* Ruby lasers (694 nm) that cause lesser epidermal damage.
* The more recent long-pulsed alexandrite lasers that too safeguard the epidermis better
* The strong 800-nm diode lasers are safer for dark skinned people, since the epidermis does not absorb the longer wavelength light that easily.
* Photodynamic therapy is another method that uses laser light and a chemical photosensitizer to damage the hair follicle permanently.
The lasers target area of activity is the stem cell group, where the cells multiply very fast in the growing stage (anagen) of the hair production cycle. Hence, laser therapy is most effective in the anagen stage. Though hair production is gradually slowed down after each laser session, permanent hair removal is not possible. Lasers actually ensure a temporary complete hair removal. Generally, there is re-growth after 6 months (though it is sparser than the initial growth) and one must undergo additional therapy.
Research has also shown that despite the laser type employed, significant clinical result is possible after at least 1 month of the second laser session. More noticeable hair reduction is generally occurs 6 months after the third and last laser application.
If the laser pulse administered is too long, it can cause thermal (heat) destruction of the adjoining structures. This can cause scarring. Experts advise that longer wavelength lasers are safer for darker skinned people. Actually, the ideal patient for treatment with laser hair removal, are patients with fair skin and dark hair. Dark skin or tanned patients are more at risk of epidermal harm like scarring and permanent pigmentary changes. Hence, they must take suitable safety measures such as in the form of a preoperative sunscreen or bleaching product.
How does laser hair removal work? Lasers have been used for many years for a variety of medical cosmetic therapy procedures including treatment of facial and leg veins, age spots and smoothing fine lines on the face. The laser energy is transformed into heat, which can disable the follicle leaving the surrounding skin unchanged.
Why is laser preferred for hair removal? Traditional hair removal techniques, such as shaving, plucking and waxing, provide only temporary relief. Until now, the only long-lasting hair removal solution has been by electrolysis - which can be time-consuming and is usually limited to small areas, because each hair is treated individually. Laser hair removal is non-invasive, and safely removes unwanted body hair without damaging the delicate pores and structures of the skin. Facial and bikini areas are usually completed in under 45 minutes; legs and larger areas can take longer.
What does the treatment include? Depending on the amount of hair and area treated, the procedure varies from patient to patient. Generally, the treatment will include: Safety eyewear to protect the patient's eyes during the procedure from the laser light. A small handpiece will be used to deliver the laser light. Most experience little discomfort at the treatment site. The sensation and the degree of discomfort varies with each person and the overall therapy response. In some cases, topical anesthesia is an option. Your laser surgery specialist will discuss this before laser treatment. Depending on the size or number of areas treated, the time will vary in length from minutes to hours. Patients can return to work or resume their normal activities immediately following treatment. The area may become slightly red and may last from a few minutes to several days depending on the area and skin sensitivity.
What precautions should be taken before and after treatment? If you are tan or have a darker skin type, a bleaching cream should be started 4-6 weeks before therapy for our melanin absorption lasers.
How many treatments will I need? Hair grows in cycles. The laser therapy is only effective on hair in its actively growing cycle. At any one time there will only be certain hairs in that growing phase. This means that consistent treatments at appropriate intervals are absolutely necessary for the best possible results. The number of treatments required depends upon your skin, hair coloring, coarseness of the hair and density per treated area. Everyone will require at least 2-3 surgery treatments as the process is only effective on hairs during their growing cycle. Additional treatment will be necessary to treat other follicles when they re-enter the growth phase and produce new growth.
The American Laser Center in Denver considers their customers to be their top priority. Specializing in laser therapy and offering services that include laser hair removal, The American Laser Center in Denver provides high quality professional services, combined with very fast and effective procedures that are proven to be safe. The American Laser Center in Denver also provide post laser products that can aid in maximizing results as well as to smooth the skin after undergoing laser procedures.
With focus on laser therapy, the American Laser Center in Denver constantly invests in new and state of the art technologies to improve their laser hair removal procedures. The medical advisory board is constantly evaluating new techniques and methods to consistently provide high quality results to all their clients. And, because of its size and relationship with industry researchers and manufacturers, the American Laser Center has access to all the newest equipment in laser therapy.
Offering a two year guarantee, the American Laser Center in Denver is one of the best choices for laser hair removals. Its medical advisory board is composed of Kathleen Gilmore, M.D., Benn Gilmore, M.D., and Leonard LaCivita, M.D.
Another well established laser clinic in Denver is the Rocky Mountain Laser Clinic - one of the foremost hair removal centers providing services in the Rocky Mountain region. A patient’s experience in the Rocky Mountain Laser Clinic usually goes beyond expectations with the use of state of the art laser equipment and the application of the newest technologies by expert technicians. The owner and medical director of the Rocky Mountain Laser Clinic is Jeffrey Raval., M.D., a double board certified plastic surgeon.
