative evaluation, the appropriate laser and treatment settings can be determined. Realistic patient expectations should be discussed including the need for multiple treatment sessions, the potential need for maintenance treatments, and the possibility of variable responses to treatment.

Pretreatment Instructions

Before treatment, patients are advised to avoid tanning and sunless tanners. Broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher should be used. No plucking, waxing, or electrolysis should be done, although shaving or depilatory creams can be used. The site to be treated may be shaved one to two days prior to laser treatment. A prophylactic (protective) oral antiviral medication may be started the day prior to treatment to suppress the possibility of developing a herpes simplex infection in the treatment area. An oral antibiotic may be prescribed if the nasal or perianal skin is to be treated.

Laser Treatment

On the day of treatment, the area should be clean and free of cosmetics. A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to treatment. Most lasers have a cooling device in the form of a cool gel, refrigerant spray, or water-cooled contact piece that lessens the patient's discomfort. The device should protect the skin from excessive heating as well as the potential of skin darkening or lightening. Everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear during the laser procedure.

In general, three or more treatments are required at each site to achieve permanent hair growth reduction. Darker hair responds best to the laser, while lighter hair (white, gray, or red) is less responsive. Topical medications can be used in an effort to increase the receptiveness of lighter hair to the laser treatment.

Female with hirsuitism of the arms, before IPL treatment

One year after three IPL treatments

The laser pulses feel like the snapping of a rubber band or warm pinpricks against the skin. Ideally, the immediate response is vaporization of the hair shaft. Slight swelling and redness around the hair follicles appear within a few minutes. Ice packs may be applied to the skin following treatment, and over-the-counter pain relief medicine may be taken as needed before and after treatment. If localized blistering occurs, a topical antibiotic ointment is applied once or twice daily until healed. A mild topical steroid cream may be applied to reduce swelling and redness. Patients are instructed to avoid sun-exposure and to use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with SPF 30 after the laser treatments. Cosmetics may be applied to the treated skin.

Side Effects

Side effects of laser hair removal treatments may include pain, perifollicular edema (swelling around the hair follicle due to excessive fluid), and erythema (redness and inflammation) lasting one to three days. Blistering, herpes simplex outbreaks, and bacterial infections also can occur. Temporary skin lightening or darkening, especially in darker skin types, or in patients with a recent tan, may be seen. Permanent skin pigment change or scarring is very rare. Loss of freckles or lightening of moles in the treatment area may occur, as well as darkening or lightening of tattoos.

Laser Hair Efficacy

The percentage of hairs removed per session varies in different body locations, with areas of thin skin (for example, bikini and armpits) generally showing a better response than areas of thick skin (for example, the back and chin). Approximately 10-25 percent reduction in hair growth can be expected with each treatment. Treatments are repeated every four to eight weeks. The hair that re-grows tends to be lighter and finer in texture.

Laser Hair Treatments

Laser hair reduction should be performed under the direct supervision of a dermatologist, a physician who specializes in the medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of hair and hair diseases, and who is trained to help manage hair and skin problems.

Laser hair removal safe, painless procedure

Laser technology now offers a safe and effective way for men and women to eliminate unwanted hair and not have to worry about shaving.

Laser technology now offers a safe and effective way for men and women to eliminate unwanted hair and not have to worry about shaving.

Allie Blazzard, owner and family nurse practitioner at Amara Med Spa, located at 558 E. Riverside Drive Suite 200, said laser hair removal is the use of a laser attracted to pigmented hair, which helps to stimulate hair reduction by affecting the hair in its active growth cycle and reducing 90 percent of hair. It works by using a certain type of laser that attracts the melanin pigment of the skin and hair, then the laser targets the hair follicle long enough that the heat creates inflammation, but not long enough that the heat will cause damage to the surrounding tissue.

“More men are patients than women, and they age anywhere from early teens to 60s and 70s,” Blazzard said.

Ashley Farmer, a master aesthetician at Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics, located at 515 S. 300 E. Suite 201, said she sees male and female patients, particularly women 19 and older, and are now receiving older patients because of the new laser used that eliminates lighter colored hair.

Determining a candidate for laser hair removal and the number of treatments will depend on skin color, hair color (body hair), and medical history. For example, the pigment melanin is a chemical within the body that enables skin and body hair to have color, so with enough melanin under the skin, the hair turns darker.

The more melanin an individual has in his or her hair, the more effective the laser will be, according to hairremovaljournal.com. This is because the laser attracts melanin and that means the more melanin, the darker the hair color, and the easier it is for the laser to distinguish which hairs to eliminate. The same goes for skin color. With enough melanin produced under the skin, it turns a darker color. Thus, the more melanin in the skin, the more likely it is that the laser is going to target the skin rather than the hair, causing damage to the surrounding tissue leaving scars, redness and swelling.

Farmer said the worst side effect she has seen from the treatment is blistering. Arcing causes blistering, which occurs when the laser is on the hair follicle too long. Therefore, light skin and dark hair are the ideal combination, but there are lasers that treat other combinations.

The number of treatments an individual would need depends, again, on the pigment and the location of the hair. It also depends on whether the patient follows protocol for staying out of the sun and avoiding any activity that may cause damage to the skin.

Following the initial treatment, touch-ups are needed to ensure customer satisfaction and the procedure was done accordingly.

“The No. 1 reason (for laser hair removal),” Blazzard said, “is [the patients] hate shaving or have some type of follicular disorder.”

Laser hair removal is by doctors to be safe and painless. Patients experience long-lasting hair removal, and the treatment is useful for removing hair from a large area.

Farmer said, “Unwanted hair is gone, and you no longer have to deal with it.”

Some disadvantages to laser hair removal are dieting. Dieting itself does not have effects on laser hair removal, but the chemical beta-carotene, found in carrots, vitamin A supplements, squash and other vegetables, does. When absorbed in the body, it turns the skin an orange or yellow color and allows the laser to absorb the laser energy of the skin, preventing it from reaching the hair follicle.

Some other disadvantages, Blazzard said, are the cost, the time it takes, and the situation may be uncomfortable, depending on the area of treatment.

Disadvantages “are far and few,” Farmer said. While there may be blistering, having lighter colored hair also means the patient will need more touch-ups than a darker colored individual.

After a decision has been made to get laser hair removal, the next step is to choose a provider. Dr. Eric F. Bernstein, medical director at Mainline Cosmetic Laser Center, wrote an article titled “Choosing Your Doctor” on hairremovaljournal.com that gives some helpful tips for laser hair removal. Bernstein said the No. 1 factor is to choose someone who is committed to doing laser hair removal regularly, preferably a trained physician.

