Cosmetic Clinics

The basic methodology behind laser hair removal is that the lights seek out the melanin in the follicle of the hair itself, and then permanently removes the hair. The ideal candidates for laser hair removal will have light skin and dark hair. Common sites to have laser hair removal include, but are not limited to, the following areas: upper lip, chin, shoulders, back, abdomen, pubic area, chest, arms, legs and thighs.

The benefits of laser hair removal are numerous. Instead of the inconvenience of resorting to the temporary means of shaving, or resorting to more painful electrolysis, you can go a mere 5-7 times for Laser treatment and find yourself hair free in a relatively short time. Most dermatologists that offer laser hair removal space out the treatments between 3-12 weeks. This largely depends on your own reactions to the treatment, your skin type, how much hair you are removing, and the removal site.

There are a few other factors to hair removal to consider as well. For example, a person getting their back or legs done would have to go through less sessions than one getting any area on the face treated. Proper research of your dermatologist of choice, as well as the treatment in general is important. Like any other sort of treatments, there are risks. These can range from mild reactions like acne or small white spots on the skin to minimal or heavy swelling.

Most do not experience such adverse reactions, but you should always report any issues you might end up having. All in all, laser hair removal is a fairly painless procedure that leaves you with smooth hairless, bump free skin. All this at a good price, with the advantage of not having to keep a supply of razors and other costly supplies leaves little to no doubt as to the proper choice.

Originally developed by scientists to treat muscle spasms in the eye region, the Clostridium Botulinum bacterium we know today as Botox is one of the most highly desired anti-aging treatments available on the market today.

Thanks in part to Hollywood; the supply and demand has risen so wildly that Botox is quickly becoming an affordable luxury, even for middle class mums and dads who secretly crave that "ten-year younger" look. Below, you'll read about several sensational benefits of getting a Botox treatment.

1. Anti-Aging - Without a doubt, this is the most popular reason that Botox injections are administered by trained medical professionals every single day. The ability to walk into a clinic and receive a treatment that reduces those highly noticeable wrinkle regions such as crow’s feet, frown lines and brow lines, is nothing short of a modern day fashion miracle. How would you like to walk into a room and drop jaws because you look like you're 10 years younger? That's quite a common reaction that many Botox recipients receive, and with today's more lenient societal acceptance of cosmetic enhancements, one no longer has to keep it a secret.

2. Migraine Killer - Statistics say that over 6 million people in the UK are affected by the dreaded migraine headache. Thanks to recent breakthroughs with the help of modern day medical science, it's been discovered that Botox treatments won't only give you the ability to look twenty years younger, but it can also be used to treat and lessen migraines. For those with especially debilitating migraine issues, this is phenomenal news.

3. Prostate Shrinker - Another absolutely amazing discovery (and also a reason to bring your hubby to the doc's office) is that Botox, when injected into the male prostate gland, can actually give relief to those with enlarged prostates. The effect lasts up to a year, and the main reason it works is simple - it shrinks the gland, which in turn reduces the annoying and painful effects of an enlarged prostate such as frequent urination and urinary tract infections.

4. Excess sweating – Also known as Hyperhidrosis, this form of excess sweating can be generalized or localised to specific parts of the body. Hands, feet, armpits and the groin are among the typical regions of perspiration due to the relatively high concentration of sweat glands; however, any part of the body may be affected. Botox injections can be used to effectively reduce this sweating even where traditional toiletries such as anti-perspirants and talc have failed.

All in all, Botox, while having some potential for minor side effects, is a rock star substance that seems to be solving new problems every day. It is always advised to check with a qualified cosmetic doctor first, but if you're ready to treat yourself, both materialistically and medically, then Botox just may be the magic shot you need.

Hair restoration has come a long way since the days of hair plugs and gruesome scalp reductions. Nowadays using follicular unit extraction and follicular unit transplantation very natural results can be achieved with minimal scarring at the donor site.

What is Follicular Unit Extraction?

Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) is a technique, in which hair is transplanted from the permanent zone in the back of the scalp into areas affected by genetic balding, using only the naturally occurring, individual follicular units.

The removal of Follicular Units from the back of the scalp without damaging them, involves considerable skill on the part of the surgeon. This technique, called Single Strip Harvesting, is an essential component of follicular unit transplantation as it not only preserves the follicular units, but it prevents damage (transection) to the individual hair follicles. The Follicular Unit Extraction, allows the surgeon to remove individual follicular units without a linear donor incision.

Another essential component of Follicular Unit Transplantation is Stereo-Microscopic Dissection. In this technique, all of the follicular units are removed from the donor tissue under microscopic control to avoid damage. Complete stereo-microscopic dissection has been shown to produce an increased yield of both the absolute number of follicular units, as well as the total amount of hair, (upwards of 25%). (This procedure differs from mini-micrografting in which the grafts are cut with minimal or no magnification.)

A major advantage of follicular unit extraction, (besides preserving follicular units and maximizing growth) is the ability to use small recipient sites. Grafts comprised of individual follicular units are small because Follicular Units are themselves small, but also because the surrounding non-hair bearing tissue is removed under the microscope and doesn't need to be transplanted. Follicular unit grafts can be inserted into tiny needle-sized sites in the recipient area, which heal in just a few days without leaving any marks.

When performed by a skilled surgical team, Follicular Unit Extraction can provide totally natural looking hair transplants that make the full use of the patient's donor supply to give the best possible cosmetic results in the fewest possible sessions.

More information on FUE will follow in further articles, alternately visit www.cosmeticclinics.co.uk to find your nearest hair restoration specialist.

By Dr S R Bassi