For all of you out there that have experienced a waxing trauma, you'll be glad to know that Tria, the first at-home laser hair removal device has been cleared for direct-to-consumer sale by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  The hand held device which retails for $995 is scheduled to roll out to derm offices next month and to select Bliss Spas, Fred Segal and Bergdorf Goodman by the end of summer.  

Its use is limited to those with light to medium skin tones and dark hair, as dark and black skin tends to absorbs too much of the laser activity and can cause damage.  The Tria is easy to use, simply click on the unit and it verifies your skin tone.  If it's within suitable range, a green light will appear and unlock the unit.  Then, point and click your way -pain-free- to smooth skin.  The company notes a full course of treatment requires six or seven sessions at three to four week intervals. 

The company has sold over 15,000 units in the UK, Spain, Italy and Japan.  Overseas, it is sold under the brand name i-Epi and sports a heftier price tag of $1,600--- each.   Although these devices are more than a quick fix, they won't make a trip to the dermatologists office extinct.  Not yet- at least, but companies are getting closer as the efficacy gets higher and prices get lower. 

Other noteworthy high-tech devices:

• Beat Box
  Wellbox, $1595
  When engineer Louis Paul Guitay was given therapeutic massage to treat burns from a car accident, he noticed that morning massages were more effective than PM 'pummelings', due to the therapist's tired hands. This led him to develop endermologie, a mechanical massage technique that uses uniform rolling and suction motions. When it was shown to diminish cellulite, the 'dimple'-minded spa world was all over it. Wellbox is the only personal endermologie system—so if you'd like to attack orange peel in your own home, it's a sure 'thin.'
  
  
• A Buzz
  Clarisonic, $195
  Developed by the primary inventor of the Sonicare toothbrush, the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is clinically proven to be more than 2x as effective as cleansing by hand. Gentle enough for use twice daily, it leaves your skin feeling and looking smoother and prepares the skin for increased product absorption. Ideal for all skin types, this unit is getting lots of pr after being name one of Oprah's favorite things.
  
  
• Beam Me Up, Baby!
  NuFace, $379
  This cell phone sized gadget is the first and only microcurrent hand-held device FDA cleared for cosmetic over-the-counter use for facial toning. NuFace microcurrent also increases traffic in the blood flow department, leading to loads more collagen, elastin and connective tissue-the elements of skin rejuvenations.  If you want to try before you buy, Bliss Spa incorporates it into a few of its spa services. 
  
  

• Light Bright
  Tanda, $299
  Tanda is safe, natural and utilizes the proven science of light therapy to both clear and regenerate skin in one complete system. Two simple steps, in three minute treatments...it´s that easy!