The Rock Creek Laser Clinic is another known laser hair removal center in Denver. It is operated by board certified and licensed medical professionals and specialists in hair removal who have over ten years of experience in the field. These professionals’ level of understanding on hair growth and skin physiology assures their patients of the best possible results.
Aside from laser hair removal, the Rock Creek Laser Clinic also offers other procedures for hair removal such as electrolysis, waxing, and laser hair therapy. Other services are also offered such as those for anti-aging like impulse light therapy, microdermabrasion, and bio electric rejuvenation. Spa services are also offered like air brush tanning, European facials, Sanitas Triple Peel System, body massages, and permanent make-up.
These three laser clinics are only few examples of all the clinics and treatment spas that provide laser hair removal procedures. To find out more about these clinics and the others not mentioned here, simply look online or ask around.
Metformin is an insulin-sensitizing agent. It is biguanide derivative developed in 1957 for diabetes cure and the primary activity of this medication is the suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis.
Metformin is a highly popular antihyperglycemic drug for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It has proved its potential in the treatment of hirsutism (excess and unwanted hair growth disorder in women) and acne.
Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinemia are common conditions associated with women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and also act as a trigger to their hyperandrogenic state.
It is known that insulin boosts serum total and free testosterone by triggering ovarian androgen production and reduces serum SHBG concentration. Additionally, insulin is a key factor in hair production. At this backdrop, it has been concluded that medication (diazoxide, metformin and troglitazone) that improves insulin sensitivity in PCOS patients causes a reduction of hyperandrogenemia and hence is effective in the treatment of hirsutism.
Metformin acts on diabetic patients by hindering excess hepatic gluconeogensis and also improves peripheral insulin sensitivity. Metformin also helps in weight loss and control of blood pressure and LDL.
Effectiveness of metformin treatment
The effectiveness of metformin in the treatment of PCOS-related hirsutism is still being extensively researched. In one such research, Moghetti and his group administered metformin (1500 mg per day) for a range of 4 to 26 months in PCOS patients. They reported that women with excessive hair growth showed no improvement in the modified Ferriman and Gallwey hirsutism count (irrespective of any change in their menstrual process).
In another survey, the results of metformin use for hirsutism were investigated in PCOS patients whose condition remained unchanged after previous oral contraceptive pill (OCP) therapy. After this survey, it was noticed that after 6 months of metformin use (1500 mg/day) there was a moderate reduction in both F–G measures (10%) and hair growth rate.
Another more widespread survey of PCOS patients under OCP treatment versus metformin (1500 mg/day) treatment, encouragingly reported significant decrease in F–G count and average hair diameter in both cases. However, metformin was the better tolerated among the two treatments, with only three women stopping its use after gastrointestinal problems. On the other hand, seven women stopped their OCP usage due to resulting discomforts.
On the other hand the use of metformin in women with PCOS in a daily dose of 1000 mg for 3 months, followed by 2000 mg daily for another 3 months, showed that irrespective of a decrease in hyperinsulinemia, reduced serum androgens and improvement in menstrual cycles, there were no effects on the F–G scorecard.
In case of obese patients with PCOS, metformin use in eight surveys has proved to lessen circulating androgen concentration. This is achieved by increasing the amount of SHBG and hence reducing free serum androgen measures. However, in another four surveys there have been no improvements reported in either of these cases of metformin use.
Surveys have also been conducted to evaluate metformin effects on stimulation of ovulation in obese PCOS cases. The outcome has been highly encouraging, as both isolated metformin therapy and in combination with clomiphene citrate improved the degree of ovulation. Metformin is also often prescribed among pregnant cases and is a Category B drug.
Metformin and acne treatment
The use of insulin sensitizing agents like metformin to cure acne also requires more research. Many experts suggest that insulin sensitizers like metformin should help in acne treatment in the similar physiological process that also results in the effective treatment of hirsutism. In mild acne cases, use of metformin in daily amount of 1500 mg for a span of 12 months, there have been some improvements. However, changes in sebum secretion have not been noticed.
There have been suggestions that the advantages of antihyperglycemic treatment for acne cure could be dependent on the acuteness and type of the problem as well as the dose of the prescribed drugs.
Side effects of metformin
The adversities of metformin use include gastrointestinal discomforts such as nausea, diarrhea and abdominal bloating. These side effects can be countered with a low, starting dose and gradual increase spread over several weeks.
One very rare but serious side effect of metformin use is lactic acidosis. This can be avoided by a serum creatinine examination of patients before administration of this medication. Also, PCOS patients who are to be put on metformin or any other insulin sensitizing agents should be screened for liver enzymes before starting the therapy. This test must be again repeated after 6 and 12 months of use of the drug.