It's important that the physician is someone who knows his or her specialty, understands the technology, and knows what he or she is doing. It is crucial to know the doctor or physician’s history in order to feel comfortable with him or her.

Bernstein also included several important questions that every patient opting for laser hair removal should ask before receiving treatment: Do you own your own lasers? What is your specialty? How many different lasers do you own? Are you a board-certified physician? Where did you get your training?

It also is a good idea to do some research about the specific treatment and the facility.

Although laser hair removal or any other cosmetic procedure can be costly, many men and women find the lasting effects of the treatment more than worth the cost. Pricing for laser hair removal depends mainly on the area of treatment and how many extra visits are needed to complete the procedure. According to a Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics brochure, the pricing is based on the area being treated and whether the whole body or extremity is being treated.

“The bigger the area, the bigger the price,” Blazzard said.

According to hairremovaljournal.com, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recorded the national average cost for one treatment to be $429. In addition, laser hair removal is not covered by any insurance company for the reason that it is considered a cosmetic procedure, therefore, the patient is solely responsible for payment.

To help with those payments, patients can receive financial help from the facility of treatment. Some facilities have programs that allow patients the convenience of low interest so they can pay off his/her treatment.

Amara Med Spa and Southern Utah Laser Aesthetics offer a financing plan called CareCredit. This plan is for procedures of $300 or more and offers up to 12 months of no interest if the minimum amount is paid in full on the due date.

An alternative is a low interest payment plan. This plan is for patients who receive procedures of $1,000 or more and offers low monthly payments up to 60 months with an annual percentage rate of 11.9 percent. CareCredit can be used at other medical facilities for different medical procedures and can be applied for three different ways. Ask for an application at the facility, online at www.carecredit.com, or by phone at (800) 365-8295.

Go easy on medicated lotions, creams, gels

Lidocaine, methyl salicylate, hydrocortisone. You probably don't think twice about using over-the-counter creams with these ingredients when you need to soothe a sore muscle or bug bite, prep your legs before hair removal, or combat that vaginal itch. If the product's available without a prescription, it can't hurt you, right? Wrong.

One study estimates that women apply 175 chemicals a day from cosmetics, creams, and toiletries alone.

Take Arielle Newman, for instance, a New York City-area high school track star who died last year from a sports-cream overdose. She'd used large amounts of popular OTC pain-relieving ointments like Icy Hot and Ben-Gay on her sore muscles. The key ingredient in such products is methyl salicylate, which built up in Newman's body, may have interacted with other aspirin-based meds she was using, and caused her to go into cardiac arrest.

Another case: In 2005, Shiri Berg, 22, of North Carolina died of a lidocaine overdose. Following the instructions she'd been given by the staff at a local hair-removal clinic, she generously applied a numbing gel to her legs, then covered them in plastic wrap. On her way to the clinic to get hair lasered from her legs, Berg passed out. She went into convulsions, then a coma. Eight days later, she was dead.

Women dying in the name of hair removal? Athletes putting themselves at risk by using mentholated muscle soothers? Extreme situations, to be sure. But with all the stuff each of us slathers on our skin (one study estimates that women apply 175 chemicals a day from cosmetics, creams, and toiletries alone), it's no surprise that potential hazards are lurking.

Your skin is designed to protect you from countless insults: from air pollution to murky lake water, from dirty gasoline-pump handles to staph. Skin cells provide a physical barrier, sort of like bricks and mortar, to keep the bad stuff out -- most of the time, says Francesca J. Fusco, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "The cells aren't as tightly packed as real bricks, though, which means things can squeeze by and pentrate." That's good news if you want, say, an antiaging wrinkle cream to wage war against your crow's feet or an anti-itch product to tackle that exercise-induced rash on your inner thighs. Bad news when strong chemicals meet sensitive or thin skin, cause an allergic reaction, or dangerously flood your bloodstream.

Here, we investigate 14 ingredients commonly found in products you may be using right now -- and we tell you how to stay safe.

Methyl salicylate

Most OTC muscle creams (including Ben-Gay, Icy Hot, and Tiger Balm) contain one or more of three main ingredients: the cooling agents menthol and camphor, and the pain reliever methyl salicylate. The last one is similar to topical aspirin, says Matt Zirwas, M.D., director of The Ohio State University Medical Center Contact Dermatitis Center. And what happened to track-star Newman is essentially the same thing that could happen with an aspirin overdose, he says.

The safe way to use muscle creams? Rub a small amount (about the size of a quarter) into the painful muscle or joint area not more than three or four times a day to prevent accumulation. If you're applying more than a four-ounce tube a week, that's probably too much, Zirwas says. And watch your aspirin intake -- too much can increase your risk of overdose (in addition to the creams, Newman may have been using a pain-relieving patch and taking aspirin), as can wrapping or using a heating pad on ointment-covered skin.

Rubs with methyl salicylate may also interact with blood-thinning prescription drugs, such as Plavix or Coumadin, used to prevent blood from clotting, says Brian J. Krabak, M.D., sports-medicine physician at the University of Washington's department of rehabilitation medicine. Because of its toxicity, any product containing 5 percent or more of methyl salicylate (also called wintergreen oil) has to carry a warning label stating it must be used as directed and kept out of children's reach.

Lidocaine, benzocaine, tetracaine

If you've ever numbed a mole before the doc removed it or undergone laser hair removal, you've probably used a topical anesthetic that contains one of the "caines" -- lidocaine, benzocaine, or tetracaine -- which are commonly used in various strengths in medical and cosmetic situations. Most OTC types contain small amounts (less than 5 percent) of numbing ingredients and should be safe when used according to package instructions, experts say.

There are dangers, however, if your skin is too numb to detect that it's being harmed. If you have no feeling at all during a bikini wax or hair lasering, for instance, you won't be able to tell whether the wax is too hot or the laser is too strong.

An allergy is also possible, particularly when using vaginal-itch treatments with benzocaine, Zirwas says. A benzocaine product may temporarily help the problem, he says, "but a half-hour or an hour later, the itching will return -- often worse -- so women apply more cream," he says. "Sometimes we see patients who are using these creams 10 times a day." The results can be a severe vaginal rash. Zirwas' advice: "If the itch comes back an hour after you apply the cream or if you develop a rash, suspect that you have a benzocaine allergy and see a doctor."

