Archive for the ‘News & Updates’ Category

Good Things Come to Those Who Wait

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Back when developer A.W. Ross first envisioned that the 1.5 miles strip of Wilshire Boulevard would rival downtown Los Angeles, he had to wait patiently for his automobile-centered design to take root. Patience paid off, and the “Miracle Mile” is a highly traveled, high traffic area. As the cliché goes, good things come to those who wait.

How is Laser Hair Removal Like the Miracle Mile?

Both require patience and commitment to achieve optimal results. You won’t have to wait as long as Ross did for his pay off, but it will take some time to achieve permanent hair reduction. How much time? That depends on the size of the area, the color, coarseness or thickness of your hair and the type of lasers your physician must use to keep your skin safe. A number of sessions is always needed, and it’s important that you follow through with all of them to achieve optimal results.

Hair Grows in Cycles

Ready for another analogy? Much like North America’s seasons, your hair also has phases of growth, rest and regeneration. When a laser targets a hair follicle, it must do so while the follicle is in its growth phase. If your hair happens to be in its resting state, the laser treatment doesn’t work, and the hair grows back. Your doctor understands this cycle, however, which is why he or she will recommend spreading your sessions out so that you are more likely to hit the hair in any given area at the right time.

Lots of Hair Equals More Sessions

It’s only logical that areas with excessive amounts of hair, or hair that’s very thick and course, will take more sessions to achieve long-lasting results. If you frequently plucked or waxed these areas, you may need more time with the laser, as these hairs need to come back into their growth phase. In addition, if you have darker skin your physician must use a laser with a longer wavelength, which doesn’t always produce the same results as lasers with shorter wavelengths. You may need more sessions to become hair-free.

Big Rewards

So maybe you had to see your laser hair removal doctor once a month for six months; it might be worth it to be able to stroll down the “Miracle Mile” and try on swim suits or clothes that expose skin you would normally cover up because you were self-conscious of your hair growth. Laser hair removal does more than remove hair – it removes worry, hassle and a lot of time spent shaving, waxing or plucking.

 

 

Tanning and Laser Hair Removal

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

In Los Angeles it seems as if everyone is tan. With the sun almost constantly shining, it’s hard to avoid getting some color while you’re outside. If you’re considering laser hair removal, however, you might want to stay inside. Why? Laser hair removal works more effectively with lighter skin tones. Though darker skin tones aren’t impossible to work with – trained laser surgeons can use a combination of lasers and techniques to avoid discoloration – there is some risk of skin damage with the procedure.

Los Angeles Brings Out the Best in Laser Surgeons

Let’s face it…with Hollywood within its limits, the Los Angeles area is rife with beauty and cosmetic experts. In fact, some of the world’s best cosmetic and aesthetic surgeons practice in the area. With competition like that, Los Angeles’s laser hair removal surgeons need to be on top of their game. What this means for you is that you can find highly trained specialists that can work with darker pigmented skin with less risk of side effects.

How a Tan Affects the Laser

Skin and hair get their color from melanin, or pigment. Tanning releases melanin into the skin cells to protect them from the sun’s rays. Darker skin tones naturally contain more melanin than lighter skin tones. The lasers used for laser hair removal are designed to target melanin in the hair follicle. The laser creates heat which travels down the hair into the follicle, disrupting its growth. However, the laser doesn’t have the ability to discern between melanin in the skin and melanin in the hair. Your doctor must choose the correct lasers and set them to the correct frequencies to ensure your skin is not affected.

Possible Risks

What happens when the skin absorbs the laser rather than the hair? Burning and blistering can result, as well as scarring if burns aren’t treated properly. Fortunately, technology has advanced enough to make the laser hair removal procedure safer for patients with darker skin tones. A laser’s wavelength can be adjusted; the longer the wavelength, the safer it is for melanin-rich skin.