Excess and unwanted hair growth is a problem that many women face worldwide. This condition is clinically diagnosed as either hirsutism or hypertrichosis and their associated underlying ailments. These two disorders of hair production cause significant social and psychological trauma among patients. Most women hence take recourse to therapy.
The laser procedure
Lasers used for hair removal are safe to use when specific guidelines are followed. These are Class IV laser devices as classified by the Center for Devices and Radiological Health. Laser operators should all be familiar with the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers in Healthcare Facilities (ANSI Z-136.3) and the American National Standard for the Safe Use of Lasers (ANSI Z136.1). Federal and State Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) use these standards as guidelines for inspections and audits.
The most important information for a consumer is to choose an experienced physician with extensive laser training and safety. Patients must always remember to wear the appropriate eyewear provided to them and never take it off during treatment.
All lasers use cooling mechanisms. As a general principle, heat dissipates by diffusion. If a chromophore, in this case the melanin pigment in the hair follicle, is heated beyond its capacity, the heat will be diffused into surrounding structures. Since light energy from the laser is converted to thermal (heat) energy, cooling mechanisms are needed to prevent thermal damage (burns). Cooling mechanisms protect the surface of the skin, skin structures between hair follicles, lower the risk of blistering and pigment changes, and cause less pain and swelling. Cooling also allows higher fluences to be used for more effective results. Darkly pigmented skin can also be treated more safely.
There are several basic types of cooling mechanisms used with lasers. There are advantages and disadvantages to all of them. Cryogen spray is a popular method of cooling for several reasons. It delivers consistent, effective cooling that is extremely easy to use and is not messy. Cryogen is a refrigerant at -30 to -50°C that is sprayed onto the skin before and/or after laser irradiation. Although it is possible to decrease the effectiveness of treatment and cause skin freezing/blisters if too much cryogen is used, most operators consider the cost of this consumable item the bigger disadvantage. Air cooling is also very effective with minimal side effects, but this method requires a large standalone machine. Cooling gels are the least effective cooling mechanisms. This method is prone to uneven application of the gel and potentially inadequate cooling. It is also extremely messy and only provides short-term, superficial effectiveness. Contact cooling can be very precise and effective. This method uses a cold gliding hand piece over a gel, but it is more difficult to use and requires a more experienced operator.
Most lasers come with their own predetermined cooling mechanism. Contact, cryogen, and air cooling are all sophisticated technology with minimal adverse effects. The most important goal for a consumer is to pick an experienced physician who understands the different methods and can match skin cooling to the task, laser, and patient at hand. The physician must also be very comfortable with the technique used, especially if contact cooling is the preferred cooling method.
The word LASER is actually an acronym for Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Lasers used for hair removal operate in the visible, near-infrared, or infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
For the purpose of laser hair removal, there are a few key vocabulary words to understand. Different lasers operate at different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum. The ruby laser, for example, operates at 694 nm, whereas the Nd:YAG operates at 1064 nm. This is important because, in general, the longer wavelength of the Nd:YAG penetrates the skin deeper and makes it safe to treat all skin types including darker tones. The ruby laser can only treat fair-skinned people, but may be more effective in treating fine hairs. Other popular lasers in between these two are the Alexandrite, at 755 nm, and the Diode, at 810 nm. These lasers may share mixed properties. The wavelengths of all these lasers determine the target chromophore, which is melanin in the hair follicle.
Pulse duration is the length of time a set amount of energy is delivered to the tissue targeted. Longer pulse durations allow the skin to heat up slower and is safer for darker skin tones. Alternatively, shorter pulse durations can be more effective for treating fine and light colored hair. Most lasers vary greatly as to the pulse durations available.
Fluence is the amount of energy delivered to a given area. It seems self-explanatory that higher fluences will achieve better hair removal results, but again risk thermal damage. Operator experience is extremely important in achieving effective results without side effects with all lasers.
Spot size determines the area to be treated. Lasers vary widely on the spot sizes available for use. At least 3-5 mm is required for effective hair removal. Spot sizes determine the depth of penetration. In general, the larger the spot size, the greater the depth of penetration. This means more effective hair removal and less thermal damage. Smaller spot sizes are still useful because the operator can use higher fluences. The larger the spot size of the laser beam, the more fluence must be used to achieve the same result. Lasers have limits as to the amount of energy that can be used with the larger spot sizes. Another advantage of the larger spot size is the ability to treat larger areas of the body very quickly.
Based on the scientific principles, one can see that there is not one laser that can treat everyone. Also, the ability to manipulate the settings on each laser is an extremely fine balance. An experiences physician with extensive laser training should be sought after to perform laser hair removal.
