Sunday, February 21, 2010

Smooth beam laser: Scam or Sham treatment for Acne: Part 2

So does Smooth beam laser work for acne scars?

Unfortunately, smooth beam laser does not work well. Less than 2% of individuals with very mild acne scars see any benefit. For the rest, it is a complete waste of money unless you want to experience pain. In fact, the majority of consumers claim that their skin became worse after smooth beam treatment. By the way, there is no such thing as a single session. When there is money to be made, rest assured you will have to go for many sessions.

The cost

Well, it depends where you live, whom you go to and how extensive is the procedure. But it is not cheap. If you were to go to the mall where a technician zaps you with a laser, expect to pay about $600 or more. If you were to go to a MD in California or NY, it can cost anywhere from $1200-$2000.

Cosmetic surgery is all about money. Before you get smooth beam laser, read about it and check out your provider. If you are ever in doubt or are promised Nirvana, get a second opinion.

Final point: If you do not have the money, learn to live with your acne. If you have the money, go take a vacation somewhere warm and beautiful because with smooth beam laser the results are never guaranteed- and your doctor gets to enjoy a free vacation.

Smooth beam laser: Scam or Sham treatment for Acne: Part 1

One relatively recent treatment for acne scars is the smooth beam laser. The manufacturers of this laser claim that the device is very effective in erasing all types of scars, including those from acne.

Cosmetic
physicians now recommend that smooth beam laser can be used to erase acne scars on the back, upper arms, chest and face. Other uses of the smooth bream laser are to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

A lot of hype has been made about this laser and its fancy cooling tip. Moreover cosmeticians claim that the smooth beam laser can be used in all individuals of all ages and works great in all skin types.

For the most part the smooth beam laser has been used to treat acne scars.

The first question is, "what are side effects?"

There are a number of side effects like:

Skin discoloration. The laser can induce a dark or light skin color change. Unfortunately, these skin blemishes are permanent. One may use bleach to hide the dark spots but for the lighter spots, you have to live with them.

Redness is common after every laser treatment but does subside over the next 24-48 hours.

When the technique is not done properly, scarring can occur. Poor technique and unsupervised staff are the major cause of scarring. Of course, if you are Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt the doctor will be present- sucking up. The scarring is permanent.

Pain intensity varies but it is definitely not a painless procedure. Most consumers complain of a hot stinging sensation when the laser is activated. Some individuals do not mind this for a few seconds, but others find it very uncomfortable. The technician may apply a topical anesthetic prior to the procedure to relieve pain.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Laser Hair Removal: FAQs

What are complications of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is a safe procedure but sometimes a rare individual may develop complications. Unlike side effects that resolve faster, complications generally last long. Some of the complications reported in individuals who have undergone laser hair removal include:

- In some dark skinned individuals, scarring can occur.
Scarring is more common with inexperienced laser operators.
It usually is due to the fact that the laser is held too
close to the skin for a long time. The scar may appear like
a keloid in dark skinned individuals.

- Infection is very rare and occurs in individuals who have
diabetes or have had a prolonged procedure.

- Extensive bruising and bleeding occurs rarely in some
individuals. This is more common on the legs and arms
after prolonged exposure to the laser

- Some individuals may develop either excess darkening or
lightening of skin.

Can laser remove hair in everyone?

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same response to laser. Even though laser does remove hair in most individuals, the results are not identical in all individuals. Individuals with fair skin and dark hairs have the best response, whereas individuals with dark skin and light hair have the least response.

Where can I learn more about laser hair removal?

The following web forum at http://www.hairremovalforum.com/permanent.htm on hair removal is ideal for all individuals who have questions regarding laser hair removal. All consumers should read about the procedure. The more knowledgeable one is, the more selective one can become at selecting the best technician or a spa. Being knowledgeable also helps reduce your chances of developing a complication from untrained or poorly trained technicians.

How long does laser hair removal last?

Laser does remove hair for a long time. In most cases, the hair free body lasts 9-18 months. In some unfortunate individuals, hair regrows back at 6 months.

How many laser hair removal sessions are usually required?

