ASK DR. P. ABOUT ANTI-AGING PRODUCTS


One of the benefits of working in a dermatology office is the opportunity to broaden my knowledge on the physiology of the skin and the latest age-defying techniques to enhance one’s appearance.  Often between electrolysis appointments, I will read Dr. Polisky’s (we call him Dr. P) dermatology books, magazines, and brochures about the numerous treatments now available to improve the skin and literally turn back the clock on aging.   To pass along some of what I’ve learned, I invited Dr. P. to share his thoughts and expertise in a Q&A format that I will post on my blog.  He graciously accepted my invitation, and today I offer the first in this new series I call Ask Dr. P.    

Ask Dr. P.

Q:  There’s so much information out there on new anti-aging products and treatments.  How do I choose the right one for me?

A:  You’re right.  There are numerous options available and new ones being introduced every day.  Your first and most important decision should be to go to someone who’s an expert and where all your questions can be answered.  At Elk Grove Dermatology, we offer a complimentary consultation with a nurse who will assess your skin and discuss the available options to meet your goals.  Wherever you choose to go, you should be prepared with questions about the qualifications of the person doing the procedure, any risks and/or adverse reactions, and the outcome you can expect.   

Q:  What’s the difference between injectable dermal fillers and Botox?

A:  Injectable fillers are used to treat sagging skin, facial wrinkling, loss of fat, and scarring.  Injecting filler beneath the skin raises the skin, resulting in more youthful facial contours and a rejuvenated appearance.  The injectable fillers fall into different  categories:

The thickness of skin varies from 1.5 mm to 1.9 mm, depending on the position on the face; in addition, the overall thickness of the skin is diminished with age.  Therefore, not all dermal fillers and sculptors are appropriate for all areas of the face.

Since there are so many options from which to choose, it’s important to find a professional who can explain the differences and choose the product that best suits your needs.   At Elk Grove Dermatology, we use only FDA approved products and we take the time to conduct a comprehensive consultation to match the patient’s goals to the right product.

Botox Cosmetic is different from an injectable filler.  It’s used as a cosmetic enhancement to temporarily reduce wrinkles and fine lines in the face and clear away crow’s feet.  It works by reducing the activity of the muscles that cause those fine lines.  Results can last up to four months and results vary.
 
In summary, as we get older our wrinkles become more prominent.  They become deeper and deeper even when we are not frowning, squinting, or using facial muscles.  If wrinkles are only apparent when we squint, only Botox is needed.  If wrinkles are visible at rest and not made worse by squinting, then fillers are necessary.  If deep lines are present at rest and get worse with facial expressions, then Botox and fillers will be necessary.

Next Topic:  Avoiding Winter Itch



Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

                               Discover the secret for truly smooth skin

                                   Electrolysis, the only permanent choice for unwanted hair

The BIG myth

Advertisers for laser hair removal and intense-pulsed light treatment will have you believe that they offer clients a permanent solution to unwanted hair.  The folks who promise you that the hair you have today will be gone tomorrow conveniently left out the rest of the promise…The undisputed, medically-proven truth is that laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) only work on a specific profile—dark hair and light skin.  That’s because these methods target the melanin (color) in the hair.  If there’s not enough melanin in the hair, the laser or IPL treatment does nothing to inhibit future growth.  Likewise, if there is too much melanin in the skin (darker skin) the laser is targeted to the skin rather than the hair—again, doing nothing to inhibit future hair growth.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows electrolysis to make the claim of “permanent hair removal.”  While it’s been around for over a hundred years, the electrolysis technology today is cutting-edge.  The newest epilators offer high-speed digital and micro-flash advances that deliver the precise amount of energy needed to destroy the hair follicle fast, effectively, and comfortably.  Electrolysis treatments in the past used to take numerous treatments to achieve permanency.  Today, permanent hair removal takes considerable fewer treatments—often just one if it’s a fine hair.  Unlike laser and IPL which only works on dark hair, electrolysis can safely treat all hair and skin types—with unsurpassed results.

If you’re bothered by unwanted hair, why not choose the only proven, permanent solution—Electrolysis?

    Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

 

 ELECTROLYSIS—
                           Renewed!
                                   Revived!
                                                                               Refreshed!

As you start 2008, many of you will vow to make at least one attempt at self-improvement.  If you’ve been bothered by unwanted hair, there’s no better  time to do something about it.

Finally!  Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

What’s New in Electrolysis—S.I.M.P.L.E., and It’s Working Wonders!

 
                               face fact:  9 out of 10 women have some unwanted hair

Consider:

• Are you tired of tweezing, waxing, threading, and depilatory creams?
• Has the problem gotten worse with these temporary methods?
• Are you self-conscious about the problem?
• Are you pre-occupied with that stubble on your chin, and is it driving you crazy?
• Are you finally ready for a permanent solution?

Then, consider these undisputed facts:

• Temporary methods of hair removal will often stimulate further growth.
• Laser hair removal (considered permanent hair reduction NOT permanent hair removal)
    only works on dark hair.
• Electrolysis is the only medically proven method of permanent hair removal.

How does electrolysis work?

A fine sterile needle (as thin as a hair) is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of controlled current is applied disabling the potential for future hair growth.  The hair is then gently lifted out of the hair follicle.  Electrolysis has over 125 years of medically proven safety and effectiveness.

 

What’s new in electrolysis?

The biggest news is in the technology.  The newest epilators offer high-speed digital and micro-flash advances that deliver the precise amount of energy needed to destroy the hair follicle fast, effectively, and comfortably.   Electrolysis treatments in the past used to take numerous appointments to achieve permanency.  Today, permanent hair removal takes only a few treatments—often just one if it’s a fine hair.  Unlike laser which only works on dark hairs, electrolysis can safely treat all hair and skin types – with unsurpassed results. 

What is S.I.M.P.L.E.?

It’s the “new” electrolysis - an acronym for Sequential Inverted Micro-Pulse Led Energy.  The technique gives reference to how the electrical current is applied throughout the entire hair follicle effectively destroying the potential for future growth.  Combined with the latest technology, this technique delivers unsurpassed results in permanent hair removal of any color hair and works on all skin types.  No other modality including laser hair removal, intense pulsed light, or any other option can make this claim.
 
If you haven’t experienced the “new” electrolysis, you’re in for a surprise.  Yes, there is a permanent solution to unwanted hair.  It’s electrolysis and it’s Working Wonders.

                                      
Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

I borrowed the title for this entry from an article that was written by an electrologist who also has PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome). It’s an outstanding article that appeared in Electrology World (the professional magazine of the American Electrology Association) during the time that I served as editor. I had hoped to share the article in its entirety here because it sheds valuable insight into this complex condition from someone who experienced it firsthand. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to locate the author to get permission so I’ll attempt to shed light on the subject from the perspective of someone (me) who has treated many women with PCOS.

PCOS is a complex health issue that affects about ten percent of women worldwide and can occur at any age before menopause. It can often go undiagnosed for months because its symptoms overlap with so many other women’s health concerns. PCOS itself is not a disease and no one is sure what causes it in the first place.

Women with PCOS have ovaries that create an abundance of follicles each month without producing an egg. PCOS can contribute to irregular periods, depression, excessive weight gain (despite diet and exercise efforts), acne, and an excess of facial and body hair due to an excess production of testosterone (which all women have in small quantity). It is the androgen excess that causes the male pattern hair growth, thinning the head hair, acne, etc. The research shows that PCOS is strongly linked with insulin resistance. It is also a common cause of infertility.

Quite often, an electrologist is the first professional a client will see because the unwanted facial hair is a source of great embarrassment and anxiety. If a client exhibits the recognizable symptoms of PCOS and the health history taken during the consultation suggests a possible connection, the electrologist will suggest that the client make an appointment with an endocrinologist, gynecologist, or primary care physician who has expertise in this area. Many clients come to the electrologist already diagnosed with PCOS and ready to start the electrolysis treatment to permanently remove the unwanted hair.

It’s important to point out that PCOS is a syndrome, not a disease. That means that it’s a combination of symptoms that may be controlled through the use of drugs and lifestyle changes, but will be present until menopause. In other words, PCOS cannot be cured, only managed.

