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Laser Hair Removal | Laser Hair Removal: Women | Laser Hair Removal: Men
Comparing Single Wavelength and IPL Technologies | Questions & Answers for Permanent Makeup

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GENERAL INFORMATION/QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Laser Hair Removal

Will Laser Hair Removal Work For Me?
With the technology of the Candela Alexandrite GentleLASE Plus Laser it is possible to treat many skin color and Hair color combinations. Light skinned, dark Hair patients will need fewer treatments. Those taking Accutane, photosensitive medications (in the last six months) or very tanned or very dark are not generally considered candidates for Laser Hair Removal. During our Complimentary Consultation our Laser Hair Removal Specialist will discuss your medications, skin and Hair type to establish whether you are suitable for Laser Hair Removal Treatments.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser Hair Removal works by sending a beam of Laser light to Hair follicles destroying the roots. The Laser targets the color in the Hair (known as melanin). The Laser destroys Hair in the anagen phase (growth period). The majority of Hair present is in that phase, but Hair which is not in the growth stage is targeted during the following scheduled Laser Hair Removal Treatments. This is why it is important to keep scheduled appointments (to target each growth cycle)

How Much Will Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Cost depends on the area to be treated and varies from Male to Female because of Hair density. Laser Hair Removal Treatments at A Permanent Cosmetic Center, Clearwater, (Pinellas County) Florida, ARE GUARANTEED TO BE THE LOWEST in the TAMPA BAY AREA  Click here for Cost of Laser Hair Removal.

What Body Parts Can Be Treated By Laser Hair Removal?
We are able to treat the entire Body for Male and Females with the exception of the area between the Eyebrow and Eye.

How Many Laser Hair Removal Treatments Will I need?
It can vary, depending upon the amount of Hair to be removed and Skin/Hair color. We only charge for 4 (four) Laser Hair Removal Treatments and Guarantee a Total Cost. Any future appointments are not charged. We guarantee our fees to be the lowest in Florida for Laser Hair Removal. Due to the vast experience of our LASER HAIR REMOVAL SPECIALISTS We customize treatments to match Hair and Skin color for optimum results.

How Soon Will I See Results From My Laser Hair Removal Treatments?
After the Laser Hair Removal Treatments the destroyed Hair falls out within 21 days. You will see a reduction in Hair after each Laser Hair Removal Treatment.

Are There Any Side Effects to Laser Hair Removal?
Most people do not experience side effects - some exhibit short term reddening of the skin. Regular activities can be resumed immediately. Skin must be protected from the sun prior to treatments.

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Each pulse of the Laser lasts about one second, which produces a stinging feeling. The state of the art technology of the GentleLASE Plus has a unique cooling device which greatly reduces any discomfort and does not require the messy use of cooling gels or ice packs during your Laser Hair Removal Treatment at a Permanent Cosmetic Center, Clearwater, Florida.

What Education Does Your Laser Hair Removal Specialist Have?
We believe it is important to find a technician who is a Laser Hair Removal Specialist. Our technicians are very experienced and chose to specialize ONLY in Hair Removal and therefore received 350 training hours. Our Physician also received specialized training and also has much experience in the use of Lasers.

What are the before and after Laser Hair Removal Treatment Instructions?

Before Treatment
Do not sunbathe. Stop waxing, tweezing and electrolysis treatments for approximately 6 weeks.

Post Treatment
Use sunblock of SP25 or more. Shave if needed to remove any Hair. Treated Hair will shed up to three weeks after Laser Hair Removal Treatment.

Why do some people say Laser Hair Removal didn't work for them?
It is true to say that not all Hair Removal Devices were created equal. There are different kinds of Lasers used for Laser Hair Removal but not all Lasers are specifically designed for Laser Hair Removal. Please see the report comparing an IPL device for Hair Removal and the GentleLASE Laser used for Laser Hair Removal. Click Here for Clinical Paper. An experienced Laser Hair Removal Technician also ensures the settings for the Laser Hair Removal machine are correct for the individuals Hair and skin type.

