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So you want to remove body hair from your, bikini line, face, legs, back, arms or underarms?

Before you decide to shave, pluck, wax, or undergo electrolysis, consider this: the only permanently effective method  – the best method – is laser hair removal.  Lasers send a low-energy beam through the skin and the melanin present in the shaft of the hair follicles absorbs the laser beam. Initial hair reduction is seen immediately after treatment, but to get permanent results, a series of repeated treatments is necessary.

There are different types of lasers that can be used to remove unwanted hair.  The first lasers approved for hair reduction by FDA were the ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. But these could only be used on select individuals – not those with tans or ethnic skin.

The newest lasers have longer wavelengths and the ability to treat darker skin types, including African-American skin, Asian skin, and those with a tan.  What people really appreciate is the convenience; immediately following your hair removal treatment you can return to work, school or any of your regular activities.

It’s a great time to learn more about laser hair removal at Dr. Stacy Cosmetic – see our laser hair removal web page for specials and more information.

Some of us in the industry remember the early 80s, when collagen first received FDA approval. During that time, people considering it were hopeful about looking better, but most were scared about allergic reactions, painful injections, and swelling. In 2009, we have a variety of safe and effective dermal fillers to choose from. They can be injected into the lines that travel from your nose to each side of your mouth or fill-in areas that have lost volume, such as thin lips and those deep furrows between your brows. Having any of these areas injected can take years off the face. It may even allow you to postpone cosmetic surgery for a while.

But the question always asked remains: “Which one should I choose?”

Below is a list and brief description of 5 popular dermal fillers that are available from medical practitioners. Just to be clear: because of their exceptional safety and efficacy, our office carries only Radiesse and Juvederm.

1. Restylane – a hyaluronic acid based filler touted as “the world’s best-selling dermal filler.” It is used for correcting moderate facial wrinkles and folds.
2. Perlane – very similar to Restylane, it is designed primarily for treating deeper and more severe wrinkles and folds.
3. Radiesse – this thick compound is made with (natural, biocompatible) calcium based microspheres in water based gel.
4. Prevelle Silk – this hyaluronic acid gel filler is commonly used for lip augmentation treatments.
5. Juvederm – Like Perlane, this popular filler is designed for treating deeper wrinkles and restoring volume to the face. It’s been called the “liquid facelift” treatment.
6. Evolence – one of the newer injectables on the market, Evolence is made with purified pig collagen. It helps create plumper cheeks and lips, and is said to provide quick results and minimal bruising.

If you’re pursuing a treatment of this type, you should choose a physician you trust – one that makes you feel comfortable. If you want more information about fillers, or need help choosing the proper brand, contact us at Dr. Stacy Cosmetic.