Reflections on Beauty

Reflections for laser hair removal.

There may still be a chill in the air in many regions of the country, but fashion magazines and websites are beginning to report on the trendiest styles for this spring and summer, and let's just say that you're going to want to get your legs in shape.

Miniskirts, hot pants and dresses are likely to flood store racks come April, so in addition to doing your squats and investing in a quality sunless tanner, it may be a good idea to consider laser hair removal.

The high-tech cosmetic procedure – which is also known as fraxel hair removal – allows you to go all summer without dealing with razors, hair removal creams or painful waxing, while still enjoying smooth, hairless gams. Moreover, you can avoid embarrassment due to stubble or missed areas.

So, how does laser hair removal work? Well, a certified practitioner uses an intense laser pulse to damage the hair follicle, which slows the progression of hair growth for semi-permanent results. For the legs, you'll likely need a few sessions to completely remove the hair, and follow-up procedures may also be needed to maintain smooth legs.

While it's been reported that people with light skin and dark hair make the best candidates for laser hair removal, today's advanced tools and techniques allow people of many skin colors and hair types to get effective results from the procedure. However, if you have dark skin or light hair, it may be a good idea to choose a provider who is experienced in working with your particular coloring.

In order to prepare for fraxel hair removal, first research different facilities and their practitioners. This will help you obtain the best results and minimize any risks involved in the procedure. After choosing a trusted and experienced professional, you will need to have a consultation with them, where you'll get an idea of how much the treatment will cost, how many sessions will be necessary, what maintenance will be needed and what to expect following laser hair removal.

Also, before going in for your appointment, you should stay out of the sun to avoid burning or blisters, which may complicate the laser treatment. Additionally, you shouldn't pluck, wax or get electrolysis on your legs, as this may cause changes to the follicles, which may make fraxel hair removal more difficult.
 

Humans are mammals, and all mammals have hair. But does it necessarily follow that all Homo sapiens enjoy being hairy? Just take a look around at any drugstore or supermarket beauty aisle and you'll have your answer. The wealth of creams, waxes, lotions and razors on the shelves are a clear indicator that in our society, a lot of hair is unwanted.

Still not convinced? Take a look at some of the media uproars that have occurred whenever a glowing Hollywood celebrity should show a little fur on her legs or armpits. Back in 1999, at the premiere of the movie Notting Hill, Julia Roberts waved to the crowds and stunned them with her noticeably au naturel underarms, according to The Independent Woman. Then there's Oscar winner Mo'Nique, who took home a 2010 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and plenty of criticism for her unshaven legs.

"Female celebrities aren't perfect. They're people who have busy schedules and sometimes don't get everything done," said stylist Cathy O'Connor, quoted by the news source. "When I see a celebrity with a hairy armpit, I think 'thank goodness' because it makes me feel like I'm not alone."

However, she did add that hair-free underarms and legs are more aesthetically pleasing. But what's to be done when millions of American women are too short on time and energy to keep having to wax and shave?

The solution may have been waiting at their local medical spas all the time. Facilities such as Reflections Medical Spa in New Jersey offer laser hair removal, which is a safe, quick and time-saving alternative to pulling out the cream and razor whenever it's time to shower.

This procedure is one of the most popular and commonly performed cosmetic treatments in the U.S. Laser light helps destroy the hair follicle on the arms, legs, bikini area or any other body part that patients want to be smooth. After a series of four to six office visits, most people notice significant reductions in the amount of hair in these regions.

"With so many options available, there's no need for anyone to have hairy armpits, especially with permanent solutions like laser hair removal now so affordable," O'Connor told the news source.

Hair removal can be a real pain. The process can be time-consuming, uncomfortable and – when you really give it some thought – expensive. Each year, men and women in the U.S. spend millions of dollars on products such as creams, gels, razors and waxes. Despite putting in both time and money, the hair just keeps coming back.

