Author: Premier Laser

10 Facts You Need To Know Before Booking Laser Hair Removal

10 Facts You Need To Know Before Booking Laser Hair Removal If you are thinking about laser hair removal for the first time and are worried because of all the things you’ve heard about it, read through the ten facts below which will help answer your most common laser hair removal questions and queries.   … Continue reading “10 Facts You Need To Know Before Booking Laser Hair Removal”

10 Facts You Need To Know Before Booking Laser Hair Removal

If you are thinking about laser hair removal for the first time and are worried because of all the things you’ve heard about it, read through the ten facts below which will help answer your most common laser hair removal questions and queries.

 

  1. Is it painful?

Laser hair removal works by sending light through the pigment in the hair, which creates a sharp but slightly small painful sensation that is caused when the hair follicle and hair bulb are damaged.

The laser can cause discomfort on areas with thinner skin such as the nose, chin, and temples. If you had to compare the pain – it would be less painful then giving birth!, less painful then having a tattoo! – it can be compared to being flicked with an elastic band – so there is really nothing to worry about!.

 

  1. Patience

It is worth knowing that the results of laser hair removal do take a few weeks to become apparent. It’s not an overnight solution but the results are long lasting and definitely worth it. After your first treatment, you will be looking at two to three weeks to see a notable difference, whilst it will take around 8-12 sessions to ensure you see the very best results.

This is because the laser can only destroy hair in the growth phase or anagen phase.  So in your first session only hairs in the anagen phase would have been destroyed.  To destroy all the hairs you will need to go back so you can catch the remaining hairs in the growth phase. Hair grows in 3 stages which are anagen, catagen, and telogen and this is the reason why multiple sessions are needed.

 

  1. The process is quick with little downtime

The average appointment takes less than 30 minutes which can include the preamble about what is ahead as well as personal preparation such as the removal of makeup. (Unless you are having a full body session; that could take just over an hour.)  If you are having a single area like half arm or upper lip then sessions can last anywhere from 15 -45 minutes.

 

  1. 24 hours after the treatment

The laser emissions used during the treatment stay within your skin for a full 24 hours afterward and therefore, in order to avoid bacteria multiplying and creating acne, you will want to avoid anything that would increase your core body temperature, such as going to the gym, saunas or hot baths. So take full advantage, skip the gym or yoga for the day, and put your feet up!.

 

  1. Avoid sunlight

Whilst having the treatment, you practitioner will advise you about the best to protect your sensitive skin. However, you may want to avoid exposure to the sun and sunbathing in general. Moreover, if you have recently been on holiday or developed a tan, you will need to wait for this to fade before beginning treatment.

 

  1. Some treatments may cause hair to develop elsewhere

Unfortunately one of the side effects of laser hair removal is other types of hair growing longer. However, this shouldn’t be too much of a concern as the practitioner will be able to advise you if your hair isn’t suitable for the treatment or if there could be possible side effects.

 

  1. You may need to alter your beauty regime

Certain beauty products have chemicals that could cause complications during the treatment process and therefore scrubs, retinol creams and glycolic acid should be avoided for two days before and after treatment.  If you are unsure bring your cream in or take a picture on your phone so you can show it to the practitioner.

Similarly, you should refrain from any chemical peels for around two weeks before and after the laser process and wait 1-2 weeks after until you apply a fake tan.  This will ensure that you get the best results.

 

  1. Don’t wax or dye your hair

Also during the process, you may feel more comfortable being hairless and therefore we would recommend shaving rather than plucking, waxing or bleaching any hair. Plucking and waxing can damage the skin and cause complications with the potential success of laser hair removal treatment.

 

  1. Does laser hair removal treatment works on all skin tones?

This is true, the treatment only requires the hair to be dark enough to draw the laser and there are NDYAG lasers that are safer for those with darker skin. For best results ensure your clinic are using the best machines on the market.

You do not want to take any risks when it comes to you health. The leading machines on the market are either Candela or Cynosure.  They are the Rolls Royce of laser hair removal world and cost about the same as a Rolls Royce!. If you see cheaper prices and are tempted, then just be sure to ask the clinic what machines they use. Laser machines can be bought online or from the far east for a few thousand pounds. You really don’t want to be treated by them as they are not as powerful and will take longer so you end up paying more and, most importantly, can potentially put you at risk.

 

  1. Will I need to go back for top ups?

For the majority (around 90%) of people, they see a permanent drop in the growth of hair on their targeted area however fluctuations in an individual’s hormones can sometimes cause further hair growth which might require additional visits.

You should discuss this with your practitioner during your initial meeting.  Most people are happy when they discover the laser and have thrown away the razor!. There really is no looking back. Many are happy with the results, the time and money saved, and not having to wax or shave any more!.

We hope we have cleared up some of your questions or queries surrounding laser hair removal.  Lots of us rely on the internet, social media or friends and family to find out about things these days and sometimes that can lead to more uncertainty.

If you still have questions about laser hair removal the best thing to do would be to book into a free consultation.  You will be able to discuss your concerns and goals with an experienced practitioner who would have treated many people with a similar background, skin tone, hair type and history to yours. They can also perform a patch test on your skin to check your suitability.

 

Stretch Marks And Pregnancy

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How To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks After Pregnancy.

As you hold your tiny newly delivered bundle of joy tightly in your arms for the first time, your heart melts as they lovingly gaze up at you with those big baby eyes.

Words haven’t yet been invented to describe how you feel.

You have just gone through months of carrying around a huge weight, constantly feeling tired, sick and having to rush to the toilet every five minutes. Not mentioning the sleepless nights and your body stretching until you thought you might go ‘pop’!.

After the euphoria dies down and your friends and relatives fade away into the background – eventually your thoughts turn to getting back into shape.

You look at yourself in the mirror to see how much you have changed and what needs to be done to get back into shape. You then notice stretch marks that seemed to have appeared like a squatters in an empty building overnight and you are sure they weren’t there before or that bad and your thoughts turn to evicting them!. So what can be done?.

pregnant womenWhat Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks or striae are small tears in your skin. They occur due to your body changing size in a short space of time due to the rapid expansion of your uterus alongside the sudden weight gain during pregnancy.

Don’t worry about 90% of women are affected by stretch marks during pregnancy.

