First Comet Treatment!

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#21

Thanks for the update. What areas are you going to have done next?

Up next is chest, abs, upper arms, and full bikini. I want to start treating these areas really agressively. I want to start with like 40J/50RF settings, and work my way up to 50J/50RF, just hope I don’t burn the $%*# out of my skin <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> The 30J/50RF setting didn’t hurt at all, so I think I can tolerate the higher settings, I have a very high pain threshold.

This next week I am going to setup a consult with my pract. to discuss pricing packages, and let her see the progress with my hands.

Then I plan on working on thinning out the full legs and forearm hair.

Since the hair I want to get rid of is dark, I hope that high level 40-50J treatments will get rid of most, if not all of it.

gdubber2002

#22

It seems like you are responding well to the Comet. You should be able to reach most or all of your hair reduction goals.

RJC2001

#23

Gdubber is really fortunate that he started out with a good technician that would allow for higher power through good technique. Gdubber your money is being used wisely. My first four sessions with the earlier technician yeilded some loss, but could have been much more effective had I been treated by the technician who now works there. I’m just barely entering the shed phase of this last treatment (two weeks ago) and I’m really happy.

After reflecting on the two technicians I was treated by, and the one Gdubber was treated by, I’m seeing that some of these clinics may not all be on the same page when it comes to good technique. The ‘constant glide overlap’ technique is clearly superior. Why the earlier tech and other techs out there use the ‘stop and pull’ with the Comet is beyond me. It only causes more pain, at lower effective levels, and more patchiness. -And how does one know the technique until they get in the room and get treated.

Advice to anyone seeking Comet treatment:

Ask your technician to demonstrate with the gun off, what type of technique they will use. If the say ‘pull’ and keep the gun moving before and after the discharge, that is correct. If they stop the gun at anytime during the discharge, as you would use a staple gun, say No, that is not the most effective way to use the Comet. The people that have had the best results with this use the machine with a constant glide, that’s the whole point of buying a Comet over an older Aurora, it cycles fast enough to do this. Using the stop and pull method is how they trained techs to use the Syneron Aurora because of it’s slower cycling speed. By cycling speed I mean the time it takes to first emit the laser, then to emit the RF. With the Comet, the machine cycles much too fast to be used like that. What you’re doing when you stop is causing more pain with heat buildup and more patchiness and at lower effective levels. It also takes longer to get the treatment done so the tech gets tired and makes more mistakes (arcs) when doing larger areas.

Print that and carry it with you to the consult everybody.

I’m not bitter, because I had some loss earlier. But I’m going to talk to the main contact person I usually talk to and see if another session can be done with no, or reduced, charge. I feel I’m kind of due that courtesy because the clinic, being new to the Comet, hadn’t really gotten their technique down pat. I was one of the first patients to be treated., I don’t mind that, but I want to get my dollars worth like anybody.

Mantaray

#24

Thanks dudes!

If it wasn’t for you guys on this board, I wouldn’t have the knowledge that helped me in choosing the right tech/settings. RCJ2001 & Mantaray, you guys have been extremely helpful with your knowledge and insight on LHR, without you, who knows what I would have done. Seriuosly, thanks you guys.

Like you said Mantaray, you can’t know the technique they are going to use until you get in there and have some done, thats why I started with small area like the hands. I was kinda suprised when she (my tech) did the glide technique. I had been reading all over this board that most techs did the ‘stop and shoot’. But it was quick, painless, and effective. To be honest, I didn’t even think about the technique they were going to use til I was in there, so I guess I lucked out there <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am coming up on the 3 week mark, and have about 80-90% clearance so far. I really can’t wait to start treating the other areas and getting this show on the road.

I am really happy with my progress so far.

gdubber2002

#25

after looking at ur pictures i am afraid that u made a big mistake by doing LHR. ur hair is very sexy and look natural.

keep updating us.

#26

Just returned from my second treatment with the Comet. It was actually a first because this time I did different areas. Here are the specifics:

Areas: Chest/Abs/Shoulders

Price: $365

Settings: 25J/40RF Cool Air Machine set at 2

Time: 30 min.

Pain: Alot more in these ares as compared to the hands. My skin on my shoulders and upper chest were a lot more sensitive to the laser. My tech started me at 40J/46RF, but my skin was getting really red so she turned it down. She figured it would be better to take it easier on the first treatment, and I agree.