Getting rid of the unwanted facial hair is a major step forward for the PCOS client in feeling better about herself. Electrolysis treatment combined with the recommended drugs and lifestyle changes can have a dramatic effect on the person’s self-esteem. The original author of this entry’s title had such a wonderful experience with her electrologist that she eventually became an electrologist herself. I’m sure her sensitivity and personal understanding of PCOS has made her an outstanding electrologist. 

    For more information visit :
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
Rinehart Center for Reproductive Medicine

    Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair    

Transgender

Ask any electrologist what she likes most about her profession and she will most likely tell you that it’s the satisfaction that comes from helping improve a client’s self-confidence. Unwanted hair, especially on the face, can have a profound effect on a person’s s self-esteem and permanently solving that one problem can make a dramatic difference in a person’s life. This is especially true for the MTF transgender client. While there are countless choices for beauty creams and make-up to make you more beautiful, the presence of a beard each morning is a major challenge toward feeling truly beautiful and feminine. But the good news—no the really great news—is that it is not only possible to rid yourself of your beard, but to realize a beautiful complexion in the process.

The Consultation

Permanent hair removal is essential to realizing the feminine look you want. It starts with a comprehensive and confidential evaluation to address your specific areas of concern. During the consultation, I will ask what path you are currently on—do you plan on living full time as a woman and if so, how soon? Are you letting people in your life know what you are doing? Do you want to remove the whole beard or just thin it out? Are you on hormone therapy or considering it? Are you considering sex reassignment surgery and if so, which specific surgeries? How big a concern is redness and swelling? All this affects the way I approach the treatment plan.

How Long Does it Take?

The textbooks state that it takes between 300 and 500 hours of electrolysis to clear a male beard. Of course, there’s a wide variance dependent on how dense the beard area is. However, since I started the using the SIMPLE technique (see my article, What’s New in Electrolysis), the total treatment time on my entire client base has dramatically decreased. On average, a male beard takes between 125 and 250 hours from start to finish. Of course, other factors have an influence on total treatment time like hormone therapy or surgery which reduces the total amount of time. And it’s also important that the client keep up with the recommended treatment program. For optimal results, I recommend a client schedule 1 to 5 hours per week until the entire face is initially cleared. The sooner the hairs can be treated after they emerge, the less time they have to strengthen. Once the entire face is cleared, the duration between appointments gets longer to address any re-growth. Each case is unique.

What’s my office set-up?

I work from two locations in the Chicagoland area which are about 15 minutes apart and each has its own set of extra benefits. One is an upscale, full-service salon/day spa (Eclectic Salon and Day Spa) that offers an extensive menu of beauty experiences that soothe the body as well as the mind—whether it’s a luxurious pedicure/manicure, a relaxing facial, a rejuvenating massage, or a fabulous new hair cut and style, there’s a treatment that will make you feel beautiful inside and out. Many of my transgendered clients enjoy just being one of the girls being pampered.

My other location is at a dermatology office (Elk Grove Dermatology). Dr. Polisky (we call him Dr. P) is board certified in both dermatology and internal medicine. Besides medical treatment of all skin conditions, he also offers a full menu of cosmetic dermatology treatments and anti-aging therapies. Check out Dr. P’s website.  Another fun aspect of working at the dermatology office is managing the Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics line. If you’re not familiar with this particular brand, visit their website. It’s a fabulous pure mineral based cosmetics line that offers the latest glamour looks as well as numerous skin care benefits. Many of my clients take advantage of the complimentary makeover to try out a whole new look.

My goal for all of my clients—Face Your Reflection with Confidence—and be delighted with the image looking back.


    Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair       
                                                                                                    

  permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis
Chicago hair removal transgender hair removalTurbo Tagger   

Every day, millions of women begin their day in front of magnified mirrors tweezing, waxing, shaving, sugaring, threading, and bleaching stubborn, strong, and persistent unwanted hairs. What may start as an innocent tweezing of a few stray hairs can sometimes escalate to a full-blown daily ritual that takes a chunk of time and a bigger chunk of a person’s self-confidence. As an electrologist, I’m frustrated by the avalanche of misinformation about the best way to handle unwanted hair and the closely-guarded nature of the problem that keeps people from seeking the right solution.

