Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?

If you’re tired of having to remove unwanted hair through waxing, shaving, or tweezing, another option you may want to consider is laser hair removal. In the United States, this cosmetic procedure is one of the most commonly performed. Hair follicles are destroyed by beams of light that are highly concentrated. The hair follicles absorb the light, thus destroying them.

Benefits

Laser hair removal is useful for removing unwanted hair from areas including the bikini line, underarms, legs, arms, and the face. The benefits of using laser hair removal include:

  • Predictability: permanent hair loss is typically achieved after 3 to 7 sessions.
  • Precision: the lasers can select the coarse, dark hairs alone while leaving the rest of the skin untouched.
  • Speed: only a fraction of a second is needed for the laser to treat several hairs.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that can carry risks and require specialized training. It is important to check the doctor’s credentials before scheduling a session.

If you are scheduled to undergo laser hair removal, it is important to avoid sun exposure for several weeks before and after your treatment. Exposure to the sun can make your treatment less effective and create complications after the treatment.

It is also best to limit waxing and plucking for several weeks before the treatment since the laser targets the roots of the hair and plucking in waxing temporarily removes them.

What to Expect

Right before the laser procedure, the hair on the area being treated will be cut to the desired length. The doctor will adjust the laser equipment to the thickness, color, and location of the hair being removed. The equipment must also be adjusted to your skin color.

Appropriate eye protection is important to be used by you and the technician during the procedure. A cold gel is typically layered on your skin to protect it during the process as well.

Once you are protected, the doctor or technician will treat a small area. Once this is done, they will check for any bad reactions and determine if the best settings are being used.

Once the laser hair removal is completed, the technician will help ease your discomfort by providing you with cold water, ice packs, or anti-inflammatory creams or lotions. You will continue receiving treatments until the hair stops growing in the area being treated.

Risks

Generally, a day or two after the treatment, the area of your skin that was treated will feel and look sunburned. Moisturizers and cold compresses may help. It is fine to wear makeup on the area unless your skin has blisters.

The hair in the area treated will fall out over the next month. It is best to wear sunscreen during that time to help prevent problems as the hair falls out.

Occasionally, a patient may experience blisters. Though blisters are rare, people with darker complexions are more likely to have them. You may also experience scarring, redness, and swelling in the treated area. Some patients may notice the color of their skin changing our scarring permanently.

Laser Lipo

Laser lipo is a method of using suction to remove fat from your body. This is done with bluntly tipped tubes that are small and thin and are inserted into the skin through tiny cuts. The tube sucks the fat out as the doctor moves it around beneath the skin surface to target deposits of fat.

Laser lipo, over the past few years, has become easier, safer, and less painful. Some of the newer techniques are:

  • Laser-assisted liposuction: low-energy waves are used in this technique to liquefy the fat. The fat is then removed by small tubes.
  • Ultrasound -assisted labor suction: an ultrasound is used in this technique to liquefy the fat, making it easier to remove. This technique is best for removing fat from the back, sides, upper abdomen, and neck.
  • Tumescent liposuction: the area where the tube will be inserted in your body is numbed using a local anesthetic. Then, a solution containing epinephrine and lidocaine is injected into the fat before liposuction is done. This technique of liposuction typically doesn’t require general anesthesia.

Typically, laser lipo is done on an outpatient basis. Unless you have a large amount of fat removed, the hospital will not require you to stay overnight. In most cases, local anesthesia is used. Sedatives are occasionally used to help the patient relax.

After Treatment

The area that received the liposuction will need to be wrapped firmly after the procedure to help reduce the pain, bruising, and swelling. Depending on the part of the body you had treated, you may require a firm fitting garment, special girdle, support hose, or elastic bandages and tape to wrap the area. Compression garments are often worn for 3 to 4 weeks after the treatment. You can expect to have swelling and a lot of bruising for the first week.

Typically, patients can move around shortly after the treatments once the sedation has worn off. As soon as you feel comfortable, you may return to your normal activities. It could potentially take up to a few weeks, though. If you have a large area treated, your recovery time may be longer.

Why Have Laser Lipo?

Most people have laser liposuction done to reshape their body, not to lose body weight. When diet and exercise don’t help a problem area, liposuction is the next step. Typically, the areas that are treated include the back and waist of men and the hips and outer thighs of women. Other commonly treated areas include upper arms, legs, buttocks, back, abdomen, neck, and the face.

Liposuction is often combined with other procedures, such as facelifts, breast reduction, or a tummy tuck.

