American Laser Centers offers industry-leading aesthetic technology for Skin Care & Tightening, Laser Hair Removal, Wrinkle Reduction, Botox and Dermal Fillers, Cellulite Reduction and Body Shaping.

“We are extremely proud to have reached the 5.8 million treatment milestone,” said Steve Straus, American Laser Centers CEO. “In addition to being the most experienced provider of laser cosmetic services, our commitment to providing the best customer service, our investment in the newest technologies and our constant evaluation of new procedures has allowed us to provide our customers with the highest level of treatment and services available in the industry.”

American Laser Centers began as a single clinic in Novi, Michigan in 2002 and quickly grew to 30 clinics by the end of 2003. Now with over 170 locations nationwide, American Laser Centers is providing over 160,000 treatments per month to thousands of satisfied clients across the country from Mesa, AZ to Philadelphia, PA.

For more information visit www.americanlaser.com.

American Laser Centers provides Beauty through Technology with the latest trends in skin care solutions including Laser Hair Removal, Skin Care & Tightening, Wrinkle Reduction, Body Shaping, Cellulite Reduction, Botox and Dermal Fillers. Since the company’s establishment in 2002, over 5.8 million treatments have been performed using state-of-the-art-technology.

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American Laser Centers performs 5.8 million laser cosmetic treatments

Laser Hair Removal by American Laser Centers

American Laser Centers surveyed 540 ladies around the country to find out about their preferred hair removal approach, attitudes toward it, time invested in it and the cost to perform it. Please read below to find out the results!

Survey respondents reported they will spend more than 58.4 days removing hair from their bodies during their lifetime.  The survey also revealed that women remove unwanted body hair for an average period of 53.6 years using methods including shaving, waxing and depilatory creams.

While women report a small monthly spend on shaving, $15.87 per month, the lifetime investment for females who shave adds up to $10,207.

Delapidory cream- or lotion-users are paying slightly more than those who shave for their hair removal, $10,555 through their lifetime, yet they only remove hair one to two times per month.

Waxing is by far the most expensive form of hair removal.  While respondents reported waxing only one to two times per month, women who wax will spend an average of $23,000 on hair removal in a lifetime.

American Laser Centers conducted the hair removal study to determine the cost savings benefit of laser hair removal verses a lifetime of shaving or waxing.  On average, women can save $7,000 by receiving laser hair removal on the areas of the body they typically shave.  When compared to a lifetime of waxing, women can save $20,000 by receiving laser hair removal on the areas of the body they usually wax.

“As people are more time crunched than ever, laser hair removal has evolved into a lifestyle decision for our clients,” said American Laser Centers Clinical Training Director, Ana Varela, A.R.N.P., M.S.N. “Like Lasik surgery for contact and glasses wearers, laser hair removal is a decision to free yourself from one of the most mundane processes in your life – hair removal.  When performed by American Laser Centers trained professionals, laser hair removal is safe, effective and painless.”

In addition, laser hair removal is a procedure that will help conserve water.  Fifty-two percent of women surveyed reported shaving with the water running the entire time.  Women surveyed reported an average shaving time of 10.9 minutes and an average of shaving 12 times per month.  With the average shower using five gallons of water per minute, this means the average woman will use 7,848 gallons each year and a total of 420,652 gallons of water shaving throughout their lifetime, nearly enough water to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool.  Only 2 percent of women shavers do not use water when shaving.

American Laser Centers offers laser hair removal services in most major cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Phoenix and San Francisco. For more information about laser hair removal and to find an American Laser Centers clinic near you, visit www.americanlaser.com.

Survey Methodology

The American Laser Centers hair removal survey was performed using Zoomerang to recruit a random sample of respondents for an online survey, 540 females between the ages of 18-65 were asked approximately 30 questions about their preferred hair removal approach, attitudes toward it, time invested in it and the cost to perform it.

Laser hair removal treatments are becoming very popular these days. Many women have opted to use these treatments as they have proven to be more effective than any other means, including electrolysis and other traditional hair removal treatments. Laser hair removal treatments efficiently zero in on the hair bulb, causing a longer lasting result than most treatments.