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Laser Hair Removal: WOMEN

Common areas of unwanted Hair on woman can vary from unwanted Hair on males. Unwanted and/or excessive Hair can be embarrassing for some and may have an effect on ones self esteem.

Imagine always having smooth, silky skin and no maintenance!

Leg Laser Hair Removal
Shaving Legs for most woman has to be incorporated into an already busy skin maintenance program. Regrowth of hair within one or two days can feel very course and not feminine. Waxing this area is time consuming and requires regular appointments for most of the life of a female. The cost is approximately $35 and up. By comparing our Laser Hair Removal Prices (Click Here) to see our Laser Hair Removal Costs (guaranteed to be the lowest in Florida) you can see that the method of Laser Hair Removal is far more cost effective.

Bikini Area/Genital Area Laser Hair Removal
Shaving or waxing this area presents similar problems to the Legs - it is more painful to wax this area and ingrowing Hairs occur more frequently. It is possible to remove all the Hair in this area or just the Hair which would be exposed outside of a Bikini pant. The choice is up to the individuals preference.

Facial Laser Hair Removal
Excessive Hair on the Face can sometimes be attributed to a hormone imbalance and genetics can also playa key role in this factor. As the Face is constantly exposed to the public, excessive Facial Hair is often embarrassing for most woman. Laser Hair Removal is a wonderful way to remove unwanted Hair which will eliminate the need for waxing or tweezing.

Electrolysis can be performed to remove the Hair Permanently.  Our Hair Removal Specialist uses this method for those with no pigment in the Hair.

Chest Laser Hair Removal
Chest Hair can appear on some females and also in the area of the areola. This can be easily treated by Laser Hair Removal Treatments providing the Hair has some color.

General Body Laser Hair Removal
It is not unusual for woman to experience excess Body Hair on any part of the Body, including but not limited to Arms, Under Arms, Feet, Toes and the Buttocks. All Body areas can be treated with the exception of the immediate eye area.

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Laser Hair Removal: MEN

Laser Hair Removal for Men is now a very common treatment for excess Body Hair, almost half of the patients seen are Male. The other choices for the Removal of Excess Body Hair such as shaving or waxing are messy, time consuming, temporary and requires regular maintenance appointments for the duration of the adult male life. It is easy to see that it is more cost effective to remove the Hair by Laser Hair Removal. (we guarantee our prices to be the lowest not only in the Pinellas County (Tampa Bay Area) but in all of Florida ! We will always provide you with a total cost) Please Click Here to see Laser Hair Removal Costs and an affordable payment plans at no interest.

Facial Laser Hair Removal
Of course most men shave their Facial Hair and often the electric razor is a mans first choice. A lot of men choose Facial Laser Hair Removal as they experience ingrown Hairs which are often painful and unsightly. Most men shave on a daily basis which is also very time consuming in an already busy life.

Chest Laser Hair Removal
Chest Hair can be embarrassing for a lot of men. While some men choose to wax and some shave it is a constant maintenance issue with the common side effect of unsightly ingrown Hairs. Treatment time is approximately 50 minutes.

Leg Laser Hair Removal
Leg Hair can be excessive on some men. Whether excessive or not some men choose not to have any Leg Hair. Although this area is easier to access for the purpose of shaving this a time consuming process and requires daily maintenance for most before unattractive stubble appears. Ingrown Hairs can often be a problem in this area.

Genital/Pubic Hair Laser Hair Removal
Partial Hair Removal or Complete Hair Removal is desired by some. The amount of treatments required will depend upon the desired amount of Hair Removal. As always we only charge for four treatments. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes.

General Body Laser Hair Removal
It is now quite common for men to request total Body Laser Hair Removal. All Body Areas can be treated by Laser Hair Removal with the exception of the immediate eye area.

