Hair Loss - Laser Hair Removal

Laser Hair Removal: A Consumer's Guide To Finding Effective, Comfortable, Safe and Affordable Laser Hair Removal

Raleigh Laser Hair Removal expert and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Law Provides guidelines to consumers for choosing the appropriate Laser Hair Removal system and clinic.

October 27, 2004 -- Laser Hair Removal: A Consumers Guide to finding effective, safe fast and affordable treatments. Raleigh Laser Hair Removal expert and board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Law Provides guidelines to consumers for choosing the appropriate Laser Hair Removal system and clinic.

Laser hair removal has come a long way since the first laser for hair removal received FDA clearance in the mid 1990s. Older generation lasers were very slow, very painful and worked only on individuals with very dark hair and very light skin. Today, lasers can work on all skin colors and some lasers are even safe for treating tanned skinned.

Which laser to choose?
-Spot size
The spot size of a laser determines how much skin area can be covered per laser pulse. Lasers with larger spot sizes (18 mm)can cover more area much more quickly. For example, a laser hair removal treatment of the back or full legs could take as long as 2 hours with older lasers. Today, these areas can be completely treated in less than 20 minutes. The spot size not only determines the speed and comfort of the treatment, but the efficacy as well. In the April 2004 issue of Derm Surgery, a peer reviewed medical study showed that lasers with an 18 mm spot size (exclusive to the Candela GentleLase) was more effective at removing hair than lasers with smaller spot sizes.

-Cooling systems
Each laser has a different way of cooling the skin. Some lasers use a topical cooling gel, others use a chilled tip. The most consistent, comfortable and safest way to cool the skin is with a Dynamic Cooling Device or DCD

-Frequency
Many different lasers are effective in hair removal. Light skin can be safely treated with most laser hair removal systems. Dark skin can be safely treated with Alexandrite lasers, Diode lasers or long pulsed nd:yag lasers. In dark skinned individuals, the energy level may need to be reduced to ensure safety, which may result in more treatments with the laser in order to obtain complete clearance of the hair. Tanned skin can be safely treated only with a long pulsed nd:yag laser.

-Light Sources
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Systems are not lasers. They can remove hair, but recent peer reviewed medical studies show that most lasers are much more effective in treating unwanted hair than IPL systems

Choosing a Laser Hair Removal Center

Board Certified Physician
Many laser hair removal centers today operate without a physician. It is important to be certain that a board certified physician is on the premises or available in case of a concern. To determine whether or not a physician is board certified, go to www.abms.org. Board certified plastic surgeons can be found at www.plasticsurgery.org

Possible complications:
Complications with newer laser hair removal systems (built in 2002 or later) is not common, particularly if the laser is equipped with a Dynamic Cooling Device. It is important, however to determine how the laser clinic handles potential complications. Is there a physician available to examine the problem and prescribe medications if necessary?

Packages of treatments
Laser Hair Removal works on hair while it is in the growth phase only. At any given time, between 20% to 40% of the hair on any face or body area may be in a growth phase. Multiple treatments are required for complete clearance of the hair. However, each person may respond slightly differently. Laser hair removal centers should charge for just one treatment at a time. A reputable medical office or medical spa offering laser hair removal will offer individual treatments and not insist on payment of multiple treatments up front.

Pricing:
Because lasers for hair removal are much faster today than ever before, prices should be lower as well. An office offering laser hair removal can charge less for a laser hair removal treatment of the legs taking just 20 minutes vs. a 2 hour treatment with an older generation laser. Avoid centers offering specials on treatment packages, particularly if there is pressure to buy because a "special" is set to expire.

Consultation:
A complimentary consultation should be available for you to visit the facility, meet the laser technician and experience a spot test with the laser.

Knowledge of staff:
Staff members at a laser hair removal center should be able to answer questions not just about the laser they use, but about all lasers available for hair removal.

Testimonials:
An experienced laser hair removal facility should have many satisfied clients who are happy to speak to you about their results.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal
In order for the laser to effectively target the hair follicle, the root of the hair must be in tact, which means hair removal in the weeks prior to laser treatment needs to be limited to cutting or shaving. Tweezing, waxing or other methods of hair elimination by removing the root of the hair will result in a less effective treatment. The hair does not need a 'grow out' phase however, and the hair area to be treated can be clean shaven prior to treatment.