They can usually be found around the

  • stomach
  • breasts
  • thighs
  • buttocks

If you have stretch marks after your pregnancy don’t be too upset as the majority will fade over time.

Stretch Marks During Pregnancy

If you got through to your second trimester and were stretch mark free and were beginning to feel optimistic you could avoid them altogether and were regularly massaging oils and lotions into your skin, it is surprising to learn that stretch marks during pregnancy usually form during the last trimester and usually on the belly. These types of pregnancy stretch marks are known as striae gravidarum.

Stretch marks occur in the dermis, this is the tough middle tissue layer that lets the skin keep its shape.

Immediately after pregnancy you may not like the look of your stretch marks, especially if you have never had them before, they may be quite visible and quite red or very dark depending on your skin tone or ethnicity.

Within the next year they will look vastly different and their colour will become more consistent with the rest of your skin tone.  If you are looking for a cosmetic solution to reduce their appearance there are several options available on the market.

Do Creams Work For Stretch Marks?

Unfortunately, cosmetics such as oils and creams will not be able to heal the marks, entirely they can provide the skin with moisture that can help make the skin feel softer and smoother. Oils like

  • olive oil
  • coconut oil
  • aragan oil
  • bio oil
  • almond oil

are popular but require you to really spend time massaging the oils and creams in.

Vitamin C usually have the best effect of stretch marks as does hyaluronic serum which is available without prescription.

This may give you greater body confidence and ensure that if you are constantly touching the marks they will be less identifiable.

Concealer can be used to mask the stretch marks themselves on any skin that is visible although this is a short term response, as hot weather in summer could lead to increased sweating and may lead to rashes or acne forming on the marks as it clogs the skin and therefore this is not recommended.

It also should be removed daily and can cause a mess it you get it on your clothes or bedsheets!

Can Exercise Improve Stretch Marks?

Some people think a more vigorous exercise routine can rid themselves of stretch marks. Exercise, solely cannot remove stretch marks but it can help to tone the area, which will make them less visible. The same rule applies for employing healthier diet following birth, as it’s been proven that this can give you a better mindset and a more positive outlook regarding your stretch marks.

Stretch Mark Treatment

Alternatively, whilst stretch marks are nothing to be ashamed of, people do seek out solutions to them and therefore there are many cosmetic treatments that can help remove the marks, and Premier Laser offers such below:

Dermapen Micro Skin Needling

This is a two-part procedure which combines 12 microscopic needles and an electric handpiece. The needles oscillate at an incredibly high frequency and make small punctures in the tissue. The microneedling creates a minor trauma which encourages the immune system to respond and create new and healthy collagen. The new collagen then works with third-party topical nutrients to prevent dermal tearing. Dermapen has grown in popularity over the years and is a popular treatment of stretch marks and many people have reported excellent results from.

Radio-Frequency Skin Resurfacing

This is a non-laser approach to repairing the skin tissue affected by stretching. The device stimulates collagen growth before the top layer of skin and therefore attacks the damaged tissue ‘inside out’.  It sends radio frequency into the skin and is a non invasive procedure and can be performed quickly with no downtime.

Infini 3D Skin Tightening

The technique is also non-surgical and instead harnesses the power of light energy, ultrasound and radiofrequency to allow individuals to get younger and firmer looking skin, removing the visibility of stretch marks. This three pronged approach really attacks the stretch marks and good results have been reported from the infini 3D skin tightening.

Next Steps

So the good news is that something can be done about your stretch marks.

Today treatment has moved on from recommending creams and oils.

Our understanding and knowledge of skin has grown and the new technology available means treatments have advanced. Many people are now experiencing great results from the new technology and prices are now affordable to most.

The best way to approach your stretch marks is not to panic, try to accept that they are part of you and a reminder that they are a small price to pay for the delightful bundle that has come into your life!

Before you pick up the phone and book an appointment at your local clinic firstly focus on your diet, stay hydrated and moisturised and look to slowly get back to exercising gently, when your GP recommends its safe to do so.

You can then look into exploring your options with a clinic and arrange a consultation to speak to an experienced practitioner who will understand what you are going through and can advise the best course of action.

When you are ready and If you would like to discuss your stretch marks with an expert practitioner why not book a free consultation and speak to us about your skin goals and how we can help you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Stretch Mark Removal For Men

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Stretch Mark Removal For Men

Men do you want to get rid of your stretch marks?.

The good news is something can be done, the bad news is – don’t expect miracles.

Treating stretch marks has come a long way recently. The old advice recommended you to apply natural oils like almond, olive or coconut.

Today stretch marks on men can be treated using the latest laser, radio frequency, sonar and light technology.  This new technology can greatly reduce their appearance so you are not so self conscious of them.

Gym, Bodybuilding & Lifting Stretch Marks 

Have you have worked hard adding lean muscle mass, hitting the gym regularly and sweating buckets doing your boring cardio?.

Then watching everything that passes your lips as you know abs are made in the kitchen not gym. You have avoided sweet treats like deserts, cakes and biscuits and religious stuck to your strict clean diet – day in and day out, week after week?.

As much as you like the ‘new you’ looking back at you in the mirror all this has come at a cost.

Stretch marks!…

…and in the back of your mind those annoying stretch marks seem to be taunting you trying to take the shine of your hard won achievements!.

Dieting or weight gain

Alternatively, maybe instead of stacking on the muscle you decided to do something about your weight.

Not recognising the person staring back at you in the mirror every morning you took the bull by the horns. You started to watch what you eat. Tried a new diet. And after months of cast iron discipline you transformed yourself. Revealing the person you know was hiding underneath the layers of fat many months ago.

The only problem once again – stretch marks!.

So what is the answer ?

Is there an answer ?

Will laser, creams, argan or bio oil remove your stretch marks ?

Whatever the cause it is reassuring to know that today something can be done to remove unsightly stretch marks.  Technology, as mentioned earlier, has come a long way, and it is technology we turn to for the answer.  Not creams , oils or butters.

But first a bit of background about stretch marks.

What Exactly Are Stretch Marks ?

The medical term for stretch marks is striae distensae, but most people call them stretch marks. They are red or darker, jagged marks. They can sometimes be a source of irritation. Stretch marks are considered a form of skin scarring – which sounds scary !