There are a few medical conditions that liposuction can help treat. These include:

  • Axillary hyperhidrosis, or excessive arm pit sweating.
  • Lipodystrophy, or problems metabolizing the body’s fat.
  • Gynecomastia, or male breasts that are enlarged abnormally.
  • Lipomas, or benign fatty tumors.

Obesity is not treated with liposuction. You can also not use liposuction to help get rid of stretch marks or cellulite. If you need to get rid of stubborn fatty deposits, though, laser lipo is the way to go.

Laser Treatment for Toe Fungus

Having toe fungus can absolutely derail someone’s confidence.  It’s horrible having to feel like you have to always keep your socks or shoes on in public because you don’t want to gross people out with what’s growing between your toes.  And no matter what you try, nothing seems to work to remove the nasty fungus that lies beneath your toenails.  

There are many ways to help prevent toe fungus, and if you haven’t exhausted all possibilities, then give these a try:

  • Wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe freely
  • Always completely dry your feet after showering or bathing.  Moisture is the main cause for toe fungus
  • Use antifungal spray or powder on your feet and on the inside of your shoes
  • Change socks and shoes throughout the day to avoid having your feet absorb the sweat
  • ALWAYS wear shoes or sandals when in a public locker room, showers and pools
  • Keep your hands off your toes and don’t pick around your toenails
  • Go barefoot as much as possible, let those little piggies breathe!

 

If you’ve tested your luck with all of these prevention methods and you are ready to move on to something a little more serious, then you are probably the person who could use toe fungus laser treatments.  Laser treatment for toe fungus is the hope that you’ve been waiting for.  This could be your one shot at being able to wear sandals again at the beach in the summer.  

 

This treatment, much like other laser treatments, consists of a podiatrists that aims a concentrated beam at the infected area to kill the microorganisms beneath the toe nails.  This procedure can get a little spendy as it may run up to $1,000.  Unfortunately, it’s not covered by insurance because it’s considered an aesthetic procedure, so when consulting with your preferred clinic you’ll want to keep that in mind.

 

Similar to other laser treatments, there are no side effects to having a beam of light killing off the nasty microorganisms that’s causing your toe fungus.  It’s non-invasive and non-surgical which means you’ll be able to walk out the door and back to work or play immediately after the treatment.

 

One treatment may not be good enough to completely kill off the microorganisms.  In some cases, it has taken up to three treatments for people to be relieved of their toe fungus.  There could be a chance that you’ll need ongoing treatment to rid the nasty fungi on your toes.  Although you’ll have to be making more than one visit, it’s still a safe, more effective route to killing the fungus than some of your other options.  

 

The most common treatment can be taken orally, known as Lamisil, which works about 66 percent of the time.  Although the success rate is somewhat high, it has been associated with some serious liver problems.  There has also been other harmful side effects like diarrhea, rashes, headaches, and changes in taste.  Sometimes the cheaper route is not always the best route.   

 

Laser treatment for toe fungus may be new, but it has proven to help people feel comfortable again in their own skin.  If you are tired of having to hide your feet in public, and worried about the condition of your toes, then you need to consider getting some laser treatment from your local laser clinic.  Consult with your doctor before making any decisions.

Laser Hair Removal

If you are tired of keeping up with other time consuming hair removal treatments, waxing, shaving, or using tweezers to remove hair, then you might want to consider laser hair removal.  There are a few things to consider before going for laser hair removal and we hope to answer some questions that you may have about the treatment.

 

How Much Does It Cost?

Treatment for laser hair removal has many steps throughout the process.  This treatment is not a one time procedure that removes all of your hair at once.  Typical intensive treatment plans occur in multiple phases and each phase removes the hair until it’s completely smooth and bare.

 

The cost for laser hair removal in a smaller area like the bikini, it could typically run between $350-$500.  Treatment of the chest will typically cost between $350-$600, whereas a large area like the back may cost $600-$900.  These prices are an average and it’s best to consult with your local skin care center or clinic to discuss what you need and how much it would cost.  Most laser clinics and skin care centers will have different treatment options and payment plans to make hair removal affordable.

 

How Does It Work?

There are typically two types of lasers used for treatment that are FDA-cleared.  The reason for having more than one laser is because not one laser can provide treatment for the different types of skin and color.  The two types of lasers that are used for treatment are the Alexandrite and the YAG.  The Alexandrite is used for lighter skin types and is considered the best option for equipment when it comes to laser hair removal.  The YAG is used for darker skin colors and is considered the gold standard as it is extremely safe and minimizes post-treatment risks.  

