Tuesday, 17 January 2023

The Best Laser Machine for Hair Removal

 
The table comparing our machine Duetto MT EVO by Quanta System with Candela Gentle Series, Lumenis' Lightsheer Duet, Infinity, & Splendor X, Alma Lasers' Soprano Ice, Primelase Excellence, and Elysion:
 


Source: Devices@FDA



Why our laser hair removal services are so efficacious and superior?

 
Any superior machines become useless if there's no signs of perifollicular oedema 5-15 min after being hit by light beams and hair doesn't fall out within few weeks post each treatment session.

Any inferior machines can work effectively when hair follicles become inflamed soon after the treatment procedure and hair fall out in 1-2 weeks after each session.

Superior machines can help clients achieve ultimate greater reduction result long-term at the right hand, for instance more than 90% permanent hair reduction, instead of less than 75-80%. Therefore hire the right therapists with the right machines for LHR when majority of your hair is in anagen.


One of the significant factors in achieving optimised result is not only the right machine, but the therapist’s knowledge, experience and understanding of the technology and the machine he or she is working with. Thus, the info found via the following link is super important to achieve the ultimate permanent/long-term result of greater hair reduction. Click here for the link.



Some professionally-claimed machines and many home devices with low powers cannot supply enough energy to damage hair follicles.

For example, a hair dryer with 2200 watts can heat and dry hair much faster & more efficient than a 750-W one.

With a skilled therapist and low power machine, clients will observe good results for the first few treatment sessions and less on subsequent treatment sessions. Thereafter, the results will plateau as it is beyond the machine's capacity to be able to provide any further reductions.

As clients progress with subsequent LHR treatment sessions, their hair becomes finer and lighter and locates shallower, requiring shorter pulse width and concentrated beams of higher fluence (energy) than does initial hair which is denser, thicker, coarser & darker. In order to achieve beyond 80% long-term/permanent hair reduction, ensure the power output of a LHR machine isn't lower than 2000 watts to ensure the machine can perform this.



Our machine: Click
 

 

Why our laser hair removal machine is better?

Our machine has output power of 8200 watts. It uses crystals Alexandrite and Nd:YAG as its laser sources, emitting both 755 & 1064 nm wavelengths at the same time or separately. Since it is a true laser and not spreading Diode or IPL light, our machine is able to emit more concentrated, higher energy and more efficacious for difficult to treat residual, fine & light hair after multiple LHR sessions that other machines struggle with, thus achieving better & greater hair reduction/removal results.




What makes our machine standing out from the rest?

Our machine is designed to effectively treat not only dark, dense, thick, & coarse hair, but also residual, fine hair that other machines struggle with. A traditional difficulty in LHR has centred around the ability to treat dark skins with fine hair. Our machine is designed to tackle this problem by mixing both wavelengths, such that fine hairs can be treated on all skin colours.


Our machine has been approved by Australian TGA, USA FDA, European EMA and by other regulatory bodies around the world as the medical laser device indicated for long term or permanent hair reduction/removal for all skin colours, Fitzpatrick I-VI.




Why multiple wavelengths are more effective in destroying hair follicles than single wavelength?

Candela Gentle series and Cutera machines can only emit a single wavelength at a time, but our laser machine, Duetto MT EVO by Quanta System, can emit both wavelengths allowing us to treat multiple targets & depths at the same time. 755 nm treats shallower part of hair follicles while 1064 nm treats deeper part.

755 targets dark pigments, such as dark melanins, thus more effective than 1064 nm in destroying hair with light colours.

1064 nm targets oxyhaemoglobin and water in the blood, thus cutting off nutrients and hormones supplies and starving the follicles to death.


 


 

As you progress with subsequent LHR sessions, your hair becomes thinner & shallower. Thus setting parameters must match the characteristic of your hair follicles as you progress with more treatment sessions:

- Wavelength should be shorter for shallower penetration, otherwise it misses the target.

- Pulse duration/width should be shorter, therefore millisecond should be shorter and our machine can be as short as 0.3 ms.

Unlike Pico and Q-Switch are too quick and can only bleach your hair, destroying only dark melanin pigment, but not your hair follicles.

- Fluence, Hz & no of passes should be increased.







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Friday, 13 January 2023

Contraindications of Laser Hair Removal


Laser hair removal isn't for everyone.

(The list is not meant to be exhaustive but is a good starting point for issues that are contraindicated for LHR.)

If you have any concern or questions, you are more than welcome to contact us.

• individuals with infectious disease
 
• individuals who can't stay out of the sun

• body dysmorphic disorder
 
• history of skin cancer, such as melanoma

• raised moles, suspicious lesions, hypertrophic/keloid scar formation, healing problems, active infections, open lesions, wounds, open skin, hives, herpetic lesions, cold sores, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, scleroderma or vitiligo

• Individuals with a known history of frequent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 or 2 lesions should begin prophylaxis prior to treatment as prescribed by their physician. Clients are advised to take the antiviral medications (examples: acyclovir or valacyclovir) at least one day before and continue after each treatment session strictly as directed until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking medication too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more tolerant and difficult to treat.

Photosensitivity can be induced by your genetic inheritance and/or certain substances.
In the present & in the last 6 months, have you been using the following substances? (Click here to see non-exhaustive list.)
The list are examples of photosensitising/photosensitive substances that can induce photosensitivity and can make your skin sensitive to light including laser light and sunlight.
These substances are some medications, herbals, supplements, vitamins and/or cosmetic products (either via ingestion, topical application, inhalation and/or injection) you are currently using and/or you have been using within the last 6 months.
Exposure to light, these medication may induce hyper-, hypo-pigmentation, dermatitis, blister or burn.
LHR can be performed when clients stay off such medication for at least its 1/2 life or longer when it is out of their body system.
Clients are advised to consult their doctors before stop their medications.
Clients are also advised to stay off such medication 7 days after each light-based therapy.

• Hydroquinone, skin brightener, skin lightening or bleaching agent – Stay off them for at least 7 days prior to and after each LHR due to higher risk of pigmentation complications

• Pregnancy, trying to get pregnant, or during breastfeeding

• Seizure disorders including light-triggered seizures

• Intramuscular gold therapy

• Individuals who r currently taking anticoagulants, blood thinners, iron supplements, herbal supplements such as ginkgo, ginseng or garlic may bruise more readily.

• Individuals with implanted medical devices such as Pacemakers, cardioverters, and other implantable devices or fillers, please consult your physician.

• Inflamed skin, injured skin, wounds => You can have LHR after these areas healed.

Do not apply any irritants to your treated area, such as any products containing benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, AHA, alcohols, witch hazel, astringents, vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinoids (like over-the-counter retinol and prescribed stronger tretinoin (Retin A), Tazorac, or etc. for at least 7 days before and after the LHR treatment.

• Here, we do NOT treat clients with recently tanned skin or fake tan. Blisters, burns, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation may occur. Allow tan to fade prior to treatment. When in doubt, compare treatment area with limited sun exposure area such as your bum

Natural tanning or artificial tanning products darken the surface of the skin. When the surface of the skin darkens, more laser energy will be absorbed by the skin's surface rather than by the hair - our main target. When too much light energy is absorbed at the skin surface, not only it posts higher risk for burn, but also less result in hair reduction.

Other places can treat tan skin because they use low settings to lower risks of over treatments such as burn. But this will ruin clients' ultimate results to have the uttermost hair reduction in the long run.

• For clients with sensitive skin and histamine, or have a history of allergy, hay fever, asthma, eczema, prolonged erythema or edema, taking oral anti-histamine 1 hours before & 48-72 hrs after laser treatment is optionally recommended. Prescribed topical corticosteroids may also be another option. Click here for possible adverse effects of corticosteroid creams.

• For optimal hair removal results, wait around 6 - 8 weeks (not earlier and not later) after waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin, before having LHR.

• Between each LHR session => NO waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream and/or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin => No No No

• After you finish course of multiple laser sessions, NO waxing, plucking, threading, epilation cream or other methods that affect or disturb hair underneath the skin => No No No

• Avoid any heating devices including LHR 2 weeks prior to or after Botox.

• Avoid laser treatments at least 2-4 weeks or longer prior to or after filler. Consult with your provider for their specific recommendations.



Electrolysis is the only solution for permanent hair removal for individuals with the following cases:
• blond, red, grey and white hair
• sparse, thin hairs or individual/isolated/patchy coarse hair
• tattooed sites & permanent makeup
• cold sensitivity including Raynaud phenomenon



Please inform us of any changes of your health condition, medications,
pregnancy &/or breastfeeding
when booking and before start each session.

This includes any changes of herbals, supplements, vitamins, substances, and prescribed & over-the-counter medications,
ingested, topical, injected, inhaled and etc.




Go back to starting page, click here.


Contraindications of Electrolysis Treatments

 

Electrolysis treatments aren't for everyone.

(The list is not meant to be exhaustive but is a good starting point for issues that are contraindicated for electrolysis treatments.)

Any concern, please contact us before booking.

-- Body dysmorphic disorder
 
-- People with the following health conditions must avoid Electrolysis treatments: active skin disease, implanted pacemakers, other electronic implants, lack of skin/temperature sensation, hypertrophic/keloid scarring, history of skin cancer, during hormonal therapy or any infectious diseases.
 

 

 
 
-- individuals with infectious disease
 
-- Individuals with a known history of frequent Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 or 2 lesions should begin prophylaxis prior to treatment as prescribed by their physician. Clients are advised to take the antiviral medications (examples: acyclovir or valacyclovir) at least one day before and continue after each treatment session strictly as directed until you finish the prescription, even if you feel better. If you stop taking medication too soon or skip doses, your infection may not be completely treated or may become more tolerant and difficult to treat.
Research has shown that topical creams are NOT effective to treat cold sores.
 
-- Other heat-stimulated diseases

-- Stop using topical products containing, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic/salicylic acids, AHA, alcohols, witch hazel, astringents, vitamin A and its derivatives, such as retinoids (ex: over-the-counter retinol and prescribed stronger tretinoin (Retin A), Tazorac, or etc. for at least 1 week before and after electrolysis treatment.

Discontinue isotretinoin (Accutane) for at least 6 months prior to electrolysis.

-- A certificate from your doctor is required before commencing Electrolysis treatment when you have suffered from at least one of the following health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, epilepsy, moles in area to be treated, metal implants in body (eg birth control IUD, metal staples in the chest, screws, pins or plates to repair broken bones or etc.), haemophilia, pregnancy, trying to conceive, during breastfeeding, on blood thinning medications or recovering from a recent operation (less than 6 months).

-- A certificate from your doctor is required before I can remove hair from your moles or pigment-producing skin cells to prove that you have had those areas checked and they are not cancerous. The needle used for removing hair from moles or pigment-producing areas, such as red and brown spots as for examples, should NOT be used elsewhere for normal skin areas to prevent cross contamination/metastasis.

-- Tattoos must be at least 6 months old before the electrolysis treatment can begin in such area.



*** Please inform us of pregnancy, breastfeeding, any other changes of your health condition and medications when booking & before starting each treatment session. ***
 
 
 Go back to starting page, click here.
 
 

Monday, 9 January 2023

Light from My Understanding


Please note this topic is explained from my own understanding, thus some info in this topic could be incorrect. Please feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

 

 https://youtu.be/Iuv6hY6zsd0

 

As seen on the above video at Minute 3:35, 5:05 and 5:30, similar to water which is made of molecules/particles that can acts as waves, light is also made up of particles that can acts as waves. Remember we can only see visible part of EM spectrum using our bare eyes. What is light made up of? Many things can create light (light sources)!

(I disagree with Minute 4:15 of the video because the steam/flow of visible and invisible light, not just single light particle, are let into the double slit box.)


Applying the discontinuous theory of matter in which nearly everything is made up of atoms, and
atoms are made up of electrons and quarks.
 
Electrons occupy a space that surrounds an atom's nucleus.

Quarks make up protons and neutrons, which, in turn, make up an atom's nucleus.
In other words, protons and neutrons are made of even smaller particles called quarks.

 

What is light made up of? Click here for examples of proposed answers


It is believed that electrons and quarks are elementary particles. That means they aren’t made up of anything else. Are they!



Electromagnetic (EM)  Spectrum


Visible light have a wavelength from 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers, depending on the color. In contrast, atoms have a width of about 0.2 nanometers. This is why you can't see individual atoms using an optical microscope because visible light are too big to pass through/among them.

 

However, the shorter wavelengths, such as X-rays and ultraviolet light can pass among/through atoms because they are smaller, allowing theorists and scientists to get a glimpse of the atomic world. Please note that we can't see this part / these parts of EM spectrum.

Thus certain lights whose sizes (aka wavelengths) are smaller than atoms can pass through/among atoms because these lights are smaller.

 

 

Electrons are particles and can act like waves, just like water making up a lake as seen on the VDO above.

 

 

Examples of the properties of light: reflection, refraction, dispersion, scattering, absorption, interference, diffraction, polarisation

 

 

Examples of confused terms:

light = particles that act as waves (just like water in the lake as seen on the VDO)

wave = radiation = energy =>  They are the same thing in different contexts. For example, the energy carried by electromagnetic wave/radiation/light is proportional to the frequency of the wave. 

With the reference to the image of EM spectrum above, the smaller the particle size/wavelength, the higher the frequency, and the higher the energy.


Only two frequencies 13.56 and 27.12 MHz (megahertz) are permitted in electrology. Click here for more discussion regarding radio frequencies used in electrology.


With reference to EM spectrum, when u r talking about light, you are also talking about colours. Remember! we can see only visible part of EM spectrum. So, what are colours of other invisible part of EM spectrum as seen by other animals if they can perceive them?
 
colour = wavelength => They are the same thing in different contexts. Each colour has different wavelength, whose particle size is different. Since different sizes/wavelengths carry different energy, different colours carry different energy.


Intensity is measured in units of energy over the area and time. In other words, it's the amount of energy that is carried over a certain area in a certain amount of time.
 
When talking about sound/radio waves, we describe different levels of intensity using the decibel scale, as a measure of volume. The volume is the perception of loudness from the intensity of a sound wave. The higher the intensity of a sound, the louder it is perceived in our ears, and the higher volume it has. Since intensity is a function of energy, and energy is related to amplitude, then we can make the conclusion that the volume of a sound is proportional to the amplitude of the sound wave.
 
In optics, we describe different levels of intensity using the term, fluence. The fluence of a laser pulse is the energy delivered per unit area, J / cm2 (joules per square centimeter).

 

 

My debate on double slit experiment:

Why did they compare behaviour of light with sand in the double slit experiment? Does sand behave like water in the lake as seen in the video? Isn't the concept of fluidity applied to sand, but water? When sand can act as waves? In which situations? What does it take to cause sand to act as waves, which factors? I believe factors to cause light and sand to act as waves are different, aren't they?

The VDO comparing double slit experiment of light with water is more easily understandable than the one using sand.





If light are particles that act as waves:

Just like one water compound/molecule are made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, if visible light are made of particles, where these particles locate in OUR periodic table?

Is/Are visible light(s) gas, liquid or solid at our room temperature?






 



Other topics:

-- Laser Hair Removal (LHR)

-- Electromagnetic Waves: Link I and Link II

-- Wavelength vs Frequency 

 

 

 

Monday, 2 January 2023

Pain Management

Topic 1: Numbing Creams (Topical Anesthetics) for Electrolysis Hair Removal Treatments


(Please avoid using both numbing cream & oral pain killer when having laser/diode/IPL, u may not be able to detect/feel when u r being overtreated.)

Please avoid using the numbing cream unless you really need it. Risks can be fatal, so please follow instructions carefully.


*** For clients who require to use anaesthetics, must do patch test by applying recommended amount of anaesthetic over small intact skin area if it's their 1st time to test whether they experience any of the side effects or adverse reactions ***

If you experience any of harmful effects or reactions, immediately rinse the area with cool water.


Possible undesirable effects:

These are not a complete list.
Unwanted effects should be minimal to non-existent. Call triple zero 000 if you experience any severe symptoms.
  • Changes in skin color where the numbing cream was applied
  • Itching or a rash
  • Mild burning
  • Bruising or a purple-blackish haze appearing on the skin
  • Confusion, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears
  • Severe burning, stinging, or irritation where the numbing cream was applied
  • Sudden dizziness or drowsiness
  • Swelling or redness
  • Allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • If too much absorption through your skin, you can experience an overdose.
           The signs of overdose: convulsions, rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, respiratory failure, &/or coma

 

 

Where to buy?

By law, anyone who isn't Medical Practitioner is not allowed to sell & apply the numbing cream on their customers. All clients must buy & apply it themselves at their own risk.

The common ingredients found in topical anaesthetic include Lidocaine (Lignocaine), Tetracaine (Amethocaine), Prilocaine, Benzocaine, Epinepherine (Adrenaline) and few others.

S = Schedule

S2 & S3. Single compound on their own, or in combination, in concentrations up to 10% are over-the-counter (OTC)  and behind the counter just asking pharmacist. They can be purchased directly from many pharmacies or compounding chemists without prescription. Please contact a compounding pharmacy to make a formula for you prior to pickup or collection because this may take some time.

* Please note prices, compositions, and qualities vary among different compounding chemists. Some r more effective & work better in numbing than others. So please contact different compounding pharmacies to compare prices.

Examples where to buy them:

-- Emla cream 5% (containing lignocaine 2.5% & prilocaine 2.5%) around AUD 40 for 30g is available at Chemist Warehouse & etc. It may NOT work effectively for many individuals for the purpose of electrolysis hair removal treatment.

-- Made-to-order (10% or higher active ingredients) is available from many compounding pharmacies such as Elixir in Ferntree Gully VIC whose prices are 10g for $28, 30g for $45 and 60g for $70 plus Postage or FREE pick up

My Compounder

Frank, a helpful pharmacist @ Lilydale Amcal Pharmacy

OR other compounding chemists near you


S4. A single compound on their own or combinations of topical anaesthetics in concentrations greater than 10% require the supply of a medical prescription before you can order it from any pharmacies. Sometime, topical numbing are cheaper if you can obtain free prescription from your bulk bill doctor and then buy it from compounding pharmacy. For example, BLT cream containing:
-- Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 4%, & Tetracaine 1% 
-- Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 7%, & Tetracaine 3%
-- Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 6%, & Tetracaine 4%
-- Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 8%, & Tetracaine 4%
-- Benzocaine 20%, Lidocaine 10%, & Tetracaine 4%    OR

-- Lidocaine 23% & Tetracaine 7%



My suggestion how to effectively communicate with your GP for prescription for higher than 10% numbing cream:

Explaining to your GP that you had tried 10% numbing cream bought from compounding chemist but it wasn't working for you and you would like to get a prescription or multiple repeats of prescriptions for stronger numbing creams for Schedule 4 formulas above.



What are differences among different active ingredients?

For examples,

- - Comparison of speed when their effectiveness start to kick in: prilocaine is the quickest acting followed by lignocaine then tetracaine.

- - Comparison how long the effectiveness last: lidocaine & prilocaine may last up to 2 hrs. Tetracaine may last up to 3 hrs.

- - Benzocaine & prilocaine associates with the risk possibility of methemoglobinemia

 

Which formula is for you? That depends on how long you want to spend for each electrolysis session. For short session maybe get 10% lignocaine without tetracaine. Or an ointment formula of 5% lignocaine + 5% tetracaine (= 10% active ingredients in total) for a session of 3 hrs or longer.

 

They are available in many forms: spray, cream, gel & ointment. But get non-ionised, mild alkaline (sodium bicarb added) & fat-soluble ointment for better absorption through skin.

 

Storage: Store in air-tight, cool (2-20° C) & dry place such as in fridge, away from the light, The Sun, heat and not in the car.

Oxygen/Air, Light & Heat deteriorates the numbing active compounds.

 

How to open a certain design of container:


 

How to use? & What must be strictly avoided?

-- Do not apply numbing cream on injured/irritated (rash) skin.

-- Stay way away from & around the eyes. Do not apply numbing cream around this area.

-- Very small & young children, individuals with heart diseases, liver diseases, kidney diseases & individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding or unable to metabolise anesthetics should avoid using numbing cream.

 

“The FDA strongly advises consumers NOT to:

• Make heavy application of topical anesthetic products over large areas of skin;

• Use formulations that are stronger or more concentrated than necessary;

• Apply these products to irritated or broken skin;

• Apply heat, such as from a heating pad to skin treated with these products.

• When skin temperature increases, the amount of anesthetic reaching the blood stream is unpredictable and the risk of life-threatening side effects increases with greater amounts of active ingredients in the blood ...

• Do not apply the topical anesthetic to broken or irritated skin; ...”

 

How to apply/use a topical numbing cream for the purpose of electrolysis hair removal?

-- Patch test of less than 2cm in diameter at least 4 hours before use. If u have experienced any reactions to the product, u must not use it.

-- After patch test with no any reactions, apply very thick layer of numbing cream on intact DRY, CLEAN & bare skin no bigger than 80 square cm (or no bigger than area of your palm in total). Rub/massage it in for few minutes. (Optionally, apply a 2nd heavy layer of cream over the area.) Wait for around 4-6 minutes till cream absorbed into the skin, then wrap with glad wrap (air tight) for at least around 60-90 minutes before starting the session.

If leave cream and wrap it in place for around 1 hour before the procedure of electrology, the cream may produce anesthesia to a depth of around 3 mm.

If leave cream and wrap it in place for around 2 hrs before the procedure, the cream may produce anesthesia to a maximum depth of 5 mm.

 


 


Please bring cream with u to appointment, just in case u might need to apply more if it's safe to do so. 

 

 

What is our business safety plan in place?

We don't recommend our clients to use anaesthetics unless they really need to because of life-threatening risks.

All clients who require to use anaesthetics, must do test patching by applying recommended amount of anaesthetic over small test patch intact skin area if it's their 1st time to test whether they experience any of the side effects list.

Every single time therapist must keep asking every client who is on the drug if they experience any of the side effects (list given verbally) during the treatment.

In case that clients experience adverse effects, the therapist must either send them to the nearest hospital emergency or call "000" for emergency services.

https://www.easternhealth.org.au/services/item/610-emergency-department?fbclid=IwAR3-7e8gy_EfCJhZ3XZdvCV0raUmmYWNLHtI-qajQWGV25jRBwBLyiEdZiY

 

For additional/more info, please see comments under the following post (Click here) Some comments mentioned fatal cases from overdoses, anaphylaxis, toxicity (doesn't matter of what quantity applied) & etc.

 

 

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Topic 2: prescribed, short-acting anesthesia inhaler

 

Must Watch (Click to watch)

One of its risks: methoxyflurane, a volatile anesthetic agent, is associated with serious, irreversible, and even fatal nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in humans.

 

Must Read (Click to read)


Device Preparation (Click to watch)


How To Use (Click to watch)



/////////////////////////////////

 

Topic 3: Oral Relaxants

 

Instead of diazepam, have a look at this kava (Click here to watch)

 

Important info & its risks: click here to read!


Example of where to buy:





Link:

-- First Aid

-- Go back to starting page, click here.