1. Botox injections - 3.2 million injections - used to smooth out wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes by relaxing the muscles underneath.
2. Laser Hair Removal - 1.5 million procedures performed - permanently reduces excess and unwanted hair. This is a great procedure to consider at this time of year so that you can be ready for summer. Laser Hair Removal takes several treatments to be most effective and those treatments must be a certain amount of weeks apart because of the hair growth cycles.
3. Hyaluronic Acids (like Hylaform and Restylane) - 1.1 million - these injectables are dermal fillers for smoothing out wrinkles and fine lines. Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar that holds onto water in the skin making the skin “plump”.
4. Microdermabrasion - Just over 1 million procedures performed - crystals gently polish the skins creating smoother and brighter skin. Stimulates skin cell and collagen growth and is good for fine lines and “crow’s feet”.
5. Chemical peels - 556,000 - interestingly, even though this type of procedure makes the top five list, the number performed is down more than 50% from the previous year’s statistics.

ePen Permanent Hair Removal System from Verseo.com

Source: Tara Pingle - 24-7 Press Release

For Gillette, the cutting edge of hair removal no longer involves just razors and blades.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter laser hair removal system, developed by the Boston grooming giant and Burlington company Palomar Medical Technologies Inc. Gillette, a unit of Procter & Gamble Co., is hoping to capitalize on the fast-growing $2.7 billion professional light hair removal market by introducing a device that will let women do their own laser treatments at home.

The allure? No more daily shaving , painful waxing , and irritating hair-removal creams. The laser ritual need only occur once a week or twice a month to get rid of hair — whether it’s under arms, on the legs, or along the bikini line. (The device isn’t recommended for the face or scalp.)

“Do we expect this to ever eliminate shaving altogether?” said P&G spokeswoman Kelly F. Vanasse . “The answer is it’s too soon to tell.”

Gillette and Palomar executives are not saying when the product will be on the market, or how much it will cost, but the FDA approval opens the door for other in-home light cosmetic procedures, including wrinkle removal and cellulite treatments. Light-based hair removal works by emitting pulses of intense light into the hair follicles. The light is absorbed by the pigment in the follicles and converted to heat, which disables the cells responsible for growing new hair.

Professional laser hair removal treatments, which can be permanent, currently cost several thousand dollars. The proposed home device is not as intense as the professional version and would require periodic treatments to maintain hairlessness. Moreover, the product will have a disposable feature that will continue to generate revenue after consumers purchase the device — similar to the way razors need new blades.

In 2005, blades and razors made up about 84 percent of the shaving and hair removal market; depilatories, or chemical-based creams, accounted for about 7 percent; and other grooming supplies, such as scissors and tweezers, made up about 9 percent, according to research firm MarketResearch.com Inc.

“This will be a big change in how people manage their hair growth at home,” Palomar chief executive Joseph Caruso said yesterday. “This will be the best choice they will have. There’s really nothing like it.”

Palomar shares yesterday rose 11 percent, or $5.39, to $55.35 on the news.

Palomar also has existing agreements with healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson to develop over-the-counter light technology to treat cellulite, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and reduce or prevent acne.

The home laser treatment will be revolutionary but unlikely to unseat razors and blades anytime soon, said analyst William Chappell of Sun Trust Robinson Humphrey — in the same way that laser technology to repair vision has not made eyeglasses and contact lenses obsolete.

“This will make a dent and allow Gillette to target a high end of the market,” Chappell said.

Laser hair removal, which was commercialized in the mid-1990s, generated more than $2 billion in revenues last year from more than 12 million light-based hair removal treatments. This is exceeded only by waxing, which brought in over $4 billion through more than 133 million treatments, according to market research firm Medical Insight Inc.

For Gillette, the focus will first be on women, who make up about 70 percent of the light hair removal market. Globally, the female hair removal market is valued at about $10 billion , and women make up the fastest growing segment in Gillette’s razor and blades division, Vanasse said.