When topical anesthetics are seriously overused, there can be big trouble. Shiri Berg applied a product called Lasergel Plus 10/10, a powerful anesthetic containing 10 percent lidocaine and 10 percent tetracaine. Experts have said the gel, a prescription-strength compound given to the 22-year-old without a prescription by a hair-removal spa, was too strong and applied over too large an area for Berg's system to handle. After her death, the Food and Drug Administration pointed out that risks rise when a topical anesthetic is left on the skin for extended periods of time or applied to broad portions of the body, especially if a bandage, plastic, or another type of dressing is used as a covering. This is exactly what Berg did, not knowing either the strength of the product she was using or that there was any danger. Even more surprising: Berg was not the first woman to die from the overzealous use of numbing cream. Blanca Bolanos, a 25-year-old from Tucson, Arizona, suffered a similar fate (convulsions, then a two-year coma ending in death) after using a cream of 6 percent each lidocaine and tetracaine prior to laser hair removal.

The safe way to use numbing creams? Apply them sparingly -- use as little as possible, most experts say. And always know the ingredients in and the strength of the product. Click here for tips on correctly applying creams.

Hydrocortisone

An anti-inflammatory topical steroid that shrinks swollen tissue by constricting blood vessels, hydrocortisone is often used to stop the itching caused by chronic skin conditions like eczema and contact dermatitis, and it's also an ingredient in vaginal and hemorrhoidal creams. OTC topical steroids can contain just 1 percent hydrocortisone, which should be safe, says Dina D. Strachan, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in New York City.

Be careful, though, when applying the creams to sensitive spots such as the eyelids, armpits, and groin (all places where eczema, rashes, and allergic reactions are particularly common). In these locations, skin is thinner and more folds exist, so skin hits skin often, which can cause medications to penetrate more deeply. These areas are also prone to stretch marks, irritation, hypopigmentation (lightening), and "a crinkly, cigarette-paper appearance," Strachan explains -- a good reason to avoid that old beauty-queen trick of using hemorrhoidal cream to de-puff eye bags, experts say. In fact, last year the makers of Preparation H issued a warning cautioning consumers to avoid applying hemorrhoid cream to the face. Health.com: The year's best beauty products

Overuse of topical steroids containing hydrocortisone can cause the skin to develop a resistance (called tachyplaxis) to the medication, says Daniel Behroozan, M.D., dermatologic surgeon and founder of the Dermatology Institute of Southern California, and clinical instructor at the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Medicine. As a result, "in order to have the desired medical effect, a stronger and more potent steroid may be needed, which may cause more potential side effects."

Estrogen

Women experiencing vaginal itching and irritation due to menopausal changes sometimes turn to OTC products that contain estrogen, a practice that worries Wen Shen, M.D., assistant professor of gynecologic specialties at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "Such creams get absorbed through the skin and metabolized into estrogens in the body. That means they can cause the same side effects as estrogen pills, such as elevated blood pressure, breast tenderness, increased risk of breast cancer, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and endometrial hyperplasia, which can lead to uterine cancer," she says. "If a woman is thinking about using anything with estrogen, she really needs to get it through her physician."

The same goes for OTC progesterone creams used to treat PMS and menopause symptoms, says Michael Krychman, M.D., medical director of sexual medicine at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach, California. "You have to be very careful. You don't always know how much you're getting or how much you're absorbing with these products," he says. "That makes it very easy to get too much." A lot of women who are trying these OTC creams on their own may not even have lowered hormone levels, at all, he says. Consult your doctor before using.

Hydroquinone

Want to "fade away" those age spots? Be careful if you're thinking of using hydroquinone, a popular ingredient in products claiming to lighten age spots, melasma (excessive pigmentation usually caused by the sun), or postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (a condition that can afflict darker-skinned women). Such products are often available over the counter but should be used only under a doctor's supervision, Francesca J. Fusco, M.D., says. Ironically, in certain skin types the opposite -- ochronosis, or darkening of the skin -- can occur. In many cases, this happens in darker-skinned individuals, she says, adding that hydroquinone has been under FDA investigation for discontinuation in OTC products because of possible cancer-causing activity in rats exposed to large amounts. Health.com: How I beat hypochondria

Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)

Wonder why self-tanners have such a distinctive scent? It's the dihydroxyacetone (DHA), a sugar derived from plants like beets and sugarcane, that combines with your body's chemistry to produce a "tan" and the smell. The odor won't hurt you, but the tan might -- if you're thinking of getting hair lasered from your darkened skin.

"Lasers work by detecting pigment," Fusco says. That's why laser hair removal works best on people with a good degree of contrast between their hair and skin, such as fair-skinned women with dark hair. "The stains in self-tanners can throw off the laser, leaving you with first- or second-degree burns or discolored skin," she explains. As a caution, allow self-tanned skin about a week to fade before going in for a laser procedure.

Vitamin A, glycolic acid

Retin-A and other vitamin A-based products (such as glycolic acid) are often used to treat acne, as well as to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by boosting collagen production. The downside: They thin the very top layer of skin, which can make you more sensitive to sunlight and to procedures like chemical peels, phototherapy (light treatments), or even a simple eyebrow waxing. If you're scheduled for, say, a waxing or a peel, it's a good idea to stop using any vitamin A-based products one week prior; and don't resume for another week. Also, avoid blackhead-removing strips, which can remove a top layer of skin more easily while on such medications. And check in with your doctor to be on the safe side.

Neomycin, bacitracin

Strangely, one of the treatments most often recommended to help heal burns, stitches, and other wounds is now thought to cause an allergic reaction in up to 10 percent of users. For those people, neomycin or bacitracin, the active ingredients in products like Neosporin, may cause an inflammatory reaction, angering the wound and making it appear infected. The result: A minor cut can take even longer to heal and have a potentially adverse cosmetic outcome, Behroozan says. "For that reason, most dermatologists are now avoiding products with neomycin and recommending plain Vaseline or Aquaphor Healing Ointment for superficial wounds," he says. "They promote a moist environment for better wound-healing without potentially causing allergic contact dermatitis."

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD)

Ever get a temporary tattoo on a beach vacation? Many of them are made with "black henna," which contains paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, a strong allergen that's also in hair dye. If you've had a product with this chemical applied to your skin directly, as is done with a tattoo, you're at risk of developing a strong allergy later from hair dye. "You can have a horribly intense reaction," Zirwas says. "I've seen people hospitalized for up to a week -- eyes swollen shut, lips swollen, too." Zirwas estimates that just 2 percent of women will develop an allergy to hair dye, but everyone should do a patch test when coloring hair at home and look for PPD-free dyes.