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Laser Hair Removal: Comparing Single Wavelength and IPL Technologies
Philip L. Bailin, M.D., F.A.C.P. CHairman, Department of Dermatology
Cleveland Clinic Foundationn
Clinical Paper
No. 1

Introduction

Light-based Hair Removal systems continue to grow in popularity. With the promise of never having to shave again, a plethora of companies and devices, including Lasers and broad-spectrum light devices, are attempting to satisfy this growing demand for Permanent Hair reduction.

Laser or light-based Hair Removal is based upon the principles of selective photothermolysis-which states that the light energy must be well absorbed by the targeted chromophore for efficacy and less well absorbed by competing chromophor(s) to prevent collateral thermal damage. In the case of Hair reduction, the targeted chromophore is perifollicular melanin and the competing chromophore is epidermal melanin.

Lasers are single wavelength devices with absorption coefficients relatively specific to the chromophores they are intended to target. Intense Pulsed-light (IPL) devices expose the patient to a broader spectrum of light energy defined by cut-off filters, typically in the range of 600-1200 nm. The fact that Lasers and IPL devices may target multiple chromophores allow these products to be marketed as being capable of treating a variety of conditions in addition to Hair Removal, including treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions, warts, wrinkles, and even acne. Customer demand is also fueling this marketing approach, as every Laser purchaser wants one device that "does it all.�

Since no two Lasers or IPL devices have identical operating parameters (i.e., wavelength, fluence, pulse duration, spot size, or epidermal cooling methodologies), the performance levels of these products differ substantially.

In particular, the comparative results of Lasers and IPL devices vary greatly in Hair Removal. The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast the efficacy, ease-of-use, and patient satisfaction using two different technologies to provide Permanent Hair reduction-a single wavelength alexandrite (755 nm) Laser and an IPL broad-spectrum light device with cut-off filters.

Method

Patient #1 - The patient (J.H.) was a 24-year old Arabic female. She complained of excess dark terminal Hair on both cheeks, as well as on the nape of her neck. Previous treatments had included waxing and bleaching. Her skin type was Fitzpatrick IV. She routinely used broad-spectrum sun blocks. Her skin pigmentation in the areas of excess Hair growth was uniform and even without any blotchiness. She had no history of abnormal scarring or excessive response to mild trauma.

She began on (IPL) therapy. A test session was performed using chilled ultrasound gel on the skin intraoperatively and icing postoperatively and the following settings:

Fluence: 30 J/cm2
Pulses: 3
Duration: 3.2
Delay: 5
Filter: 645 nm

These settings resulted in mild follicular erythema without blistering.

Follow-up at two weeks revealed no complications. The patient then underwent three sequential IPL treatment sessions at monthly intervals. Settings were as above. No problems were noted, but response was only fair in terms of Hair Removal.

Two treatments were then performed with GentleLASE at an interval of one month. Settings were as follows:

Fluence: 10 J/cm2
Spot size: 15 mm
*DCD™: 70 spray/80 delay.
*Dynamic Cooling Device™

No complications were encountered.

Three months later, an additional IPL treatment was performed. Settings were as follows:

Fluence: 28.5 J/cm2
Pulses: 3
Duration: 3.0
Delay: 50
Filter: 645 nm

The patient called at 24 hours after that treatment with severe pain and blistering throughout the treated area. She was seen and treated for first and second degree burns. The areas healed without appreciable scarring, but demonstrated irregular hyper- and hypopigmentation.

She was treated with mild bleaching agents to the hyperpigmented areas. These eventually responded, and after six months pigmentation was almost normal. She then continued with GentleLASE treatments without further complication. After a total of four GentleLASE sessions, Hair Removal was estimated at 80-90%.

Patient #2 - The patient (M.R.) was a 46-year old white female with a long history of excessive Hair growth in many anatomic areas. She had previously undergone electrolysis to her Face, abdomen, and upper thighs/Bikini areas. She was judged to be skin type Fitzpatrick III, with blue Eyes and light brown Hair. She presented for Hair Removal with excess black terminal Hair on both Legs.

