How can an Electrologist say this
How could and Electrologist say that?
THE QUESTION YOU'VE BEEN ASKING YOURSELF...CAN LASER HAIR REMOVAL CAUSE EXCESS HAIR GROWTH ON THE FACE AND NECK?
Well I have an answer for you….YEEEESSSSS!
I’ve had several clients come to me with excess hair growth on their face and neck caused by laser hair removal. They have said they went to have a few hairs on their lip or chin removed by laser hair removal and before they knew the Laser Tech was going to town on all the fine hairs on their face and neck. The next thing they know over a short period of time they are calling me for electrolysis.
The people who usually have this adverse reaction have darker skin, and are usually of Middle Eastern or Indian, and Eastern European descent.
This is a rare but very REAL side effect of laser hair removal. It’s called Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. Definition: growth of fine, dark hair in treated areas or untreated areas close to the area treated on the face and neck, more frequently affecting those with darker skin (Fitzpatrick III-VI) and darker hair color.
Don’t listen to the uninformed laser technician who tells you “that’s impossible “ when you ask them if your new excessive hair growth could be from the laser. Unfortunately laser hair removal locations never tell you about this rare side effect, nor do they put it in the fine print. Only when I had girls in their 20’s, and 30’s coming in with this issue did I do my own research. I came across several articles about Paradoxical Hypertrichosis. You can read two articles from the Mayo Clinic, and Dermatologic Surgery Journal by clicking on these links. You never know if you are going to be the one that this happens to. My advice: NEVER do laser hair removal on your face. Only electrolysis the only FDA Approved form of Permanent Hair Removal. I hope this post can help even one more person not to go through this terrible experience.
Holidays in 2020
With all that is going on in the world the holidays, and all the fanfare it entails has taken a break in my house. I myself celebrate Christmas. I did not put out any lights this year, or buy a tree. Neither have many of my neighbors. I haven’t seen as many festive displays as in all the past years. The stores are full of decorations but there are not many shoppers.
In reality I am not missing it much. Things are much simpler. As in a bygone era where the most important thing was family. Gifts were handmade sweaters, Christmas cookies, and oranges.
On this day I have many things to be grateful for. My son and his wife who are both on the front lines working as doctor and PA in the hospital emergency room have both been fortunate to have stayed healthy throughout the pandemic. My first grandchild Claire was brought into our world on August 25, 2020. There are many families who have not been so fortunate. My heart goes to all of you.
This year I will have a Zoom dinner with my daughter and her husband on Christmas day.
I realize I don’t need the fanfare of the parties and lights. It’s the simple things that make life worth living.
Wishing all of you and yours a blessed holiday as we look forward to 2021.
Lise-Anne
Microblading and Facial Structure
Brows that look very similar done by different artists.
Golden Ration Rule Individual Measurement
Ombre/Microblade
Microblade
There are a lot of Microblade Artists out there but not all are created equal.
When searching for an artist be sure to ask to see photos of their work. Many times Brow Artists will use “slick” stock photos in their advertising and people assume it is the artists work. Be sure and ask to see photos while in the office for a consultation.
Brow Artists have different styles. Many come from a company that teaches a method where everyone gets a similar shape. In the photo above on the left all three of those brows are by different artists taught at the same place. They all look very similar and that is what you will get. I admit that brow shape looks good on some people but not on everyone.
Things to take into consideration while looking at your client are orbital bone structure, face shape, and size. Not everyone can pull off a high arch brow if they were not born with a high arch brow. This is where measuring in accordance with the Golden Ratio Rule applies. We all have different widths between our eyes, and different widths of our noses. These things all come into play when deciding on brow placement.
Once the correct measurements are taken, we need to consider thickness. I find that older clients do best with a more narrow brow thickness. Again this is not a set rule. Facial structure will also come into play. As an Artist we have to make decisions visually on what will look best. The same with choosing color. We should look at skin tone and hair color to decide what color will look best on our clients.
My approach is to have each client that comes to me for permanent makeup brows look as natural as can be when they leave. Some will ask for a brow that looks more “made up”, and that can be done within reason. If a client asks me for an exaggerated arch and it does not suit their individual facial structure I will be honest and tell them. I will also explain why.