Sooooooo, I’m declaring this section the EMBARASSMENT-FREE ZONE for unwanted hair and I encourage all of you to share your stories to finally convince the millions of people (yes, people, meaning both women AND men) out there who think they’re the only ones who deal with unwanted hair.

Check out the EMBARRASSMENT-FREE ZONE by body part and find the permanent solution to unwanted hair! 

    

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

Woman’s Face:

    Chin
      Neck
        Upper lip
          Cheeks
            Eyebrows
               Hairline

  

The Face is the most common area that an electrologist works on and it’s the area that has the most effect on a person’s self-confidence.

For women, facial hair can be a source of great anxiety and embarrassment and the problem is compounded because often a woman will choose a temporary method like tweezing, waxing, threading, or depilatory which can make the problem worse.
 
Because unwanted facial hair is such a personal and private issue, women (starting as teens) often choose the quickest and easiest way to get rid of the annoying hair without considering the long-term effects. Here are some facts to consider:

• Tweezing, waxing, sugaring, and threading will produce the same result—thicker, coarser hair—and more of it. The pulling action of these methods acts like a trauma to the skin and the body’s response to any trauma is to heal itself – thus, you have an increase blood supply to nourish the new hair—think of it as "feeding" an infant hair and helping it to grow up strong and healthy. That’s not what you want on your face—on your head maybe, but not on your chin, neck and upper lip! These methods can also result in ingrown hair as well as pitting and scarring.

 

• There’s a catch to the above explanation and that’s with eyebrows which are more fragile hair follicles. Many women who tweeze, wax, or thread their brows over the years will see permanent results. So, caution is needed when shaping brows—and never tweeze a gray hair in the middle of the brow shape because it may not grow back and you’ll be left with a bald spot in the middle of the brow.

 

• A depilatory is a cream or lotion that is chemical based and used to dissolve hair at the skin’s surface. Some consumers find the caustic ingredients cause skin irritation or even chemical burns.

 

Electrolysis differs from all the above methods in that it’s a permanent solution to the unwanted hair. The best results are realized when someone chooses electrolysis first before using any of the temporary methods. In these cases, electrolysis treatment takes only one or several treatments to get permanent results. For hairs that are thick and coarse after years of being tweezed or waxed, the electrolysis will take a series of treatments to be rid of the hair permanently. It’s a weakening process where the blood supply to the hair follicle is gradually disabled until there’s nothing left to start a new hair. Yes, it does take more time than any of the temporary methods, but the final result is permanently beautiful, flawless, soft skin. 

        

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

   
Electrolysis can be done on many areas besides the face with beautiful results. One of the most common areas that I work on is a woman’s breasts and décolleté which often comes as a big surprise because women don’t share their embarrassing "secret" (tweezing those little buggers constantly) and as a result, a client will often tell me that she had no idea other women had this "problem." Ok, all you women out there—HEAR THIS—you are not ALONE! Yes, women everywhere of every age have breast hair. Why is it that women will share almost any personal information with their best friend, sister, or mother but won’t open up about the fact that they have unwanted hair? It’s hair—it’s not a character flaw and the best part is that you can fix the problem—permanently—and then celebrate by treating yourself to a little shopping spree to show off your soft, revealing, flawless skin. It can do wonders to boost your self-esteem.

 

Summer is bikini and sandal season and winter/spring is the best time to get started on getting rid of unsightly hair forever. The bikini area is often irritated by shaving and waxing which can result in ingrown hairs and razor bumps. Electrolysis can be the ideal solution for the bikini area because once the treatment plan is done, you’re ready on a moment’s notice for fun in the sun. Toes and feet are also ideally suited for electrolysis because often it’s just a few stray hairs that get in the way of showing off your beautifully pedicured tootsies in your oh-so adorable sandals.

A woman’s abdomen—a vital part of the ideal bikini look is also a popular area for electrolysis treatment. This is another one of those areas that women innocently start tweezing, waxing, or shaving only to discover that the minor nuisance of a few strays is suddenly transformed into thick, coarse hair.