Betaine

Very gentle shampoos often contain a lathering agent called betaine, and they're fine for about 99 percent of the U.S. population. But for the approximately 1 percent who develop a betaine allergy, even a product created for the most sensitive skins can cause a red rash around the eyes and along the neck, with flaking, peeling, and itching. If you have this kind of contact dermatitis that just won't go away, try betaine-free products such as Free & Clear shampoo, Cetaphil soap, or Head & Shoulders shampoo, Zirwas says.

Laser hair removal may not be for thin-skinned

By BRETT DALY, Alligator Contributing Writer

After Ashlei Rayborn felt the first zap on her skin, she knew the doctor lied about the pain.

Her laser hair-removal procedure would hurt.

The hassle of constantly shaving and the pain of tweezing and waxing have led women and men to look for other alternatives for hair removal.

A 70 to 90 percent reduction of hair regrowth and thinner, softer hair are some benefits of the increasingly popular laser hair-removal procedure, consultants at the Gainesville-based Dermacare Laser & Skin Care Clinics said.

Rayborn, a UF public relations junior, first heard about laser hair removal in the summer from a friend.

Soon after, she made the decision to have her sideburns removed.

"My parents were like 'No, no, no. You don't need it,'" 20-year-old Rayborn said. "They said they couldn't afford it, so what I did was save up for it."

A single treatment can range from $100 to $650 depending on the size of the area being treated. With her savings and some money her parents pitched in, Rayborn went to get the procedure done at a laser center in North Miami Beach.

Laser hair-removal ranked third of the top five non-surgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2006, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. The second-largest group of laser hair-removal patients was between the ages of 19 and 34. Patients between 35 and 50 years old were the largest group, according to the society's statistics. Most laser hair-removal clients are women, but some men get hair on their backs removed, said Becky Persad, a consultant at Dermacare.

Persad said popular procedures among female clients are the removal of hair on the legs, the bikini area and the upper lip.

The procedure is done with a laser that produces a beam of highly concentrated light that is absorbed by hair follicles. The pulse of the laser vaporizes the pigment, eliminating or slowing down the hair's growth, according to Dermacare's Web site. The procedure only works when hair is growing, so multiple procedures are needed to remove hair from the desired area.

"We want to catch it while it's still growing," said Tonianne Grobmyer, a physician assistant at Dermacare. "You have to have three treatments, and we recommend five."

The number of required treatments varies on each client's unique metabolism, hormone level, hair quality and number of hair follicles, she said.

A period of four to six weeks is recommended between procedures. It takes up to a year to reach optimal results, Grobmyer said.

Rayborn said she felt pain during her treatment.

"They put this jelly-like stuff on my face," Rayborn said. "I didn't know what to expect. The doctor said it wouldn't hurt, but it did. It felt like needles."

Laser treatments can be painful because of the tingling sensation it causes, but varies among clients, said physician's assistant Jenifer Stover. Possible risks include burning, blistering, scarring and a loss or gain of color in the skin.

Sun exposure can cause redness and irritation, Grobmyer said. Rayborn, who was working at a summer camp during her first treatment, was overexposed to the sun.

"My face got pretty red," Rayborn said. "I looked like a tomato."

After the redness subsided, she went for her second procedure. She then ran out of time and money to invest in more treatments, and her hair began to grow back after nine months, Rayborn said.

The Food and Drug Administration only guarantees hair reduction for up to two years.

Rayborn said she would only recommend the laser hair-removal procedure if a person conducted a lot of research and could afford all the expenses.

"I think everyone should know what they are getting themselves into," she said.

Laser Hair Removal: The Second Zap

It's been a long while since my last appointment. Even I forgot I was doing laser hair removal! By the time my appointment finally came around, they had to reschedule because they were replacing their flooring. They offered a free microderm abrasion for the inconvenience, but I opted for more of my favorite skin care product - Ameri Pure – as I need to think long-term benefits here. More on that later.

The second lasering went fine. I was done in about an hour (I'm doing thigh, bikini, love trail). We did turn up the level of the laser this time. After my first treatment, to be honest, I really didn't have any hair loss (my future male children will be glad to know that their hair will most likely be persistent). Except for one patch on the bikini, all was as usual. In fact, I had to finally replace my Venus razor after keeping for way too long anyway. And as a side note, this model vibrates! I must be missing all of the commercials, but I had no idea! So now I'm vibrating while shaving! Odd.

Because we turned the laser level up, which I consented to, I did feel the laser on my hair follicles more. I didn't feel like I was getting a tattoo, but the sensation was stronger. Definately out of the league of my first observation during my first zap, where I compared it to feeling like mechanical pencil lead poking my skin. I was still able to gab away with my fun esthetician, whose skin is looking glorious, by the way, thanks to the Ameri Pure Crystal Exfoliotor. Love it!

I wore my glasses (the appointment was at 9am on a Saturday...never again), as I forgot about the green safety goggles you have to wear to protect against the laser rays. So I was a bit foggy-visioned the whole time, but it was no matter.

So I'm doing an experiment, where I shaved a couple of days after the appointment to get rid of any weird stubble that grew back. Now I've been waiting to see if my lower leg hair is growing at a faster pace than my upper leg, and it is. My thighs did get stubble back, but it seems to have stopped growing. So I'm going to shave again and continue with the experiments with my weird Venus razor.And lastly, my continued praise for Ameri Pure's Crystal Exfoliator. Yes, it has cleared my forhead bumps. Yes, it has fought ingrown hairs. Yes, it has reduced unnessisary upper arm bumps after one application (if only I could remember to put it on before the shower).

So, more followup to come from the second appointment...

Laser Hair Removal - Appointment #3.5

It's been a while since the last laser update, but to tell you the truth, I'm bored with it. I'm still shaving, so the hair has not disappeared like I thought it would have by now after three laser treatments. Yes, it's thinner, but still persistent. There really aren't any more details to report, other than for my third laser appointment, it's possible that the esthetician and I talked too much, because my appointment ran over, and another esthetician came in to ready the room for a VIP client (aka jerky-man-client-who-is-a-jerk-if-has-to-wait). Yes, she barged in to prepare paperwork and such, which means that I was severely intruded upon during my appointment. I was upset and called the very next day to complain. I considered not including it here on the blog, but a bloggerette has to be honest, doesn't she?