A test session was performed utilizing both an IPL device and the GentleLASE (one on each lower extremity). IPL settings were:

Fluence: 35 J/cm2
Pulses: 3
Duration: 3.2
Delay: 30
Filter: 645 nm

Cooling: chilled gel and ice packs.

GentleLASE settings were:

Fluence: 16 J/cm2
Spot size: 15 mm
DCD: 70 spray/80 delay.

Both test areas responded well immediately with mild erythema. No complications were noted within the two-week follow-up period.

Treatment was then undertaken using one of the devices on each Leg. Settings remained as above. No untoward events were noted during the session. However, later that evening, the patient developed significant pain in the Leg treated with the IPL device. This was followed by diffusely scattered blisters and some areas of "sloughing.� She was seen the next day and began on a regimen for superficial burns.

The patient declined further IPL therapy but wished to continue with GentleLASE to the opposite extremity. She had four additional treatment sessions with these settings:

Fluence: 20 J/cm2
Spot size: 18 mm
DCD: 70 spray/80 delay.

No complications were encountered. The IPL-treated Leg showed irregular hyperpigmentation and focal textural changes. These were treated with bleaching agents and topical steroids. They resolved in approximately six months.

Hair Removal on the GentleLASE-treated side was judged to be approximately 90%. There was no measurable reduction in Hair growth on the IPL treated side (one session only).

Results

Two patients of different skin types have been presented. Both had test sessions with IPL devices that showed no problems during or after the test sessions. However, both of them subsequently experienced significant problems during their course of therapy. Without any significant treatment parameter alterations, both experienced painful burns. It is of great importance that in neither case did the patient nor the operator note any unusual tissue response during the treatment which would have indicated a problem. Both patients developed resultant pigmentary alterations which required months of therapy for resolution. Additionally, one of them experienced textural changes in the skin. No problems were encountered in these same patients with the GentleLASE treatments. Discomfort was minimal during and after all sessions. Pigmentation of the skin in the treated areas was unaffected, and neither patient required any type of additional therapy for complications. Both patients indicated a preference for GentleLASE even before experiencing their IPLinduced burns, mainly due to intraoperative comfort provided by the Dynamic Cooling Device. Most important, both patients noted significant clearing of excessive Hair in the GentleLASE-treated areas. This had not been the case with one of them in regard to IPL-treatment.

Discussion

Lasers and intense pulse-light devices are gaining in popularity not only because of patient demand for Permanent Hair reduction, but also because of physician demand for increased utility. Unfortunately, these devices vary widely in their ability to deliver on their promoted indications, including Hair Removal.

Because Lasers use single wavelengths of energy, the side-effect profile and dependability of response are superior to IPL devices. This differing performance level is a function of IPL design-IPL subjects the skin to a wider range of light energies of varying absorption coefficients for the chromophores targeted for Cosmetic Laser procedures.

While IPL devices are marketed for a variety of treatment applications, their performance levels are inferior to Lasers, particularly in Hair Removal. Further, IPL needlessly exposes patients to some unnecessary and/or ineffective wavelengths of radiation and are lacking, by definition, the purity of treatment available with a single-wavelength Laser. Specifically, IPL Hair Removal treatments resulted in an increased frequency of complications and offered overall inferior results when compared to Laser Hair reduction. Based on our experience at the Cleveland Clinic, we have ceased using IPL devices in our department due to the inconsistency of response between patients and even between sessions on the same patient. Another reason for the cessation of IPL use was the unacceptably high complication rates. At the Cleveland Clinic, we had far more adverse skin reactions (usually minor and transient, but occasionally serious) from IPLs than from any Laser system.