Experience Pays Off

Make sure your Los Angeles-based laser surgeon has a great deal of experience using a laser on your skin type. Talk to this physician about the types of lasers used in his or her practice, and what types are best for your skin. Ask to speak with other patients to get first-hand feedback before you decide to undergo laser hair removal.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work on the Face?

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Your face is important, especially if you live in Southern California. It’s almost always the first part of you someone sees, so it’s important to make a good first impression. Whether you are dating, going for a job interview or greeting a customer at a store, how you look plays a big part in how people react to you. If you have unwanted facial hair, particularly if you are a woman, you may not feel you look your best and have to hide or shave your hair growth. Fortunately, laser hair removal in cities like Lake Forest provide a solution to unwanted hair.

Hirsutism

Though men may enjoy growing facial hair, for women it’s not considered attractive. Unwanted hair growth in females, particularly in male pattern areas such as the face, chest or back, is technically known as hirsutism. This hair is usually thick and dark, so you have to shave, pluck or wax often. These methods can actually lead to ingrown hairs and infections, making them less appealing than alternatives like laser hair removal.

Lasers on the Face

You might not hesitate to use lasers to remove hair on your legs or back, but what about your face? The delicate skin in this area and the fact that you show this part of your body to everyone you meet may make you think twice about getting it done. In Lake Forest, however, you don’t have to worry. Laser hair removal is an effective and safe way to permanently reduce hair growth on your face. The Lake Forest and Southern California area are blessed with talented physicians who specialize in laser hair removal. The more experience your doctor has, the better your results will be.

Results

Lasers work most effectively on darker hair, as the lasers target pigment or melanin. If you have lighter hair, the treatment will not work optimally.  According to the Hair Removal Journal , with laser hair removal on the face you may need more sessions as well as yearly maintenance trips to ensure hair removal is long-lasting.

Hormonal Causes

Sometimes hirsutism is caused by hormonal imbalances, or excessive male hormones in the female body. If you are a woman who is experiencing male pattern hair growth, see your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal. If the cause is hormonal, your doctor may have other treatment options available to halt hair growth. However, hirsutism can occur without the help of androgens. In these cases, laser hair removal might be right for you.

In Laguna Woods, Laser Hair Removal is a Low Risk Procedure

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

When the sun is out and the weather is fine in Laguna Woods, you likely think about donning shorts, t-shirts or even a bathing suit. Laser hair removal makes your wardrobe choices easier because you never have to worry about having too much hair. Typically, laser hair removal is a high reward and low risk procedure, though there is always a risk of burns and scarring using laser technology. Lasers produce a concentrated form of heat radiation that can injure skin cells. If a laser hair removal procedure is done correctly – using the right lasers, finding the proper wavelength and the skill of the treating physician – the risk of side effects diminish.

Selection is Key

The type of laser your laser hair removal doctor uses is one of the key components to a safe, effective session. The correct laser set to the right wavelength is paramount to allowing the laser to pass harmlessly through the skin and target the melanin, or pigment, in your hair follicles. Why? The laser’s job is to attack pigment, thereby interrupting the hair follicle’s ability to produce more hair. If the attending physician chooses the wrong wavelength and you have darker skin, for instance, the laser can focus on some of your skin cells instead, leading to burns and potential scarring.

Types of Lasers

There are generally three types of lasers used for the laser hair removal process in Laguna Woods. The Alexandrite, the Diode and the Nd:YAG lasers are all FDA-approved and used most frequently for laser hair removal procedures. The Ruby laser is another that may be used, as it was one of the first lasers invented for laser hair removal, but its short wavelength limits its use to very fair skinned clients. If you have tanned or darker skin, your doctor may choose the Nd:YAG laser, which has the longest wavelength and therefore poses less risk to your skin’s cells.