So for my next laser appointment, the appointment to finish the lasering of the last appointment, I of course had the esthetician who barged in on my previous appointment. She asked how I was, and I couldn't resist a passive-aggressive, snippy comment like "I'm fine, unless someone is going to barge in on my appointment again." She looked at me quizzically, and we proceeded to the room. It was uneventful from there, meaning the gross laser jell was still cold and gross, and we actually had fun chatting while I leafed through an Bazaar magazine, imagining how I could make a dress out of raw silk rosettes like what was on the cover. The red bumps that usually happen after a laser treatment really aren't coming. We lasered me on the highest level, and still I wait.

Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4

Alas! An update for my 4th laser hair removal appointment. It happened in February, which is just when I quit my day job and started working for The Woman (me!), so I've been in the exciting time suckage of entrepenuria. (see my first launched website, as my accessories business, Katie James, has expanded to include website design).The most important answer of all: I am still shaving. Argh! It's true. The hair is going away, though. I can tell because there is an area that I've decided I want gone, and it's not as caught up as the other parts, so there is a visible difference. So at least it's working. And I'm finding solace in the fact that if after 6 appointments the hair is not totally dead and wiped off the planet, I can go back for 2 years.

I do still get a few ingrowns, but they are most likely last attempts at being totally annoying. I started lasering in the summer. July, actually. So I've spent most of the winter undergoing the laser hair removal treatments. The summer, I think, is when ingrowns come more often.

The fourth appointment, strangely, did hurt more than the others. I could feel the laser more. Mind you - I am fair skinned with dark leg hair. I'm an American Mut, so if I was Syrian, like my good friend Dental Mista, I might experience more pain. The estheticians have claimed to have turned the laser up to full blast in the past, but I'm thinking that they couldn't have, since this time was the strongest I had felt it.

Speaking of Dental Mista, she had her 4th, and last, appointment with her dermatologist. Dental Mista was in a lot of pain. She is Syrian, so while she is fair skinned (when not tan), her hair is pretty coarse. Her dermatologist's laser package was a pack of 4 appointments. Her hair is not gone, and she does need to go in for more. My hair is not gone, but I have 2 appointments left, plus this 2 year extension (providing they live up to their word). I do have a friend, we'll call her Dog Park Mista, who did have success in killing all of the hair follicals on her legs, but it did extend beyond 6 appointments. It was not with American Laser Centers.

I think it all has to do with the thickness of hair. My lighter pieces have been the first to go. And by lighter I mean not super coarse. For example, I do have lighter hairs on my love trial. Those are pretty much gone now. The fifth appointment is in April. I promise I will not wait so long to post!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for doing this! I had an appt. with American laser this weekend, and while there prices were higher than other places in the area (I live in LA), the guarantee really drew me in since I am tan-skinned with dark, coarse hair and will likely need more than 6 appointments. Anyway, its disappointing to hear you are still shaving :-( I was hoping, like the saleswoman assured, that after 3 treatments, I would be left with light stragglers. Oh well, I guess in a year I will be happy I did it. Keep posting!Glad I could help! Maybe try not to get as tan before the appointments so that the laser can really find your hair (it's attracted to dark pigment or something). Living in NYC, I have no fear of being too tan :) although I wish I could, especially when these appointments are over. Good luck!Jessica81 said... Thank you for the detailed laser hair removal entries. I am going through the same process and it is interesting to read about other people's experiences.Do you know what kind of laser you are using? The old one and the new one? I had heard that American Laser Center didn't use real lasers, but IPLs. Maybe the change in technology meant a switch to lasers?

I am being treated with the Candela GentleLase. It is only good for light skin patients. There is not gel to apply before the treatment. It just zaps and then sprays a cool liquid. The liquid is very light and you can't really feel it.

It is painful!! My first two treatments weren't painful, then I found out the settings were too low.

I've had about 50% hair reduction after 4 treatments. I have a package of 8, with 1 year free from Ideal Image. (Ideal Image is know for high prices) My package for brazilian, upper-lip and underarms was $3,000.

If you are interested in my progress I kept a journal with pictures at www.laserhairremovaljournal.comMista said... I'm pretty sure that American Laser Centers uses a laser. It is referred to as a laser, and there is a beam of light coming out of it like it is a laser, I have to wear green goggles like it's a laser, and the cool gel that is like what you get when you have an ultrasound I have not doubt is there to help the laser do its work.

Mista said...

I'm pretty sure that American Laser Centers uses a laser. It is referred to as a laser, and there is a beam of light coming out of it like it is a laser, I have to wear green goggles like it's a laser, and the cool gel that is like what you get when you have an ultrasound I have not doubt is there to help the laser do its work.

Not only that, but American Laser Centers is called American LASER Centers, so, that would be very oxymoronic if they did not user lasers...you know? Quite sue-able.

My office uses the new laser. The first one or two appointments I had was the older laser. Then they switched. I think it might even be more powerful because it felt stronger, as I had previously had the highest settings.

All laser works best on light skin with dark hair. The light of the laser is attracted to dark pigmant, which is your hair, so it's best to have light skin so that the laser can see the dark hair. Luckily I'm not able to tan that often!

Doubtful Customer said...

Mista,

Jennifer is correct. Unfortunately, the technicians at ALC, from my experience, only half way know what they are talking about when it comes to the machines (and who knows what else!). One of the machines American Laser Centers uses, the Amerilight, is an IPL, which is not a true laser. Their Amerilaser however, is a true laser. Both these machines are made by Syneron. The Amerilight is the elight by Syneron - you can read more here: http://www.syneron.com/Solutions/Clinical_Results/FAQs/eLight.html. The Amerilaser is the elaser by Snyeron. If you google all these keywords, you will find this information to be true.

However, knowing what I know of their machines, I am still hopeful that I will still achieve results. I have had two treatments so far, and interestingly enough, I had excellent shedding results with the IPL (the Amerilight)!! I only got about 30% reduction from the Amerilaser - the true laser, a "diode" laser in fact! I have very fair skin and dark hair, although not overly course. For my third appt. I will switch back to the Amerilight. When I am finished with all treatments, I am hoping to have only a few stray hairs. Somehow though... I'm afraid I may have wasted my money with this company.