However, not all laser hair removal prices are the same. Prices may vary according to the geographical location where the treatment is to be received. Other factors being considered to determine the pricing is the physical makeup of the customer. People with darker hair and fairer complexion are generally considered the most ideal candidates for laser hair treatments. This is because the lasers used in the treatment function through a selective process where the laser focuses on destroying dark areas, such as the hair, and leaves the lighter areas untouched.

Laser hair treatments use different types of lasers, including pulsed light or ultimate light, ruby, alexandrite and diode lasers. The type of lasers to be used, therefore, could contribute to the pricing of the treatment.

Pricing of laser hair removal treatments by region

Throughout the US, pricing of laser hair removal treatments can vary greatly due to availability and other factors. In the western United States, the treatment could cost around $375 per session. In the eastern region, the cost of treatment per session could be as high as $500. Elsewhere in the country, the treatments could cost $150 per session.

It depends on which part

The part of the body where treatments will be administered will also determine the cost of the treatment. The costliest area of the body is the back area – removing hair on the back can cost anywhere between $600 and $900! Facial and neck hair removal cost virtually the same as the back. This is because special care is required when removing facial and neck hair with lasers.

The legs come in a close second, followed by the bikini area, with price tags ranging from $600 to $800 and $350 to $500 respectively. The rest of the body, such as the arms and chest are cheaper, having a price range of $250 to $600, while the underarms are the cheapest.
Let’s have a clear-cut breakdown of the variables that contribute to the varying costs of laser hair removal. The clinical location of the center where the laser hair treatment will be performed will, as earlier revealed, contribute greatly to the pricing of the treatments. Clinics with very highly regarded specialists are obviously costlier, as well.

The types of equipment involved will also determine the pricing of the treatments. Many clinics offer a package rate, in which patients will pay a fixed amount for certain areas of the body. The number of sessions required can also bring the cost of the treatments up. Laser hair removal doesn’t involve only one treatment. Sessions may be as many as six sessions.

The good news is there are clinics out there that offer great money-saving packages that could fit any customer’s budget. For example, some clinics offer combined procedures for the price of one and some give away free laser hair treatment session for every couple of paid treatments. Some clinics also give away coupons that allow customers to save great amounts of money. And as the holiday season nears, more and more clinics are set to offer even greater discounts.

However, prior to deciding on whether to undergo the treatment, ask around. See if your nearest laser hair removal clinic offers discounts or discounted packages for the treatment. Talk to the specialists about how you can maximize your budget for their available laser hair removal treatments. Or, you can always keep an eye out for cosmetic bargains online.

To learn more about laser hair removal treatments, visit AmericanLaser.com.

Women ultimately want smoother skin, and smoother skin means hair-free skin. Why? Simply because smooth, hairless skin makes women look more beautifully flawless, and feel more confident about themselves. However, with the many hair removal treatments out there, the choices can sometimes be very daunting. Many have tried various means of removing unwanted hairs, but have failed to achieve truly lasting results. Jumping from one hair removal treatment to another could cost you huge amounts of time and money.

Enter laser hair removal treatment. Today, experts would agree that laser hair removal treatment is by far the best solution for removing unwanted hair with longer lasting results. However, for first-timers, the procedure can pose something of an unnecessary intimidation. Being a relatively new and strange method for many women, the procedure has sparked some controversies. The primary concerns for women who have apprehensions over the procedure include safety, and whether the procedure does deliver on its promise.

To see how this new and innovative hair removal procedure works, one must determine first if she is a candidate for laser hair removal treatment.

Are you a laser hair removal treatment candidate?

If you are constantly annoyed by the stubborn, unwanted hair that just won’t go away despite the plucking and shaving, it makes you a perfect candidate of laser hair removal treatment. And if you have dark hair and fair skin, that makes you even more suitable for the treatment. However, studies show that results may vary among women, and results may be achieved in several sessions of treatments.

Different types of lasers have been developed to work with different hair and skin color combinations. It is important that before you go out to get laser hair removal treatment, look and ask around. The Internet, for example, is a rich resource of information that can point you to the best laser hair treatment service provider for your needs.