Do Your Homework

Before you choose a doctor or a medical spa in Laguna Woods for your laser hair removal, be sure to research the equipment they have available. Call the office and ask what lasers they use, and do your own research to discover what skin types with which these lasers work well. You can then schedule an appointment or consultation with the physician, and ask about his or her experience treating your skin type. Be sure to have a clear picture of the procedure, the lasers and the potential side effects before agreeing. Once you feel satisfied with a doctor and the technology, you can begin the process of ridding yourself of unwanted hair.

Just How Permanent is Permanent?

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

When it comes to laser hair removal, how permanent is permanent? Well, strictly speaking permanent means lasting or intending to last unchanged indefinitely. Indefinitely is a long time – as in “forever.” Since forever isn’t really measureable in any one of our lifetimes, what does it mean when a process, such as laser hair removal, is deemed “permanent?”

Laser Hair Removal, a “Permanent” Procedure

Laser hair removal is considered permanent because you can achieve near permanent results. That is to say, laser hair removal in Imperial Beach and elsewhere achieves 80 percent hair growth reduction in 80 to 90 percent of patients. Though it’s not perfect, it’s pretty close. Most patients don’t experience re-growth, while a small percentage may have some hair grow back over time. Your doctor will schedule a series of sessions, the number of which will depend on the size of the area you’d like removed, as well as your skin and hair type. You may find that annual maintenance sessions keep hair at bay more permanently.

Why Does Hair Grow Back?

One of the reasons hair may grow back is that the laser procedure was done during the hair’s dormant phase. Laser hair removal works best on hair in its active growth phase, which lasts for years. However, the hair follicle also has a transition and a dormant phase, neither of which allow laser hair removal to be effective.

Another reason hair can grow back is due to its pigment. Dark hair works best for this procedure because the laser is designed to target melanin, or pigment. The laser passes through the skin and seeks out the colored hairs. If a hair is lighter in color, the laser – which targets melanin in the hair follicle – may not “see” that hair follicle. Though it may have some color, it still may not be dark enough to achieve lasting results.

Finding Peace with “Permanence”

So your laser hair removal procedure may not last until the end of time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy 10 to 20 years of not having to shave every day or a few times a week. If you live in Imperial Beach and enjoy wearing a bathing suit year round, have you ever thought how much time goes into shaving? Five to 10 minutes every day adds up over the course of a decade. Skipping your every day shave that lasts ten minutes can save you 60 hours a year! Imagine what you can do with a few extra days every year. Stop shaving and start dreaming.

Choosing a Doctor for Laser Hair Removal in Concord

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

If you live in the Concord, California area you can find a plethora of people that offer laser hair removal services. The problem is, how do you choose? What credentials does she or he need to have, and what kind of lasers do you need? These are important questions to ask. Fortunately, most doctors will have a website with their professional background as well as links to testimonials from former patients. It’s important to look at those areas, as well as investigate a few others.

Importance of a Physician

According to the Hair Removal Journal, one of the key pieces to choosing a reputable laser hair removal facility is to find out just who is working the laser. Check to see that the office has a board-certified physician on staff, and that the physician either performs the procedure or that he or she supervises the procedure. Many laser hair removal centers offer lower cost procedures, but the physician may not be in the room or even on premises. Lasers are delicate machines, and can cause burns and scarring if not used properly. If you want great results, do some research in Concord to ensure a highly-trained, certified physician is behind the laser.

Laser Type Matters

When laser hair removal first began, they only used one type of laser that didn’t work well on tan or darker skin tones. All lasers for hair removal are designed to seek out pigment, or the melanin in your hair follicle. However, they aren’t designed to tell the difference between the melanin in your skin and the melanin in your hair. Now, however, there are several types of lasers a physician can choose to use. A combination might be right for your skin tone. Call your potential laser hair removal centers in Concord to find out what types of lasers they have, and whether they will work on your skin type.

Patient Testimonials

It’s also important to find out what your peers think of a potential hair removal office or physician. If the website provides this information, read or watch these testimonials. It’s also a good idea to check out dedicated review websites, making sure to read the good and the bad reviews. If you are considering laser hair removal, you want to make sure your skin and your health are in good hands.