 

The treatment is done by pointing a concentrated beam (laser) at the hair.  The skin will absorb the beam and the light will kill the hair follicles that it comes in contact with.  Depending on the patient’s pain tolerance, it can feel like a small pinch to the area or a rubber band snapping the skin.  The laser treatment will stunt the growth of the hairs for long periods of time, as it could last for months or even years, depending on the skin and hair of the patient.

 

What Type Of Hair Color Works On Laser Hair Removal?

First, laser hair removal can be given to any type of skin color or pigment.  However, the color of the hair is the most important factor in how efficient the treatment can be.  The light coming from the concentrated beam is naturally attracted to dark colors, so dark hair will yield the best results for laser hair removal.  Although blonde, gray, and red hair do not produce the best results, they are still treatable and effective.  This is the reason why most clinics will have multiple lasers to work with as lighter and darker hair follicles respond differently to different lasers.  If you are making plans to get laser hair removal from a reputable clinic, they will most likely have a variety of lasers that will accommodate your skin color and hair follicles.  Consult with the clinic prior to receiving treatment.

Laser Skin Tightening

Sometimes it feels like there is nothing you can do to prevent the skin’s aging process.  Before you know it you begin to see sagging around the face and neck.  One look in the mirror and it seems as if the person staring back at you is 10 years older.  

 

Luckily, if you take the right steps with laser skin tightening, you can prolong having to see that person in the mirror for many more years to come.  Laser skin tightening works for both men and women typically age 30-60 and can provide dramatic results on any type of skin tone and pigmentation.  

 

By choosing laser skin tightening you can get amazing results without having to endure painful procedures, long setbacks due to recovery time, expensive medical bills, and damages or scarring to the body.  With the laser treatment, your neck and face will be rejuvenated as the loose wrinkles and skin begin to quickly tighten for a more youthful appearance.

 

How Laser Tightening Works

The laser tightening is a non-invasive procedure that does not require surgery to the desired area.  The skin is tightened by the light source, or laser, that directly heats the collagen that’s beneath the surface of the skin.  Heating the collagen beneath the skin is what causes the skin to tighten.  You will see results immediately once the treatment is complete, and there will be more noticeable tightening after the initial treatment.  For best practices and results, it will typically take 2-3 more times of treatment about a month a part.  


The best part about getting laser skin tightening is the fact that there is literally no down time.  Although you may not get the same results from a face-lift, you won’t be bedridden for days or weeks at a time. Typically patients can even get this treatment done during their lunch break, as it usually takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete.  Patients are also back to their daily routine within hours of receiving treatment.  There are no bandages, no pain relief, no liquid diets and long term recovery.  This non-surgical, non-invasive treatment is the best way to go for quick and effective results.  There are minimal risks and acute side effects, such as: redness in face, warm skin, and/or minor swelling in the face.  These side effects are only temporary if patients use a cooling system to help offset the redness and warm skin.  

 

Cost of Laser Skin Tightening

The cost of laser skin tightening can vary depending on how much is needed, where treatment is needed, and the type of equipment that is used.  It’s rather cost efficient to get laser skin tightening which is non-invasive and non-surgical.  It is far less money than other surgical options, and yields amazing results that will not fade overtime.  Consult with a local gynecologist or skin care center for costs of laser skin tightening that you may need.

Benefits of Laser Liposuction

There are many benefits when a patient chooses to have laser liposuction done.  This method of removing fat and sculpting the body has become a popular choice within recent years.  Patients who have received laser liposuction in the past know that they are getting the tighter body that they want with a safer more effective procedure. There are many benefits to having this procedure done if you are looking to trim the fat.  However, we have narrowed it down to some of the most important aspect of receiving laser liposuction.

 

Minimally Invasive Procedure:

There’s no need to fear the procedure of laser liposuction.  This is a minimally invasive procedure, unlike the traditional way of getting liposuction.  The old school way requires large tubes that are inserted into the body to remove all of the fat cells.  These large tubes can leave bruises and make for a painful recovery. Fortunately, laser liposuction only requires a microscopic incision as the laser cannula enters the body to remove the fat.  If you’re looking for liposuction, but are afraid of the abuse your body might take, then laser liposuction is the best choice.

 

Quick Recovery Time

Since laser liposuction is such a minimally invasive procedure compared to the traditional way, the recovery time is much quicker.  You’re body won’t feel the same pain nor have the same bruises that you might get when you receive the traditional procedure for liposuction.  The duration of the procedure is even less when receiving laser lipo.  In most cases, the procedure can be completed within an hour or two. You’ll also be on your feet and back to your daily routine.  In some instances people are able to get back to work and exercising hours after the procedure, whereas others may take only a few days to feel 100% again.  Either way, you’ll be able to show off your tighter body in public in no time with laser liposuction.