Whether it's the legs, armpits, chest, back or bikini area, getting a beach-ready body with do-it-yourself methods can have unwanted results. Shaving can cause dry, irritated skin, while the use of cold wax strips may lead to ingrown hairs, which are often unsightly and painful. In some cases, plucking and tweezing may cause pigmentation problems and scarring.

For those who are tired of putting in time and effort to achieve only temporary results, laser hair removal might be a good way to go. The procedure has garnered praise from millions of people all over the country for its safety, effectiveness and excellent results.

Individuals who opt for the treatment at their local medical spa will be asked to come in for a few 30-minute sessions over the course of eight weeks. At each visit, a bright beam of light focuses on targeted areas of the face and body, where it is absorbed by melanin, molecules of pigment in the skin. This results in damage to the shaft and follicle of unwanted hairs, but does not affect the surrounding tissues.

Depending on the density and color of a patient's hair, as well as any hormonal factors that may come into play, the number of treatment sessions can vary between four and eight. Undergoing laser hair removal over a period of time can also ensure that the procedure targets hair during the optimal phase of growth. This can help produce the best possible results.

"I don't have a lot of facial hair. Still, what's there will be removed," one patient told the Montreal Gazette. "As anybody who has been through this process knows, laser hair removal techniques will take care of the dark hair in about seven sessions."

Laser hair removal has come a long way since the early days of the technology, which called for significant recovery time. Now, patients can come in for a quick, safe treatment at their convenience and then get right back to their daily activities, all the while knowing that their faces and bodies will soon be perfectly smooth and ready for summer. 

Many women prize the hair on their heads, devoting much time and money to making sure that their tresses look picture perfect. But when it comes to too much hair on areas of the face and body – such as the upper lip, arms and legs – most ladies would consider it a problem. They might even be embarrassed by their excessive body hair, which some consider to be an issue associated with men.

Fox News reports that Jeannie Bush, a 55-year-old resident of La Crosse, Wisconsin, struggled with the thick hair that stubbornly grew on her jaw and chin. She was so ashamed of her condition – which was caused by a hormonal disorder called polycystic ovary syndrome – that every morning for 10 years, she rose at dawn to shave her face, thinking that her husband would be disgusted when he woke up.

"What an absolute turn-off I felt that would be," she admitted to the news source. "So I hid it."

Bush added that she remembers the first time her doctor noticed the excessive facial hair, which was an embarrassing moment. Bush felt hurt because she thought she had hidden her condition so well.

According to Alabama-based nurse Diana Dowdy, excess facial hair can represent a particularly heavy burden for young women and teenagers. She urged patients to talk to a doctor about their condition, no matter how embarrassing and hopeless it might seem, as there are ways to address the problem.

Treating any underlying condition behind excessive hair growth would be a logical first step. Next, looking into laser hair removal as a safe, minimally invasive and more lasting alternative to shaving or waxing would be an effective way to boost patients' confidence.

Cosmetic industry figures reveal that laser hair removal is among the most popular aesthetic treatments for women under 35. The procedure is quick, easy and relatively painless for most patients, who require anywhere from four to eight treatments spaced about six weeks apart.

"The energy from the laser is absorbed by a pigment in the bulb of each hair called melanin, which prevents the hair from growing," explained dermatologist Josh Fox.

A survey conducted by the Celibre Medical Corporation revealed that 97 percent of women who had undergone laser hair removal treatments were highly satisfied with the results.

Opting for laser hair removal can help ladies feel more confident about themselves and be more comfortable in their own bodies. 

Having lush, thick hair on the top of your head is usually considered desirable, but when it comes to other parts of the body – such as the face, legs, arms and bikini area – most people would rather have smooth skin. That's why so many Americans pluck, shave and wax, but when you think about it, these methods can be extremely time consuming. The hair just keeps growing back again and again, week after week, until getting rid of it becomes more of a chore than anything.

That's where laser hair removal comes in. The technique may be a great alternative for those who are tired of yanking out hairs one by one or enduring the pain of waxing. Not only is it a quick, safe procedure, but the results are also permanent.