With all of that said, the best things about microblading are you can wake up in the morning without having to worry about penciling in your brows. Saving you lots of time.
AND…you’ll look ten years younger!
Redheads + Laser = A BIG NO NO!
To Laser or Not to Laser that is the question…
Every time I get a call from a prospective client who is inquiring about electrolysis and then proceeds to ask me, or tell me their experience about laser hair removal… the first thing I ask them is “What color is your hair?”
When they tell me their hair is red I tell them about the inefficacy of laser hair removal on red hair. It boggles my mind when the individual will say that they have been going to laser treatments for years with red hair. Of course they have been going for years…it doesn’t work on red hair. Shame on the laser techs who continue to do this for the money!
Here is the simple explanation…
Laser hair removal works by a “red” beam that is attracted to the pigment below the surface of the skin. When this beam reaches the dark pigmented hair below the surface it burns it. Unlike electrolysis which targets the tissue and blood supply within the follicle destroying by desiccation, and coagulation, any damage done to the follicle itself is collateral damage. The same goes for white hair. Laser does not work for this. Why you ask? Simply because it has no pigment.
This is why the FDA does not allow laser hair removal to be classified as permanent. They may only advertise as “hair reduction”. It is possible for hair that has been treated with a laser to grow back. So don’t be surprised if it does. It does not grow back on everyone but it is possible.
ONLY Electrolysis is classified by the FDA as PERMANENT hair removal.
Another sad thing I saw recently is a client who said she had been burned by the laser the day before. Upon examination of her arm and skin I saw long thin red burn marks. Upon closer examination I saw there were still some long hairs on her arm. I asked her if she had shaved before her laser treatment. She told me no. (insert face palm here). She had been going to this “laser” place for 3 yrs. I explained to her that the reason you shave before a laser treatment is that the laser is again “attracted to pigment” . If you do not shave first the laser will burn all of the hair that is on the surface. This is why the long red burn marks. Each hair that burned burned her skin.
I am an advocate for laser in certain situations. For large parts of the body like legs, back, arms, underarms if your hair is very dark go for it. I have reputable people I can send you to. I NEVER recommend laser for red heads, the face, or white hair.
If someone tells you they can laser these types of hair…..RUN!
RE-Opening
WE’VE RE-Opened in Florida!
People have slowly started coming back for treatments after being closed for 7 weeks. Although there are some who aren’t ready to return quite yet as they are in the high risk group for contracting the virus, I am taking a few extra precautions.
Each client must arrive wearing a mask and wait outside before entering. Taking temperatures at the door, providing hand sanitizer as you enter. Masks with every client, changed to a fresh one for each and every one. Sanitizing all surfaces as before with medical grade disinfectant, including my phone! Spraying Lysol throughout the room between each appointment.
I hope to see all of my clients return soon! Believe me when I say I have OUR best interest at heart!
Times Like These...
I write this as I am in Stay At Home Mode. I never thought in my lifetime we would be witness to a world wide pandemic. All Florida Department of Health licensees working in cosmetic services received an email Friday March 20th to close our doors until further notice. I’ve learned along the way that there are people who will live in fear and panic, some who will risk their health, and the health of others to make a buck, some who think they are invincible and take no precautions, and those like myself who will remain cautious but not let fear take hold.
Being trained as an Electrologist in Florida we are licensed through the Florida Department of Health. We have been trained in the protocols of blood borne pathogens, staying relativly free of contamination in our workspace, and proper medical waste disposal. We wipe everything down between clients with a ready-to-use, intermediate-level surface disinfectant that is effective against TB, HBV, HCV, viruses (hydrophilic and lipophilic), bacteria (including MRSA and VRE) and fungi. It can be used in the NICU, operating rooms, isolation rooms, patient care areas of hospitals, and laboratories. Besides the obvious of the wiping down the table, which is covered in disposable paper as well, the machine and wires, I even wipe my cellphone, loupes, battery pack, light and anything I’ve touched while with each client.
I watch people as I go to the grocery store those who wear gloves yet don’t understand the idea of “cross contamination”. I see them leave the store with the gloves on and get into their cars with the gloves still on. Hellooooo….you just contaminated your car. Best practice would be to remove the gloves inside out before you enter your car. Keep hand sanitizer in your car to wipe your hands down before you start your car or touch anything. Throw the gloves away when you get home and wash your hands again.