They can occur when someones skin gets stretched or shrinks rapidly.  This affects the collagen and elastin in the skin that has become damaged and stretch marks can appear due to self healing process of the skin.

If you notice new stretch marks your stretch marks may be purple or red jagged lines or darker brown lines depending on your ethnicity and skin tone. The skin may feel raised or bumpy.

Gradually stretch marks will fade and enter a second stage. At this second stage stretch marks usually have no colour to them as the red or darker pigment has faded and they may feel lower than the surrounding skin.

Stretch Marks Prevention In Men 

As you know it is not only women that get stretch marks!.

This may be because stretch marks are normally talked about and associated with women during pregnancy where their bodies undergo a massive change (and stretch) in a very short time. Men are no less self conscious about stretch marks then women and the impact can be equally devastating and harmful to a healthy body image.

What Common Causes Stretch Marks in men? 

There is no one exact cause for stretch marks. The medical profession think stretch marks are a combination of many factors including :

  1. Genetics
  2. Hormones
  3. Changes to skin cells
  4. Puberty
  5. Weight gain

Many men shoot up in height when they hit puberty and can add several inches in height in a few months. They can also shed baby fat. These sudden and dramatic changes can leave stretch marks behind.

Sadly stretch marks can also be genetic, making it even harder to avoid. If someone in your family has stretch marks, you are more prone to also have them.

Reasons For Stretch Marks In Men Include:

Also If you use corticosteroid creams for a long time such as prescription-strength hydrocortisone for eczema, you may be more likely to see stretch marks as an unwelcome side effect.

Common Areas For Stretch Marks When Training Or Losing Weight

Stretch marks can occur anywhere. If they are because of training they may appear around your shoulders and pecs or at the top of your arms due to your biceps increasing in size and or forearms.

Other common areas are inner thighs where you may have packed on some muscle deadlifting or squatting or the back of your arms on your lats or traps where you may have added muscle on your back.

If your stretch marks are due to losing weight then common areas for them to appear would be upper arms, thighs, belly and chest area.  Loose skin can also occur if the weight loss was dramatic and fast.

Can guys Prevent Stretch Marks Using Oils ?

Like the snake oil salesmen of the wild west hundreds of years ago, there are many products on the market. All claim to magically make your stretch marks disappear or prevent them in the first place.

They promise to reduce or prevent stretch marks in both men and women. Most are highly moisturizing oils that you apply on top of your skin. Ingredients usually include oils such as :

  • Cocoa butter
  • Almond
  • Olive oil
  • Vitamin E
  • Aragan oil
  • Bio oil

Although claims state the appearance of stretch marks will be reduced the evidence is patchy and research and studies show they were not effective in reducing stretch mark appearances.

This doesn’t stop many people claiming the effectiveness of oils and creams. If you decide to try a lotion to maybe reduce the itchiness of fresh stretch marks the American Association of Dermatology suggest the following:

  • Try using products when you first see stretch marks or are itching. Topical products tend not to work well on old stretch marks.
  • Massage the products in as this seems to allow products to work more effectively and use the product consistently over the course of several weeks to months.

stretch mark removal for menHow To Hide Stretch Marks

While lotions and creams may not treat stretch marks, they can reduce some of the itching that occurs when they develop. You can also hide them using self-tanner or a concealer matching your skin tone but this is a temporary solution.

Tanning can make stretch marks appear more obvious, so be careful.  Also make sure that the concealer is a close match to your skin tone as it may look odd if not!.

Concealer can also get quite messy as you may forget it is on and will end up on your clothes or bedsheets!.

What Medical Treatments Are Available For Stretch Marks? 

To reduce the appearance of stretch marks a Dermatologist can prescribe hyaluronic acid or vitamin A, which have been known to reduce the appearance of stretch marks. The NHS recommend three treatments for stretch marks which they suggest

“may help make stretch marks look better, but they will not get rid of them”

They include:

  • Retinoid (often called tretinoin) creams or hyaluronic acid as mentioned above – These might help on newly formed stretch marks.
  • Light or laser treatments we offer a number at Premier Laser clinic including Ultracel, Dermapen or HIFU and recently mesotherapy which has been used to tackle stretch marks but it still very much in the experimental phase.
  • Finally the NHS recommend microdermabrasion, which removes a thin layer of skin and is just like exfoliating the skin which we believe not be very effective in the long run.

 

These treatments are not available on the NHS as stretch marks generally are not a life or death matter, so you would need to find a clinic.

If you are interested in speaking to someone about your stretch marks and find out what options are available to you, you can book a free consultation with one of our experienced practitioners who will listen to your concerns and give you advice and recommendations.

Does Laser Stretch Mark Removal Work ?

There are many treatments on the market today which can be used to attack your stretch marks.  People have used laser or radio frequency and have been impressed with the results and the reduction in appearance of stretch marks.

The three most popular treatments on the market today are listed below. It can be confusing to know the difference between treatments so we will briefly describe each one so you will have a better understanding :

  • Dermapen

Dermapen skin needling creates micro-injuries to the skin which trigger your body to produce the growth of fibroblast cells which stimulate the production of collagen improving the skin. Dermapen skin needling lets the skin repair itself after it has gone through damage like stretch marks, cuts, scars or any other physical damage.

So by damaging your skin in a safe and controlled way your skin will destroy the old, damaged tissue that causes stretch marks and will replace it with freshly produced collagen.

Dermapen skin needling treats can treat many parts of the body including the abdomen, legs, arms, and hands. It can safely treat all forms of scars like acne or surgery scars, abdominal scars, stretch marks, burn contracture scars and also loose body skin.

  • Radiofrequency Using Ultracel

Using radio frequency as part of a treatment plan ULTRAcel offers three treatments in one. Firstly it uses a high intensity focused ultrasound which targets the SMAS skin layer creating a micro injury like the Dermapen which creates a healing process that involves tightening and lifting the skin.

The second part uses Grid Fractional Radio Frequency, or GFR. This stage applies heat to the dermis and epidermis, which smooths and creates new collagen.

The third part is Fractional Radiofrequency Microneedling. This uses both microneedling and radiofrequency to help generate collagen production that your body really needs to heal stretch marks.