Tanning
Tanned skin can safely be treated ONLY with a long pulsed nd:yag laser, any other laser could cause a burn to the surface of the skin. For treatment with all other lasers, keep the area to be lasered out of the sun for a minimum of two weeks before and two weeks after treatment. Spray tan or bronzers should be avoided prior to treatment as the dark color on the surface of the skin may prevent a laser hair removal treatment from being as effective as possible.

Repeat treatments
Every persons hair grows at a slightly different rate. If multiple treatments are desired, simply wait until you see new hair growth, typically 4 to 6 weeks, then schedule your next appointment.

Blue Water Spa is a plastic Surgery Medical Spa owned and operated by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Law. Blue Water Spa offers laser hair removal, facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, massage, Botox, Restylane and the full spectrum of aesthetic surgery procedures performed by nationally known board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Law. Dr. Law has returned to his hometown of Raleigh North Carolina to raise his family after practicing aesthetic surgery in Beverly Hills. Dr. Law is the only solo practice plastic surgeon voted among the best in North Carolina 2003 and 2004. He has been featured in many national magazines and interviewed for news programs, but he has declined invitations to participate in plastic surgery reality television programs. Blue Water Spa has been voted best day spa in the region by Citysearch http://triangle.citysearch.com/best/results/8552/?ulink=section__mainwellslot1_510___best__1 and has received the Metro Bravo Award for best day spa 2003 and 2004.

Kile Law, president of Blue Water Spa was recently appointed to the 2005 board of directors for the National Day Spa Association www.dayspaassocation.com. She is one of ten individuals nationwide chosen for this prestigious position. Blue Water Spa has been featured in cover articles of many national magazines and spa publications such as the Medical Spa Report www.medicalspareport.com. An interview with Kile as part of a panel of recognized experts in skin care and anti-aging, is featured in the November / December Issue Of Luxury Spa Finder Magazine. Luxury Spa Finder is the largest consumer spa magazine in the country. It is available by subscription or at newsstands and bookstores nationwide.

For more information, go to http://www.bluewaterspa.com/ or michaellawmd.com Kile can answer your questions via e-mail at e-mail protected from spam bots

Hair Loss Treatments and Information For Both Men and Women

Many men and women have hair loss problems such as male pattern baldness or thinning of hair, but there are many different treatments you can do to help the problem. 95% of men have some degree of hair loss by age 35 to 40 American men have some degree of hair loss, and by age 50 approximately 85% of men having thinning hair. This problem happens less and women but the problem still does exist.

Most of the time when women have hair loss problems is because of diets, stress, hormones, or medications, as well as other things such as frequent shampooing thyroid problems improper hair care, lupus or even dying of hair follicles. Men usually have hair loss because of genetic reasons, sadly.

Both men and women can use drugs such as Propecia, Rogain or Lasercomb to aid in the problem of hair loss. If treatment is not available for your type of hair loss or the treatment wont work for you (in most all cases it does) you can also try things like wigs, hair pieces, hair weaves or artificial hair replacement.

You can also try other things if you want to take the healthier route and not take medications, pills, or drugs. Thigns such as homepthatic cures, herbal remedies etc. You can check out several sites about this kind of information by visiting the sites listed below, you can also buy products from these sites as well so be on the look out for products on the site and with in the forums and or articles on the sites:

HerbalRemedies - This site, in my opinion is one of the best herbal sites online. They have several difference supplements that you can use for several different treatments and ailments.

Herbal-Supplements-Guide - This is a great site to visit if you're looking for a guide and herbal supplements for hair loss as well as other things.

Healthology And WebMD - Both of these sites are terrific sites to visit if you would like more information on treatments, tests, symptoms, as well as cures for hair loss.

Whether you decide to take it the medicinal way or the herbal, the point is that hair loss is reversible and it can be helped. This isn't something you absolutely have to live with and there are several different routes you can take depending on your personal preferences. You can also check out official websites so that you can read up on hair loss as well as treatments and other informational help. Please visit MayoClinic, AAD, and Medline Plus.