The best laser hair treatment results are achieved under certain conditions, and are affected by factors such as skin and hair type. People with lighter skin tones and dark, coarse hair achieve the best result. This is because the procedure involves a selective process where laser is concentrated mainly on dark areas, such as the hair. That is why people who have recently had a tan should wait a little bit more until the tan goes away prior to having a laser hair removal treatment.

For health and safety reasons, people who have bacterial skin infections or a history of skin disease should avoid having laser hair removal treatments. It is therefore advised that people who have had recent skin problems should first see a doctor for expert advice.

Having the proper mindset won’t disappoint you

As with any beauty treatments, nothing is entirely perfect. However, beauty treatments, laser hair treatments and even cosmetic surgery can undeniably enhance women’s beauty significantly. Laser hair removal treatment may take several sessions before a perfectly hairless result can be achieved. Again, it should be stressed here that the procedure works best under certain conditions.

Before finally deciding if laser hair removal is right for you, talk to several experts on the treatment. Get their opinion on what will work best for you. Also, do not hesitate to let them know your expectations. In fact, ask them as many questions as you need to about the treatment until you are satisfied.

If, after thoroughly examining laser hair treatment, you find that the procedure is not right for you, don’t worry. You may opt for other treatments such as electrolysis and other regular treatments that you can safely do on your own at home.

To learn more about laser hair removal treatment, visit the experts at the American Laser Centers branch near you.

Although the technology does provide great wonders to those wanting to have their unwanted hair removed, there are misconceptions associated with the treatment. That is why many laser hair removal patients end up frustrated – because they did not achieved the results that they wanted.

What did they want?

Ultimately, women who were looking to undergo laser hair removal treatment wanted total, visible and long-lasting results. However, they wanted it instantly, as in results that could be seen and felt in days. Unfortunately, that is not how laser hair removal treatments work. A more realistic result can be achieved in more than three treatments depending on several factors including color of hair and skin complexion.

It should be noted that one laser hair removal session produces long-term result. To obtain the optimum result, however, several treatments are required. Best results are achieved during the hair’s growth phase. Also, the best treatment results are achieved most likely by patients with darker hair and fairer skin complexion. We’ll explain why later.

Just how laser hair removal works, and what to expect

Laser hair treatment involves, as you guessed, laser in eradicating unwanted hair which is often called phototricholysis or photoepilation. The treatment is ultra-selective in that it causes damage only to a localized area by emitting heat on targeted dark matter. Because hair is essentially dark due to melanin that gives it its natural dark color and because laser is light, hair absorbs the laser much quicker and more intensely. The area surrounding the hair is left unaffected. That is why this type of treatment is best for people with darker hair.

It should be noted, however, that laser hair removal does not guarantee a permanent solution to hair problem and it does not work on all hair types. Treatment may be as few as five sessions to as many as seven sessions before results can be achieved. This is relatively shorter than most types of hair removal treatments that could take up to 10 months before optimum results are achieved, such in the case of electrolysis. For people with lesser tolerance to pain, laser hair removal is the perfect solution for them, as other types of hair removal solutions may involve invasive procedures.

Is laser hair removal harmful?

Laser hair removal is not harmful. This treatment intuitively causes damage to only a localized area, i.e. it only damages the hair, as hair is naturally dark, readily absorbing the heat emitted by laser. The penetration of the laser is also considered negligible, as it only enters a depth of one to four millimeters. Nothing else is affected by the laser’s heat other than the hair follicle. Patients need not worry about having their internals damaged by the laser.

Also, because laser hair removal does not involve invasive procedures, it does not result in scarring and ingrown hairs. People who have been misinformed about the effects of laser hair treatment have been led to believe that because the procedure involves emitted heat, it can burn the skin and thus leave unwanted scars. Quite the opposite in reality, as skin scarring is usually caused by cuts and needle pricks. As previously mentioned, the heat emitted by lasers in laser hair removal treatment does not affect the skin.

To learn more about the benefits of laser hair removal treatment, visit AmericanLaser.com.

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As any man with back hair knows, it’s not pretty, and it can even increase body odor. Back hair can irritate the skin, making it itchy and it can also cause infection. What’s worse, the discomfort caused by back hair usually worsens with warm weather, exercises, and sweating.