For older stubborn stretch marks microneedling is an effective way to deal with them. Using a series of tiny needles which makes it sound far more painful then it actually is!, the skin is penetrated, which leads to the added collagen your skin needs to repair those stretch marks. Treatment time is quick makes it an ideal option as there is little downtime too.

  • Ultrasound

Ultrasound technology made popular in the aesthetics world by Ultraformer HIFU is a high intensity focused ultrasound tool that is non-invasive quick and simple to perform. It is simply placed on the area where the stretch marks are like biceps, inner thighs, or pectoral muscles.

The energy targets and penetrate through to the lowest layers of the dermis and heat is generated. This pushes the collagen production rejuvenating the problem areas. After a single treatment you will start to notice results.

Male model on green backgroundCan You Prevent Stretch Marks? 

As the saying goes prevention is better then cure.  But if your stretch marks are the side effects of puberty, weight loss or the results of months of blood, sweat and gut busting in the gym then this isn’t reassuring to hear.

There is no magic pill, the best advice to prevent more stretch marks in the future is to maintain a healthy weight avoiding rapid weight gain or loss as this will reduce the skin stretching, leading to stretch marks.

If you’re concerned about the appearance of stretch marks, talk to your GP who can refer you to a dermatologist who can recommend treatment options and prevention measures discussed above or you can visit a private clinic like Premier Laser for a free consultation to talk over your skin concerns.

Best Cure For Stretch Marks ?

So as you can see there is a lot to know about the humble stretch mark. If you already have them, hopefully you will have learnt how to prevent them and discovered ways to manage them.

It is  unfair that stretch marks appear like an unwelcome and uninvited guest, gate crashing a party, especially if it is on the back of your hard work in the gym or diet or if you just inherited genes making you prone to them.

Cost of treating stretch marks

The cost of treating stretch marks will depend on which treatment you choose to go for and how many session you need. Stretch marks removal well to a course of treatments so expect to pay for more then one session. Buying a course of treatments works out better value then buying individual sessions.

  • Prices for microneedling start at £183
  • Prices for Rf microneedling £270
  • HIFU Ultrafomer also starts from £270

Next steps

You can start your fight back today. New technology and treatments on the market can make a difference so are worth exploring.  If you go for a consultation at a clinic make sure you discuss your expectations with your practitioner so you will have a realistic expectation of the outcome.

If you would like to discuss your stretch marks with an experienced practitioner at Premier Laser and you live in London we have 9 clinics across the capital. Please get in touch for your free consultation, we look forward to seeing you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

6 Tips To Protect Your Skin This Winter

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]6 TIPS ON WINTER SKIN CARE 

As winter rapidly approaches it’s the right time to make sure you are looking after your skin.  Having a skincare routine isn’t just about looking after you skin in the summer months when the suns out or when your are on holiday.  A good skincare routine takes place all year round and should change according to the season. Our 6 tips for keeping your skin in tip top condition over the coming winter months are listed below.

 

1.HYDRATE 

Hydrate! Dry skin is key indicator of dehydration, so the best way to get your H2O on before you crave it.

 

2.EXFOLIATE LESS

If you’re skin is very very dry (which happens during winter season) certainly exfoliate less because of the dryness and cold air. Which would cause redness and injury to the skin.

 

3.WEAR SPF 

Sunscreen is as important in winter as it is in summer! The UV rays reflected from the sun is a strong as it in the winter time as it is in summer. So make sure you are protected with a good quality SPF cream.

 

4.UPGRADE YOUR MOISTURISER 

Due to dry and tight skin causes in winter time it’s best to upgrade your moisturiser to a thicker one to help maintain moisture.  This also offers protection against the winter elements.

 

5.AVOID HOT BATHS 

Taking really hot showers and baths can cause the skin to crack due to the cold and causing our skin to tighten and dry. Make sure it’s not as hot to avoid dehydration

 

6.USE GENTLE PRODUCTS 

Make sure you don’t use any harsh chemicals for the face or body which may lead to stripping of the skin.

 

Skin Treatments for Winter

 

HydraFacial

At Premier Laser & Skin clinic our 6 step HydraFacial treatment helps restore hydration, deep exfoliation and detox the skin leaving your skin feeling hydrated during the winter times. 

 

Peels –

We specialise in many gentle peels to give your skin a gentle boost during the winter times when the skin becomes naturally sensitive and needs a quick pick-me-up. 

 

Mesotheraphy – 

A mixture of vitamin cocktail made up to boost your skin with nutrients loss especially during the winter time. 

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Black Friday Deals On Laser Hair Removal & Skin Treatments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Black Friday Deals 2021 

This year for Black Friday we have dramatically dropped our prices. Amazing deals and savings are available on a full range of treatments; including laser hair removal and skin treatments. But hurry, sadly all good things must come to an end, so be sure to take advantage of our unbeatable prices before Black Friday ends on Monday at 8pm.

Our twenty percent off can be used on existing sale prices so that’s an incredible 80% off on some of our most popular packages. ( Some are already at 50% off , so you get an extra 30% – We know, sounds too good to be true !).

If you have always wanted to try laser hair removal, read or heard about the results friends have had but for some reason never got round to it, or were put off by the cost then now is the perfect time to dip your toe in and give it a go.  Don’t worry you will have to have a free consultation first to have a patch test to check suitability and discuss your goals .  Then you can select the right package arrange finance or discuss flexible payments, if necessary,  then you can jump straight in.

If you have always dreamed of treating and pampering yourself with a luxurious clinic level facial with your own expert practitioner fussing over you why not try one of our Hydrafacials or rejuvenate your skin with HIFU?. Hydrafacials are a firm favourite with celebrities and Instagrammers and are a fantastic way to revive and freshen your look this xmas party season.  We guarantee you will feel a million dollars, not to mention looking radiant and glowing over Christmas period when you’ll be meeting friends and family. You will be glad you did after the numerous compliments you’ll receive , but don’t worry we wont tell anyone your secret!.

Most of our treatments require that you come in for a free consultation.  Some treatments can be performed immediately after on the same day, others like the laser hair removal you will have to come back, so we know the results of the patch test.

Also you will have to book into a free consultation to take advantage of any of our black Friday offers before it ends.  Appointments are filling up fast so hurry and book one today.