I thank my training in preparing me in these uncertain times.
Electrolysis + Perseverance = RESULTS
Everyone is always looking for the quick fix.
Hmmm is there ever really a quick fix when it comes to beauty? We deep condition our hair but one time is not enough. We go under the knife to turn back the hands of aging yet one time does not last a lifetime. Five to ten years later you'll want to give a little nip tuck again. We inject Botox and fillers and these too must be repeated every six months to a year.
When it comes to Electrolysis one treatment is generally not enough.
Conversation in the treatment room with a client in their early 60's:
Client: "I was searching the internet...I'm so tired of tweezing. Is it really permanent?"
Me:"yes, how long have you had this facial hair growth?"
Client: "it started when I was in my 20's."
Me: "How often do you tweeze?"
Client: "Daily. How many treatments will it take?"
Me: "Every individual is different. There are a lot of factors involved. The growth did not happen overnight, we won't get rid of it overnight..."
From here the conversation continues as to the specifics of the process and typically their first treatment.
New clients tend to be distraught when they enter the office. Having dealt with facial hair growth for nearly half their life or longer. From here I proceed to explain the process of Electrolysis and the truth that it may take many visits to complete. If they are willing to commit and stay on a schedule yes they will begin to see the results, but it will take perseverance and a commitment on their part. It's quite gratifying to see a client as we progress come in and be able to either shorten their appointment time or extend the time between visits. Even more so when a client calls to say : "Hi it's ______ I just wanted to say happy holidays and let you know I haven't been in because I haven't needed to come because you did such a good job and the hair is gone..."
There is nothing more gratifying to an Electrologists than to see a client who has committed to the process and received the results of permanent hair removal.
So to answer the question:
"Yes It's Permanent"
Once Again....Time to Debunk the Myths About Shaving
As many times as I talk about it shaving seems to be confusing for most. Our hair grows from within the hair follicle out to a point.
When you cut the hair at its widest point it feels thicker but in reality it is not. You might say it is an illusion.
As well shaving does not cause hair to grow faster, stronger, or more dense. These things all happen due to hormones only.
Lets say you have shaved your legs for 20 yrs. Just because you stop shaving your hair it's not going to grow longer like the hair on your head. It's going to grow to a certain point that has been predetermined by your body. The hair on different body parts grows to predetermined lengths
So stop worrying that cutting or trimming your unwanted hair is going to cause you to suddenly look like the Wolf Man. It won't ever happen. Unless it's Halloween....
Good Skin Care Is a Must for Everyone....
When It Comes to Skincare, It’s Important to Start
Whether you're a man or a woman it's never too early to start taking care of your skin. Imagine someone who never works out and at 40 starts trying to go to the gym. It's makes it harder to get results at that point without a huge effort. It's the same with skin. If you keep it healthy with a good routine from a young age you will be ageless. It's never too late to start. Make time stand still.
Do Not Sleep with Your Makeup On
Here's yet another reason to drop that bad habit. Not only will it be harder to break later in life, Sleeping with makeup on decreases the body's ability to repair itself.
Good Genes Can Help, But Environmental Factors are More Important
While your family may have good genes, it may not save your skin in the long run if you don't take care of it. "The way the skin ages depends a lot on genetics, but especially environmental factors such as excessive sun exposure and smoking," If you're tanning and smoking at a young age, you will age sooner and faster than a 30-year-old who takes better care of her skin. We have more control over our bodies than we think.
It’s Highly Important to Wear SPF Every Single Day. Seriously! Do It!
It is so important to wear an SPF daily because sun damage is cumulative. If you forget to wear sunscreen one day, it doesn't mean you can repair it by wearing it the next. The damage has already been done. The sun damage you get from daily activities in our 20s will affect the skin for years to come.
A Three-Step Morning and Bedtime Routine is Key
Maintain a simple, but effective morning and bedtime routine to ensure you're doing everything you can to take care of your skin. Step 1: Cleanse. Step 2: Treat — with an antioxidant in the morning and a retinol at night. Step 3: Protect — Moisturize with SPF in the morning and a basic moisturizer at night.
