These are just my opinions, I’m sure others will weigh in too… but:
I think you are definitely a candidate. The hair you have appears thick enough to respond and your skin is fair and the hair is dark. If my experience is anything to go by (and I have not completed the race yet), then I’d say count on needing at least 6 sessions over the next 18 months or so. I really don’t think you are a type 3-4 though. 2-3 maybe, but its hard to tell from the pictures you posted. You can categorize yourself accurately by looking up the fitzpatrick criteria on google.
As for the choice of clinic, I would go with the dermatologist. He uses a laser that works well on fair skin / dark hair and he will probably have more expertise than the technician at the other place you found (assuming that is not also a dermatology practice). It may be more expensive, but this is something that you need to get right from the start - I wouldn’t necessarily be looking for the best price as a primary consideration. Although nothing is a guarantee in this world, the premise is that you are paying for the skill and experience of a skin specialist. The derm may also be able to address some of your concerns over the induced growth issue, and / or perhaps you should just treat the areas of high density growth.
I started my treatments about a year ago, after much procrastination. I am using essentially the same laser as your dermatologist is offering, and am pleased with the results. You can see my thread here:
My primary advise would be:
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The correct laser is very important, and for your situation the GentleLase / GentleMax is considered to be right up there
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Go aggressive on the settings from day one: assuming you’re a 2-3 then max joules, max spot size. If it hurts (and it probably will) then just suck it up. Unfortunately pain often equals success in this game!
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Schedule the follow up sessions to fit your personal hair growth cycles - don’t just stick to a formulaic and oft quoted “every 6-8 weeks” follow up if it doesn’t coincide with new and active growth - you will waste money in the long term and not optimise the hair kill rate.
Good luck!
– Baboon