Whether your back hair is sparse or very dense, laser hair removal can be very helpful in removing or reducing the hair. With advanced laser treatments, you can now get rid of unwanted back hair. Here’s what you need to know about laser back hair removal:

Laser Back Hair Removal vs. Traditional Ways to Remove Hair

Lasers represent permanent hair reduction. Laser back hair removal is less painful than waxing and more efficient than shaving or depilatories.

Options like waxing, shaving, using depilatory creams, etc., have some limitations. You will need somebody to help you when applying depilatory creams or shaving the back hair. Among these options, waxing has a long-term effect in producing hair-free skin but it can be an uncomfortable procedure, irritating to the skin, and can result in skin pigmentation.

The Pain Involved

Laser back hair removal requires more time than smaller areas and a topical numbing cream is recommended for this. Compared to waxing, however, laser treatments are considered considerably less painful.

Laser hair removal works by targeting melanin. As the melanin absorbs the laser’s light, the heat generated destroys the follicles in that growth cycle. What this amounts to is a sensation comparable to a rubber band snapping against the skin. The process can be uncomfortable without a numbing cream and/or cooling device on the laser, but it is still more bearable than the follicle being ripped out from the root during waxing. Ouch!

The Cost and Factors Involved

Laser back hair removal pricing is usually higher than other parts of the body. This is because a large area is usually covered. For back treatments, you should expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per treatment.

Different factors can affect both the effectiveness and the cost of back laser hair removal. Things like skin and hair color combinations can play a major role. When it comes to back hair removal prices, you also need to consider hair density and surface area. Both of these factors can raise the cost of a back laser hair treatment, depending on how the clinic you choose prices their sessions.

The Number of Treatments Required

The number of treatments required for body hair removal depends entirely on the individual patient. Because there are different hair growth cycles, this means that the follicles grow at different intervals. Since hair grows in three cycles, patients typically need at least three laser treatments to see permanent results.

The number of treatments required also depends on the density of the hair and the area of the body. A full back hair removal can take up to eight treatments to achieve permanent results. During a free consultation with a laser clinic, ask about the number of treatments that will be required in your case.

Laser hair removal method is one of the most efficient ways to deal with unwanted hair growth these days. Its efficacy is now generally accepted among dermatologists, but the practice has not escaped without its fair share of critics, and without being compared to other medical treatments with prejudice.

Laser Hair Removal – An Overview

We’ve covered the merits and risks involved in laser hair removal in recent posts. But how does it really work? Laser hair removal is a laser- and light-based method of removing unwanted hair. The method is sometimes called phototricholysis or photoepilation, but is now commonly referred to as laser hair removal. Its mechanism involves a complex method of selective photothermolysis, a principle that causes localized damage by emitting heat only on targeted dark matter, in this case the melanin that gives hair its natural color. As laser is basically light, the dark area on the skin absorbs the laser much quicker and more intensely, thus leaving the rest of the skin unheated.

The way laser hair removal technique eradicates hair in a highly targeted manner makes it as an ideal option for those who are wary of other means that could cause some damage to the skin. But while laser hair removal only works efficiently on dark coarse hair, as a laser targets only the dark area of the skin where hair grows, it still works much quicker than other treatments.

Perhaps, the biggest downside to laser hair removal is that the treatment doesn’t actually offer a permanent solution to unwanted hair problems. However, its effect is long term, assuring patients that they won’t see any hair for quite a long time.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis has been around for over a hundred years. Today, it is the only method known to permanently remove unwanted hair, which for many is a very appealing result.
The method involves delivering electricity directly to specific areas of the skin. This is done by pushing a hair-thin needle deep through the skin. The needle transmits the electricity that burns the hair follicle.

Laser hair removal or Electrolysis?

People looking to remove unwanted hair are often faced with the dilemma of choosing the right treatment. Often, the answer greatly depends on what the patient wants. After examining the pros and cons of each procedure, a person with a great threshold of pain would most likely opt for what works best, despite the discomfort associated with the procedure. For the faint-hearted, less painful treatment is obviously the ultimate choice. Reasons could greatly vary for choosing the right treatment for an individual, of course.
Laser hair removal, while it does not offer a permanent solution to your hair problem and may not work for all types of hair, is less painful than any other hair removal procedures. Electrolysis, on the other hand, can cause much pain to a hair removal patient. As has been observed, each electrolysis prick is 20 times more painful than one laser hair treatment.