Gillette has the option to work with Palomar to create a male version that would target men’s hair, which grows at different rates and thickness than women’s hair.

Now that the FDA has given the green light for the female device, Gillette will make a $2.5 million development payment to Palomar, as part of a collaborative agreement signed in 2003 before P&G bought the Boston grooming company. A California company, SpectraGenics Inc., is also trying to develop a similar over-the-counter hair removal device.

Over the next 12 months, Gillette is likely to undertake limited launches of the device to see if the product is marketable, according to Alexander Arrow , of Lazard Capital Markets in New York.

“Gillette needs to ascertain the public’s reaction to differing shapes, colors, price points, and marketing packages. It will likely test this in limited geographic regions until December 2007, at which point it faces another decision — whether to proceed with a full national launch,” Arrow wrote in a report yesterday.

Michael Moretti , president of Medical Insight, said the appeal and adoption of the product will largely depend on price.

“This approval is an incredible milestone,” Moretti said of the FDA action.

Source: By Jenn Abelson - The Boston Globe

Going Bald

Most men are afraid of losing their hair. A receding hairline or bald spot can cause anxiety and social embarrassment. Jokes about comb-overs, toupees and hair plugs are commonplace. Many people associate hair loss with aging and loss of virility.

Baldness is often due to a genetic condition that affects the hair follicles. There are a few medications (prescription and over-the-counter) that can slow hair loss. Because everyone reacts to chemicals differently, it`s hard to pinpoint what will work best for you. If you`re considering medication, consult your doctor to learn your options.

Another idea is to embrace your baldness! Many women think shaved heads are sexy. Go ahead, cue ball yourself.

Gaining Weight

These days women who aren’t the only ones tormented by media images of unattainably perfect bodies. From billboards, to the Internet, to TV, images of lean sculpted men are everywhere. It`s enough to make your average Joe feel just a tad insecure.

Try to avoid getting bogged down in the body image blues. Instead, eat a well-balanced diet, get some aerobic exercise and take the right supplements. Because men are solution oriented, implementing a new diet and exercise plan can be an enjoyable challenge.

Being Hairy

For many men and women, a hair chest is the epitome of masculinity. Yet, we’re constantly bombarded with images of smooth-chested hunks with nary a hair in sight. No wonder guys with excessive back, chest, and abdominal hair feel less than sexy. If you want to be hair-free instead of hirsute, try waxing or laser hair removal.

If you choose waxing, find a spa or salon that understands men`s skincare issues. Be sure to find an experienced esthetician that uses high-quality waxing materials. You get what you pay for, so try not to pinch pennies. To take a bit of the sting out of this type of hair removal, consider taking an Ibuprofen an hour prior to your service.

Waxing has some cons: monthly maintenance and unsightly ingrown hairs. If you want to be fur free forever, think about laser hair removal. It`s more expensive in the short term and often requires more than one session. However, results are more permanent, making it more cost-effective over the long haul.

Smelling Bad

It`s normal to smell a funky after working on your car or finishing a five-mile run. Being ripe at work or on a date is disastrous. If you suffer from excessive body odor and perspiration (bromidrosis) it`s time to take some action.

Body odor is partially caused by bacteria in the sweat-producing apocrine glands. These glands are concentrated in the underarms and groin. Be sure to thoroughly wash those areas twice a day. To make maximize your shower, use a soapy washcloth instead of just a bar soap. Since we all have our own unique body chemistry, the soap and deodorant combo that your buddy uses might not be for you. Experiment with different products to find what works best.

You can also address body odor internally. Charcoal tablets absorb waste products and reduce odor-causing fermentation and putrification. Chlorophyll capsules help detoxify the body with magnesium.

Breaking Out

Still getting zits well past your teenage years? Your high fat and sugar diet could be the problem. Insulin-spiking starches and snack foods set the stage for the hormonal changes that cause acne.