When she had it at 40J/46RF, I could really feel it. I could smell the hair burning and it hurt ALOT more. I could definately tell a differnce. My skin was getting pretty red, and since this was the first time I had been treated in these areas, she wanted to take it easy. But next time I am going to have her crank it up. Those higher powers are whats needed for complete removal.

All in all, it was quick and easy. I could feel it buzzing deep into my skin again, just like with the hands. I was red for about an hour, but my skin is complete fine now. No arc burns, she did a really good job! I am really happy about this treatment, and can’t wait for the shedding!

#27

Sounds like it’s still working great for you! The smell of burning hair is a good thing.

The Aurora only goes up to 25J RF, so I have no idea what 40-45J RF is like. Your skin is not that dark in those areas, so I am surprised they didn’t keep the laser high and turn down the RF. But then again, I’m not familiar with the Comet.

From what I have read so far, the Comet is an impressive machine.

RJC2001

#28

Yea, I could really feel it on those 40J/46RF blasts, especially on the upper chest where there was more hair. The pain I can deal with, but I am not interested in frying my skin. I’d rather be a little cautious then really damage my skin. But, next time I want to get treated with those higher settings, I could definately feel the difference.

#29

Update:

It has been a little over a week since I got my chest/shoulders/abs treated. I have been shaving these areas pretty regularly, so it’s hard to gauge how effective it was, though it does seem like less hair is growing in. I have noticed that the hair is coming in slower and softer.

And as for my hands, they are still realatively hairless. After one treatment I would say that I easily have a 50% reduction there. Thats being pretty conservative!

I did get treated with a lower setting on my chest/shoulders/abs than on my hands, so I am not expecting the same results there. Next time I plan on blasting these areas, though.

gdubber2002

#30

A 50% reduction after one treatment is very good! I had that much reduction on the first laser session on my chest. I was amazed to say the least. I could hear the hairs being vaporized by the Apogee!

It appears that you are going to have great success with the Comet. Be sure and keep us posted.

RJC2001

#31

I figured I would update…

Well, there is still a good reduction on my hands from the one and only treatment I had there. On the chest/abs, the reduction hasnt been as good, but I was treated with lower settings on those areas. Still, there is a visible difference in the amount of hair.

Lately, I have been really mulling about anymore treatments with the Comet. It appears that the RF component isn’t all that good for your skin, so I am thinking of forgoing anymore treatments with it.

So as of right now, I am not sure about getting anymore LHR treatments. I really don’t want to have to find another place with another laser.

However, I have done some research and found out that there is a very well respected Dr. in LHR here in San Diego, a Dr. Ross. There is even an research article of his on the hairfact’s site. He uses a LightSheer, so I might give it a go.

gdubber2002

#32

Since you responded well to the Comet, you may also respond well to the Lightsheer. With your skin and hair type, I doubt you even need the RF component that the Comet had, which was meant for poor target hair (white and/or fine).

Keep us posted. It is easier to tell if a Lightsheer technician is good or not. If they don’t know about compression, or refuse to use it, then go elsewhere!

RJC2001

#33

On my right shoulder, where she cranked it up to 40Js, there is almost no hair there. I could smeel the hair burning when she treated that area. But she said my skin was getting to red so she turned down the power :\

Any way, I figure that if it worked so well with the Comet, some high pwered LightSheer treatments should work just as well.

gdubber2002

#34

Go with the Lightsheer and you won’t have to worry about the RF burns that Comet can cause. The Lightsheer will have plenty of power, as most can go up to 60 Joules. It is normal to have some redness with a diode laser.

On the area that was treated at 40J, how long did the redness last?

RJC2001

#35

On the area that was treated at 40J, how long did the redness last?

It was red for about an hour. I was fine by the time I got home, which was making me think this tech didn’t quite know what she was talking about. I was absolutely fine after the 40J blasts.

RJC2001, how have the IPLs that you were treated with, the Harmony and PPx, matched the LightSheer? Would you recommend those over a diode or alex?

gdubber2002

#36

diode like LightSheer is definitely the preffered choice for you over any IPLs. It’s one of the most advanced lasers for your skin combo (light skin, black coarse hair). Definitely go with that. As long as the practitioner is good and setting are high, you will get the best results with this laser over others.