Don’t Forget to Exfoliate
In addition to the above daily routine, exfoliating your face twice a week. This will help remove any dead skin cells and keep your face smooth and shiny.
All products are sold here at Serenity Skin. Do Your Skin a Favor....
Micro-Needling...Targets Many Issues in One Modality
Micro-Needling has made a comeback. Less invasive than lasers which ablate the skin. Better than micro-dermabrasion which only effects the top layer of the epidermis. Micro-Needling makes a controlled micro injury causing the skin to heal promoting the bodies own natural growth factors. There have been countless articles in beauty magazines recently singing the praises of micro-needling. I have included one below from Vogue. Living in South Florida we are constantly exposed to the harsh damaging UVA/UVB rays of the sun. People tell me they don't go out in the sun and I tell them "simply getting in and out of our car we are exposed more sun than you may think". I for one have had micro-needling and my skin looks and feels softer and smoother than it has in a long time. Some of the concerns micro-needling targets are fine lines, acne scars, and hyper-pigmentation. If you are going to have micro-needling done it is imperative that you use an at home skin care regimen and a very good sunblock daily. I always recommend Cosmedix all natural products, and mineral based sunblocks such as TIZO that contains zinc and titanium dioxide which are all natural and reflect the sun.
Later, Lasers: Why Microneedling Is the Next Big Thing in Skin Care
February 24, 2016 6:00 am by Jolene Edgar
More often than not, the next hot thing in professional skin care tends to be just that: hot. From fractional lasers to radiofrequency devices and nearly every gadget in between, the reigning smoothing-and-tightening workhorses in derms’ offices rely on intensely high temperatures to jump-start wound healing and, thus, collagen production in the skin. But for the great many of us who can’t take the heat—as it flares up conditions like melasma and rosacea and can traumatize skin of color, causing it to darken unevenly—skin specialists are going back to basics. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the numbers for chemical peels are climbing—hello, peel bars—surpassing even those recorded at the peak of their popularity in the ’90s. But it’s a less ubiquitous old-school resurfacing method that’s gaining increasing buzz for those seeking smooth, radiant results without the stinging or flaking: microneedling—a technique that uses a needle-studded wand to drive tiny holes into the skin (potentially down to the dermis) with the goal of spurring collagen growth.
The procedure has been quietly advancing with the times, despite its crude beginnings. “When I first started needling in the ’80s, I was gripping a single 30-gauge needle with a hemostat [clamp] and poking the skin repeatedly to get at fine lines and acne scars—painstaking, but it worked,” says Cheryl Burgess, M.D., a dermatologist in Washington, D.C. The automated stamping pens derms wield today—the MicroPen—make for far faster work, of course, and are considerably cheaper than the higher-tech alternative of fractional lasers, which create similar pinpoint channels in the skin. (And not by coincidence: The technology was actually “patterned after the concept of needling,” says Burgess.)
While some doctors do microneedling in lieu of laser work—especially for the heat-sensitive set—others perform the two in tandem. Denver dermatologist Joel Cohen, M.D., often uses microneedling as a low-downtime maintenance fix for Fraxel regulars who “want to help their skin stay smooth and taut in between laser sessions,” he says.
Further fueling the resurgent obsession with needling, Cohen notes, is the way it enhances the penetration of whichever hydrating, brightening, or rejuvenating actives are applied post-perforation. Microneedling enthusiast Mashell Tabe, an Albuquerque, New Mexico–based medical aesthetician who tends to Naomi Watts, believes so strongly in the treatment’s power to bolster product absorption.
“I want to scream it from the rooftops,” she says. “Done regularly, microneedling will make your skin act like it did in your 20s—it’ll be thicker, it’ll glow, it’ll have the most beautiful tone and texture.” And, really, what could be cooler than that?
Setting Myself Apart from the Crowd....
Most electrologists use the regular Estheticians mag lamp which is good, but if your eyesight is not great you will miss a lot of hairs. I chose to use the medical loupes that dentists and doctors use. I am able to see and remove more hair than most electrologists.
