Like laser hair removal on other parts of the body, the process for scalp laser hair removal usually takes around five to six treatments to remove all of the hair. In addition, the same rules apply as far as complexion and hair color are concerned—fairer skin is easier to treat, as is darker hair. However, a trained professional can often successfully remove hair from scalps that are darker-complected, as well as lighter shades of hair color.

Laser hair removal for the scalp is more difficult to perform than treatments on other areas of the body, and may sometimes take more treatments than hair removal from, say, the chest. The head can sometimes be more sensitive than other areas of the body, as well, so patients can expect some discomfort during the procedure, which usually lessens after the first treatment. Just as with other areas, when laser hair removal is performed on the scalp, you may experience side effects such as redness, discomfort, or swelling, but these subside within a few hours to a day.

One thing to consider if you are contemplating  scalp laser hair removal – it is permanent.  It may be the style now to have a shaved head, but hair styles change and in 20 years you may want to have some hair. Unless you’ve lost all the hair on the top of your head we’d ask you to think this decision through. True the Bozo hair style will never be in fashion, but if you still have hair growth over most of your head, you may want to consider.

If you would like to learn more about laser hair removal for the scalp, or to schedule a free consultation please give us a call at Bella Pelle Laser if you are in the metro Denver / Boulder area. (303) 438-6604

Women who have hirsutism can have dark, thick hair on their face, chest, abdomen and back. This thick, dark hair is different from the hair that some women have on their upper lip, chin, breasts or stomach, or the fine “baby” hair all over their body.

Women from certain ethnic groups are more likely to develop hirsutism. These including women of Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean descent.

Other symptoms of hirsutism may include:

• Acne
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Deepening of the voice
• Increased muscle mass
• Decreased breast size

What causes hirsutism?

Hirsutism can be caused by abnormally high levels of male hormones (called androgens). The following are some of the conditions that may increase a woman’s normally low levels of male hormones:

• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is a condition that occurs when an imbalance of hormone levels in a woman’s body causes cysts (say: “sists”) to form in the ovaries
• Cushing’s Syndrome, which occurs when your body is exposed to high levels of the hormone cortisol for a long period of time
• Tumors in the ovaries or adrenal gland, formed when abnormal cells grow out of control and clump together

Hirsutism can also be caused by hair follicles that are overly sensitive to male hormones. Doctors don’t know why this occurs.

Some medicines can cause hirsutism. These medicines include hormones, anabolic steroids and a medicine used to treat women who have endometriosis (called danazol).

Hirsutism also seems to be hereditary (which means it runs in families).

If you have hirsutism, your family doctor may want to do some tests to find out what is causing it.

When should I see my doctor about hirsutism?

See your doctor if you have a sudden increase in facial or body hair, if your periods have become irregular or if your voice has become deeper.

What can I do to get rid of the excess hair?

You should lose weight if you’re overweight. Losing weight reduces the amount of hormones in your body that cause increased hair growth. Other ways to eliminate or hide excess facial and body hair include the following:

Shaving is the safest and easiest method of removing hair. However, you will have stubble unless you shave every day. Your skin may become irritated with frequent shaving. If your skin becomes irritated, apply a small amount of 1% hydrocortisone cream.

Depilatories, or creams that remove hair, can be used. They leave no stubble. However, these creams may irritate your skin. To test how sensitive your skin is, apply a small amount of cream to the inside of your wrist. Wait one day before applying the cream to other parts of your body. If you don’t have a bad reaction to the cream on your wrist, it’s probably okay to use it.

Bleaching paste may also be used. Use this product according to the directions on the label. Bleaching products may irritate your skin.

Plucking and waxing are effective ways of removing unwanted hair. Plucking is good for removing small stray hairs and waxing is more effective for removing larger patches of hair. Skin irritation can occur, especially with waxing.

Electrolysis gets rid of hair permanently by delivering a small electrical current through a needle placed into the hair follicle. Electrolysis can be expensive and time-consuming. If you choose to have electrolysis, make sure the operator is qualified and licensed. Talk to your doctor before trying a home electrolysis product.

Laser hair removal uses a laser light to damage hair follicles so unwanted hair falls out. This also prevents the hair from growing back. You’ll probably need multiple laser treatments over a number of weeks, and the results may not be permanent. Laser hair removal is expensive and can only be done by a licensed practitioner. Side effects of the procedure may include redness, scarring and darkening or lightening of the skin.

Are there medicines to treat hirsutism?

There are several medicines available to treat hirsutism. Your doctor may prescribe a medicine called an anti-androgen to help block the male hormones associated with hirsutism from being produced in your body. Common anti-androgen medicines include spironolactone (brand name: Aldactone) and finasteride (brand name: Proscar). Anti-androgens usually take at least 3 to 6 months to work. They can decrease the amount of new hair growth, but they are less likely to change the amount of hair you already have. Anti-androgens can cause birth defects, so you should use a form of birth control while taking these medicines.