Laser hair removal is non-invasive and is highly targeted, minimizing the risk of burning unaffected areas where hair is not present. Electrolysis involves some invasive procedures as needles need to be inserted in the skin.

For those who want results fast, laser hair treatment is the way to go. Treatment sessions usually range between five to seven times, depending on the type of the patient’s hair. Electrolysis may take up to 10 months to see a completely satisfying result.
These comparisons are not to discredit any procedure. Choosing the right treatment for you could take some serious thinking, as not all patients and treatments are created equal.

Common Facial Hair Removal Methods

First, let’s take a look at the more common hair removal methods today:

Shaving

While it can be effective in leaving a smooth surface, shaving lasts for only about twenty-four hours. Most people shave as it is fast, easy and extremely cheap. The problem with shaving is that it doesn’t last long at all and the hair often grows back thicker than before!

Depilatory Creams

Another inexpensive and temporary way to remove facial hair is through the use of depilatory creams. For some people, this is not good for removing facial hair as creams can be messy and often irritating to the skin. Also, it’s a hit and miss thing – sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t.

Waxing

Waxing is a popular method among men and women, and it produces results that are longer lasting than shaving. The downside is, (and perhaps the main reason why most people are turned off by the method) waxing can be painful. Waxing applies cold or hot wax directly to the skin, which is then covered by a gauze-like cloth until the wax binds to it. The cloth is then ripped away, taking most of the hair with it. Ouch!

Better Facial Hair Removal Solutions

Laser Facial Hair Removal

Because the effects are longer lasting, the use of lasers is now a popular method of facial hair removal.
Facial hair removal through laser is arguably the best way for anyone to get rid of their unwanted facial hair. Appearance and confidence go hand in hand, so it’s no wonder that so many women feel miserable looking in the mirror and seeing unsightly facial hair. Laser facial hair removal is fairly quick and easy, and there is practically nothing to be felt when going through the procedure.

The procedure can take as little as 10 minutes per treatment, and you don’t need to grow out the hair for it to be effective. Men who dislike shaving can also benefit from laser facial hair removal. In addition to eliminating the need to shave every day, the procedure can give men a tidier and cleaner appearance by reducing the amount of hair in areas such as their eyebrows.

You might experience a little bit of redness and sensitivity when having facial hair removed, but this is not really a major problem. Laser hair removal may also irritate the skin, depending upon the number of treatments needed and your personal sensitivity level. But many have been pleased with the results, and are now opting for the procedure rather than the usual home-based methods.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis, on the other hand, is a permanent facial hair removal system. Little electrical shocks are injected into each hair follicle through a needle, killing the hair root and preventing regrowth. Because hair grows in different stages, you may need several treatments before you can see any results. However, some people have real reservations about doing that to their faces. They will say that your skin isn’t made for that type of abuse, that it hurts and that can be irritating. Electrolysis is also extremely expensive, depending upon the amount of hair you’re trying to remove.

Whichever of these two treatments you choose, you’re bound to get more long-lasting results compared to those common home remedies for facial hair removal. Good luck!

So you’ve decided you want to undergo laser hair removal. Congratulations! This means you’ll never have to bother with shaving, tweezing or waxing anymore. The first thing you must do now is to pick a laser hair removal clinic to handle the job.

Choosing a clinic to do your laser hair removal is a very important decision. First of all, you want to go to the experts. You wouldn’t want to have a bad laser hair removal experience and have lifelong scars, so you should do your homework and choose a clinic that will provide the best possible service within your budget.

Here’s what you can do first:
Get Referrals and Former Patients’ Feedback

With the growing popularity of laser hair removal treatments, chances are someone close to you is familiar with a reputable clinic. Ask friends and family if they can recommend one. Better yet, talk to someone who’s undergone the procedure. Not only can they recommend a clinic to you; they can also tell how the procedure felt and how successful it was for them.

Search Online

The Internet can make your search for a laser hair removal clinic a lot easier. Look up treatment centers online and find out what their websites have to say. Read patient testimonials, compare services and pricing. You can also utilize social networks – ask around in Web forums and blogs. Why not post a question asking for referrals in Facebook or Twitter? You’ll surely get some feedback.