I recently asked someone to come in and work on me. I could see I had a lot of hair growth around the corners of my mouth. Even though they were very short because I had trimmed them I knew if I was able to work on myself this was hair I could remove. The person I called used the mag lamp I have here in the office. She kept saying she didn't see much. Alas I will have to wait until I can plan a trip to visit another electrologist friend out in CA who uses the same loupes I do.
Tools of the Trade...
The Importance of Sun Protection After Electrolysis...Don't Leave My Office Without It!
No electrologist would deny the importance of sun protection after treatment. After electrolysis your skin is highly susceptible to hyperpigmentation, and burning from the sun. As well skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with many new cases diagnosed each year. Many can be prevented by proper protection. Melanoma, attributed primarily to UV exposure, is the most deadly form of skin cancer. UVA rays, the most abundant source of solar UV radiation at the earth’s surface, penetrate beyond the top layer of skin and are the primary cause of premature skin aging. UVA can even pass through glass, for example while in the car driving. UVB rays penetrate less deeply, and are the cause of sunburn. There are mineral blocks and chemical blocks. Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide are the only two mineral based sunscreen ingredients. Titanium Dioxide effectively protects in the UVB and into the UVA range, Zinc Oxide is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide protect the skin primarily by reflection, refraction, diffusion, and absorption. I highly recommend mineral blocks to help protect my clients skin after treatment.
Unsightly Ear Hairs…Oh My!!
Turkish Hair Singeing is this really the way you want to remove those stubborn hairs on your ears? I didn't think so.
Why do men go bald yet have unruly eyebrows, sprout hair on their ears, and tip of the nose as they age? Our bodies are a complex system of cells working in unison. We never give it much thought when everything is in balance. As we age our estrogen levels drop creating an imbalance and only then do we give notice. We all have two types of hair. Terminal hairs are the dark hairs you find on the head, eyebrows, beard, pubic, and underarm area. Vellus hair is the soft fine hair we know as “peach fuzz”. The follicles on each area of the body respond differently to an excess of androgen hormones. Follicles with vellus hairs that are on the ears, nose, and chin, will grow thicker and darker. On the other hand the follicles on the scalp may convert testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which shrinks the follicles. This is genetic and scientists do not know exactly why this happens to some and not others. Tired of seeing hair on your ears, or that one hair on your nose? Want to get rid of it once and for all? As an Electrologist I remove hair permanently! Call today!
Radio Interview Conny's Health and Fitness Radio Show Boca Raton Part 2
Listen to Part 2 of my interview on Conny Gyuras Health and Fitness Radio Show... and hear about how you can get rid of those unsightly ear hairs and that one pesky hair on the tip of your nose permanently. Let's face it those ear hairs are really unattractive! Ladies send your husbands and boyfriends in and never have to look at those hairs again! Electrolysis is for everyone not just women.
Radio Interview Conny's Health and Fitness Radio Show Boca Raton Part 1
Listen as Conny and I discuss Electrolysis and it's benefits. I know there are many women out there who are "sick and tired of being sick and tired" of dealing with stubborn facial hair. I had a new client arrive yesterday saying she was feeling so bad and embarrassed about the hair on her face and neck. She was nervous to come in and nervous about the treatment. After the first treatment she made an appointment to come back in three days. She is so grateful to have found a solution and thanked me for my kindness and making her experience so easy. There is no need to suffer in silence.
Get Noticed for the Hair you Want!
Get noticed for the hair you want! Let's face it you want to make a statement...but not with hair on your face that doesn't belong there! As an Electrologist I can help you to get rid of the hair that may be causing you to feel self conscious, wondering if everyone else can see it. Give me a call TODAY 561-866-7400
Electrolysis for transgenders
Caitlyn Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, has brought much-needed awareness to the gender transformation process. Of course, many individuals have experienced this life-changing event prior to the broadcast of her journey, but it gives a much larger audience a glimpse into everything that the process entails.
As she settles into her new identity, she revealed that she went through the process of electrolysis for two years back in the early 1980s. Typical at-home hair removal methods don’t produce the same results as permanent options and they require much more upkeep.
Passing as a woman after the change isn’t everyone’s main objective, but the desire for silky-smooth skin is top-of-mind for most who choose to make the gender change. Out of all the hair removal methods offered, the only true permanent hair removal method available is electrolysis.