Your doctor may also prescribe birth control pills, which can help decrease androgens in the body. This treatment option is especially helpful for women who do not wish to become pregnant in the near future. Birth control can be prescribed in combination with anti-androgen medicines.

There is also a medicine made specifically to slow down the growth of facial hair. It is called eflornithine (brand name: Vaniqa) and is a prescription cream that you apply to the affected skin on your face and chin. This medicine may start to work as soon as 4 to 8 weeks after you begin treatment. Side effects include skin irritation, rash and a stinging sensation.

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Most people’s biggest fear as we grow older is Alzheimer’s. We forget where we put the car keys and think ‘Oh My God! am I getting Alzheimer’s?” If you simply can’t find your keys, that may just be forgetful, but if you find your key in the refrigerator one day and the medicine chest the next, then that could be Alzheimers.

Unfortunately by the time someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease 80% of their brain cells are already damaged.  Researchers are spending billions looking for a “Cure” but once the brain cells and the neural connections are broken, it may be nearly impossible to regain you memory. So like anything else it is better to prevent Alzheimer’s in the first place so you don’t need to worry about the cure down the road.

Although there are no magic solutions, tantalizing new evidence suggests it may be possible to prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease through a combination of healthful habits.
Scientists now suggest you can stimulate your mind, improve your mood, sharpen your memory, and reduce your Alzheimer’s risks. Learn their discoveries and join the race towards brain vitality now.

Which Alzheimer’s risks can you control or reduce?

Although scientists are still working to find causes and cures for Alzheimer’s disease, conditions and behaviors that leave you more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease have been identified.
Did you know:

• Smoking after age 65 increases your chances of developing Alzheimer’s by 79%?
• Obesity in midlife makes you 3 ½ times more likely to experience Alzheimer’s?
• Diabetes makes you twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s?
• Genetics account for only 25% of Alzheimer’s cases?
• Chronic stress may quadruple your risk?

Although you can not change your inherited genes, ethnicity, gender, or age, you can address the following risk factors:

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Risks You Can Control or Inhibit:
Diabetes Hypertension High cholesterol Heart disease	Obesity Chronic Stress Poor quality or insufficient sleep Sedentary lifestyle	Liver and kidney disease Smoking, alcohol, drug use Head injury Toxic insults to your brain

Powerful fears about Alzheimer’s may discourage you from action. Identifying and controlling your personal risk factors will improve your over-all health and go a long way towards preserving your cognitive abilities.

Take charge to prevent, reduce, or delay Alzheimer’s disease

Particularly in western cultures where the pace of life is frantic, food is often fast and refined, and stress is rampant, brain degeneration starts imperceptibly early. Although most adults begin to notice age-related memory glitches in their 40’s and 50’s, scientists believe the neurological changes of Alzheimer’s ironically begin when the brain is at its peak… closer to age 20!

Medications and Alzheimer’s disease

Scientists are currently testing over 90 drugs to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s disease. If you are already experiencing memory problems, work with your doctor to diagnose and treat symptoms as soon as possible. Current medications can not reverse serious brain deterioration, but the earlier these drugs are started, the greater their potential effectiveness in slowing memory loss and preserving independence.

Create your personal anti-Alzheimer’s program now

Contrary to early beliefs about the brain’s restorative capacities, we now know brain regeneration continues through adulthood. Building brain reserves through systematic lifestyle choices is currently your best defense against Alzheimer’s disease.
The Anti Alzheimer’s Prescription, The Healthy Brain Kit, The Alzheimer’s Action Plan, and a variety of scientific resources (see references below) suggest that a multi-step approach to preventing, reducing, or delaying Alzheimer’s holds significant promise. There are no brain boosting miracles, magic potions, or secret formulas, but the anti-Alzheimer’s fundamentals are health practices that build physical and cognitive fitness:

Strategies to Prevent and Delay Alzheimer’s Disease
Get plenty of exercise Eat a brain-healthy diet Keep your mind active	Sleep regularly and restfully Learn to relax Protect your brain

Prevention and delay strategy #1: Get moving!

