Archive for the 'Skin & Beauty' Category

laser hair removal side effects

Laser hair removal is considered a medical treatment, and just like all other medical treatments,  it carries the risk of possible side effects. The chance of developing one or more of the existing side effects partially depend on your skin characteristics. The side effects of laser hair removal can be temporary or permanent.

The possibility of developing a temporary side effect is much higher than developing a permanent one after laser hair removal. A temporary side effect can last anywhere from a day to several  months before it goes away completely. The temporary side effects that can be experienced after laser hair removals include pain, blistering, swelling, redness, irritation, and hyperpigmentation.

Some people describe the discomfort they feel during and after their laser hair removal treatment as a feeling of pain.  This feeling exists, both during the procedure, and after it is finished.  During the treatment process, the feeling of discomfort can be lessened by the use of a local anesthetic.  For the days following the procedure, the pain can be alleviated through the use of over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.

Safety Issues Regarding Laser Hair Removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other forms of epilation.  There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating probes, or risking infection.  However, there are concerns regarding burns and eye safety.  Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the safety of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict mandatory performance standards.  They also must meet the federal laser product performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment.  If used equipment must be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced.  The equipment should also be guaranteed..

laser hair removal

Safety issues regarding laser hair removal relate to both clients and technicians. These safety issues are very different than those involving other forms of epilation.  There are no concerns of drawing blood, contaminating probes, or risking infection.  However, there are concerns regarding burns and eye safety.  Several organizations have laid down guidelines to ensure the safety  of both the clients and technicians. These organizations include The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, The American National Standards Institute, The Food and Drug Administration, The Center for Devices and Radiological Health, and The Society for Clinical and Medical Hair Removal.

All laser hair removal devices in the United States are subject to very strict mandatory performance standards.  They also must meet the federal laser product performance standard, which includes specifying their safety features, both for the benefit of the patient and technician.

It is best to purchase new laser hair removal equipment.  If used equipment must be purchased, it should only be bought from a qualified distributor with the assurance that it has been thoroughly checked and serviced.  The equipment should also be guaranteed..

Necessary Care after laser hair removal

Laser hair removal, although a simple process,  does require proper care of the skin in the area that was treated.  Generally there is little recovery time needed regarding laser hair removal procedures. People can usually return to normal activities  immediately after treatment.  However, it is important to take the time to follow the recommended guidelines for aftercare in order to protect against any chance of a complication and to reduce any discomfort that may be experienced.

Following laser hair removal treatment, it is not uncommon for the skin to be slightly swollen and red in the treated area.  Some people describe it as feeling like a mild sunburn, with slight puffiness and irritation. Placing a cooling preparation such as a cold compress, cold pack, or aloe vera, on the affected area will ease the temporary mild burning sensation.  Some people experience this burning sensation for only a few hours, while others may feel it for a day or two. This is the time it takes for the skin to return completely to its normal state.

laser hair removal devices

There are several different types of laser hair removal devices available today.  These are alexandrite lasers, diode lasers, ruby lasers, and NeoDymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnets, which is commonly referred to as Nd:YAGs.

Alexandrite lasers :

Alexandrite lasers became available for use in laser hair removal in 1997  when they were cleared by the FDA.  Alexandrite lasers produce light beams in the red spectrum of visible light. Their wavelength is 755 nanometers which is very effective but only safe on light skin. Generally, alexandrite lasers are considered long pulsed and because of this produce greater depth penetration. Five different types of the alexandrite laser are available. These include the Apogee, GentleLase, Epicare, Epitouch Alex, and Ultrawave II-III.

Diode lasers :

The  FDA also cleared diode lasers for use in 1997 as an effective method of permanent hair reduction.  Diode lasers produce a wavelength of 800 nanometers with pulse widths of 5-400 milliseconds. This type of laser has proved successful in the treatment of ingrown eyelashes and works very well on dark hair. The Light SheerXC is a diode laser that is extremely powerful.  Other diode lasers include EpiStar, Apex-800, Iridex, and Mediostar.

Female Hirsutism

Laser hair removal can be a successful treatment option for women who suffer from hirsutism. Female hirsutism affects between 5 and 10% of all women.  The percentage rate is higher for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PC OS.  Women of Asian or African ancestry are affected less often than those of European descent. This condition can cause extreme emotional suffering for many women.

Female hirsutism is loosely described as increased and excessive hair growth. That growth takes place in areas of the body where there is usually very little, if any, normal hair growth. The  hair  generally grows in an adult, male, sexual,  hair growth pattern. For example, a woman with hirsutism may grow a beard, mustache, chest, or back hair.  Many women do have hair in these areas but it is usually pale in color, fine and almost invisible. In a case of a woman with hirsutism, the hair is thick, course and may be colored.

Laser Hair Removal

There are people that should not have laser hair removal because of one or more specific reasons. These reasons are called contraindications, which mean, that it is inadvisable to have the treatment or procedure. The treatment could be dangerous or cause permanent side effects.  Other contraindications require special treatment or medication before laser hair removal can be started.

Women that are pregnant should not have laser hair removal. Although there is not significant information regarding laser usage and pregnancy, many physicians and health care providers recommend avoiding laser treatments because of the unknown effects on the on the unborn child.

Anyone that has herpes simplex virus I or II should tell the doctor that is preforming the laser hair removal before treatments have begun. It is necessary to take a prescription antiviral medication for several days both before and after the treatment. If the hair removal is in the area of previous outbreaks, it is possible that the heat from the laser will cause a flare up of the herpes virus. If a herpes outbreak is active, either on the face or genital area, it is important to reschedule the laser hair removal treatment.

Laser Hair Removal

Are you looking into laser hair removal? Are you unsure of just what all is involved? If so, you found the right article. This article will answer some of the common questions involving laser hair removal.

What Is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is the process of using a laser to help reduce hair growth.

How Does It Work?
The laser produces a high amount of heat and when directed at the hair, finds the hair follicle and damages the root. This helps prevent the hair growing back.

Who Qualifies for Laser Hair Removal?
Unfortunately laser hair removal is not for everyone. It is better for people with dark hair and light skin. If your skin is darker you will want to discuss laser hair removal with your practitioner. Laser hair removal will not work on blonde, red, white or grey hair. People that tan will have to let their tan fade before doing laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Provider

Choosing the right laser hair removal provider is the second most important decision you will make concerning your treatment. The most important decision was deciding to have the hair removal treatment. It is best to choose someone, preferably a doctor, that does laser hair removal on a regular basis. Often the best doctors to perform the procedure specialize in plastic surgery order dermatology.  They usually have the latest laser devices and are more knowledgeable on the procedures.

A good way to find a list of practitioners in your area is to do an online search.  This will result in a list of  laser hair removal specialists for you to consider. Some may be doctors that perform the procedure themselves, and others may be doctors that oversee technicians that do the procedure. While searching online it is often possible to find reviews from previous clients concerning specific practitioners and treatments.

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal works by the process of selective targeting of a specific area of the body and using a specific wavelength to absorb light into that area. It does not work on a hair by hair basis, instead it focuses a wide beam of light that treats many hairs at one time. The wavelength of light absorbed has to be sufficient enough to damage the targeted tissue area while leaving the surrounding area basically untouched. The principle behind this process is called selective photothermolysis.

Lasers are intense beams of monochromatic and coherent light. These light beams are produced by laser devices that contain either minerals or gases. The  four main types of lasers are solid state, semiconductor, gas and dye.