This author is a huge fan of HairTreatment.Info website where you can watch 1000s of educational hair treatment related videos

Hair Loss - Path to Hair Restoration

The Path To Hair Restoration
by Jerry Blackburn

Normal hair loss is a common occurrence. At any given time,
approximately 10% of your hair is dormant and susceptible to
normal shedding. The problem is when the shedding is excessive.
It is when thinning hair becomes obvious that most people become
concerned with hair restoration options.

Some of the reasons of abnormal hair loss may include:

+ Health concerns such as major illness, fungal infections,
hypo or hyper thyroidism, and hormone imbalances;

+ Reaction to medications used to treat cancer, diabetes,
lupus, gout, birth control, and anti-depressants;

+ Improper hair care, including excessive use of chemicals and
blow-drying;

+ Genetics;

+ Poor diet, including too much fried and fatty foods, a lack
of fruits or green vegetables, and dehydration.

What are the options?

While an estimated 95% of all excessive hair loss is generic,
there is a chance a family doctor or a professional hairstylist
can provide the quickest and least expense answer to hair
restoration. A medical doctor can do a full physical, do the
appropriate blood work, and review medications and diet. He can
recommend changes that may help with hair regrowth. The
hairstylist can look at the condition of the hair and work up a
hair care routine that may correct the damage. This routine may
include hot oil treatments, scalp massage, and a change of
conditioner and shampoo. The stylist may also recommend a
haircut to reduce the appearance of thinning hair.

In the event the doctor or hairstylist is unable to assist in
reducing the hair loss back to normal levels, topical
minoxidil, marketed as Rogaine, was the first FDA approved
method of regrowing hair. To be effective, minoxidil is applied
to the scalp twice a day. It works best for those who are young
and have only recently begun to experience abnormal hair loss,
according to Pharmacia & Upjohn. Skeptics question whether the
product actually promotes as much new growth as it does reduce
the amount of loss.

Also available to sufferers of hair loss is the FDA-approved
finasteride, which is marketed as Propecia. Propecia works best
on male pattern baldness. Not only has it been proven to restore
hair growth, it also improves the thickness and strength of each
hair strand.

Often, Propecia, Rogaine, or a combination of both is used in
conjunction with hair transplants to optimize the hair
restoration process. The process of hair transplants involves
removing hair from the densely covered areas of the head and,
using a needle, implant those hairs to the thinning section of
the head.

Those suffering from male-pattern baldness may also choose a
scalp reduction. A scalp reduction is the surgical process of
removing large sections of the bald scalp, then the skin from
the densely haired sections of the head are stretched to
replace the area of scalp that is removed.

If medications and surgery seem too extreme, those suffering
from abnormal hair loss still have the option of wearing a
hairpiece. While no two toupees, or hairpieces, are created
equally, a toupee can look natural. Many who opt for the
hairpiece option join a "hair club," which offer members
service that will keep their hairpieces cleaned, colored, and
offering the optimal fit.

Remember, all medications and surgical procedures involve a
certain amount of risk, and no hair restoration solution is
guaranteed to work. Before agreeing to a hair restoration
regime, consult with a doctor and know your risks.

Making the right hair restoration decision

Deciding whether hair restoration is right for you is a
personal decision. Some people are more concerned than others
with hair loss. Deciding which hair restoration method will
work best for you is something to discuss with a doctor who
specializes in treating hair loss. Many issues such as health,
habits, budget, and tolerance to pain will need to be
considered before creating a plan of action.

Jerry Blackburn distributed a lot of articles
for http://www.hair-loss-tips.com/ an online source of
information. Robert is particularly focusing on Hair
Restoration http://www.hair-loss-tips.com/hair-restoration.html
and Hair Replacemnt.

Hair Loss - Natural Hair Loss Remedies

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?
by Richard Mitchell

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances.

If you fall into this category, does this mean you'll just have to accept an ever-decreasing head of hair? The answer to this is an unequivocal NO!

Many natural hair loss remedies, both traditional and contemporary, have shown their worth in reducing and reversing hair loss. They are also perceived as being free from side effects and even deliver additional health benefits.

Why then, don't we hear a lot more about these natural hair loss remedies? Simply because claims of cures cannot be made without FDA approval, and obtaining the FDA seal of approval involves lengthy and expensive scientific research that only major companies can afford. Even the biggest companies could not recoup the costs of such a process as no-one can control the rights to common natural substances such as basic foods and vitamins.