 

Check For Deals [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

7 Things You Should Never Do To Your Skin

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]How many of the following are you guilty of? Read through our blog to see how many of the 7 apply to you and find out what your score is. Give yourself a point for everyone you do and be honest!.

  1. Pick or touch your skin

Picking and touching your skin increases the risk of developing bacteria, scarring and infection. According to Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it’s very important to keep your hands away from your face throughout the day to avoid spreading oil, dirt and bacteria from your hands which can trigger skin conditions such as acne, blackheads, clogged pores and breakouts.

Also try to keep your nails clean as they are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria too!. Sometimes it is hard to not touch your face so make sure your hands are kept clean, carry anti bacterial gel if you feel this will help.

  1. Expose your skin to sun without SPF

Whether it’s sunny, raining or even snowing, it’s important to wear SPF sunscreen. It will protect your skin from UV lights as 80% of the sun rays can pass through clouds. This means even during the winter months when most people would not think of using it make sure you are protected.

Legally companies are not allowed to advertise their cream as being over a factor 50.  Make sure you wearing the highest factor SPF that is right for your skin type. Wearing sunscreen daily helps to keep the skin protected from UV rays which is one of the most common reason clients get hyperpigmentaion, Melasma, sun spots, uneven skin tone, dark spots and dark lines on their face and also body.

Exposing your skin to sun without SPF also promotes ageing of the skin.  Sun damage from UV rays causes photo ageing of the skin which leads to discolouration and fine lines, wrinkles and sagging. The best thing you can do to protect your skin from being wrinkled later on in life is to apply the SPF so get your suncream on!.

  1. Smoking & Drinking

Smoking and drinking can be one of the biggest threats to your skin as it promotes a fast acceleration of your skins natural ageing process. Smoking causes thinning of blood vessels throughout the body which limits the supply of oxygen and nutrients to your skin which maintain a healthy and fresh looking skin.

Drinking dehydrates the skin. Over time, the skin slowly damages and results in a loss of collagen and elastin which results in wrinkles, dull skin tone, dark patches and smoker lines caused by smoking around the mouth area. If it is a big step to give up then reducing the amount you smoke and drink will definitely benefit your skin.

  1. Eat processed foods

Excessive sugar, additives, preservatives, oil and salt are found in processed foods. When we consume processed foods which are packed with excessive ingredients in our diets it promotes degradation of collagen in the skin which can cause your skin to develop conditions such as acne which aggressiveness leads to breakouts and oily skin.

Take a look at your diet and try to replace processed foods with natural ingredients where possible. We know that sometimes eating processed food is unavoidable but try planning ahead, like taking a packed lunch to work or go for healthier fresher options when you are eating out.

  1. Stress

Stress is not avoidable, but can be managed to control and lower the amount of stress we face day to day. This includes meditating, exercising and getting enough sleep. When stress is not managed it can lead to many negative factors including psychically such as loss of hair, breaking nails, skin conditions and appearances.

Stress can lead to under-eye bags, not getting enough sleep due to stress which can darken and puff the underage area. Stress also can cause skin issues to flare up or make underlying skin conditions worse such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.  Also increased blood pressure can result in being under constant stress as can hormonal imbalances caused by too much stress which in turn will affect the skin amongst other things.

  1. Forget to exfoliate

Exfoliating at least once a week is a must to ensure you get rid of any dead skin cells, clogged pores, and deep underlying dirt inside the skin. Forgetting to exfoliate results in many skin problems. This includes blackheads caused by oil and dirt gathered in your skin and wrinkles which develops by not exfoliating the dead skin cells which does not allow the skin to renew and develop skin cell turnover.

Acne is another cause that may happen to your skin when you forget to exfoliate, one of the main reasons why we suffer from acne is dead skin and bacteria. By exfoliating we encourage our skin to renew and replenish and promote a new skin for a healthy and clean looking skin.

Make exfoliating as part of your weekly skin care routine. There are great products available online or on the high street that will do a good job with prices starting from only £5. Its money well spent!. If you want to really deep cleanse your face and leave feeling a million dollars then you can always look into having a hydrafacial or other clinic led treatments.

  1. Sleep with makeup

Dermatologists worse nightmare ! – sleeping with makeup on. Sleep is one of the most important times for the skin to restore itself,  if we have layers of make up on blocking up oil glands and blocked pores it could lead to long term skin faults. Nighttime is a crucial time for the skin to renew and shed the build up of makeup.  Holding back skin renewal can cause acne, blogged pores, blackheads and inflammatory acne. Removing make up and cleansing the skin from the days smoke, grime and pollution, especially if you live in a city is essentially if you want to keep your skin in top condition.

  • Final score

How did you score?. One or less – give yourself a pat on the back. Two to three – not bad but there is room for improvement. Over four and we really need to sit down and have a talk!.

We are all guilty of committing a few of the above, it’s good to be reminded from time to time, so we can stick to our good habits more often then not!.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Does Laser Hair Removal damage tattoos?

Many people get tattoos without knowing it may affect their laser hair removal. We see clients every week with a new tattoo and have to tell them we are not able perform laser hair removal over the area where the fresh tattoo is. (IPL cannot be performed either). This blog will hope to clear up … Continue reading “Does Laser Hair Removal damage tattoos?”

Many people get tattoos without knowing it may affect their laser hair removal. We see clients every week with a new tattoo and have to tell them we are not able perform laser hair removal over the area where the fresh tattoo is. (IPL cannot be performed either). This blog will hope to clear up the confusion about laser hair removal and your tattoos.

Tattoos everywhere

Today there is almost no part of the body that cant and hasn’t been tattooed! Places that used to be off limits like face, neck and hands are no longer off limits. This presents challenges for people wanting to be hair free and also for laser clinics.

Not long ago, tattoos were mainly on upper arms so hair removal wasn’t much of an issue. Also laser hair removal or tattoos were not as common as they are now.

Get Laser hair removal before tattoos

If you do not have a tattoo yet, but are thinking about getting one, and it is going to be in an area where you are concerned about hair growth, the best thing to do would be to be prepared, have laser hair removal before you have your tattoo – if you want to keep the area smooth and hair free after the tattoo.

Some areas are naturally hair free so there is no need to worry. If you are planning your next tattoo on your forearms or legs, which are hairier, then plan ahead and get laser hair removal before you get the tattoo done.

Can you get a tattoo after laser hair removal?