Try eating a balanced diet with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Over-counter antibacterial products like benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid are effective at clearing-up acne. If these changes don`t bring some clarity to your skin, consider visiting a dermatologist.

Click here for health & beauty items from TheShoppingChannel.com

Source: CareFair

Removing unwanted hair on the face or body can be an aggravating and sometimes painful process, and all the choices in hair removal can be confusing. Whether it’s from the back, above the lip, or just a stray eyebrow, most people want hair removal to be as effective and long lasting as possible. The most popular hair removal techniques are electrolysis and laser treatments.

For the least painful, most effective hair removal treatment, being educated about your hair removal choices and working with a trained professional to perform the job is essential. “The first thing people have to understand is the difference between electrolysis and
laser hair removal
. Laser is for the reduction of hair, but electrolysis is permanent,” said Robin Harris, Certified Professional Electrologist at Charlotte-James Skin Facial Clinic, and electrology instructor at the American Institute of Education in Long Beach, Calif.

Harris, who has practiced electrolysis for 13 years, explains that it is the only procedure approved by the FDA and it is the only method that they consider permanent. Electrolysis works well with any type of hair and color of skin because it targets individual hairs. Alternately, a laser seeks a contrast between hair and skin to identify the hair it must destroy, so it usually only works well with those who have very dark hair and very light skin. It is not as effective on people with medium to dark skin or those with light hair. There is also the risk of being burned by a laser if the technician is not experienced. The shape of one’s hair follicles is another consideration. “For curved follicles, you can’t see under the skin, so you have to look at the wave pattern of the hair that is exposed to determine where the curve is below the skin,” said Harris, who specializes in removing curved hair follicles, which are common in African Americans. She also excels at removing ultra-fine colorless hair, and uses special microscopic glasses to do this.

Electrolysis has been around for approximately 100 years, but has advanced to a microchip technology with increased megahertz, so it is a faster and less painful delivery system than it was years ago. Although it is still practiced with a probe technique and a needle, the sophisticated system now makes it the leading choice in hair removal. However, Harris emphasizes that a technician must use “the best equipment” that is available. “I love what I do, and I especially enjoy working on ingrown hairs, but I would not be able to do it effectively if I did not have top-quality equipment,” said Harris.

Harris offers these tips for selecting an electrologist:

– Make sure new, disposable probes are used for each session.
– Make sure that the electrologist uses an antiseptic on your skin
before and after each treatment to ensure that she does not push bacteria
from the surface of the skin into the hair follicle with the probe.
– Ask about sterilization procedures. Tweezers should be sterilized in a
dry heart sterilizer or autoclave.
– The electrologist’s hands must be washed before and after each
treatment. Harris wears gloves, too.

There are three different techniques that Harris uses. All of them are permanent, but she warns that the results depend on the operator’s experience:

– Thermolosis - This technique uses an oscillating current to create
heat. The probe heats the water in the tissue, causing electrocoagulation,
or cooking the tissue or hair follicle into a porous mass.
– Galvanic - This is a chemical technique where water and salt molecules
in the skin are changed to lye, which melts tissue or the hair follicle.
– Blend - This is a combination of the heat and chemical techniques
mentioned above.

The myth is that this procedure hurts. Although it is true that you will experience a quick sensation, it is not too uncomfortable. Just ensure that you have selected the right electrologist for the job.

Charlotte-James Facial Clinic is located at 10921 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. For more information, visit www.charlottejames.org or call 310-208-2556.

Source: Market Wire

Laser hair removal technology is evolving. No matter what skin type you have, newer lasers can safely and effectively remove unwanted hair from your face and body.

If you’re tired of shaving, waxing or plucking body hair only to have it return days later, you may be interested in laser hair removal. Laser hair removal systems use laser light — an intense, pulsating beam of light — to remove unwanted hair. Whether it’s on your face, arms, legs or other areas, laser hair removal may be an option if you seek long-term results.