The big question however is, do natural hair loss remedies work? Firstly, hair growth at root level is a living part of the body that depends on sound nutrition, just like any other part of the body. The importance of vitamins, minerals and other nutritional elements in maintaining healthy hair cannot be disputed.

Secondly, the role of herbs and plants in treating numerous ailments is receiving increased recognition after years of neglect, and hair loss is no exception. Many herbal remedies for both internal and external use are offering new hope to people suffering from premature hair loss.

Thirdly, traditional hair loss remedies may still have something to offer. Ancient literature and folklore reveal that our ancestors went to great lengths to treat thinning hair. Some of the more acceptable traditional approaches are now being incorporated into many potential treatment regimes.

Other articles in this series tackle each of these areas in much more detail but you can find out more now by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the www.myhairlossadvisor.com website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss.
richard@myhairlossadvisor.com

Hair Loss - Do you need hair transplant surgery

Hair Transplant Surgery – Do You Need It, Do You Want It?
By Peter Crump

Hair transplant surgery is very common these days. As hair loss is such a big problem for so many people, and as hair transplant surgery becomes more and more effective, it is more in demand.

However hair transplant surgery is usually the last in the list of things that you need to consider if you are suffering from hair loss.

For those who are suffering from some degree of hair loss there are some steps you need to take before you consider hair transplant surgery. Hair loss is not necessarily permanent, and the very first thing that you need to do is to consult your doctor and find out a specific cause.

Hair loss can be temporary. For example there are various medical conditions and medical treatments which can cause hair loss and once these conditions have been treated or the treatments stopped the hair recovers. No need for hair transplant surgery there.

And where you have a diagnosed hair loss condition that may well be permanent, such as male pattern baldness, or permanent hereditary hair loss, there can still be some other options to consider.

The first option is to do nothing. Don’t laugh. Hair replacement treatments, and particularly hair transplant surgery, can be exceedingly expensive. They can have some side effects and can be unpleasant. Sometimes they don’t work, or are unsuitable for your particular condition. Doing nothing about it is a very viable option and one that any proficient professional should counsel you about.

Baldness is becoming fashionable. Perhaps it started with Yul Brinner, who knows, but there are some who deliberately shave their heads as a fashion statement. You don’t need to go that far, although you could also consider that, but you certainly could consider living with it.

Work out how much effort and money you are prepared to expend on doing something about it. Hair transplant surgery is very expensive and hair loss is not really considered a disease so government or private medical funds may not cover the cost. Check that out.

Next find out about the pharmaceutical hair replacement products. There are several which do work, although not for everybody. Check them out. Find out more. They also have their drawbacks, but you should educate yourself about all options.

But for many this process still leads them to hair transplant surgery. There is no doubt that if you have hair transplant surgery done by a reputable hair transplant centre it can be very effective.

There are positives and negatives to hair transplant surgery. As previously stated, it can be expensive. It is a long process, over many months, requiring repeated visits, and it is surgery, with the normal, though low, risks attached to any surgery. And it doesn’t suit everybody, depending on the nature of your problem.

On the other hand hair transplant surgery, once it is over, is very effective in most cases. You end up growing your own hair and the result is permanent. The final effect, which takes around 12 months, can be extremely effective.

There are various types of hair transplant surgery available at various hair transplant centres. If you have spent some time thinking about your options and have finally come to the conclusion that hair transplant surgery is for you then take the next step.

Visit a reputable hair transplant centre or find one on the internet and find out more about hair transplant surgery. The results can be life transforming.

For a website totally devoted to hair loss and hair replacement visit Peter's Website The Hair Replacement Guide, and find out about Hair Transplant Surgery as well as Female Hair Loss and more, including Male Hair Loss and Hair Loss Treatments

Hair Loss - Follicly-Challenged Opportunity

PAI Medical Group Offers the Follicly-Challenged Opportunity to Win Hair for Life

The Hair for Life Contest winner will win a full hair transplant at a PAI clinic anywhere in North America. Also included in a weekly fitness and nutrition consultation with a personal trainer. Just send us your story and a picture showing your hair loss and how winning this will change your life!

Ottawa, ON April 3, 2004 - Life can be harsh for men and women who have lost a little or a lot of their hair. Depression, lack of job promotions and inadequate social lives concern many hair loss sufferers.

