Haha yes, I remember a few months ago I asked you if it was plausible to be able to clear one hand in about an hour and you said it may be possible, and you were right as I saw the proof right in front of me. So I think your estimation skills are solid! 
My God, JasonBaber, I will check your emails. I fear that Marta is about to resign. Please someone deleting her email address, or I will be the next to go, she’ll kill me. 
Back to the back …
As I’ve mentioned, I’m always looking for a side-by-side comparison of laser and electrolysis. Well, I got one!
You are looking at the belly of the guy (from Georgia) I’m working on (back). He decided to do laser on his chest and stomach and have me do the “sides” because, these being fine hairs, he was afraid of “laser stimulation.” So, here’s what you are looking at:
Notice a nearly clear strip that separates the stomach hair from some random fine hair? Well this strip was cleared TWO TIMES by electrolysis. The stomach hair (above the clear strip) was cleared by laser FIVE TIMES; at the appropriate intervals … using an alexandrite “Gentlelase” laser.
So, there you have it: FIVE laser clearings vs. TWO with electrolysis. (TTT for the clear area was 2.25 hours) Both were started at the same time, but he’s going to need a few more laser treatments … you think? I’m done, they are still “at it.” Comments?
Oh, I should also mention that the “clear strip” goes all the way up to his underarm (and pecs). You are only looking at the lower half of the strip. Copy this so you can get a better look at it close up.
This is great, Michael. I have not seen such a clear comparison before, except for another poster from Southern California - but his name escape me.
Can you ask your client if he knows what levels were used with the alexandrite ? That is one of the best lasers on the market.
14 joules for the first treatment.
16 joules for the next two treatments.
18 joules for the next two treatments.
(With all those joules you would think they could make a necklace or something?)
I must admit that i had IPL (Ellipse, 22 J/cm**2) on the central part of my breasts and the stomage line - thick, dark terminal hairs. Two clearances and everything was gone except a few dozen hairs which were killed by electrolysis.
But i guess i did the right things without knowing about that: I depilated some weeks ago and also between the sessions. These were 4 months apart; so the hairs had plenty of time for full regrowth. So most of the hairs should have been in their most intense anagen phase and thus best “vulnerable” by the light.
Keepin’ ‘em honest!
Actually, I didn’t do all that well on the 3 clearances. The original photo looks good … but hairs were still there!
This session was supposed to be “pick-up” … i.e., zapping the few remaining hairs. However, this session of back and shoulders took me 8 hours! I suppose that equates to another “clearance.” This should have taken about 4 hours; not 8. So, what did I do? I gave the client the 8 hours for free.
I’m not exactly saying this was a bad job, or that I made a mistake. However, the client did not perfectly fit my expectations. I suppose there were a lot of very fine hairs? (excuses excuses?)
Anyway, I took care of it and this will be the FINAL treatment, or my name’s not “Rumpelstilkskin.” Photo was taken today (a couple days after the final zappage.)
Oh, I used a “2X sharpen filter” so the scabs would really show up all nice and GNARLY!
YES! INDEED! Haha! That’s truly funny!
I’m thinking that 14 and 16 joules were too low, thus, little impact was made on that tough hair, but take that with a grain of salt because I am not a laser expert.
When making estimations I think it is better to give some time at the top, so there is allways enough for the desired outcome, and if the job is done faster, it is great.
I was doing this mistake when pushing into minimum hours needed… 
Thanks Miro,
Of course, I already do what you suggested. The point is that even in the most “accurate” of estimates, you cannot be 100%. Seems that nature “herself” has other opinions on most subjects. We are mere mortals.
Interestingly, I have never had a patient demand an accurate estimate: I mean NEVER! Patients are happy to see results happening and don’t even remember my original estimate. “Estimates” are all about ME!
I have to laugh with the people here on Hairtell with “OCD,” since that’s pretty much me too! I’m all about “getting it right” and trying to predict, and do it “perfectly.”
The point of this last post was that “estimates and predictions” are just that … estimates! And “perfection?” Well, that’s not happening either! Just when I think I’ve figured this all out, WHAM … here comes another surprise!
In most cases, I come in under my estimates. In this case I was about 8 hours over. Still, in the “land of hair removal,” that’s pretty much “hitting the target.” Of course, the patient, in this case, did NOT want free treatments: he’s a very happy patient and (as always), I have made a GREAT friend. The “free” was all about me and what I wanted to do. (Maybe it’s the “used-to-be” Catholic in me? You know, the guilt thing?)
Anyway, OCD can be a bitch! He he he (If you recognize it, you CAN live with it and laugh at yourself too.)
Oh, an OCD “correction.” Actually, I was 4 hours over. I “predicted” a 4-hour “clean-up” that ended up being 8 hours.
I’m going for a nice long walk on the beach this morning!
Happy Spring Michael. your lucky client has been given a new lease on life and you have earned that walk on the beach!
“The Few, the Proud, the … hairless?”
Oh yeah … new lease on life for sure. The kid is going into the Marines in a couple months. This is a BIG boy 6’2" and 225 … I’m hoping that the good old USA can keep itself out of WAR for the next few years, i.e., not meddling in other people’s business … I like the military, but not when it sends “my” kids off to questionable adventures.
“Semper Fidelis!” Not a bad motto even for our Hairtell squadron?