The Food and Drug Administration has approved do-it-yourself laser treatments that promise permanent hair removal.

“Having been someone who has waxed and shaved since I was 14, I knew this was something I wanted desperately to have,” said Darcey Hart, who lives in a rural area Oklahoma far from a doctor’s office or spa.

A few months ago, Hart bought the TRIA, the first laser FDA has approved for at-home use.

“I can use this when my kids go to bed at night,” Hart said. “I don’t have to go to a doctor’s office and actually be exposed in certain areas, especially your bikini area.”

For years, doctors have warned of the dangers of lasers operated by unskilled hands.

For News 8, Dr. Lori Stetler, of Dallas, took a close look at the small, rechargeable TRIA device and compared it to the heavy-duty machine she uses in her reputable dermatology clinic.

“I actually think the device is very safe,” she said.

Laser hair removal works when high intensity light destroys hair follicles. At most, the portable version uses about half the energy of the professional machines, Dr. Stetler said.

One patient, who has had traditional laser hair removal, said the TRIA is also more tolerable.

“You feel a little heat, but it’s not painful,” she said.

But that doesn’t mean it still can’t be dangerous, especially when aimed at the eyes or used on those with dark skin.

Dr. Stetler said the device, when used on the wrong skin color, can cause serious burns.

“So, read the instructions very carefully,” she said. “Do not use this if you are any of those skin types we talked about, and absolutely no recent tanning either.”

At home lasers come with a long list of warnings, but Dr. Stetler said there is one more unknown.

“It was just FDA cleared in, so we really don’t have long-term follow-up from lots of consumers using it, saying it works [or] it doesn’t work,” she said.

Hart said it has worked for her, and in only a few treatments.

“Definite reduction in hair, it’s very effective,” she said.

At home lasers cost about $1,000. A series of spa treatments on one part of the body can cost more than that. The device is currently on sale online for $795 at TRIA Beauty.

Source: WFAA

The latest gadget for laser hair removal is the Laser Hair Removal Gun. It costs £695, by Tria. This device allows you to do your own laser hair removal at home. Suitable for lighter skin tones only; it can cause damage to darker skin tones or tanned/self-tanned skin.

Source: Telegraph

A Grimsby business is preparing to take the capital by storm.

Strawberries Laser Clinic is opening its first franchise within one of London’s most prestigious department stores.

Opening at Fenwick on Bond Street, in the West End next year, the new outlet aims to replicate the success of the flagship Victoria Street store, which specialises in aesthetic medicine and laser treatments.

Co-owner Johanna Belton said: “All the top London department stores have laser treatment clinics now.

“We pitched the idea to open the franchise at Fenwick and they loved it.

“It’s fantastic, we are really excited. To go to the capital with your business is great and we are really looking forward to the challenge, but the Grimsby store will always have pride of place for us.

“I’ve not done badly for a humble Grimsby girl - it just goes to show that you excel in what you’re interested in.”

The Top Town clinic will double as a training centre for the staff at the London stand, helping technicians to deliver their services to the Grimsby standard while continuing to serve the local community’s beauty needs.

In the months since Strawberries specialised in laser treatments, the business has gone from strength to strength, thanks to its expertly-trained staff and top-of-the-range machinery - such as a brand new £68,000 Apogee Elite laser hair removal machine.

Johanna (40) said: “These are the crème de la crème of lasers; to have happy customers is all important so we only invest in the best equipment.

“Beauty salons are about pampering, but with lasers you get visible results.”

In addition, the company is preparing to expand its Victoria Street clinic into the premises next door, providing several new treatment rooms for its tattoo-removal, teeth-whitening and skin rejuvenation lasers.

Regular customer Gwenda Delves has been visiting the clinic for around two months and travels from Manby to treat her acne scarring.

She said: “I’m very happy with the results I’ve received and I think it’s wonderful for Johanna and the team that the business is expanding.

“I have found nowhere else like this in the area - not even as far as Lincoln.”

Source: This Is Grimsby