Who is a candidate for laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal is used for people who want to remove unwanted body hair. Common treatment locations include legs, armpits, upper lip, chin and bikini line. Although laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal, it does extend the “hair-free” period, which can vary from several months to several years. With multiple treatments, long-term hair removal is possible.

Hair color and skin type are the key factors that influence the success of laser hair removal. It’s most successful on people with dark hair (brown or black) and light skin. However, it can also be used on people with darker skin types.

How do you prepare for laser hair removal?
Before scheduling laser hair removal, you meet with your doctor to discuss the factors that determine whether the procedure is likely to work well for you. This meeting generally includes:

If you have a tan from sun exposure or sunless tanning products, you must wait until the tan fades completely before undergoing laser hair removal. A tan increases your risk of side effects such as blistering and discoloration. Avoid sun exposure four to six weeks before treatment.

Laser hair removal is effective only on short, visible hair. Two to three days before the procedure, you shave the area to be treated, and allow it to grow to a stubble. Avoid waxing or plucking the hair and electrolysis three weeks before treatment.

How does laser hair removal work?

During the procedure, your doctor presses a hand-held laser instrument to your skin. Depending on the type of laser, a cooling device on the tip or a cool gel is used to protect the skin.

When the doctor activates the laser, the laser light passes through your skin’s surface to tiny sacs (hair follicles) where hair growth originates. The intense heat damages the hair follicle, which inhibits hair growth. It takes several treatments to provide an extended hair-free period.

What can you expect during laser hair removal?
During the procedure, you wear goggles to prevent accidental exposure of your eyes to laser light. When the laser is activated, you feel a stinging sensation. Oftentimes a topical local anesthetic is applied before the procedure to reduce discomfort. The procedure causes a slight charring of stubble. You may notice a strong odor of singed hair, which is normal.

How long the procedure takes depends on the area of the body involved. A small area such as the upper lip may take several minutes. A larger area such as the back may require several hours.

What can you expect after laser hair removal?
After the laser hair removal, no medications or bandages are necessary. You may notice some redness and swelling for the first few hours. Also, stinging may occur for the first 24 to 48 hours. Some people experience a slight crusting of the skin. If crusting occurs, keep the area moist with petroleum jelly (Vaseline).

After treatment:

Talk to your doctor about how these risks apply to you. Understanding what’s involved in laser hair removal and weighing the benefits and risks can help you decide if this procedure is your best option for long-term hair removal.

Source: MayoClinic

Need safe Laser Hair Removal in Tampa? If you are a man or woman struggling with unwanted facial or body hair, Simply Smooth Laser Center, a leading Tampa Laser Hair Removal Center offers a Simply Smooth solution to make you feel more comfortable.

More personal than a laser hair “clinic” and more professional than a beauty salon or spa, the staff of fully qualified medical personnel, fully licensed, and with years of experience and extensive training in the latest state of the art laser hair removal technology treats patients to permanently remove their unwanted facial and body hair. Tampa Bay area men and women can now finally become more comfortable in their own beautiful skin.

With relaxing music of a patient’s own choice, extra plush and comfortable beds, organic cotton sheets and robes and soothing aromatherapy, medical professionals administer a complete range of affordable laser hair removal, skin rejuvenation and vein removal treatments.

Some of the special programs and features offered by Simply Smooth Laser Center in Tampa include unlimited laser hair removal treatments with lifetime touchups. Patients can of their own choosing select flexible payment plans including interest-free financing.

Now is the chance for those in the Tampa Bay area to permanently return to their own radiant self by contacting the friendly professionals at Simply Smooth Laser Center for a Free consultation.

Visit Simply Smooth Laser Center in Tampa on the internet at: www.SimplysmoothLaserCenter.com or call 813-877-6668 and inquire about the special pricing for laser hair removal treatments.