When you ask around and do research online, make sure the clinic you choose meet these top three requirements:

Highly Qualified Staff, Latest Technology

Choose a clinic that employs medical doctors, registered nurses and licensed anaestheticians. These experts are aware of the risks and factors that would make you either a good or poor candidate for hair removal, and they are trained on the equipment. Some skin types and sensitivities are still not safe to use under a laser, so you want to work with a clinic who can give you expert advice. Also, note that not all clinics have the latest laser hair removal technology, so you want to go with the clinic that’s up-to-date.

It would be best to go to a clinic that offers free consultations. A good, credible clinic will want to meet with you before a scheduled appointment. They will need to evaluate your skin type and hair type, talk to you about your goals, risks and be honest with you about the number of treatments they think it will take and how well it will work for you.

Reasonable and Affordable Packages

Go with a clinic that offers packages. Find out what’s included in their pricing. Paying every time you go in is risky, as you won’t know exactly how many treatments you will need. You wouldn’t want to run out of funds before all the hair is gone! In the end, packages tend to save you money. Don’t forget to askabout financing, as some clinics now offer payment plans.

Clean, Comfortable Environment

You want to be assured that your body is in good hands, so it’s important that you are comfortable with the clinic you go to. Look for a clinic with a clean, comfortable environment and friendly staff. Each clinic is going to be a little different, so make sure to visit a few so you can compare. If the clinic happens to be nationwide and you move unexpectedly, there could still be one in your area. Then your treatments wouldn’t have to end.

Good luck!

DURING YOUR TREATMENT

Target area check

Assuming you’ve had your doctor’s consultation and completed the necessary evaluation for laser hair removal, during your first appointment, your therapist will first ensure that the area to undergo laser hair removal is clean and free of cosmetics.

Anaesthetic application

In order to reduce the discomfort of the treatment, a topical anaesthetic cream is often applied to your skin. There are many types of laser hair removal equipment in use today, and most lasers now have cooling devices designed to lessen any painful sensation that the treatment may cause. These devices also help protect the skin from burning and helps reduce the risk of skin discoloration.

Laser at work

The laser works through pulses. How each pulse feels has been likened to the snapping of a rubber band or warm pinpricks against the skin. Don’t worry though, most patients are able to tolerate the sensation without the need for more powerful anaesthesia. If you happen to be the sensitive type, consult your doctor about taking a pain reliever to reduce the pain.

Each pulse treats an area of about two square centimeters and about ten hairs. Ideally, the result is that the hairs treated with the laser are immediately vaporized. Usually there is no need for further removal but in some cases, you need to wait for shedding to take place within 10 to 25 days. Don’t be alarmed if it looks like hair is growing back. You can speed up the shedding process by gently exfoliating the area in the shower with a loofa. You may see some areas of your skin bearing little black dots called ‘pepperspots,’ but these will eventually shed over time.

AFTER YOUR TREATMENT

After your treatment, follow the post-treatment instructions given to you carefully to get best results.

Swelling, redness and blistering

You will probably experience a small amount of swelling and redness around the hair follicles after treatment. Your skin might also feel like it has been sunburned. To remedy this, ice packs may be used at the end of the treatment session.

You may also get some blistering of the skin. Use a topical antibiotic ointment a couple of times a day until the area has healed. To hydrate the skin and reduce swelling and redness, a mild steroid cream may be prescribed, but you can also use an aloe vera-based cream for a few days to soothe the irritation.

Shun the sun and no shaving

You should avoid exposure to the sun after treatment. Cosmetics, however, can be applied right away. During a course of treatment you should avoid any form of hair removal in the treated area such as waxing, sugaring, threading or plucking.

Hair regrowth

Expect some normal regrowth of the hair that was dormant during your treatment. When there is enough regrowth, attend your next treatment session to further reduce the amount of hair. This usually happens within six weeks to three months.

As you may already know, laser hair removal treatments will continue in this way until you are happy with the reduction in hair growth. You can then go for maintenance treatments as needed. If you have any questions at all, always ask your doctor or laser hair removal clinic for advice.