Pierre Amelotte, president of PAI Medical Group, has been in the hair restoration business for more than 25 years and has heard many stories about the devastating effects of hair loss. This successful entrepreneur, with hair restoration clinics throughout North America, felt that it was time to offer a way for men and women to actually win their own hair back by undergoing a hair transplant entirely free of charge.

In addition, the winner of the contest, open to all residents of North America, will receive the services of a personal trainer to help them get a fit body to go with their amazing new hair.

My wife decided to go for a younger man, Gabriel, one of the early online contestants writes. Losing my hair bothers me every day. I am now doing my best to run my business, raise my kids and when time allows, I try and meet women. Doing this makeover would make that process much more enjoyable.

During a normal lifetime, more than 80% of all men and some women, experience some degree of hair loss. Few options are available to re-grow your own hair back. For many who do not want to wear synthetic hair, take drugs or rub expensive solutions on their head every day, the only answer is a hair transplant.

Doctors take donor hair from the back of the head and transplant the hair follicles to the hairline and crown locations of the head. This transplanted hair grows in approximately four to five months.

Entering the contest is easy. Just log on to the PAI Web site at www.paihair.com, click on the entry page link and review the contest rules. Contestants will be asked to write a short story telling PAI why they want to win their hair back and how it will change their life. Then they will be requested to upload a photograph showing the extent of their hair loss, so PAI can determine whether they are a good candidate for the hair transplant procedure.

The Hair For Life Contest prize consists of a complete analysis of the winners hair loss restoration needs, a maximum Level 12 Multi-Unit Hair Grafting Transplant procedure in one of PAI's North American clinics, airfare and hotel accommodations, if necessary in the city location of the clinic, and weekly fitness and nutrition consultations with Jasson Finney for one year at a pre-arranged time.

PAI Medical Group will contact five finalists by the close of business on July 15, 2004. All finalists will be interviewed by telephone by a panel of hair restoration experts. The winner will be announced on August 31, 2004 and posted on the PAI Web site, www.paihair.com.

Contact: Suzanne J. Dodge, Director of Marketing, PAI Medical Group
6 Antares Drive, Ottawa, ON Canada K2E 8A9
www.paimedicalgroup.com
Telephone: (613) 225-1871 Extension 222

Hair Loss - Hair transplant - do it right

Get The Job Done Right So You Don’t Need Hair Transplant Repair
By Peter Crump

So many men and women have paid out thousands of dollars for a hair transplant that just didn’t turn out the way they thought it would. Sometimes the hair regrowth tended to bulge and stand out noticeably from the rest of the hair. This means another expense with hair transplant repair. In this case it is often hard to make a decision whether to go back to the same surgeon to have the hair transplant repair done free of charge or to go to another one instead.

While hair transplants are expensive, it is possible to get affordable hair transplants done. The first step in this medical procedure is to have a consultation with a surgeon and get answers to all your questions. One of the questions you should ask is what happens if it doesn’t turn out the way it should. Will the surgeon assume the cost of the hair transplant repair?

Before you do consult with a surgeon about a hair transplant, a wise decision would be to read as much as you can about the procedure and what to expect. Look at pictures of hair transplant problems that have occurred and read about the modern methods used.

Once you know the modern methods used in affordable hair transplant procedures you are better equipped to determine if the surgeon will do a good job. Most of the mistakes that result in hair transplant repair are caused by outdated methods and applying the hair grafts at improper angles.

Sometimes there may be scarring or patients complain about the pain they experience. Surgeons that specialize in hair transplant repair also do scar revision work and retransplant hair grafts that are in the wrong position.

Most hair transplant surgeons request their fees in advance. However, they do have affordable hair transplant plans available where you can make a monthly payment until the fee is paid in full.

The monthly payment is actually through a finance company, which means you would be getting a loan to have a hair transplant or hair transplant repair. As long as you have the resources to pay, this company will provide you with the money if you think your hair is really worth it.

Be careful choosing your hair transplant specialist and you’ll never need a hair transplant repair.

For a website totally devoted to hair loss and hair replacement visit Peter's Website The Hair Replacement Guide, and find out about Female Hair Loss as well as Hair Restoration and more, including Male Hair Loss and Hair Transplants.