Medesthetics

JAN-FEB 2014

MedEsthetics magazines offers business education and in-depth coverage of the latest noninvasive cosmetic procedures for physicians and practice managers working in the medical aesthetics industry.

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FROM HAIR TO BARE LightSheer because it was, in my opinion, the first laser that was safe and effective enough for my practice. The earlier ruby laser had a safety profile that wasn't acceptable to me." He has also used Candela's GentleMax Pro since it was first introduced in 2012. "Its safety, speed, and effectiveness are the reasons we use this device. This laser also delivers variable pulsedurations to treat thick or thin hair," he says. The Cynosure Elite MPX Larger spot sizes, better cooling and higher repetition rates are broadening the patient base (cynosure.com) rounds out for laser hair removal. Dr. Bernstein's arsenal of laser as possible," says Dryden. "Any additional color to the hair removal devices. The dual wavelength device, which skin means we have to turn down the settings, regardless combines a 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG of the laser being used. More pigment in the skin equals lasers, boasts an integrated Zimmer chiller to treat all skin lower power settings." types, and it may also be used for facial and leg veins, To avoid this, Dryden educates the client. "The client benign pigmented lesions, and photo-aged skin. has to make a decision: 'Do I want to get the best results Persistent Challenges with the fewest treatments possible, or do I want a tan?'" Despite impressive innovations, challenges remain. Santa Dr. Martin notes that this is where new technologies Monica, California, dermatologist Tanya Kormeili, MD, that use lower fluence pulses with a high repetition rate notes, "Some people are not laser candidates." offer a key advantage. "You can treat all skin types, includPatients with light skin and dark, coarse hair get the best ing tanned skin," he says. results. "Blonde, white and gray hair continues to be an Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, can be issue due to a lack of melanin, which is the laser's target," caused by hormonal imbalances, including unregulated Dryden says. thyroid levels, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), menopause, puberty and pregnancy, that is resistant to laser hair removal. "Doing treatments when hormone levels are not stable means hair growth cycles can be sporadic, and treatments may not be effective," Dryden says. All patients in Dr. Kormeili's practice undergo a medical consultation that helps her identify potential nonreSome newer lasers promise to treat light hair, but sponders due to hormonal irregularities. "We evaluate Dryden feels evidence of their efficacy is lacking. "None their concerns for hair removal within the context of any had trials that ran long enough to properly evaluate the medical conditions, medications, hormones, as well as claims that they can get results on lighter-colored hair," hair density and skin types to set realistic expectations," he says. she says. "For patients with light or blond hair, I recommend And while there's been no evidence that lasers are electrolysis," Dr. Bernstein says. harmful to a mother and her unborn baby, Dryden says Patients with an active tan are at a higher risk for his practice will not do treatments on pregnant women. burning. "To get the best results in the fewest visits, the "We do not want to take any chances," he says. client's skin needs to be as close to the natural skin tone continued on page 58 44 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2014 | MedEsthetics © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM "I explain that 'permanent' hair removal is defined as achieving six months hair-free."

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