How does it work? When you come in for your appointment, laser specialists will apply a bright beam of light to whatever areas you want to remove hair from. The light is absorbed by melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, and causes damage only to the hair shaft and follicle, not the surrounding skin. Many individuals report that the technique is efficient and pain-free.

"It's actually a very comfortable treatment. The advances in laser technology have made it more comfortable and effective than it was in the past," said expert Katie Olson, quoted by ABC 4 News.

Each procedure takes 30 minutes or less, and depending on a patient's hair color and density, the number of treatments can range from four to eight over a six-week period.

Because our hair grows in a specific cycle, coming in for a series of appointments is also crucial to ensuring the success of the technique.

There are three different stages involved in the growth of hair, according to Follicle.com. The first is known as the anagen phase, in which hair is actively growing and is nourished by the follicle. This process begins to slow down in the catagen phase and stops altogether during the third and last part of the cycle, called the telogen phase.

Typically, laser treatments require hair to be in the anagen phase. Because adjacent hairs can be in different points in the growth cycle at the same time, undergoing the procedure over the course of a few weeks is a good way to catch as many of them as possible. 

When we see Hollywood celebrities in movies and magazines, sometimes it can be hard to remember that they're just human beings like us. They may have flawless skin, dazzling smiles and perfectly toned bodies, but they too have flaws.

Take Kim Kardashian, for example. The 29-year-old Armenian-American beauty is known for her pretty face and shapely body, but Hollywood Life reports that she's not completely perfect. The model and actress has confessed that she undergoes a particular cosmetic treatment to ensure that she looks fabulous in a bikini.

"I am obsessed with laser hair removal," she admitted to the news source. "Arms, bikini, legs, underarms – my entire body is hairless!"

Getting smooth, beach-ready skin is not only a goal for celebs like Kardashian, but is also a common aspiration for women all over the country.

According to ABC News, laser hair removal is effective and minimizes the chance of scarring because the light energy directly targets hair follicles without harming anything else in the skin.

This may be why the technique is among the most popular cosmetic procedures sought by Americans as summer gets closer and closer. 

Facial, chest and back hair may have been popular in the 70s, but today, more guys are opting for laser hair removal to achieve a cleaner look, The New Age reports.

Celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Taye Diggs and Usher have embraced the look, and millions of American men are following suit. Hair removal may be a personal preference or a necessity, since some athletes – such as swimmers and runners – may find that excess hair interferes with their fitness regimen.

Champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, for example, prefers his legs to be bare since having hair can result in greater tearing or abrasions during a fall, according to the news source.

Last year, laser hair removal was one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures among teenagers, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

"Laser hair removal is a long-lasting solution to removing hair for both men and women, and has been popular with women for many years," explained expert Shami Thomas. "Regular shaving, plucking and expensive waxing can be a pain. It's fantastic to see [more men] coming in seeking a permanent solution." 

"The fair sex" is an outdated term that used to refer to women alone, but may be a bit confusing nowadays in light of the fact that more guys are seeking cosmetic procedures than ever before. Modern men strive for youth and beauty too, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

Last year, male patients underwent more than 1.1 million cosmetic procedures, which represented a two percent increase over numbers from 2009. Meanwhile, Botox injections increased by 10 percent and laser hair removal procedures rose four percent.

"The typical male cosmetic surgery patient that I see is an average guy who wants to look as good as he feels," said Stephen Baker, a surgeon and ASPS member. "Most of my patients are 'men's men,' the kind of guy you might not think would have plastic surgery."

He added that this may be due to the millions of baby boomers who are reaching retirement age this year. Compared to past generations, many of them are fitter and healthier than ever, and simply want to project their inner youthfulness and vitality.

Guys shouldn't be ashamed of wanting to look their best. Doing a little research on Botox injections and laser hair removal procedures at their local medical spa could help them look and feel great.

