I’ve had 2 consultations so far for laser hair removal on my back. One was a chain (Ideal Image) and another was a local facility that has been in the business of hair removal for 30 years. Although I loved the space age clean design at Ideal Image, I was unhappy with their prices & how the consultation went. I was pleased with the local business and their technician was very informative in answering my questions & concerns. The consultation was much more detailed (Ideal Image didn’t even look at my back). Also, their prices were very reasonable (much lower than Ideal Image) & I received a spot treatment today.
The big “hang up” I have is the availability of an actual doctor - more precisely a dermatologist. Both places have a doctor that oversees the operation of their business, but it’s odd to me that they only “oversee” the practice. The local facility has a pediatrician who oversees the practice. She was once a client of theirs.
My next step is to see a local dermatologist who is also involved in laser hair removal - or as he says on his website, “reduction”. I’d like to go with the GentleLase laser & hopefully he’ll offer it at their facility. I also hope that the price of the treatments aren’t too outrageous.
Doe anyone have an experience or advice to share with choosing a dermatologist over another laser center, or vice versa?
In my experience Iv’e been extremeley dissatisfied with the large chain clinic I went to. Iv’e also been to a dermotologist when I first started to look into laser hair removal and was very satisfied with him (however, I simply couldn’t afford the prices). I now go to another clinic where a fully trained nurse (not just someone who’s undergone a weekend course in LHR) treats me and I’m totally satisfied.
GentleLASE’s are good for the individuals with the light skin and dark hair combination aka Skin type I II III. Diode’s can also treat skin types I - IV (however, on skin type 4 the practitioner needs to have a lot of experience to proceed safely) and nd:YAG for darker skin types.
In regards to the dermatologist saying “permanent reduction” he is being one of the few honest practitioners and stating that in the majority of cases, Laser can remove a large quantity of hair e.g. 90-95% but very rarely can remove all of hair 100% (hence why a lot of people follow up with electrolysis after laser). This is also how the FDA termed LHR’s out come, “permanent hair reduction”.
But remember to go with the place that you feel happiest with most, don’t get fooled by clever marketing or a plush work place because you may end up regretting it later. Otherwise then you have to come to terms with paying more money for treatments you should have already had because you liked the waiting rooms water cooler
I have had 7 treatments at Ideal Image so far and I have been extremely satisfied. (Back and Brazilian) I did haggle with them and got them to come down in price substantially. I have had 4 treatment providers and they have all done an excellent job. (I consulted with my regular doctor before beginning treatments, she told me that she had researched LHR and almost added it to her practice, but didn’t because she would have needed to add office space.)
Thanks for following up Eric. You haven’t posted in a while. Can you reply to your previous post when you were looking for a clinic and give us a few details on your treatments so far. Please include what type of hair and what areas were treated, spaced how far apart, which location you chose, percentage reduction, etc. It would be greatly appreciated by other posters here.