Most individuals require 2-6 sessions of laser to completely get rid of hair. The number of sessions depends on where the hair is being removed and density of hair. A number of salons and spas do offer discount coupons when the individual signs on for multiple sessions. Unfortunately, most discount coupons can only be redeemed at that particular spa

Does insurance pay for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is considered cosmetic and not covered by any medical insurance plans

What is cost of laser hair removal?

The cost of laser hair removal is variable across the country. The prices depend on where you go, the part of your body, and who does it. On average, laser hair removal can cost anywhere from $200-$500 per session. The more time spent removing the hair, the higher the charge.

For more on laser hair removal, please visit http://www.hairremovalforum.com/permanent.htm

Friday, July 31, 2009

More FAQs on laser hair removal

Laser Hair Removal: FAQs on Cost and Side Effects

The major concern all people have about laser hair removal is the cost and whether there are any side effects.

Laser hair removal is like any other medical procedure and does have a few side effects. The majority of complications that occur with a laser are related to the experience of the operator. Individuals who perform laser hair removal with little or no training usually have the highest incidence of complications. Conversely, when laser hair removal is performed by fully trained staff, the complication rates are small. Overall, less than 3-5 percent of individuals who undergo laser hair removal have a side effect.

The common side effects after laser hair removal include:

- After laser hair removal, mild bruising and redness of
the skin occurs in most individuals. In most case, bruising
and redness only occurs when hair is removed from large areas
of the body. In the majority of cases, these mild side effects
usually disappear within a few days. Those individuals who are
concerned about the redness can use camouflage-make up to hide
the area.

- Unfortunately in some individuals who undergo laser hair removal,
skin discoloration can occur. This complication is more common
in dark skinned individuals. On the other hand, some light-skinned
individuals do develop darkening of the skin. The skin discoloration
does fade over time

- Formation of skin blisters does occur when the laser is used for
prolonged periods on the same area of skin. The blisters generally
disappear within a few hours.

- Itching of skin also occurs in a few individuals and is best
treated with a skin moisturizer

- Some individuals do observe numbness at the site of hair removal.
The numbness is transient and does improve with time.

- The skin texture does feel rough immediately after laser hair
removal. The rough sensation lasts a few weeks and does improve
with time. With time, new skin grows which is smooth and soft.

Does hair grow back after laser?

Yes, some hair growth does occur after laser therapy. However, this new hair growth is very light in color and the texture is soft. With repeat laser sessions, this lighter hair growth is easily removed.

For more on laser hair removal, please visit http://www.hairremovalforum.com/permanent.htm

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Laser Hair Removal: FAQs on Cost and Side Effects

The major concern all people have about laser hair removal is the cost and whether there are any side effects. Laser hair removal is like any other medical procedure and does have a few side effects. the majority of complications that occur with a laser are related to the experience of the operator. Individuals who perform laser hair removal with little or no training usually have the highest incidence of complications. Conversely, when laser hair removal is performed by fully trained staff, the complication rates are small. Overall, less than 3-5 percent of individuals who undergo laser hair removal develop a side effect.

The common side effects after laser hair removal include:

- After laser hair removal, mild bruising and redness of
the skin occurs in most individuals. In most case,
bruising and redness only occurs when hair is removed
from large areas of the body. In the majority of cases,
these mild side effects usually disappear within a few days.
Those individuals who are concerned about the redness can
use camouflage-make up to hide the area.

- Unfortunately in some individuals who undergo laser hair
removal, skin discoloration can occur. This complication is
more common in dark skinned individuals. On the other hand,
some light skinned individuals do develop darkening of the skin.
The skin discoloration does fade over time

- Formation of skin blisters does occur when the laser is used
for prolonged periods on the same area of skin. The blisters
generally disappear within a few hours.

- Itching of skin also occurs in a few individuals and is best
treated with a skin moisturizer

- Some individuals do observe numbness at the site of hair
removal. The numbness is transient and does improve with time

- The skin texture does feel rough immediately after laser hair
removal. The rough sensation lasts a few weeks and does improve
with time. With time new skin grows which is smooth and soft.

Does hair grow back after laser?

Yes, some hair growth does occur after laser therapy. however, this new hair growth is very light in color and the texture is soft. With repeat laser sessions, this lighter hair growth is easily removed.

For more on laser hair removal, please visit http://www.hairremovalforum.com/permanent.htm