According to a recent Mayo Clinic review, no single lifestyle choice has as much impact on aging and Alzheimer’s disease as exercise. In a 2009 review of literature from the International Journal of Clinical Practice, scientists documented that over time, physical activity effectively reduces the probability of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Additional research shows those with existing cognitive problems and dementia receive a protective benefit from regular exercise.
These tips will maximize your exercise plan:

• Exercise at a moderate pace-for at least 30 minutes five times per week. Just five workouts every seven days can reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by as much as 35%. When serious brain damage has already occurred, brisk walking and other cardiovascular exercise can slow further injury.
• Build muscle to pump up your brain-moderate levels of weight and resistance training not only increase muscle mass, they maintain cognitive health. Combining aerobics and strength work is better than either activity alone. Add 2-3 strength sessions to your weekly routine, and your risk of Alzheimer’s is cut in half if you are over 65.
• Stretch for success-agility not only makes you light on your feet, it improves balance and reduces head injuries. Remember the Tin Man… and reach, twist, and flex often to keep your frame limber and your brain supported.
• Think movement-those who are physically active throughout life have improved cognitive forecasts. Gardening, cleaning house, and taking the stairs build brain-healthy movement throughout the day. Look for opportunities to walk, bend, stretch, and lift your way to vitality.

Prevention and delay strategy #2: Eat a brain-healthy diet

In Alzheimer’s disease, inflammation and insulin resistance injure neurons and inhibit communication between brain cells. In Freedom from Disease, Alzheimer’s is described as “diabetes of the brain,” and a growing body of information suggests a strong link between metabolic disorders and the signal processing systems. In addition, the American Academy of Neurology
recently warned elevated cholesterol in your 40’s increases your risk of Alzheimer’s.
Eating habits that reduce inflammation and promote normal energy production are brain-healthy. These food tips will keep you protected:

• Follow a Mediterranean diet. Control inflammation by eating foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, cold water fish, nuts, whole grains, and abundant fresh produce. Avoid transfats, full-fat dairy products, and red meat, but treat yourself to a glass of red wine and a dark chocolate square.
• Maintain consistent levels of insulin and blood sugar. Eat several small meals throughout the day. Avoid packaged, refined, and processed foods, especially those high in sugars and white flour, which rapidly spike glucose levels and inflame your brain.
• Eat across the rainbow. Emphasize fruits and vegetables across the color spectrum to maximize protective anti-oxidants and vitamins. Daily servings of berries and green leafy vegetables should be part of a plant-centered, brain protective regimen.
• Drink tea daily. Green, white, and oolong teas are particularly brain-healthy. Drinking 2-4 cups daily has proven benefits. Although caffeine can inhibit stress reduction and become addictive, moderate coffee drinkers also enjoy reduced cognitive risks.
• Consider supplementing your diet. Vitamins, herbs, and amino acids may provide additional brain protection. Folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and fish oils are believed to preserve and improve memory. Studies of vitamin E, gingko biloba, and tumeric have yielded more disappointing results. Make sure your nutritional supplements are high quality and pure. Many supplements are contaminated with heavy metals and other harmful substances. Make sure yours are pharmaceutical grade and certified as pure. Talk to your doctor about medication interactions, and review current literature to make a personal decision about the costs and benefits of dietary supplements.

Prevention and delay strategy #3: Build brain reserves

According to the 2008 Wall Street Journal review “Neurobics and Other Brain Boosters,” an active, stimulated brain reduces your odds of developing Alzheimer’s. Those who remain engaged in activities involving multiple tasks, requiring communication, interaction, and organization, who continue learning, and constantly challenge their brains earn the greatest protection.
Cross-training with these brainpower activities will keep your mind sharp:

• Set aside time each day to learn something new – read a good book, study a foreign language, play a musical instrument. The greater the novelty and challenge, the larger the deposit in your brain reserves.
• Practice memorization - start with something short and progress to the 50 U.S. capitals. Create rhymes and patterns to strengthen your memory connections.
• Solve riddles and work puzzles – brain teasers and strategy games provide great mental exercise and build your capacity to form and retain cognitive associations. Look for activities that use both sides of your brain…logic and language versus artistic and creative challenges.
• Practice the 5 W’s – observe and report like a crime detective. Keep a Who, What, Where, When, and Why list of your daily experiences. Capturing visual details keeps your neurons firing.
• Follow the road less traveled - take a new route, eat with your other hand, rearrange your computer desktop. Vary your habits regularly to create new brain pathways.

Prevention and delay strategy # 4: Sleep to restore memory

Your brain needs regular, restful sleep to process, store, and recall information. Nightly deprivation not only leaves you cranky and tired, but according to memory experts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Gary Small, poor sleep can significantly damage your brain and central nervous system.
These tips will help you catch your Z’s and quiet the demons that keep you awake:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and getting up at the same time reinforces your natural circadian rhythms. Your brain’s clock responds to regularity, and long term disruption has been associated with heart disease, cancer risks, and cognitive problems.
• Set the mood. Reserve your bed for sleep (and sex), take a hot bath, and dim the lights. Brisk evening exercise, comfortable temperatures, and white noise machines can also signal your brain that it’s time for deep restorative sleep.
• Stop snoring, dear! Alcohol, smoking, sedating drugs, excess weight, high blood pressure, and clogged nasal passages can rock the timbers. Snoring may signal sleep apnea, a respiratory condition that threatens your heart and mind. A new study from the University of California at San Diego estimates seventy to eighty percent of Alzheimer’s patients experience sleep apnea. Cognition is frequently improved following Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) treatment, which mechanically regulates the rise and fall of blood pressure and oxygen to the brain.
• Quiet your inner chatter. When mental dialogues keep you awake, get up. Try reading or relaxing in another room for twenty minutes then hop back in. If repeating this cycle doesn’t work, check your stress levels. Your memory may depend on it.