Point that Laser Over Here

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Living in a beach town like Cardiff-By-The-Sea gives you plenty of reason to show some skin. Excessive hair growth, however, can put a damper on your bathing suit plans. Shaving and waxing take time and effort, and must be done often to enjoy their benefits. If you live in the Cardiff-By-The-Sea area, why not consider laser hair removal? It’s an effective, permanent way to remove hair, relieving you of the aggravation and complications of shaving or waxing.

Why Would I Want To Do That?

Who really likes shaving? Answer honestly. You have to buy razors, shaving cream, lather up, exfoliate, moisturize and actually shave sometimes large areas of your body multiple times per week. Yes you can achieve smooth skin, but it takes a lot of time, effort and money. Plus, you might have to run home to shave before you can hit the beach. Laser hair removal reduces the hassle and lets you enjoy more spontaneous Cardiff-By-The-Sea moments.

About the Procedure

Laser hair removal is actually a series of sessions with a laser specifically designed to target the pigment in your hair follicles. The laser causes the hair follicle to heat up, disrupting its ability to grow. Complete hair removal takes a few sessions; the size of the area and thickness of your hair will determine how many sessions you need, though four to seven is typical. Your doctor will spread these sessions out to ensure all the hairs are targeted while they are in a growth phase – the laser doesn’t work on hair in its resting state.

Limitations

As with all procedures, there are limitations. Because the lasers only work on pigment, lighter colored hair or grey hair doesn’t respond well and typically grows back after treatment. Patients with coarse, thick hair can also experience more re-growth, though the hair is often finer. These patients may need more sessions, as well as annual maintenance visits to keep hair growth reduced permanently.

Potential Areas for Laser Hair Removal

You might be wondering just where these lasers best remove hair. Fortunately for people living near Cardiff-By-The-Sea, laser hair removal works on most areas of the body. You can choose to remove hair from your legs, underarms, bikini area, back, chest, arms and even the face. Check with your physician to find out more about laser hair removal.

 

Laser Hair Removal: A Procedure for the Faint of Heart

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

Do you cringe at the thought of surgery or faint at the sight of blood? Would you love to get “work done” but fear the sometimes long recovery period? Then you are an excellent candidate for laser hair removal. Whether you live in Berkeley or anywhere in Southern California, the beautiful weather allows you to bare skin almost year round. With laser hair removal, you don’t have to endure pain to keep your legs, back or arms fuzz free.

No Pain No Gain

Our culture in the U.S. loves the cliché, “no pain, no gain.” Laser hair removal doesn’t work that way. It works, and you gain beautifully smooth, maintenance-free skin for years to come without a lot of pain. Sound too good to be true? It isn’t. There might be some discomfort involved, but if you’ve been out in the sun in Berkeley and endured sunburned skin then you can handle laser hair removal.

Will it Hurt?

The laser hair removal procedure can cause discomfort, but it typically feels similar to having a sunburn. The first treatment is typically the most painful, relatively speaking, because the laser’s beam is attracted to the pigment in your hair. The darker, coarser hairs therefore attract more heat, leading to more sensation during treatment. As the hair growth in a given area subsides, subsequent treatments become less and less painful.

What to Expect After the Procedure

If you want to walk around Berkeley in the sun after your laser hair removal procedure, your doctor will recommend protecting any areas recently treated. This skin is sensitive to sun’s light, so using sunscreen or covering these areas is essential to the healing process. Additionally, your skin may appear slightly red or swollen after your treatment, but these symptoms dissipate after a few days. You may find that some hair grows back, which is normal. Only hair in the growth phase is permanently affected by the laser. You can shave or use other methods of hair removal until your next laser session.

 

Laser Hair Removal is a Permanent Solution to Unwanted Hair

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Soft, smooth, stubble-free skin can be yours without shaving or waxing again! Laser hair removal offers a permanent solution to unwanted body and facial hair. This modern hair removal method is nearly painless and offers superior results compared to waxing or shaving.

