GentleLASE has a fixed pulse width @ 3ms. Assuming the pulse width was the same on GentleMAX, the settings are the same (alex only).
For legs, you will want to be treated with an 18mm spot size. 20J is the max on 18mm.
GentleLASE has a fixed pulse width of 3ms. GenleMAX pulse width is adjustable since it’s also a Yag. 3ms is the minimum it has, but it can go higher. Lowest pulse widths are most effective.
Chin hair may need Yag treatments since it’s deep.
Legs are fine with an alex.
I had my first consult today with Calidora in Santa Monica. She sounded very knowledgeable . Said my legs have the “Snow White” complex - very pale skin with dark hair, which means they’ll respond well. My lumbar area has the finest hairs I want treated - she thinks it will reduce and become finer with laser, and if that’s not enough, finish with electrolysis. (Less visible is all I care about there.) This all made sense to me. But then:
She said she would do test spots if I came back, and she would try 10, 12 and 14 joules on the legs. (I forgot to ask spot size, but was assuming 18mm). That sounds low to me?
Chin hair may need Yag treatments since it’s deep.
I already had my chin done years ago, with an Alexandrite on 30 joules, 15mm spot.
Yup, they’re low.
I would ask for at least 16J. 14J may be ok on first treatment. I wouldn’t treat at anything lower. 30J 15mm is max.
Went to Epione today, and my consultation was not with the person who would perform the LHR, so no spot test. And she didn’t know what settings they would use, but she was sure if they knew the settings used on my face, they’d be guided by that. I’m… less confident.
Both clinics I’ve been to so far want to sell me packages of 6 sessions. This bothers me a little because my face was done in 4 - I know that’s atypical, but what if I don’t need 6 sessions? No money gets returned. Also, what if they go out of business? The Glendale clinic I’m going to Saturday has regular rates cheaper than the other clinics’ specials, and buying a package of 5 sessions would give me another little discount. That could make sense… as long as I’m not worried they might suddenly close down. I know that’s happened to some people on these boards.
Another interesting question: the Santa Monica clinic thinks you should only get two areas done per session, so that would mean 2-3 sessions to get one pass over all the areas I want done. The BH clinic says, nah, just take Tylenol and be prepared for a 2 hour session covering everywhere I want done. Which would you recommend?
If they’ve been around for a while, they probably won’t close down. Also, pay with a credit card and you’d be able to get a refund if anything happens. Credit cards offer protection.
You can always apply the unused portion to another area.
It doesn’t really matter how much you’re treating in one session. Depends on your tolerance for pain 
Have you tried using Candela’s provider search on their website? You can use various zip codes. There are lots of providers in LA.
According to Epione, you CANNOT apply an unused session to another area. I thought that was b.s. Calidora said I could apply them, but the thing is, I’m getting it pretty much everywhere - there’s not likely to be another area that needs treating.
I have used Candela’s provider search, but it only seems to list doctors, and the ones I’ve called are all on doctor’s hours. I need Saturday or evening hours so I can avoid taking off work to get this done.
Some doctors work weekends and evenings. Most treatments aren’t done by doctors themselves too.
I would try different zip codes. That provider search only lists a few nearby if you enter one.
I did try different zip codes, and none of the doctors I talked to did evening or weekend hours for laser hair removal (or their prices were ridiculous). Maybe the Glendale place will work out. If not, I’ll decide whether to do more hunting (I’ve spent about 7 hours on research and calling people so far, real time) or give one of the ones I’ve been to a try, if I can talk them into proper settings.
I just did a Google search for GentleLASE. There are tons of places. All of these have evening and/or weekend hours:
http://www.losangeleshairreduction.com/hair-removal-laser.php
http://www.labellavitalaser.com/
This place uses Apogee alexandrite laser I believe: http://www.laseraway.net/locations/marina-del-rey/
GentleMAX (not sure about the hours): http://www.dermsurgery.net/laser-hair-removal.html
Okay, had my Glendale consult. He didn’t seem to have any idea what a consult is for. He didn’t do any paperwork to assess my skin type, and he just wanted ME to ask all the questions, then he got irritated when I did, and made disparaging remarks about whoever did my face (Laurie Wieder, LOL, with excellent results). He got VERY irritated when he asked where I’d gotten my ideas about settings, and I said I’d been talking to professionals on the internet. He announced that HE knew best because HE had been doing lasers for 15 years.
LHR came into existence 14 years ago… um? And he wasn’t interested in a test spot.
Bottom line: he said with Type 3, you simply can’t go above 14 joules, and anyone who agrees to do so is going to burn me and then I’ll sue them.
This actually made me feel better about the SM medspa I went to. At least, they did the skin type questionnaire (and I asked them about the same questions I asked you guys for help on, and they gave the same answers) and I got a good feeling about the nurse who would be doing it. It’s just the settings issue.
Would 14 be effective, if she’ll go that high? What happens when they use lesser settings? It’s like everyone thinks “Type 3 = 14 joules, max.” I know, if I understood correctly, that LA Girl had to talk Dr. Babapour into going with high enough settings, so it just feels like I’m fighting a losing battle here.
With 18mm, 14J is ok. In my opinion, it’s just best to treat at whatever is highest your skin can handle to ensure permanent results. I wouldn’t do any lower than 14J, 18mm.
I didn’t see your post above on searches - I did come across all those (and the first one is the Glendale one I just consulted with), but rejected them because of price or various other issues I discovered when I called.
I talked to the nurse at Calidora again, and she assures me she’ll use the highest setting that doesn’t leave a “hickey”, and my skin should gain tolerance for higher settings as we go along. They claim most of their clients feel the hair removal is complete after 5 sessions. Anything after that is considered a “touch up” session, at a significant discount. And they’re making me a really good deal, so I’m going to go with this one and hope for the best. Thanks for all your help!
Great. Please report back with settings, shedding, etc. We’d love to follow your progress.