#37

[quote]
On the area that was treated at 40J, how long did the redness last?

It was red for about an hour. I was fine by the time I got home, which was making me think this tech didn’t quite know what she was talking about. I was absolutely fine after the 40J blasts.

RJC2001, how have the IPLs that you were treated with, the Harmony and PPx, matched the LightSheer? Would you recommend those over a diode or alex?

gdubber2002 [/quote]

IMHO there was too much scabbing with the Harmony on type III/IV skin. It worked very well on lighter skin, but I would not say it is as good as the Lightsheer. Since I had more treatments and proven long-term results with the Lightsheer I would stay with it.

The PPx seems promising, but the only treatment I’ve had with it was on my lower legs, which are not that hairy after previous Lyra-i treatments. I definitely got some hair reduction from it though. If I let the hair grow on my lower legs for a few days, I hardly see any hair compared to my upper legs. I would like to have some other areas treated with the PPx, but my practitioner has not decided whether to buy one yet or not.

RJC2001

#38

Hey guys, just thought I’d update.

Today, I got my first treatment with Dr. Ross here in San Diego, and all I can say is WOW! I can’t even compare this treatment with my previous one (with the Comet).

Area: Chest & Abs
Machine: LightSheer; Palomar IPL
Time: 15-30 min
Price: $400
Pain: Felt like torture
Settings: Don’t know, didn’t ask…was in too much pain.

Let me just say that this treatment was nothing like my last one. This time the room was filled with the smell of burnt hair, and I had hair exploding out of follicles. And man did it hurt, with both machines too. He started on the chest with the LightSheer, then did the stomach with the Palomar IPL (he said IPLs work better on the abs), then went over it with the LightSheer. He covered every square inch, and was very detailed about it. I can’t say enough about my experience with him, he was truly professional, and an expert at his craft.

I did talk to him about my previous treatment with the Comet, which he has used before, and he didn’t think it was a very good machine. Said it was slow and weak. Said I wasn’t treated with high enough power before, even though I did see some results from it.

I think this will be my only treatment on these areas this summer. I plan on makiing an apppointment with an electrolysist, and getting these suckers as they come in throughout the rest of the summer. I do want to get more treatments on other areas, but it was so painful that I am second-guessing that decision lol.

gdubber2002

#39

Thanks for the update! Interesting that the Dr. thought that IPL worked better on the abs. It would be interesting to know why. The larger spot size and combination of different wavelengths can be a factor.

Pain levels vary a lot from person to person. When I had my chest done it was with the Apogee alexandrite. I had a lot more hair than you did. I would call it a rug! The smell of burnt hair was strong, and hairs were popping out of the follicles like crazy. Amazingly enough it didn’t hurt that much. OTOH my upper back especially up near the neck was very painful, but my practitioner warned me that area would be more painful. The smell of burning hair and immediate ejection of hair from the follicles are a good sign.

How did you respond to the Palomar? Shedding will probably not be as immediate with it. How did the pain levels compare to the Lightsheer?

Be sure and keep us updated on your results.

RJC2001

#40

Hey RJC2001,

The Palomar hurt like crazy too, but a different kinda of hurt. Where the LightSheer felt like a bunch of little needles stabbing me, the Palomar felt like a big ol’ rubber band snapping against the skin…hard. It’s hard to judge the pain levels between the two machines. The LightSheer hurt really bad on the middle of the chest, where the hair is the densest. But the Palomar hurt a lot on my lower abdomen. I can’t really say which was more painful, they were pretty neck n’ neck.

However, I noticed that a lot of hairs were being expelled by the Palomar too, especially around the belly-button where it was the densest. He did touch up my abs with the LightSheer also, so I am wondering what the effect of that will be. I have already been able to extract most of the hairs, they slide out real easy on my chest, and abs too.

I did notice that the spot size was much larger on the IPL. He was able to cover a lot more area with it per zap.

Quick question, I just got out of the shower, and the area where I got treated burned when it touched the water. I didn’t use hot water either…is that normal? Especially on my chest, it stung like a mother f**ker. When he was doing the treatments, because it hurt so bad, I asked if I should be worried about burns. He smiled at me and said he has been doing this for 12 years, I have nothing to worry about. So I guess I shouldn’t worry about it, but the water really stung.

gdubber2002