Source: PR Web

Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal: New Yorkers are in love with it. With no time to spare, New Yorkers find that laser hair removal is a quick and efficient way to clear their faces, backs, legs, armpits and bikini lines of that unwanted hair. The latest machines allow specialists to remove hair from virtually any part of the body, as long as it is fully grown hair and not just peach fuzz. After six months of treatment, you can expect that somewhere between 60 to 95 percent of the treated hair will be gone.Where can I find a New York laser hair removal clinic?Ask your friends and relatives who have undergone laser hair removal treatment for recommendations they will be able to give you first-hand knowledge of the New York laser hair removal clinics that you are considering. For listings, you can check citydex, a guide of Manhattan, or the yellow pages.Does laser hair removal work for everybody?Laser hair removal works best for people who have light-colored skin and dark hair. The latest lasers work with almost all skin types, but generally speaking, people with darker skin and light-colored hair (white, grey or red) are not good candidates for laser.If laser hair removal does not work for you, there are many other techniques you can explore, such as waxing, sugaring or electrolysis.How does it work?Hair grows from follicles, which are located underneath the skin. Follicles are dark in color because they contain melanin—the protein that gives color to our hair. Laser generates heat as it goes through the skin and it is attracted by the darker color of melanin. The laser rays generate enough heat to kill the follicles and prevent new hair from growing while not damaging the surrounding skin.Our hair grows in cycles, which means that only some hairs are growing at any given time while others are dormant. Laser hair removal techniques can only target active hair, so you usually need several sessions a few months apart to target all the hair in a particular area.
A New York laser hair removal research company, Paradigm Laser, was among the pioneers in researching how laser could be used to remove hair.
What about laser hair removal costs?The American Association for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery estimates that the average session costs $388. Laser hair removal prices vary according to the area that you want treated. For example, the price of treating your upper lip is significantly lower than treating your legs or your back. Generally speaking, you can expect laser hair removal costs to range somewhere between $200 and $600, depending on the area you are treating and your clinic.Even though laser hair removal prices can be steep, you should keep in mind that laser techniques are much more comfortable than the alternatives of electrolysis or waxing and that the results will last for years.How can I prepare for my session?Laser hair removal and the New York summer sun are not good partners, so avoid tanning. Tanned skin increases the chances of skin discoloration. Also, avoid waxing or plucking the area to be treated. Instead, shave the area two to three days before your appointment and allow some stubble to grow back. Some doctors might recommend that you apply a cream with lidocaine—a mild anesthetic—an hour before the session begins.Is it safe?Laser hair removal is a safe technique. After each session you might experience some redness and mild swelling, but this should quickly go away. It is recommended that you avoid the sun and strenuous exercise for a few days after the treatment. In some rare cases, patients might experience pain and blisters. In extreme cases, permanent scarring or skin discoloration can occur.Jim Stacey is an editor at the Laser Hair Removal Directory where you can find more information and listings of New York laser hair removal providers. more…

Information on Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal

Just a few years ago, laser hair removal procedures were very expensive but now, finding an affordable laser hair removal clinic is easier than you would think. As the number of laser hair removal centers grows, competition has driven the prices down from what they once were. In the late 1990s certain laser hair removal treatment prices reached as high as $3,000 but today, the same treatment can be done for half the cost. The reason for this is simple. In the 1990s there were only a small number of manufacturers of laser hair removal equipment and only a few hundred clinics around the country offering the service. Now, there are more than 15 laser hair removal manufacturers and the industry continually grows larger everyday. Today, potential patients can find thousands of affordable laser hair removal clinics throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. more…

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Laser Hair Removal

The FDA recently approved a new long pulse ND: YAG laser. The YAG delivers energy more slowly to the target area, in order to give the epidermis more time to cool off. This is important for those with darker skin types, because there is less chance of skin pigmentation irregularity. Before the approval of this laser, those with darker skin types had a greater chance of pigment discoloration. more…

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Laser Hair Removal

There are many different techniques to remove unwanted hair. Some of these include waxing, shaving, coils, electrolysis and laser. Although each has its advantages and disadvantages, they all perform the same function. That is removing unwanted hair more…

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