Prevention and delay strategy #5: Learn to relax and manage stress

According to USC’s Dr. Vincent Fortanasce, lifelong stress can double or quadruple your chances of Alzheimer’s disease, yet simple daily tools can minimize its effects. The harmful stress hormone cortisol hampers nerve cell growth and connection and accelerates cognitive decline, premature aging, depression, diabetes, and other assaults on your brain.
Conquer cortisol with these proven techniques:

• Breathe! Stress alters breathing rates and impacts brain oxygen levels. Turn off your stress response with quiet, deep, abdominal breathing. From momentary inhale, hold, and exhale sequences to guided group exercises, restorative breathing is powerful, simple, and free!
• Schedule daily relaxation activities – From a walk in the park or petting your cat to Tai-chi, guided imagery, or yoga, make relaxation a priority. Keeping cortisol under control requires regular effort.
• Stay connected - We are social creatures, and the most connected fare better on tests of memory and cognition. Developing a strong support system through family, friends, exercise groups, clubs, and volunteer activities improves mood and slows cognitive decline.
• Nourish inner peace - Most scientists acknowledge a strong mind-body connection, and various studies associate personal spiritual activities with better cognitive aging. Regular meditation, prayer, reflection, and religious practice may immunize you against the damaging effects of stress.

Prevention and delay strategy #6: Protect your brain

By the time Alzheimer’s disease appears, irreversible damage has already occurred. Preventing and delaying Alzheimer’s includes three protective tips:

• Avoid toxins – Among the most preventable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease are smoking and heavy drinking. Not only does smoking increase the odds for those over 65 by nearly 79%, researchers at Miami’s Mt. Sinai Medical Center warn that a combination of these two behaviors reduces the age of Alzheimer’s onset by six to seven years. If you stop smoking at age, the brain benefits from improved circulation almost immediately. Brain changes from alcohol abuse can only be reversed early.
• Wear a helmet – and limit distractions. A National Institute of Health study suggests head trauma at any point in life significantly increases your risk of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Andrew Weil cautions that repeated hits in sports activities including football, soccer, and boxing, or single traumatic injuries from bicycle, skating, or motorcycle accidents make Alzheimer’s disease more likely in later life. Preserve your brain by wearing properly fitting sports helmets, buckling your seatbelt, and trip-proofing your environment. Avoid activities that compete for your attention—like driving with cell phones and running with your MP3 player. A moment’s distraction can lead to a brain-injuring thud!
• Create a brain-safe environment – The evidence on modern technology is mixed. Scientists continue to examine links between neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and exposure to environmental contaminants. UCLA’s Memory Center Director Gary Small warns that lead, pesticides, mold, and other substances in your environment may damage your brain. Studies on the impact of electromagnetic energy from cell phones are still debated. Although definitive links to Alzheimer’s can be elusive, making choices that limit chronic exposure to environmental harm makes good sense.
• Get rid of your silver fillings – Silver, or mercury amalgam fillings continually release mercury vapor which is a deadly neurotoxin and is readily absorbed into the blood stream through the mouth. Brain cells in culture exposed to mercury vapor develop the same degenerative symptoms as brain cells from Alzheimer’s patients.

Act now to prevent and delay Alzheimer’s disease

It is never too early or too late to protect yourself and your family against Alzheimer’s. Start a multi-step strategy now, and begin actively preventing or slowing this disease.
The race to cure Alzheimer’s is expected to continue for some time. Investing in your diet, exercise, mental stimulation, and rest will help you feel better now and keep your brain working stronger…longer.

from helpguide.org

The precise heating ensures a safe, effective, fast treatment with no downtime.

Vacuum and specially designed rollers for the Mechanical Massage smooth out the skin to facilitate safe and efficient heat energy delivery. The net result increases the metabolism of stored energy, increases lymphatic drainage and reduces or shrinks the size of the actual fat cells and fat chambers.

The result:

In a clinical multi-center study, 85% of the treated areas have reported Circumferential Reduction of thighs of at least 1cm; ranging up to 7.2cm in reduction.

With VelaShape™ it is easy to enhance your body, improve your lifestyle and feel better about yourself!

If you are in the metro Denver Boulder area please come visit us at Bella Pelle Laser. We offer safe and affordable laser hair removal, VelaShape, and esthetic services.