You will have to wait a number of weeks after the laser hair removal before you are able to get your tattoo done. This gives the skin a chance to heal as laser hair removal does destroys hair follicles and you need to give your skin a chance to recover. So once you have a tattoo lets discuss what your options are.

laser and tattoos

Location, location, location

One of the key questions if you are thinking about laser hair removal and have tattoos is where is the tattoo located? If you have a tattoo that is on your ribs and wish to have laser hair removal you are unlikely to face any issues.

Large tattoos in areas where hair growth is unavoidable such as on your arms, if you have a sleeve, or back or on your legs or in more discreet places!

Can laser hair removal be used over a tattoo ?

Now for the bad news laser hair removal cannot be done over tattoos. Only the surrounding areas around the tattoo itself. The larger the tattoo, the greater the problem removing hair by laser.

There have been stories in the press of laser hair removal being done over a tattoo, usually by an unregulated clinic or untrained, inexperienced employee, which have resulted in serious third degree burns requiring hospital attention.

How to cover up a tattoo for laser hair removal

If you still want to do laser hair removal with a tattoo, then experienced practitioners will be able to create a cover for the tattoo and then target the surrounding area, usually keeping around 2-3cm between the tattoo and the lasered skin. 

As long as the laser does not go near the tattoo you will be fine. You can ask the practitioner to mark around the tattoo with their white pen as an extra precaution. Medical tape or plasters are not necessary. Although be warned using this treatment may lighten the colour of the tattoo and could still damage the tattooed skin. The most important thing you can do is find an experienced practitioner you can trust.

What is the process for removing hair and how does it affect my tattoo ?

Laser hair removal treatment works by targeting the melanin or pigment in the skin using wavelengths of light.

This light energy attacks the hair follicle and prevents it from growing back. Lasers cannot tell the difference between dark pigment in a hair follicle or in a tattoo. A dark colour is a dark colour to a laser. Laser light is automatically drawn to the dark colour to destroy it. Unfortunately laser hair technology that can tell the difference between the two doesn’t yet exist, but may one day.

The effect of laser hair removal on tattoos.

If laser hair removal was performed  over a tattoo the laser would have trouble accurately finding the pigment in the hair as there would be pigment from the tattoo surrounding, confusing the laser.

So you have the double effect of poor laser hair removal and exposing tattooed skin to the laser which could cause severe scarring or long term issues to the skin. So bad all round.

Also different lasers are used for laser tattoo removal and hair removal. What about IPL?

Can you use IPL on tattoos?

IPL are not classified as lasers. They are essentially full-spectrum flashlamps. Like a flash on a camera. They are good for treating certain skin conditions like sunspots and rosacea. Not as effective for laser for hair removal. We would not recommend IPL for laser hair removal and you encounter the same issues with your tattoos that you have with IPL.

shaving for women

So what are my other options?

If you are eager to remove the hair on a tattoo, don’t fret as there is a process that can be used as a substitute.  Electrolysis treatments avoid the risk of scarring and damage to the tattoo itself.

Professional treatment is advised and the results are highly effective and can ease your concerns about excessive hair. You will not get the same results as having laser hair removal but it is the next best thing.

Of course, if you are genuinely concerned about the hair on your body then you could also decide what is more important: a tattoo or hair-free skin? If it is the latter, you could look at having the tattoo removed then waiting for a period of time, before undertaking the laser hair removal. At Premier Laser we do offer tattoo removal and laser hair removal.

Why not book a  free consultation so we can have a look at your tattoo and hair growth and discuss any treatment plans along with performing a patch test to check your suitability.

Alternatively epilation could be the way forward although not as effective as laser hair removal it is still an option for you to be hair free. Then there are always the traditionally ways of shaving or waxing. Yes, they are a hassle and need to be constantly done but they are the options so you can enjoy hair free skin.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Is laser hair removal painful?

Does it hurt?

These are two of the most often asked questions in our London clinics.

So what is the answer?, is there such a thing as pain free laser hair removal ?, well it depends…( areas treated, laser used, your pain thresholds!)

 

is laser hair removal painful?

As painful as an elastic band but not pain free

Having laser hair removal has been described as having an elastic band flicked against your skin. Something most people can tolerate. Different areas of the body will be more painful then others. Underarms are more painful then legs. Pain levels also depend on the thickness of the skin in the area being treated.

Laser can also be more painful during periods when women’s skin may be more sensitive.

Does the area treated affects pain levels?

The laser can cause slightly more discomfort on areas with thinner skin such as the upper lip and temples.  To put it into perspective, in terms of pain laser hair removal is a lot less painful then waxing and less painful then tattooing or the dentists so there is really nothing to worry about.

Area Pain 1-10
(10 most – 1 least)		 Score Tips
Face Thin skin areas – lips – Thicker skin areas – chin / side burns 8

2

 Upper lip is the most painful as the skin is thinner. Small price to pay for losing the moustache!
Underarm The most painful area 9 Results are amazing. No more shaving!. Hang in there!
Bikini Line 8 Not as painful as waxing!
Arms Thicker skin on forearms 3 Arms tolerate pain well.
Legs  Upper & lower legs 6 Occaisional tweak of pain otherwise not too painful.
Stomach Thicker skin 4 Has been described as tickling more then painful
Back  Large area / Many hairs 8 Numbing cream* can reduce the pain levels to a 2-3

*Topical numbing cream when applied can reduce the pain levels for any area down to the 1/10 to 3/10. Although this will add time to your visit to your clinic as the numbing cream can take up to 30 minutes to be effective.

Your pain threshold

Everyone is different and can tolerate pain differently. Women are known to tolerate pain better then men.

With laser hair removal some people do not notice a thing while others will have their fists tightly clenched with every zap of the laser.

Can anything be done to reduce the pain of the laser to stop it hurting?

Modern lasers have cooling devices attached, blowing ice cool air on the skin.

Other laser brands like Soprano ice use a cooling gel over the skin.

This can get messy though and most prefer the cooling air. Also numbing cream can be applied 30 minutes before your session by your practitioner to reduce the pain.

 

does laser hurt more then shaving?

Does technology make a difference to the pain levels?

With the latest  Candela medical grade equipment we use here at Premier Laser your treatments will be more effective and less painful. Medical grade equipment is more powerful and they have a built in cooling system which cools the skin as the laser works away.