By contrast, the GentleLASE alexandrite (755 nm) Laser from Candela is marketed as a Hair Removal Laser, and its performance is exemplary. The large spot, deliverable

Candela Corporation
530 Boston Post Road
Wayland, MA 01778, USA

Phone: 508-358-7637
Fax: 508-358-5569
Toll Free: 800-821-2013

www.candelaLaser.com

GentleLASE is a registered trademark of Candela Corporation. Dynamic Cooling Device and DCD are trademarks. To find out more about Candela and its products, contact your authorized Candela representative, or call toll free worldwide (800) 821-2013. Dial USA country code if calling internationally. www.gentlelase.com

Printed in the USA. 04/03 0920-23-0194 Rev. 01 fluence, and skin protection afforded by the patented, cryogen-based DCD system available on all Candela Lasers make the GentleLASE an especially easy-to-use, safe, and comfortable Laser. Based upon physician feedBack and patient satisfaction, the GentleLASE, in our opinion, is the "gold standard� in Laser Hair Removal. While GentleLASE is also cleared for vascular treatments, and several other clearances are pending with the FDA, this paper does not take a position on alexandrite Laser efficacy for any other indication other than Hair Removal. The GentleLASE Laser is the superior treatment modality when compared to any IPL technology we are aware of for Permanent Hair reduction.

Reference

Anderson RR, Parrish JA: Selective Photothermolysis:
Precise microsurgery by selective absorption of pulse irradiation. Science 220:524-527, 1983.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR Permanent Makeup

Applying Cosmetics can be difficult, especially if you have a physical condition such as arthritis or complete/partial loss of sight etc. There is a procedure known as Permanent Makeup or Permanent Cosmetics, also known as micropigmentation.

With this procedure, a trained, experienced Permanent Makeup Specialist can implant pigment into the dermal layer of your skin providing a very natural or a Cosmetic Makeup appearance.

How Is Permanent Makeup Applied?
Permanent Makeup is ideally performed in a clinic or medical office setting. The procedure will be performed with an instrument similar to the size and appearance of a pen. The Specialist will wear medical gloves and a mask during the Permanent Cosmetic Procedure.

What Should I Expect After the Permanent Makeup Procedure?
You may experience some swelling in the treated are. Eyebrows do not often present with swelling. Eyeliner procedures almost always presents with swelling, mainly post procedure. Your Permanent Cosmetic specialist will instruct you on how often you should ice the area and what type of after care ointment you can apply to the area.

The Permanent Makeup application will appear darker immediately following the procedure, but will soften within days - depending upon the area treated. Permanent Makeup (Lips) soften within three days of the application. Permanent Makeup (Eyebrows) take approximately 5-7 days to soften, Permanent Makeup (Eyeliner) softens within 4-5 days.
It is imperative to follow post procedure instructions for Permanent Cosmetics - failure to do so will result in poor color retention and/or possible infection.

Who's A Candidate For Permanent CosmeticS? (Micropigmentation)
Anyone with or without physical limitations may seek out this procedure, but almost anyone (male or female) can have it done. If you want to improve the appearance of thin, poorly shaped or non existent Eyebrows or Lips? Do you have an uneven Hairline or allergies to make-up that create a problem? Permanent Makeup may be the perfect solution - it can certainly help enhance Facial features when this procedure is performed by a skilled Permanent Cosmetic Specialist.

How Do I Find A Permanent Makeup Artist/Specialist Who Performs This Procedure?
Do your research, this is your appearance. You should make sure you find a specialist who has experience in these procedures and practices Permanent Cosmetics as a profession not as an addition to a multitude of services.  It is best to seek a Permanent Makeup Specialist.  Referrals are often a safe answer if you are able to see the finished results of a satisfied client. Unfortunately there are a lot of people performing Permanent Makeup who do not always have your best interests in mind. When you visit the office, you should examine the area for cleanliness and professionalism. Ensure you only receive the treatment(s) you specifically need to enhance your Facial features. Often clients are co-erced into the standard 'full Face' (Eyebrows, Lip Color and Eyeliner) which is not always necessary or enhancing to the client.

A dedicated, experienced Permanent Cosmetic Specialist should be able to answer all of your questions. Make sure you feel comfortable communicating with your specialist and that you feel open to ask any question you may have. You should always have a consultation before the procedure, during which time you discuss your expectations. At this time, you will be asked about medical history, and a determination will be made regarding the suitability of the anesthetics to be used. A topical anesthetic is generally used as this ensures comfort when administered at the correct intervals during the procedure. A skilled, caring specialist will also be experienced with topical anesthetics.

