brazilian with cynosure elite alex

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Making this post for questions, comments and journal purposes.
I read as much as I could here and anywhere else I could find information, and finally decided to take the next step and actually get it done.
I had a consultation recently and got a test patch done with a Cynosure Elite alex laser. I had to give a 50$ deposit to get the test patch done, so at this point I’m a somewhat locked into getting treated at this place. It will be a total of $399 for 6 sessions of the brazilian.

I have a type 2 skin tone, the settings used for the test patch were: 15mm Spot size / 18 joules cm2 / 20 pulse width

I was able to tolerate the 18 joules without any numbing cream or even tylenol/motrin, so I asked if she would be willing to go up in power which she seemed to have no problem with.

I found this place through groupon, they seem to have decent reviews but not too many since they have only been open for about a year.
I plan on posting pictures and updating this regularly.

Please ask questions, and let me know if there is anything else I should consider so I can make this investment worthwhile

#2

I just had a treatment with the same laser and the exact same settings. Pain was almost nil so I also asked tech to increase next time.

#3

Dear Nurpel,

What is your expectation from this treatment, and what was their assurance? Did you ask them what the “treatment outcome” would be?

After your 6 sessions, what will you have? Will you have 10% reduction, 50% reduction, 100% reduction? And, how long will this last? 6-weeks, 2-years … forever?

I’m mostly asking, “What are YOUR expectations?”

My next question would be: what happens if your expectations are not realized? What is their policy if their own “assurances” are not realized?

#4

Dear sir, sorry to say that with these parameters, ie 18 joules is impossible to end the disc, but when you consider that the transport will be the hair itself.
Less than 22 joules / 3 pulses / 3.1 Length / 30 milliseconds cooling do nothing.
Even if the IPL or Laser treatments have in common is a big problem and that their performance is not selective, resulting in some cases a residual hair in the end due to lack of size will have to be removed by a skilled electrologist.

#5

I do not wish to sound rude but I could not understand any of what you wrote Lucia.
I am very keen to read this post since Brazilian laser or IPL most likely with my budget is on the wish list.

#6

I regret not explain clearly, I use google translator.
If ustede want to IPL or Laser is an option, I recommend the suggestion of Mr. Bono in the previous post, ask for written guarantees.
Sorry if my words were confused and were offensive.

#7

I didnt bother updating this post since nobody responded until now, but I have already had 2 treatments spaced 8 weeks apart from each other. The first treatment was done with the settings I mentioned (15mm / 18 joules / 20 pulse). Hair in the area completely shed after about 10 days, and I was impressed with the results. On week 7 after treatment 1 I noticed some light regrowth, then had treatment 2 on week 8.
After the treatment was over, I noticed the settings on the machine were 15mm / 16 j / 20 puls … I didnt say anything to the technician but was a little pissed. Weirdly I feel like it was a little more painful with the lower joules, or maybe I didnt remember the first treatment since I was very nervous.
I noticed 90% shedding even with these settings after about 15 days, but at week 7 after treatment 2 it seems like only a 10% total reduction of hair.

there wasnt any discussion about guarantees and expectations. The technician discussed what usually happens pretty much.
As for my expectations, I want as much hair gone as possible.

My next visit is in a few days, and after considering this I will make sure to tell them I’m not satisfied currently and ask what needs to happen to make sure more hair dies.

should I be requesting 22 joules now?
I was able to find the manual for the Cynosure elite and read through it, it states the the maximum fluence at 15mm is 25 joules

#8

PN,

I would be upset too if the settings used were LOWER during the 2nd treatment. I definitely will ask for higher settings my 2nd session.

What I’m still confused about is…what is more beneficial, increasing the Joules OR decreasing the pulse duration?