Older technology = more pain

Other older machines use a messy cooling gel on your skin which then has to be washed off and is not as effective as the air cooled machines.

As mentioned clinic machines are also a lot more powerful then machines that are sold on the high street. So less sessions are necessary and you will get quicker, longer lasting results then other clinics which are not using the latest medical grade technology.

Is there pain-less Laser hair removal ?

In a word no. Try and find a clinic using top of the range laser technology as this can make a difference. If you are thinking about laser hair removal for the first time ask the clinic what machines they use.  The top of the range machines costing over £100,000 are made by a US firm called Candela.

This cost can be an barrier for many smaller or independent clinics so they opt for cheaper versions.  Cheaper versions can be bought on the internet for £3,000 ! are not reliable, potentially dangerous and can damage your skin if you are not careful with painful burns and blisters.

At Premier Laser our clinics use the latest Candela technology.

Gentlemax Pro

Will experienced practitioners lead to less painful laser?

It takes skilled technicians with many hours of training to use lasers effectively. Clinics using inferior machines doing laser hair as an add-on staff may have received minimal training and lack experience or not busy enough to build up their skills. So there is a risk going to a smaller non specialist clinic.

It is why some clinics which have lower prices that seem too good to be true, now you know why !. It is a risk many won’t take once they realise they are being lasered with cheaper machines and inexperienced, untrained staff.

laser hair removal pain

Does laser hair removal get less painful with every treatment?

It is worth knowing that the results of laser hair removal do take a few weeks to become apparent. After your first treatment, you will be looking at two to three weeks to see a notable difference, whilst it will take around 8-12 sessions to ensure you see the very best results. The pain will not reduce greatly but you may be better able to tolerate it so will feel less painful.

  • no more shaving and painful waxing!

Most of our customers would never go back to shaving or waxing once they have discovered the benefits of Laser Hair Removal.  After your course has completed most people then return every now and again for a top-up session.

pain of laser hair removal

After the treatment & how to deal with any pain

The laser emissions used during the treatment stay within your skin for a full 24 hours.

This is perfectly normal and safe. If you feel uncomfortable you can place ice packs against your skin for the redness and soreness.

In order to avoid bacteria multiplying you will need to avoid anything that would increase your core body temperature, such as going to the gym, saunas or hot baths or bikram yoga.!

So you have the perfect excuse to take it easy for a day or two and in most cases it is well deserved downtime, just go easy on the ice cream!

Avoiding sunlight

Whilst having the treatment, the dermatologist will advise about how best to protect your sensitive skin.

However, you may want to avoid exposure to the sun and sunbathing in general which is not too difficult when living in the UK but can be a bit more trickier during the summer months.

Just cover up the areas being treated, so a hat or long sleeves or trousers or long skirt depending on which areas have been treated.

If you have recently been on holiday or developed a tan, you will need to wait for this to fade before beginning treatment we usually recommend around four weeks, you are able to come in for a patch test though if you are thinking about laser hair removal for the first time.

bikini laser

You may need to alter your beauty regime plus avoid fake tan & sunbeds

Certain beauty products have chemicals that could cause painful complications during the treatment process and therefore scrubs, retinol creams and glycolic acid should be avoided for two days before and after treatment. Also all traces of fake tan should be removed and sunbeds avoided up to 2 weeks before.

So a simple change in your routine in preparation for your laser hair removal sessions will guarantee you get the best results possible for your treatments.

Also you should refrain from any chemical peels for around two weeks before and after the laser process and wait 1-2 weeks after until you apply a fake tan.

The same advice goes for tattoos if you are thinking about having any speak to your consultant if you have any questions as they will be able to advise you.

Don’t wax or dye your hair

During the process, you may feel more comfortable being hairless so we would recommend shaving rather than plucking, waxing or bleaching any hair. Plucking and waxing can damage the skin and cause complications with the potential success of laser hair removal treatment.

laser hair removal candela technology with cooling system to reduce pain

Does laser hair removal treatment work on darker skin and is it more painful ?

Treatments only requires the hair to be dark enough to draw the laser. So if your hair is very fair, white then laser hair removal may not be for you. Also is you have red hair then laser hair removal will not work for you.

There is a different type of laser used for people with darker skin. It is called an Nd:YAG laser and is as effective and safe for people with darker skin. The pain reported by clients using Nd:YAG laser has been reported as being like a pinprick.

Patch test lets you experience how painful laser is first hand

Before you purchase a laser hair removal package you will need to have a consultation. During the consultation your practitioner will do a patch test on your skin. This is to test the laser on your skin to see how it reacts. So you get to feel the laser sensation and if it is something you are able to tolerate.

Next steps if you live in London

If you live in London are are looking for laser hair removal then contact us for a free consultation. Talk over your concerns and goals with us and get expert advice. We have 9 clinics across London and have performed over 500,000 treatments on Londoners of all colours since 2008.

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London Laser Clinics & Reviews – Who To Trust ?

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Can You Trust Online Reviews For London’s Laser & Skin Clinics?

With Laser and Skin clinics on every high street and in shopping centres across London it is hard to find a clinic to choose. One way most of us decide is by reading reviews.

  • How often have you been influenced to buy a product because your friends told you how great it was?.
  • Or you went to a new restaurant, booked a hotel or bought a car because you saw amazing online reviews?

Whether we like to admit it or not, we’ve all been influenced by reviews and ratings. With the internet at our fingertips we are only seconds away from all the information you ever need about a product, service or company.

laser hair removal and reviews

Importance of reviews in the aesthetics industry

In the beauty and aesthetic industry reviews, referrals and ratings go a long way, with companies actively encouraging customers to leave them.

Studies show that around 1% of people leave reviews.  Or 10 people per 1000. People who have a poor experience with a company are more likely to post reviews then people who had a great one.

This can lead to an unbalanced or unfair view about a company or product. Negative reviews are on average much longer and detailed then positive ones.

negative reviews

One of the UK’s largest aesthetic clinics, with clinics nationwide, has absolutely terrible reviews.  Clinic after clinic average 2.3, 2.6 or 2.7 stars out of 5 on Google.  If potential customer were to judge them by their reviews they would not have any customers!.