I will NOT pay for another package though if I decide to get more treatments in other areas. I believe you are treated better if you pay as you go. My experience with ALC has not been a good one - they use lasers other than the ones stated in the contract, have technicians that are only partially knowledgeable, refuse to refund your money even if you have yet to have a treatment, and well... seem really to just care about making money. Their customer service has been poor, and the people high up in the company, like the regional manager, Hannah, is the worst I've ever dealt with when it comes to customer service. I believe in integrity and in treating people with respect and fairness. Unfortunately, American Laser Centers doesn't appear to believe in these same things. :(

In the end... it's just money, right? In the meantime, I'm giving ALC the benefit of the doubt, will keep pretending that everything is fine when I go to my appointments, and will hope for the best. Best of luck to you all as well.

Laser Hair Removal :: 5.5th Appointment for Bikini

I always learn something at my laser hair removal appointments! This was a 5 1/2 appointment because I was so late to my other one, that the esthetician could "only" do my thighs, which take forever. Again - no pain for me. But then again, I think I finally see a purpose for my pale skin and dark leg hair - to have relatively pain-free laser hair removal!

Today I came with a few questions, and tried to absorb them all for you. It's not like I'm lying on my back, scribbling notes on a pad of paper. So, here were my questions:

I've left my thigh - that has been through 5 appointments - unshaved. Can you compare it with my calf, which has had no appointments with the laser, and tell me if you can see or feel a difference?

The esthetician felt my thigh and calf to check for a difference. But most importantly, she said, she could see the difference in the hair follicles. She looks at follicles all day, so I'm taking her word for it. She said that if I were to let it grow out and skip a hair cycle (which is when the appointments are made), it would look batchy. I guess my thigh does look smoother, and it does feel smooth...

Someone commented on my blog that she heard that American Laser Centers do not, in fact, use lasers. Is this true? Isn't that thing over there connected to an electrical box on wheels next to my head that you grab and shoot into my leg a laser?

The esthetician look stunned, and assured me that is in fact a laser. It is called an AmeriLite, the same laser that all American Laser Centers use. She says that she needs to spread the cold jelly on my skin to act as a "conductor" (meaning a conductor of laser electricity) for the laser beam. The laser head itself is about 1" long by .5" wide, and it is cold as well. I had never noticed that it was cold, but she put it on my arm without lasering me, and sure enough, it was very cold. She says it needs to be cold because the laser light is so hot, that it has to be cold.

Are you sure you're getting everything? How do you know if you miss a spot? That little laser head is kind of small.

The esthetician said that the cool ultrasound jelly stuff that acts as a conductor also leaves track marks, like lines in the sand. So she can see exactly where she's been.


I have one more appointment to go. Then I'll be in the 2-years zone of getting touchups for hair that has is on a weird growth cycle and missed the laser, or what. Meanwhile, I finally paid attention to my CreditCare bill for when I financed this expedition, and sure enough, it did remind me that if I did not pay the full amount by the time the year was up, I would have to pay the deferred APR amount, which is about $400-$550 when it's through! So I made a giant payment to complete it, but saw that I did miss 2 minimum payments. This also disqualifies me from the deferred payment plan!! Ack! So we will see if that deferred payment shows up on my bill come July. Geeze.

Laser Hair Removal : 6th Appointment

I had the 6th appointment a few weeks ago. I waited to post so that I could study a few rounds of shaving to see how my legs are doing. The nutshell version: the hairs on my thighs are tough, tough little buggers. They will not die. They are weakening. The bikini and love trail are disappearing. I have only stragglers. And on a new part of my bikini (I decided late in the game to laser more of the area) it is showing batchy-ness, which means that there are circles of no growth. So, bikini and love trail are taking to the laser more effectively, and the legs are taking longer.

Now, as I've stated, my technicians are very nice. I've had 3 of them, and there is one that I get frequently and we always like to catch up. As nice as they are, for my 6th appointment, I was upset. I was actually late to my appointment, as I frequently am and have to reschedule half of my appointment, but I still went in frustrated. At my American Laser Center office, they like for you to shave, or else charge you extra for dry shaving with a cheap Bic (ouch and razor burn). But, I was not going to pay, as I wanted the technician to see for herself, with her expert eyes, on how my leg hair is doing. The technician took a picture, as she usually does, and asked if I was pleased. I flatly said NO. It's been too long, I said. She said that she doesn't lie to her patients, and it can take 8 or 10 rounds for people. Even though she was probably upset with me for being late, she was visibly concerned that I was unsatisfied. To be fair, I think she and definitely the office manager who I had a consultation with and signed me up, did imply that the hair would be gone in 6 rounds. But with the 2 years of free appointments to clean up. I should have known that the 2 years were there for a reason. But, everyone loses the hair at different speeds.

So. Did the 6th round affect my leg hair? It really did. The hair is growing more slowly still, and not as prickly. I compare it to my lower leg that has not had any laser treatments. My leg hair is proving stubborn. But that is why I got it lasered in the first place. I didn't just invest in laser hair removal as a cosmetic luxury. I invested because I get ingrowns on my bikini which are painful and ugly; because my thigh hair is so prickly and irritating on my skin, especially in the summer; because I have good legs but don't show them in the summer because of these stated reasons.

Am I happy? Am I glad I invested? Yes. It is so hot here in NYC, and finally I am wearing short shorts. The shortest shorts I've probably ever worn. Short shorts that I would even go out running in, when they could pass for boy-shorts, if you know what I mean. I am not getting ingrowns. My bikini and love trail are almost gone. My leg hair is on the retreat, but is softer. I am not paranoid about ugly, prickly hair that I forgot to shave when I put shorts on.

Saving graces or added bonuses? When my technicians ask me in one appointment if I'm losing weight, and in another appointment if I'm a runner because my back legs are so "toned." If only my stomach and non-existent abs could have a similar affect on people!

Laser Hair Removal : 8th Appointment

The 8th appointment has come and gone. I waited a good 20 days since the appointment to post, to give everything time to admit defeat. As you know, my thighs are very, very stubborn. Here are the stats so far:

thighs: 75% hair loss (but it's a large area)
bikini: 90% hair loss
new area on bikini that I started at the 4th appointment: damaged hair, hair is on the retreat*
love trail: 98%

* By "damaged hair," I mean that the hair is growing back weaker and shorter. The interesting thing is that some of the hair can only grow to be about 2 millimeters long, and others can get a bit longer. It's been explained to me many times that the hair grows in cycles, and part of why it can take so long is that the appointments hit different follicles at different cycles, therefore killing the follicle at different times. I seem to be witnessing this with the different growth patterns. I am therefore not worried about this area at all.