Laser hair removal is available near Studio City at Laser Away’s Sherman Oaks location. Laser Away Tattoo and Hair Removal Experts offer professional hair removal in the comfort of a clean office.

Laser hair removal at Laser Away near Studio City helps men and women maintain smooth, touchable skin. Ladies can wear shorts, tank tops, sleeveless dresses, and swimwear without worrying about embarrassing hairs. Laser hair removal is performed on men to eliminate back and shoulder hair. The procedure has no adverse side effects and the results last indefinitely. Laser hair removal provides the confidence that comes with smooth skin.

The process of laser hair removal is simple. The laser provides a beam of light and a constant source of heat directed at the hair follicle. It penetrates the follicle and destroys it at the root while preserving the surrounding skin. Numbing cream is applied to the area, and a cooling device is utilized throughout the procedure to keep the client comfortable. These cooling systems also protect the skin surrounding each hair. A slight burning sensation is normal but most people tolerate it without any topical anesthetic, though it is available for those who need it. The procedure can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the area being treated. However, once the procedure is complete, hair may never return.

Because the hair follicle is damaged, less hair will grow back after the first treatment. After several treatments, the hair may never grow back. But, since the laser affects the follicle only, the surrounding skin is unaffected by laser hair removal. Shaving irritates the skin and only cuts the hair at skin level. The hair grows back in a matter of days. Waxing rips hairs out by the root, though breakage can occur, resulting in ingrown hairs. Electrolysis can be complicated. Only lasers offer permanent hair removal.

Laser Away Tattoo and Hair Removal Experts provide convenient laser hair removal near Studio City that is accessible to residents all over Southern California.

For laser hair removal, Studio City residents are located nearby multiple Laser Away locations in Marina del Rey, Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Sherman Oaks.

Preparation for Laser Hair Removal

Monday, March 12th, 2012

Laser hair removal, available in San Jose, affects the skin in addition to the hair. Cooling systems are used to minimize the effect of the laser on the skin surrounding the unwanted hairs, but precautions should still be taken to ensure the skin is ready for laser treatment. There are some steps you can take to prepare your skin for successful laser hair removal in San Jose or surrounding Laser Away locations.

Stay out of the sun for at least two weeks prior to laser hair removal treatment. Having a tan can increase the chance of discoloration of the skin due to exposure to the laser. Blistering can also occur. These affects are not just possible with a real tan. Artificial tanning products can increase these risks as well.

Do not pluck, wax, or use electrolysis prior to laser hair removal. These methods of hair removal can affect the hair follicles, which are the structures targeted by the laser. If the follicles are disturbed, the laser may not be able to pinpoint the follicles and destroy them. Therefore, laser hair removal will not be successful.

Shaving prior to laser hair removal is acceptable because shaving does not affect the hair follicle or hair shaft. Shaving simply cuts the hair at the skin surface. The laser is still able to target the hair follicle and destroy it. In fact, some studies have shown that the results of laser hair removal in San Jose are enhanced by shaving beforehand.

In addition to these precautionary steps, your laser hair removal professional will have a consultation with you about your medical history and your expectations of the results. Laser hair removal does not work on every type of hair. Fine, light-colored hair is nearly impossible to remove with a laser. Dark, thick hair is better able to absorb the laser energy.

Prior to having laser hair removal performed at our San Jose location, you should not apply your own topical anesthetic. The technician will apply it for you, if it is necessary. Many people can tolerate the sensation without any anesthetic. Cooling systems are also used to decrease discomfort and cool gel may be applied to the skin.

The person administering the laser will place protective goggles over your eyes. During the procedure, the skin may sting as the laser penetrates the skin and destroys the follicles. Afterwards, the skin may be sensitive and red temporarily. Several treatments may be needed to achieve the full results of laser hair removal, available at San Jose Laser Away Tattoo and Hair Removal Experts.