But they have treated over 2 million customers, making £30 million a year, this would not be possible if the company was as poor as the reviews claim and we know from experience that they are a very good company who really care about their customers!.

If you have the time, look at the reviews for the Great Wall of China – It has an overall rating of 4.2.   4.2 out of 5!.

This is one of the wonders of the world and people travel thousands of mile to see it every year, yet not everyone’s happy or willing to leave it a 5 star review!.

It just goes to show bad reviews don’t paint a full picture.

So if bad reviews don’t give you the full picture, do positive reviews?.

These days good reviews can be:

  1. genuine
  2. fake
  3. paid for

Having too many 5-star reviews may appear too good to be true.

Review sites also allow companies to delete negative reviews or only show reviews 4 stars or above.

After all, companies pay review sites so demand they are shown in a positive light. So again caution is recommended.

london laser clinic reviews

What are you supposed to do?.

When it comes to reviews in the beauty industry we believe customers should treat them as part of a bigger picture – not the whole picture. They are useful used as part of ongoing research about a clinic or procedure you are interested in.

Luckily at Premier Laser our Google reviews number over 1000 at a 4.7 average.

This is not to say we don’t have negative reviews.

We do.

It is part of the business we are in.

We take all our reviews, good and bad, seriously, it is always an opportunity to learn and improve our service.

5 steps to help you choose the best london laser clinic

If you are thinking about having laser hair removal in London or any other aesthetic treatment for the first time and are deciding on a clinic, we recommend you take the following five steps to help you make the right decision.

1.Online Reviews

Despite what has been said about online reviews they are a good starting point.  Instead of looking at the best and worse, one or five star reviews, you may learn more about a company by looking at average reviews or 3 star reviews. This is because they will not be at the extreme ends and be more balanced.

Also when checking reviews see if the company replies and how it treats poor reviews as you can learn a lot from that.

2.Referrals and Recommendations – Ask your friends or family

They may have personal experience or know people that have used the company and can recommend or tell you to avoid it at all costs.  Like reviews recommendations will help you form a picture and help your decision-making process.

It is worth remembering that in the health and beauty industry results vary from person to person. This could be for a wide range of reasons including:

  • age
  • skin tones
  • hormonal levels
  • medical history

…all of which are unique to the person having the treatment.

So if someone had great results it may not be the same for you and likewise if someones results were poor,  that does not mean you will have poor results.

checking reviews online

3.Social media

Social Media is a great place to get opinions and feedback. If you have a friends, followers or fans online they may have used the company and you can get more information there. Search for the company on social media and check out its presence there.

Be careful a lot of companies offer free treatments to influencers who then promote the company so again use that as part of your overall research.

4.Free Consultation

Most companies offer a free consultation. This really is the best, low risk way to find out more about the company and the treatments on offer.  You will find out if you feel comfortable in their surroundings and if you would be happy to go ahead with any treatments.

When you arrive look around the clinic and see if it is clean and well organised. See if the staff are friendly and professional and you are welcomed and made to feel at ease.

5. Ask questions

Make full use of your consultation by asking a lot questions about the treatments you are interested. Don’t be afraid to ask about the experience of the practitioner and their qualifications. Ask about the results that can be expected, types of machines used (if any) and the aftercare routine that may be needed to be followed.

It is also a good idea to enquire if any top up treatments are required and what their procedures are if you are not happy with the results.

It is a lot to remember so write your questions down before you go so you don’t forget anything.

In Summary

We hope this helps you if you are thinking about visiting a laser clinic in London and are not sure which one to choose. With quite a few to choose from the more information you have the better decision you will make. The better the results you will get.

If you have any questions please feel free to get in touch with us we will be more then happy to answer you.

If you have any comments or feedback about this blog please leave a comment[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Why Premier Laser ?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hi,

May we take the next few moments to let you know why we would love to have you as a client ?.

If you are visiting our clinics for the first time you can expect to be warmly welcomed and made to feel instantly at ease by our friendly staff.

We aim to make your visit as comfortable as possible and calm any nerves you may have.

Since 2008 we have continually invested in our clinics to create a modern and relaxing environment, spotlessly clean and equipped with the latest cutting-edge technology.

We hope you find our staff to be professional, knowledgeable and helpful. They share years of aesthetic industry experience and are on-hand to explain, advise and answer any questions or queries you may have.

With several treatments and technologies available on the market and many aesthetic clinics claiming to be the ‘best’ with the ‘fastest results’ or ‘lowest prices’ it is no wonder that it can be confusing and difficult to know who to trust.

Every day we speak to clients who research treatments either online or by speaking to friends. Whether it is hair or stretch mark removal, facial peels or dermal fillers, they can still be unsure about what to do and, naturally, have many questions when they come to us.

Our role is to guide you through your journey and transformation as your trusted expert advisor. We know everyone is unique. We listen to you and understand the results you want to achieve.

If you decide to take the first step with us and book a free consultation, our goal is to leave you better informed with a thorough understanding about the treatment options available, along with realistic expectations about the results you want to achieve.

 We believe the more informed and knowledgeable you are, the better choices you can make, and the happier you will be with your outcome.

We deeply appreciate the trust you place in us to perform procedures which can be personal and affect your appearance. It is a responsibility we take very seriously.

You will never be pressured into buying. Recommended unnecessary treatments and products or rushed into making decisions when you do not 100% fully understand, or have doubts, about any treatments or outcomes. 

All our practitioners are professionally qualified and must have a minimum three years clinical experience before employed by us.

They are not inexperienced or just out of college.

They are not sales reps.

After your consultation, if you believe we are the right clinic for you, we have made it as easy as possible for you to begin your journey.

With eight conveniently located clinics across London & Surrey you are never far from us. We are open 7 days a week, closing at 8pm on weekdays, so hopefully fit in with your schedule.

Our UK call centre is also open 7 days a week, for the same hours, if you need to speak to us.

Finally, we offer flexible payment plans, 0% finance and a Price Match guarantee to save you the trouble of shopping around.

(We regularly price check against our competitors so our prices are extremely competitive – plus don’t forget to keep an eye out for our monthly special offers and flash sales!)

After many years in the industry we passionately love and care about, we are still inspired by your stories and transformations and it motivates us to continue improving our service for you.

We hope to see you soon.

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