I see that you might be searching for when the hair will "shed" or "fall out." I have never noticed my hair falling out, or shedding. I see that it does not grow back in places. So if it actually falls out, I don't see the pieces. As instructed, I don't pull at it, because that would re-activate the hair follicle somehow. I am only to shave.

That said, my thighs are on the retreat, but the hair is still there, but only grows to about 2 millimeters. Compared with my unshaven calves, my calves can be, you know, woolly, as they would be if you went a few days without shaving in the winter. The thighs, on the other hand, are very noticeably short, like constant soft stubble, but not as prickly.

My one tip for you this time is for the stray pieces of hair in the area that you want zapped. If you shave everything before the appointment, as I'm instructed to do, the technician might not know that there are some stragglers in far left field of your upper thigh. So, I suggest that you do not shave those, and point them out to your technician before she begins. I know they are in a hurry and have other clients. But, patiently take her through all of the areas you want zapped, and you both will be happy.

Laser Hair Removal :: 7th Appointment w Pictures!

In response to several readers' comments that their American Laser Center technicians are not nice, I thought it a good idea to introduce some of the ladies from my American Laser Center office. Just to show that they do exist. Now, I understand that not everyone's technicians are going to be nice. Believe me. I'm just showing the ones that I happen to know.

Yesterday, for my 7th appointment (I have finished my 6 appointments and am now 1 appointment into the 2 years of free appointments), I road my bike down at 9:15am in the morning. The office is at 59th street, so I had to book it down Central Park West with my new Nutcase bike helmet and actually showed up on time at 9:30am!

Emily was my technician, and as usual, it was a gab fest. She's a surfer; had a policy to stop coloring her chestnut colored hair, but couldn't deal with the gray and sun damaged orange, so colored it for her brother's wedding; had a brother that got married this summer just like me; is a gemini (I think) just like me; is obsessed with curly hair products just like me except that she really has curly hair; and on and on.

Emily is pictured here with the laser gun (the laser part is only about 2" big on the tip - see it in the middle?), wearing her protective green goggles, standing next to the terribly cold bottles of ultrasound goopy jell, that for me, is truly the worst part of the whole experience. With a wooden stick, she spreads it on the area she's going to laser, and then places that laser gun down on my leg or whatever, presses the trigger, the laser shoots through to the hair follicle, and she moves to the next inch on my leg and repeats.

And now meet Claudia. Claudia is the super nice manager who takes all of my calls, even my first one after my first appointment when I said: "I have the red dots on my legs! What do I do!!" and Claudia calmly said: "Did you take a hot shower?" and I said: "Yes..." and she said: "Well, put the after laser lotion on and call me if they don't go away." And of course they went away.

Claudia is seated at her desk, where she schedules appointments, consults with clients, and many more activities. She's always considerate and a joy to see. She even let me keep my bike in her office for safe keeping during my appointment.

So now you've met some of the girls in my office. Seriously, if you are in Manhattan (nyc), you should go to this office. It's the 59th street and Central Park South office. Tell Claudia I sent cha. ;) If you go, you'll have celebrity sitings because they are right next to the Essex hotel. The first time I went, I saw Gene Hackman. Yesterday, I saw all of these US Open tennis players with their tennis racquet's - dark and handsome ones.

Here are some quick pictures from my bike ride home, which I took

Laser hair removal

Road test: Laser hair removal (Candela GentleLASE)

Aim? To permanently reduce unwanted hair and therefore stop ingrowns.

Who's it suitable for? "The ideal candidate for laser hair removal is a patient with light skin and dark hair," explains Ellen Alexander from the City Laser Clinic. "Patients with dark skin and dark hair can still be treated, but may need more treatments. Blonde, red and grey hairs cannot be treated."

Pre treatment? Avoid sun exposure, solariums and fake tan on the area for two to three weeks. The hair being treated needs to be short, so shave or trim the area two to three days beforehand.

What happens? "Lasers work by delivering an intense beam of light that is absorbed by the skin," explains Alexander. "This light is converted to heat and is absorbed by the cells being targeted, while leaving the surrounding tissue unaffected." She uses Candela GentleLASE which features a skin-cooling device for greater patient comfort and safety. "You and your practitioner will both wear safety glasses to protect your eyes. The practitioner will then use a small hand piece to deliver the light to your skin." You may feel a light spray of coolant on your skin before each laser pulse, which covers an area about the size of a 20-cent piece. Once the treatment is finished, you may experience some slight redness which will dissipate after one to two hours. Eight to 10 treatments are recommended, with four to six weeks between each.

Post treatment? Again, avoid sun exposure, solariums and fake tan for two to three weeks. Alexander recommends wearing an SPF 30+ daily, and advises you don't exfoliate the area until at least three days after the treatment. Your hair will take up to two weeks to fall out, and she recommends refraining from plucking, waxing and epilating as forcing the hair from the follicle will reverse the treatment's effect.

Cost? Approximately $70 per five minutes. Underarms are around $70, while the bottom half of the legs may be $280 to $320.

The bottom line: "I'd be lying if I said it didn't hurt — it did! I found using a numbing cream (available from chemists) definitely helped, as did playing a few mind games during the treatment (yes, really). Regardless, I kept on going, and I'm so glad I did — the results are great." — Bree, Your Beauty Spot beauty ed.

For more info: Contact the City Laser Clinic on (02) 9232 8090, www.citylaserclinic.com.au. For more info on Candela GentleLASE, visit

7 Tips About Laser Hair Removal

For many people having hair in places where it is not wanted can be an embarrassment. The hair can be on the body or on the face, wherever it happens to be growing, these people want it gone. Temporary hair removal solutions are not what they are looking for; they want something that is semi-permanent. A laser hair removal system would suit their needs nicely, but how does it work?

1- Laser hair removal provides effects that are similar to electrolysis, but are much more painless. There are several types of laser systems that have been approved for use in hair removal, while they all work a little differently; the premise is the same for all of them, by removing the hair at the follicle.

2- One of the reasons that lasers are becoming so popular is that this system is a relatively painless form of hair removal, especially when compared to the more traditional forms of body hair removal. The laser hair removal system also provides excellent outcomes in the face, underarm area and neck, resulting in a 60-80% success rate within two to three visits.

