Plastic Surgery Laser Gizmos Move into the Home

Cosmetic Surgery Products, Hair Removal Comments (1)

Latisse is not the only cosmetic product to move from the office of a plastic surgeon to your home.

For about the last year, consumers who once went to cosmetic plastic surgeons, aestheticians or a Medi-spa for laser hair removal could buy a smaller, slower version of the device to use at home.

Regardless where the device is located, laser technology removes unwanted hair on the:

• Legs
• Bikini line
• Underarms

Two such devices, the Silk ‘n Hair Remover and the TRIA, are both FDA-cleared and will set you back anywhere from $800 to $950.

For any gadget or gear heads that may be reading, the gizmos work with pulsed light technology powered by a smaller diode laser.

Laser light eventually destroys the hair follicles but is said to be troublesome with blonde, red or white hair and on very dark skin. Several applications over some weeks are required.

The Tria, used in Japan since 2005, was cleared in 2008 by the FDA for use in the United States and featured in Allure Magazine that same year.

RealSelf.com is asking users to write a review on one laser hair removal device.

According to the Wall Street Journal, home versions of cosmetic machines normally found in the office of plastic and cosmetic surgeons is a trend that will continue, even in a depressed economy.

One industry insider — the president of a firm that manufacturers commercial lasers for plastic surgery offices and Medi-spas — told the WSJ:

“The market potential is much larger (for home use) than for the professional market as I believe most people would rather have the opportunity to buy the technology and use it at home than go to the doctor’s office.”

Well, yeah, to a point, anyhow.

Over-the-counter hair removal gadgets are one thing but we would not mark off the days until a do-it-yourself-kit for eyelid lifts or face lifts appears on drugstore shelves!

Underscoring the executive’s point about consumers doing it themselves was the June, 2009, announcement of a laser-based device that purports to add a home machine for removing facial wrinkles in the comfort of your own home.

We haven’t actually tested the devices so proceed with caution – burns are the most common risk.

FDA-cleared, the laser device made by Palomar Technologies has not yet scheduled a release date for its machine nor announced a price.

admin @ July 29, 2009