Preliminary insight to electrolysis:
- How long will the process take? This depends on the areas you want treated and the density of the hair in the particular area. Typical facial hair removal for transsexual women take 100 to 400 hours of treatment time.
- How much does electrolysis cost? Again, it depends on the density of your hair. My rate is $95 per hour, this is the industry standard in Boca Raton, but prices may vary depending on your technician. Since each hair is targeted individually by the technician, it’s important to work with someone experienced, as they will have a better eye and precision technique, which will allow them to cover a larger area faster.
- How much discomfort will I experience? It depends on the person and their skin sensitivity, but it is generally considered to be tolerable.
- How will my skin react? Most people experience temporary redness and swelling. Other serious side effects may arise, but they are rare. I’d be happy to go over them in our initial consultation, but with my experience any complications are unlikely.
- At what point during my transition should I start electrolysis? Treatment is generally started early in the process because it is one of the most visible changes and it takes a few years to complete.
Do you have more in-depth questions that were not addressed in this post? Send me a private email and I’ll provide a response as soon possible.
Why do women have to experience new hair growth as they age?
In our culture and society, women regard smooth skin highly. Any hair growth, particularly excessive hair growth in highly visible areas, is a concern. Our focus on hair growth begins at puberty and continues throughout most of our lives.
Unfortunately, hair growth patterns change during the course of a woman's life, often unexpectedly. Sometimes an abrupt change in hair growth could signify an underlying medical condition, but often it's simply a result of aging.
What causes additional hair growth in aging women?
The shift in hormones is primarily responsible for heavier and thicker hair growth in the face and neck area. As women age, they naturally go through different hormonal changes. As they start to go through menopause, their levels of free circulating androgen hormones may begin to rise as the levels of estrogen decrease.
Other factors to consider are hereditary and ethnic backgrounds. If both of your parents had abundant hair, then it is likely that you'll have a lot of hair in your later years as well.
What is abnormal?
Only a doctor could accurately determine if there are any abnormal reasons for excessive hair growth. He or she would have to evaluate your medical history, family history and test for testosterone levels.
What are the most common medical treatments for abnormal hair growth?
Typically it is caused by hormonal changes, thus doctors may treat using hormonal contraceptives. These prescriptions contain estrogen and progestin, which help balance the ratio of estrogen to androgen. There are also anti-androgen drugs that are taken to block the androgens from connecting to your body's receptors.
Topical treatments include creams, that may slow down the growth process, but do not get rid of the existing hair.
Hair removal options:
While hair growth can be a bit annoying, it can also be treated. There are many popular at-home methods that have worked for decades and there are permanent hair removal methods that can take care of new unsightly hairs forever.
Once you have discussed the cause of the excessive hair growth with your doctor and feel that it is being properly managed, you should set an appointment with a hair removal specialist. If you're in the Boca Raton area and are interested in a one-on-one consultation, I'd be more than happy to discuss your options.
Permanent hair removal for athletes
Many types of athletes could benefit from permanent hair removal. Swimming is one of the sports most commonly associated with hair removal. They usually remove hair from their entire body, as the smoother skin surface allows them to glide more easily through the water; even gaining the fraction of a second could mean coming first in place. Being hair-free also makes wearing swimsuits and other tight uniforms more comfortable to wear.
Cyclists have also noted improved healing of wounds. In many sports such as this one, it’s common to fall and experience road rash or other cuts on areas with a lot of hair growth, including legs and arms. During scabbing, the scrapes can clump hair together, causing discomfort as individual hairs from the surrounding area are tugged.
Permanent hair removal options:
Laser: Certain lasers can claim to be “permanent hair reduction,” but not quite total hair removal by the FDA’s standards. On good candidates, the hair reduction can be 80 to 90 percent. Depending on your goals, skin/hair contrast, and if you’re willing to supplement hair removal with ongoing light shaving, this may be a good option for you.
Electrolysis: This is the only method approved by the FDA as “permanent hair removal.” However, each area will take slightly longer to treat than with the laser, since each individual follicle is treated by the technician.
If you’d like to learn more about the process and a personalized suggestion based on your hair, skin type, and area, I’d be more than happy to advise. Let’s schedule a meeting at a my Boca Raton office.