Can I still wear regular Makeup over the Permanent Makeup Application?
Yes, within three-four days post procedure unopened make up can be applied to soften the appearance during healing. After the area has healed additional Cosmetics can be applied over the Permanent Cosmetics if desired. Permanent Makeup is very versatile.

What if I decide to have Cosmetic surgery - does that affect my Permanent Makeup?
Actually correctly placed Permanent Cosmetics may even prevent or delay Cosmetic Surgery when applied by an experienced Permanent Makeup Specialist. This should be discussed with your specialist at the time of the consultation.

What is the most common reaction to Permanent Makeup?
When Permanent Cosmetics are applied by an experienced, skilled Permanent Makeup Specialist, women usually wish they had considered it years ago. No more time consuming applications, crooked Eyebrows or unmatching Eyeliner! Lip Color that doesn't disappear! and when correctly placed provides the illusion of fuller Lips. Life becomes easier - much less maintenance!

Who would benefit from Permanent Make up?
Almost everyone! A skilled Permanent Cosmetic Specialist can provide feature correction; relief to those with allergies to make-up ... athletes who are constantly sweating or in the water. ... those with vision impairment ... people suffering from Hair loss (alopecia, hormonal disorders or post chemo therapy)) ... those looking for an enhanced natural look - or those looking for a more dramatic look - both appearances can be achieved by a skilled Permanent Makeup Specialist.

Does it hurt?
The topical numbing anesthetic creams used today are much stronger than in years past. If you follow the simple rules beforehand of: no alcohol, aspirin, blood-thinning medications, Vitamin E, garlic or herbal supplements for 10 days prior to your appointment this will greatly reduce any discomfort associated with the procedure. Please note we at A Permanent Cosmetic Center do not recommend you cease any medication without consulting your physician. Also, have no caffeine the day of the procedure. Following these guidelines greatly increases your comfort level during your Permanent Makeup Application..

How long will it take?
Most of the procedures require approximately 2-3 hours. The most important part of all the procedures is the artwork and choosing colors, both of which require pre-approval by the client.

How long will it last?
Between one to five years. Re-enhancements otherwise known as "touchups' or a 'color refresh' are recommended for maintenance. You must remember that Permanent Makeup is a low maintenance procedure and you eventually will want a color refresh when your color fades. All Permanent Makeup fades with time, Medications and Sun Exposure will fade color at a faster rate.

What about allergies to Permanent Makeup?
Those with allergies are usually good candidates for Permanent Makeup. If you are prone to allergies, an experienced Permanent Cosmetic Specialist will recommend an allergy test. The allergy test will be done using the pigments which will be used during the application. The red pigment is usually the one that will cause the most noticeable allergic reaction if there will be a reaction at all. Reactions are rare.

What does it cost?
Fees vary according to the creation required and will be determined at a complimentary consultation. But remember, when it somes down to the skill level of a Permanent Makeup Specialist you get what you pay for. You can expect to pay anywhere from $300 - $600 per procedure, depending on the skill level of the technician and the location. It is certainly not recommended to choose the cheapest technician. Usually when prices are below average for a procedure requiring artistic talent there is a reason behind this.  Experienced Technicians have a strong referal base from satisfied patients.

What if the shape isn't what I want?
The position and shape of the Eyebrows, Lip Color and Eyeliner is applied prior to the start of any procedure. An experienced Permanent Cosmetic Specialist will allow you to see exactly what is going to be done before anything Permanent is applied.

What about Removal of pigment?
Pigment Removal should not be necessary and is usually only required when an unskilled technician has provided an unsatisfactory Permanent Makeup application. Pigment Removal is available and works very well if the technician is trained in the process. Typically only small areas should be attempted to be removed with either a salt/saline mixture or a similar "lifting" product.. A skilled Specialist will often be able to reshape your Permanent Cosmetics with a combination of Removal and repositioning of new pigment.

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