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Laser hair removal is, technically speaking, epilation by laser or with the use of a special light. Besides the body, certain types of laser hair removal may safely be used to reduce facial hair as well. The laser (or light) of a particular wavelength is used to cause damage to dark elements in hair follicles. These elements are referred to as chromophores. They can be artificially produced or naturally occurring.

Today, most techniques target naturally occurring chromophores, in particular, melanin. Melanin gives colour to both hair and skin. Of the former, there are two types: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin gives a brown or black colour. The latter gives a blonde or red colour. Since the dark matter in hair follicles are the target, only the former – darker – type of hair is suitable for this procedure.

While laser hair removal became a commercial cosmetic procedure about 10 years ago, it has been experimented with well before then. In fact, medical lasers have been used to remove dark spots, acne scars, other types of skin blemishes and even tattoos. The point about laser hair removal is that, it’s not permanent. In fact, in countries like the U.S., the FDA prohibits the advertisement of FDA-approved laser treatments to be described as a method of “permanent removal”. Hence, use of the term “permanent reduction” or laser hair reduction to describe the procedure.

A more realistic description of laser hair removal is the “permanent reduction” of hair. It should be noted that, it’s sometimes required to have multiple sessions of laser treatment over a certain period of time to achieve this goal. There is also no guarantee that ALL of the hair in the area treated will be reduced. To actually guarantee genuine permanent hair removal is to risk genuine scarring.

Ideally, the first thing the individual should do is to consult a qualified dermatologist. They should be able to advise on the suitability of the procedure. In any event, results will be most noticeable on light skinned individuals with dark hair. A lot more care will need to be taken, if the procedure is done on darker skinned and/or tanned individuals.

What you should be careful about
As noted above, one is well advised to avoid establishments that make false claims. The following are some of the more popular ones:
There is absolutely no pain or it’s virtually painless. It is for many without needing any relief from the pain, but not for everyone.
The safe, permanent removal of hair. Again, the safe goal is hair reduction. Permanent removal is possible with scarring.
No re-growth of hair whatsoever. To date, there has been no real, genuine, qualified and objective evidence to support this claim.
It’s “laser electrolysis” or “lasertrolysis”. Hair reduction via electrolysis is completely different from reduction via the use of a laser. Both have their pros and cons, in terms of suitability and effectiveness.
In the end, it’s best to consult a qualified dermatologist first.

In general, Botox is the brand name for a botulin toxin type A, of which there are subtypes. The type B variety (BTX-B) is known as Neurobloc in the E.U. or Myobloc in the U.S.A. Both are employed in medical and/or therapeutic purposes. Botox itself is more popularly known for it’s non-surgical cosmetic function. It is also known as Vistabel in the E.U. and Dysport.

In the 1950s, although experimented with much earlier, very small injections of botulin toxin type A (BTX-A) were used to decrease overactive muscle activity. In that same period, it was experimented with in cosmetic treatments. In 1989, in the U.S., Allergan Inc. got approval from the F.D.A. and named their drug Botox. Approval for its cosmetic use came in 2002, when researchers discovered is cosmetic effects.

Technically speaking, botulin toxin type A (BTX-A) is produced by bacteria. Once processed, its injection serves to interfere with nerve impulses, amongst other things. As such, it has come to serve many purposes in non-surgical cosmetic treatment, namely the removal of lines. However, its effects are not permanent, so future injections may be required.

It has been used to treat glabellar lines (the appearance of severe frown lines between the eyebrows), excessive underarm sweating, spasticity, muscle disorders, and even obesity. The study of other treatments using Botox remain ongoing.

Botox is usually considered a prespcription drug that needs to be administered by a qualified physician. For this reason, it’s recommended that it be done in a controlled setting, i.e. a doctor’s office. In this way, any possible immediate side effects can be monitored by the administering physician. For this reason, among others, so-called “Botox parties” are not recommended.

Apparently in the U.S., Botox is licenced for use in single-use vials. In other words, it’s prescribed for use for a single person. The vials do not contain anything that can prevent contamination if repeatedly used for more than one person. However, this is how many individuals aim to lower the cost of the injections, besides undergoing the injections in a more social atmosphere.

Unfortunately, the consumption of alcohol in such an environment can defeat the purpose of the injections. After receiving an injection, it’s recommended that the individual: not rub their face and stand up straight for several hours. Both are meant to prevent the Botox from moving outside of the targeted area. Here, one of the most commonly know side effects are droopy eyelids. This is because the muscles controlling the eyelids have become paralyzed. However, this side effect is normally considered to last only a few days.

Regardless, as Botox comes from a neurotoxin, much care must be taken with its use as in any treatment. You should also consult the physician regarding the required frequency of injections. This may be anywhere between four to eight months, but no less than three.