GentleLase settings - need some advise

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi all,
It’s been a while since I’ve been on this board.

I’m looking to get further LHR done, and I’ve targeted some clinics that use the GentleLase. I’m skin type III, male looking for removal on chest/abs, forearms and legs.

I’ve been to a few clinics and after discussing settings, I’ve had 3 technicians who all refused to go any higher than 16 joules on 18mm spot size. I’ve had 3 test patches done (2 at 16J and 1 at 18J - although the tech really didn’t want to put it on 18). My skin had no adverse reaction (nothing like what I experienced at 55J on a Coolglide ND:YAG).

However, they each showed me their chart which lists the power range for Type III skin being 10 - 16J for 18mm, and they don’t want to treat me higher. When I inquired about 20J I was told that they don’t treat anybody at 20J! This was at 3 different clinics (3 of the top rated ones in the city from all research I have found).

So … just looking for some advise. Are they trying to rip me off with some inneffectual sessions, or does their opinion sound reasonable? It’s not as though they are doing a detailed analysis of my skin - they are looking up where “Skin Type III” corresponds on their little photocopied chart of machine settings.

Any advise appreciated.

I’m located in Sydney, Aus now - so clinic choices are limited and prices much higher than back in NA.

#2

They’re basically following the conservative guidelines of laser manufacturers which make sure that they won’t burn anyone and that they won’t in turn get sued. The key to finding a good clinic is finding someone who is experienced enough to experiment and know what works from experience.

#3

Moot point now - the test spot at 18J felt fine on the upper arm - but once it moved on to more sensative areas I could barely handle 16J. So no intension of 20J anytime soon. If I’m still using GentleLase in another 4 or 5 treaments, then maybe I’ll move up in fluence.

#4

Are they using the 18mm spot size with those joules?

It’s most painful on the most coarse and dense hair. After a treatment or two, it will get less painful as there is less hair and it’s finer.

#5

Is a 16J 18mm setting on a gentlase more or less powerful then a 16J 20mm setting? Im assuming the 16J at 18mm is strong becuase more energy is being focsed on a smaller area. Am i right? Also, what exactly is the term pulse duration? What setting of pulse duration is good on a gentlase?..if this question even makes sense haha

#6

bmm - 18mm is the biggest that GentleLase goes.
Pulse Width (or duration) is the time in milliseconds during which the energy (16J) is delivered. For GentleLase it is fixed at 3mm.

This is one of the reasons that GentleLase is given a good rep - there are few settings that an inexperienced technician can screw up!

#7

Yep. 18mm spot size, which is the size of the laser head is one of the biggest on the market. Add that to the lowest pulse width on the market of 3ms (not changeable on this machine as mentioned), and that’s what makes this machine one of the most effective.

Btw, 20J is the max power on 18mm spot size on GentleLASE. I think you’re confusing that “20” number with Joules :slight_smile: