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FDA approves at-home laser hair removal device

06:01 PM PST on Wednesday, February 27, 2008

By JEAN ENERSEN / KING 5 News

Video: FDA approves at-home laser hair removal device
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Laser hair removal used to mean going to a professional, but now the Food and Drug Administration has approved the first device for use at home.

Some rip it out, get electrolysis, even try laser surgery - but if de-fuzzing your body is something you'd rather do at home, you're in luck. An at-home laser hair removal devices will be on the market later this spring.

"Everybody is going to use this laser," said Dr. Eric Bernstein, a laser surgeon and spokesman for the Tria, a hand-held device used for at home laser removal. Bernstein hopes the Tria will help his business, not hurt it.

"In my house my wife uses it to maintain her hair removal on her legs in between treatments," said Bernstein.

The Tria works by heating hair quickly. Unlike professional treatment, no goggles are needed, but it's not for everyone. It won't work on white, grey, blond or red hair and it's an absolute no-no for people with dark skin and those who rarely or never sunburn. They could end up with serious blisters and burns.

For added protection, a device to unlock the laser is included. Press it against your skin and if it's safe, a light will turn green.

"And there is goes. Now I come to the laser and I can unlock it and it's ready to go," said Bernstein.

If your skin is too dark the light turns red.

"And it will not activate," said Bernstein.

FDA approval is only for the neck down, but Nicole Dresnin say she uses the Tria on her lip and chin, but it isn't completely painless.

"You feel a little something, but not anything that I think anyone couldn't endure," said Dresnin.

Expect Tria on store shelves sometime this spring. It will also be available at some dermatologists' offices or online and will cost under $1,000, which can be cheaper in long run than professional treatments, which average about $420 a session. Keep in mind though the at-home-laser is much less powerful than the in-officer version.

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