 

All The Right Curves In All The Right Places

Traditional liposuction may get the job done in removing the fat, but too frequently patients are left with sagging skin in all the wrong places.  This is definitely not the look that people are going for when trying to remove fat. With a laser liposuction procedure, you’ll be able to remove all the fat and have the tight body that you’re looking for, rather than the unflattering sagging skin that comes from traditional liposuction.  Laser liposuction leaves sculpted results and makes for happy patients.  

 

Ultimately, laser liposuction is better than the old traditional way.  With the advanced equipment and technology in today’s world, people can now have a procedure that creates the body they want.  With a minimal invasive approach, quick recovery time, and an instant tighter body, getting laser liposuction is a no brainer.  You’ll be pleased with how quick and effective something like laser liposuction can be.    

 

Contact a nearby skin institute, reputable plastic surgeon, or even a local laser clinic to find out more information about this service and the details of the procedure.  

Photo Facial Rejuvenation

Some of us have noticed new, unsightly spots on our skin as a result of too many fun, carefree, sunscreen-free days in the sun. Makeup may cover up the spots a bit, but we know they’re still there. Reminders that we maybe haven’t taken as good care of our skin as we should have.

Some of us live with rosacea on our faces. These patches of red skin, maybe bumps, maybe little red veins, can make us feel self-conscious. Perhaps we try to hide behind sunglasses or coat collars, or under the brim of a hat.

Some of us look in the mirror and find it difficult to look past what seem to be GIGANTIC skin pores staring right back at us. We can’t focus on the beauty of our skin when we are so distracted by these pores that just don’t want to blend into our skin.

We don’t want to cringe or shrink back when we look at ourselves in the mirror. We don’t want to be out in public, around other people, and be constantly wondering if other people notice the issues with our skin the way we do. We don’t want to decide to say no to invitations out with friends and family instead of saying yes, because we fear what feels like judgmental side glances from people.

What matters is not how other people feel about our appearance, but how WE feel about our appearance. How uneven pigmentation and other issues on our faces affect our self-confidence. We think of ourselves a certain way, and when what we see in the mirror doesn’t reflect what we see as our true selves, it feels…off. Perhaps a little disheartening.

We are tired of trying every facial product on the market to cover these issues up. We know they will show back up every night when we wash the makeup off our faces. We want them to be GONE.

We have discovered a solution. Photo facial rejuvenation addresses these issues and works within just a few weeks time to lighten or eliminate these issues. We are ready for a big change, a step toward a new normal, a realignment of how we look on the outside with how we feel on the inside.

When we are out in public, meeting new people, or at a business meeting with clients, or spending time with people we know and love, we don’t want to be constantly, painfully aware that the people looking at us are trying so hard to pretend like they don’t see what is on our faces. We want to know, for certain, that they see us.

Say Hello to Sandals Again

How do you feel about your feet? Are they long and slim? Short and wide? Do you have hairy toes or rough heels? Are your toenails painted? Long? Short? Strong? Do you get the occasional charlie horse? Plantars wart? Toenail fungus?

Our opinions about feet can be funny things. Just like every other part of our bodies, they vary from person to person in size and shape, and some of us think our feet are beautiful, while others of us think our feet just look a little bit weird. But our feet are so important to us. We put them through SO MUCH. No wonder they get achy and sore, and need special attention every now and then.

Are you a person who enjoys the annual flip-flop weather pedicure every Spring? Give those feet a bit of a face lift, so to speak? Or are you someone who hides your toes as often as you possibly can? Do you find your toenails to be unsightly, maybe even painful?

Do you suffer from toenail fungus?

You would not be alone. Toenail fungus is rather common. Here’s a cruel irony: toenail fungus is unsightly, right? So instead of wearing those flip flops around town during the summer, you wear close-toed shoes. And it’s 85 degrees outside. And your feet sweat. And they’re not breathing in those close-toed shoes. This is exactly what causes toenail fungus!

It seems like everyone has an opinion about how to treat toenail fungus, but do all of these at-home remedies actually work? Essential oils will help your feet smell like lavender, whether or not they heal your toes. Soaking your feet in mouthwash may not kill toenail fungus, but it will definitely give you blue feet for awhile. Talk about unsightly.

Even though toenail fungus is a relatively common ailment, its treatment can be challenging. When you’re finished experimenting with what you can find in your cabinets at home, please come see us. We use a laser treatment to take care of this unsightly and stubborn issue, to give you your feet back. So you can go get those pedicures. So you can sport those flip flops on the beach and those open-toed heels at parties.