Laser technology can do wonders to rejuvenate skin, not to mention the perks of laser hair removal.  Before you take the leap under the light, however, there are few things you should consider:

1. Find a medical doctor who owns a variety of lasers.  The more tools the doctor has, the more flexible he or she can be in creating a treatment program that’s just right for you. Also, owning multiple lasers show how committed the doctor is to non-invasive aesthetic medicine.
2. Avoid doctors who rent lasers or only have one device. This might be an indication that laser medicine is a side business for a doctor, not the focus of their practice. You don’t want to be zapped by someone who dabbles with lasers.  Also, many “do all” devices do one thing well and everything else poorly.  Do a little web research and make sure they have the right tool for the job.
3. Don’t request a specific laser for your treatment. Rather, let the doctor choose the right treatment to address your skin concerns.
4. Wait for your tan to fade before undergoing certain laser treatments.  The darker you are, the greater your risk of complications considering that laser light is attracted to pigmentation in the skin.  We will always advise patients of which treatments may be affected by their bronzed skin.
5. If a physician assistant or someone other than a doctor is administering your treatment, check to make sure they are permitted to do so under your state’s law. In New Jersey, only doctors are allowed to administer laser treatments.
6. Be realistic about the outcome of your laser treatment. While lasers have great benefits to the skin, they are not a beauty cure-all. Make sure you look at before and after pictures and get a clear sense of the outcome you can expect before you decide on a treatment.  This can be done during a complimentary consultation at Reflections.
7. If you are planning a laser treatment prior to an important event, such as a wedding, make sure you allow enough time for the skin to heal following the treatment. We can provide information on the recommended downtime and possible side effects for your treatment. Some lasers can cause swelling and redness, while others require you to avoid sun exposure for a period of time.


If you are considering a laser skin treatment in New Jersey, our friendly staff here at The Reflections Center for Skin and Body is delighted to help your find the right laser for your aesthetic goals. Reflections Center offers an extensive array of laser treatments, including Fraxel, Portrait PSR, Smoothbeam, CO2, and Vbeam. No matter your skin type or condition, our office is sure to have the perfect laser treatment for you.


The staff can address your concerns over the phone, or you can choose a time to come in for your initial free consultation.

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This year marks the 50th anniversary of laser technology.  The Reflections Center for Skin & Body utilizes a number of lasers for all kinds of beauty treatments, including lasers for tattoo and hair removal, lasers to treat scars and wrinkles, lasers to help us lose fat or even to tighten skin.

LASER is actually an acronym whose letters stand for Light Amplification by the Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It was originally conceived by Einstein in a 1916 paper about Plank’s law of radiation—the idea is that when an atom in an excited state encounters a photon of the same energy, another photon with the same energy is released. Of course, in 1916 most scientists thought this was a rare phenomenon, if it happened at all. As history proves, Einstein was right.

The very first working laser was created in 1960 by Theodore Maiman, but the ability for a laser to perform work took a step up later that year when Javan, Bennet and Herriot created a gas laser with helium and neon. This kind of laser, that emits a continuous beam, is used to read UPC codes, among other purposes in industry. It wasn’t until the Vietnam war (when laser weapons were needed to target and scout the enemy in the jungle) that funding for laser research began in earnest, ultimately allowing lasers to be used for communications in our telephone, televisions and in space.

In 1996, the first hair removal laser was approved by the FDA. Before laser hair removal, electrolysis was the norm—a slow going, fairly painful process that involves sticking a needle into each of your hair follicles and shooting in some electricity to kill the root. It usually took years to remove hair from both legs, let alone underarms.  Alternatively, laser hair removal can be accomplished in only 5-6 visits, it is not painful, and it isn’t invasive.

Since the initial laser approval by the FDA, lasers have transformed the way aesthetic beauty enhancements are approached. One of the most popular uses for laser technology here at the Reflections Center is that of hair removal. At this time of year, we’re ramping up for the many patients who visit us for hair removal before summer (and the beaches) hit us full tilt! Don’t hesitate to call us to remove unwanted hair before you bare your skin to summer’s rays!