3- Many people prefer laser hair removal because they see dramatic results from having it done. Results such as a 50% reduction in hair after four months, with only one treatment. With the normal patient needing a treatment only every six to twelve months. Most people also like the fact that when the hair grows back, it is usually sparser and of a finer texture.

4- The first approved laser system was the Nd:YAG, which required the skin to be waxed first to remove the unwanted hair and therefore, causing the follicles to open. This is necessary for the laser to reach the follicles, next a light absorbing, carbon based lotion need to be applied to the skin. The laser heats the lotion that has reached the hair follicles, which causes damage to the follicle, but leaves the skin undamaged.

5- While the Nd:YAG method is still in use, there is a newer, less time-consuming laser hair removal method available. This method uses pulses rather than a continuous laser light beam to warm up the follicles. The newer method also removes the need for waxing of the skin as well as for the application of the carbon-based lotion. The use of the pulse allows the follicle to be heated more quickly while exposing the skin to lesser amounts of damaging heat.

6- While laser hair removal treatments offer great results that last, it is fairly expensive, especially when compared to hair removal methods that need to be done on a more frequent basis. For example, to remove facial hair, the series of treatments that would be needed will cost approximately $1,000, depending upon where you live. More involved procedures, such as men's backs or legs will be around $3,000 for the series of treatments.

7- If you feel that laser hair removal is the right choice for you, it is important to research the facility that will be performing the procedure before you have even one treatment done. Make sure that you check for complaints from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) in your area and ask if the technicians on staff are licensed and if there is a doctor or nurse on staff in case of an emergency.

Consider Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is one that you can take seriously if you want to get rid of that hair growing on your butt, on your legs, or on your back. The rates are not all complete, but the studies are showing that a real reduction in hair loss is what you will have when using the laser hair removal system. The laser hair removal system uses light to change how the hair follicle acts. As the laser changes the hair follicle, this is going to put a stop to the hair growth, lessening the amount of hair growing on the back, on the legs, or on the neck.

Consider Laser Hair Removal
By Ivar Rudi
Laser hair removal is one that you can take seriously if you want to get rid of that hair growing on your butt, on your legs, or on your back. The rates are not all complete, but the studies are showing that a real reduction in hair loss is what you will have when using the laser hair removal system. The laser hair removal system uses light to change how the hair follicle acts. As the laser changes the hair follicle, this is going to put a stop to the hair growth, lessening the amount of hair growing on the back, on the legs, or on the neck.

Laser hair removal is not going to work as well the first session on hair that is light in color such as blond or red, or on gray colored hair. There are no long-term results that can be stated with any real certainty because the laser hair removal procedure is one that has not been established for the long term, it has only been used for the last few years.

For those who have darker skin, that are tanning all the time, that are generally dark in color, or those who are using any type of coloring tanning solution you will be required to talk to your consultant about this. You don’t want to have the laser

actually burn your skin or discolor the skin in any way, so talking about this topic before hand will give you the best informed decision.

If you are considering using a laser hair removal treatment that is not through a license practitioner you may find that if not done properly you could have the skin turn colors, and the hair is not going to be totally gone. Several treatments are required for any laser hair removal system to be complete and to give you the best overall effects of removing and stopping the hair growth.

Be on the look out for those who are claiming that the process is totally painless. There are some people who are going through the laser hair removal system that experience clogged pores, acnes and other problems, while others do not. The general considerations are that most people are not going to experience these problems or pain from these types of problems but you should also be aware of them. Guaranteed 100% hair removal is not going to happen – no matter where you are going for treatment. No laser hair removal treatment is going to be 100% on the first treatment. Many treatments are needed to stop the hair growth.
Copyright 2006 - Ivar Rudi. Ivar suggests you find great market for less by shopping online today. For more information and resources about this subject check out: www.laser-hair-removal-guide.org/

Laser Hair Removal Unwrapped

The laser has become a precision surgical instrument widely used for a variety of procedures. Most recently, lasers have been utilized for the quick, gentle removal of unwanted hairs. The laser works by sending a pulsating beam of light, of a particular wavelength to precise areas on the skin. The light passes directly through the skin, but is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and shaft. Once absorbed by laser light, the follicles are impaired from future growth, and eventually die off. Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in mid 1998. Older generation normal-mode ruby lasers were very slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skin.

Lasers are not for everyone, and their proper use requires great skill, training and expertise. The laser technician at minimum must be a Certified Laser Specialist who has graduated from an accredited school for laser. Generally it is best to have a laser-trained dermatologist, or plastic surgeon perform the procedure, in case of complications. For the laser to be effective, the hair pigment must be darker than the surrounding skin pigment. If this is not the case, the treatment will not work and may have harmful complications. Additionally very darkly pigmented people absorb too much laser energy in their skin and are not ideal candidates. Tanned patients with light hair are not candidates either.

Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform. Fewer treatments are required, and better, faster results are obtained. People with darker skin can be treated, but results are slower, more sessions are required, and greater expertise is required on the part of the doctor. Coarse dark hair responds the best to laser treatment, light hair is more difficult to treat. Blonde or red hair is very difficult to treat, multiple treatment sessions are required, and results are variable. Laser hair removal must be individualized for each patient.

Although one laser session can produce impressive hair removal, generally, multiple treatment sessions are necessary to see optimal results. In large part this is due to the fact that laser hair removal is most effective for hair, which is in the growth phase. Since hair grows in cycles, not all of the hairs are in the growth phase at any given time. Additional sessions are necessary to catch all of the hairs when they are in this phase.

Any area, except adjacent to the eye, where there is excess hair can be treated. The most common areas requested are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, breast region, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line, and legs.

The costs for a single laser hair removal treatment vary depending on the part of the country, and range from $300.00 to $500.00 per session. Consumers are advised, as with all forms of medical care, to seek the center of highest quality, rather than lowest cost. Laser hair removal requires a great deal of skill, individual attention, experience, and a trained, caring, professional staff.

After treatment, most patients have a mild sunburn-type sensation that fades in 2-3 hours. Moisturizers and/or cool compresses can help during this time. Small blister areas can be treated with topical antibiotic until resolved. Sun block should be used for up to 6 weeks after treatment if sun exposure is anticipated. No waxing, shaving, or dying should be performed for 2 weeks after treatment. Pretreatment restrictions are also applicable to the post treatment period.

It must be remembered that it is impossible to predict the exact result a patient will achieve with laser hair removal, especially with regard to how many sessions a given individual will require. The indication for laser hair removal is mostly subjective. A desire for hair removal is the only criterion for laser hair removal.