Your feet do a lot for you. They walk, run, swim, dance, tip toe you through every part of your busy life. When they need a little extra care, take care of them the best way you can, so they can go back to carrying you through every obstacle you encounter.

Laser Acne Treatment

Adolescence is such a challenging time in life. Our bodies are naturally changing. We’re shedding our childlike features and becoming full-fledged grown-ups, taking a physically and emotionally torturous path along the way. Our voices change, cracking and lowering their pitch. Our teeth, finally all grown in, may need straightening, so we require painful and very noticeable braces. We discover that our bodies stink—really, really stink—so we need to get used to bathing regularly and using deodorant. Hair begins to grow where it never used to before. SO MANY changes are taking place, and we have NO CONTROL over what is happening.

And then there are the pimples.

WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THESE PIMPLES??

Ah, now that is something we can help you with. Acne is painful and embarrassing, and if we cannot possibly control our impulse to pick at the pimples, they leave unsightly scars. Aren’t our bodies torturing us enough during this transformative time of our lives?

Come see us. Let us help you get a handle on your acne. We can address the current breakouts you’re experiencing, and work to reduce the scarring that may be leftover from previous breakouts. We don’t have a Laser Boyfriend Problems Treatment, but our Laser Acne Treatment will allow you to gain a little bit of control over your skin. At this phase of your life, any help is a HUGE help.

So now you’re a mother of two. Your body is finally readjusting to its natural rhythm after birthing and weaning children. And lo and behold, what pops up on your face? Your old enemy, your teenage nemesis, acne. Quite honestly, you were CERTAIN that you were done with pimples. Pimples are for thirteen year olds, not thirty-three year olds, right?? All at once, you realize you are a person who applies wrinkle cream under her eyes and pimple cream on her chin, daily. If only your face could decide which decade it wants to settle in, that would be fantastic.

Call a cease-fire with your face. Come see us. Allow us to help you solve your middle age acne crisis. You have enough on your plate, with children and career and the weight of the world, without needing to feverishly cover up your dark circles AND your embarrassing pimples before your big meeting at work.

We get it—you want to feel youthful, young, vibrant. But you don’t want ALL of the elements of youth. Say farewell to acne and give us a call!

Laser Hair Removal

You’ve just been invited to the major social event of the year! You only have an hour to get ready! Your perfect, flattering, go-to dress is hanging in your closet just waiting for you! But first, you need to shave. You can only hope that a ponytail will suffice, since you have no time to style your hair properly.

You are an on-the-go mother of four! Between rushing them to and from school, taking them to the playground, the zoo, the community pool, you hardly have time to hastily apply a layer of deodorant before you head out the door. Maybe the other moms won’t notice your week-old stubble on your legs.

It’s a beautiful, hot summer day! Let’s pack up the kids and go to the beach! We’ll need swimsuits, sunscreen, beach towels, sand toys, sunglasses. And—oh, hold on for several minutes. I need to shave—EVERYTHING.

Or, do I?

We women are all to aware that silky smooth legs, bare armpits, and hairless bikini lines don’t simply occur naturally. We all cringe in communal, shared pain when we think of the occasional razor nick, or the painful red bumps of razor burn. We feel so triumphant after we’ve completed this arduous task, only to have to repeat the process a couple of days later.

Haven’t we had enough??

With laser hair removal, we can wave goodbye to the nicks and bumps and tiresome repetition forever. No longer do we have to plan ahead when we want to wear our swimsuits, or dresses, or sleeveless tops. We now have the opportunity to be unbound by the expectation that we maintain baby-smooth skin on our bodies which are so persistent in growing hair. We can wave goodbye to the expectation to shave, forever!

For some of us, we are less concerned about the unwanted hair growing on our legs than we are about the unwanted hair growing on our faces. It can be so easy to feel so debilitatingly self-conscious about the hair that connects our eyebrows, making one long brow when we’d really just love to have two separate brows. Some women are absolutely convinced that, whenever they talk to someone, the person is staring at the hair that grows above their upper lip, instead of paying attention to what they’re saying.

We care not about how well you fit in with what society insists is acceptable and beautiful, but about how you feel and how confident you are when you go about your business within this society. If your unwanted facial hair is making you say “no” more than you say “yes,” causing you to stay in when you should be out mingling with the world, or making you feel uneasy about looking people in the eye when you’re interacting with them, we couldn’t encourage you more to contact us. We’d love to have the honor of helping you rid yourself of your facial hair and embracing a new level of confidence that may have been difficult for you to achieve up until now.