Electrolysis is the most effective way to permanently solve the problem.

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

 

Man’s Face

Beard Area (whole beard, or just shaping)
Top and Sides of Nose
Outside of Ear
Unibrow (middle of brow, or shaping of brow)
Neck (see explanation of pseudofolliculitis barbae)

More and more men are choosing electrolysis as the permanent solution for their unwanted facial hair. While shaving is the daily method of choice for most men there are some areas on the face that are just not well-suited for the razor—especially those areas that cultivate stubborn strays like the top and sides of the nose or the outside of the ears. Electrolysis is the ideal solution for these areas because the treatment focuses on each individual hair and when it’s gone, it’s really gone—forever! Another common area that I work on for men is the shaping of the eyebrows and either eliminating or thinning out the unibrow —think Andy Rooney—how I’d love to get him in my chair!

Ingrown hair is a common problem that many men face in the beard area especially on the neck which can sometimes result in pseudofolliculitis barbae which is the medical term for razor bumps and ingrown hair. It’s seen often on men with curly hair follicles and it’s caused when the curved hair grows back into the skin causing inflammation and a foreign body reaction. Shaving sharpens the ends of the hair like a spear. The hairs then curve back into the skin causing pseudofolliculitis barbae. Often a treatment plan combining both laser hair removal and follow-up with electrolysis will offer the fastest and most optimal results for severe cases. If only a small area is involved, electrolysis alone can be the best choice for a permanent solution.

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger

What is electrolysis?

Electrology is the science of permanent hair removal. Using state-of-the-art technology, a small, controlled amount of electricity is gently applied to the base of the hair follicle utilizing a fine, surgical needle. When this is competently and skillfully accomplished, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated.

Why should I choose electroloysis over other hair removal methods?

If you want permanent hair removal, electrolysis is the only way to achieve this goal.

What’s the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal and which is best?

There’s an avalanche of information on the internet about the difference between electrolysis and laser hair removal and the key to choosing which method is best for you is to understand how both work. There are advantages and disadvantages to both modalities.

I’m a licensed and certified professional electrologist and I’ve been practicing for over twenty years. While I don’t perform laser hair removal, I do work in a dermatology office where it is offered and performed by a doctor, nurse, and physician’s assistant. I don’t consider laser hair removal to be in competition with electrolysis—they’re completely different modalities and often, the two can be combined for optimal results.


Both electrolysis and laser hair removal have distinctive value to rid unwanted hair. Quite often, Dr. Polisky, the dermatologist whose office I work in, will refer clients to me and vice versa. Laser hair removal and electrolysis can and should work hand in hand with each other.


Here’s a quick synopsis:

Electrolysis works by treating one hair follicle at time.

Advantages of Electrolysis over Laser

• While the process can take several treatments, it results in permanent hair removal.
• It is the ideal solution for small areas like the face where you want the hair gone forever.
• It has a proven track record (over 120 years) for safety and effectiveness.
• Electrolysis works on all skin types and color of hair and can be safely applied to all body areas.

Disadvantages of Electrolysis over Laser

• Because the treatment is one hair at a time, it is not considered a fast process.

 

Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin (pigment) in the hair.

Advantages of Laser over Electrolysis

• Lasers are fast. The laser hand-set wand can treat numerous hairs simultaneously in seconds.
• While not permanent, the results can last long term (several weeks to several months)—a large body area can be done in minutes.

Disadvantages of Laser over Electrolysis

• Because lasers target the melanin (pigment) in the hair, it only works on dark hair. It does not work on light, blond, gray, red, or white hair.
• Lasers are not permanent. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) only allows lasers to claim long term hair reduction.
• If a person is tan or has a darker skin tone, the laser can get absorbed by the pigment in the skin rather than the hair follicle, limiting the effect of the treatment and potentially damaging the skin.
• Lasers have not been evaluated for long-term safety of the patient’s skin and health.

Liz Stapleton
Permanent Hair Removal Chicago
Be Forever Free of Unwanted Hair

permanent hair removal laser hair removal electrolysis Turbo Tagger