Man, Remove That Hair!

Laser Hair Removal

Believe it or not, some men just do not enjoy being hairy. And, some women do not enjoy their men being so cuddly…you know, like a bear. Nothing against hairy men, but it certainly can be a personal issue. BTW, we are not talking about the top of the head. Other areas? Chest, abdomen, neck, face, etc., etc., etc.

Back Hair Got You Down?

The most common area men want laser hair reduction is on their back. This occurs for various reasons but for the most part, it feels “funny” against a shirt, “my girl feels like she is hugging a pillow”, “it looks strange unless I am wearing something”, etc. There also are many athletes such as swimmers and cyclists who prefer the “smooth” rather than the “fluffy” for reduced resistance. For whatever the reason, often it is quite possible to remove, or at least greatly reduce the hair. For those with lighter skin and dark hair…don’t put it off. It is difficult (probably not yet possible) to satisfactorily remove white hair!

Time? Money? Pain?

Unfortunately, there is a bit of discomfort involved in laser hair reduction. For those with lighter skin, the pain is less if an Alexandrite laser is used. However for darker tones and lighter hair, an Nd:YAG (neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet) laser will need to be used, and this, despite claims, is quite painful. Several treatments are required, but the hair density (amount of hairs) is less each time, so you can visualize the end of the tunnel. This keeps you coming back.

A full back hair treatment can take a solid half hour if the laser is fast, longer for slower units. Since lasers themselves are quite costly, even without the cost of the personnel involved, you can expect to pay well over $1000 for a series of treatments. In this economy however, you may find extra enticing deals, which are worth exploring.

What to Ask

Ask about results. Remember, no matter what you may be told, 100% permanent hair removal does not exist. It may take a long time, but heredity and new cell growthwill encourage its return. Also, don’t ask  for an accurate estimate over the phone…the charge may increase once you are seen. Standard treatment series are 4 to 5 sessions. Ask if a “touch-up” is included if the hair is not decreased sufficiently. Ask about discomfort. Some areas can be pre-treated with numbing creams, though I would not recommend this for a full back or abdomen, any area that is large due to the risk of toxicity from the numbing medication. Ask about who performs the treatment and what their experience is. In some states anyone off the street can perform these treatments. Ask how they guard against “burning” you.

Finally, DON’T BE SCARED! Now is the time!

Bonnie

Dark Circles Under Your Eyes

Dark Circles Under Eyes Give Away Age

Men comprise about 20% of my practice. While Botox Cosmetic (made by Allergan) injections are the most common, an increasing number of men are concerned with dark circles and hollows under their eyes. Often this is a heredity issue, but can be alleviated with a few simple procedures. Since the lower eye-lid skin is so extremely thin, even for our male folks, it often shows more signs of wear and tear, can be translucent allowing visibility of dark structures below, and is prone to a “basket-weave” pattern due to muscle pull from various directions. Also men in general, aside from our “metro sexual” types, tend to not use evidence-based products on their skin, if anything. Therefore, the eyes are on their own. There are other solutions also, like Vivite eye cream made by Allergan, Elastergan by Obagi, and some caffeine based creams. The video discusses these and other remedies. Look at the Q and A video just below that discusses these and other remedies.  Let me know what you think and if this answered your questions.

Fillers May Be An Answer

It is possible to fill some of these hollows with a hyaluronic acid such as Restylane® or Juvéderm®, or collagen such as Evolence®. When performed by an expert, the look is smooth, hollows are flattened, and the structures below are no longer visisble. In addition, there is Sculptra®, a product that stimulates the growth of collagen (your own). Though it takes several sessions, the look is completely natural and may last for years, since it is simply part of you.

You Don’t Have To Call It Mens Make Up!

Finally, if I can convince a man to use good products, the battle is nearly over. While I routinely suggest a retinoid, like Retin A  for under the eyes (yes, it should be used under the eyes, just not on the upper lid), there are other alpha-hydroxy acid products that really help. It is important to understand that if you don’t like what you see now, it is not going to get better without action on your part.

Based on the increasing number of new men patients, they really do care! At least here in South Florida!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Bonnie