Had my first consultations (San Francisco)

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

I’m in San Francisco and had two consultations today for back/shoulders. Just wanted to give my experience to any locals.

  1. San Francisco Plastic Surgery & Laser Center.
    This was $550/treatment, with 10% off on packages paid for up front. They told me it would take roughly 10 treatments, and they would be upwards of 10 weeks apart. Doing the math, it was pretty shocking to me that I’m looking at 2 years of treatment. They did seem to be very professional (and received rave reviews on citysearch.com). When I asked about the joules, they said it would start around 25 or so and work upwards.

  2. Aneu.
    This was $675 for the first treatment, with discounts on packages that could bring it to a little under $500/treatment. They told me it would be about 6 treatments taken 6-8 weeks apart. However, when I asked about joules they said the machine is between 10-20 joules and they’d probably start around 16 with a Candela GentleLase. From what I’ve read, this is too low to be entirely effective.

#2

  1. What laser does this place use? Joules really depend on the type of machine. 20 joules on one is not the same as 20 joules on the next. If they’re starting at 25, I would assume it’s LightSheer…but not sure. 10 weeks apart is probably ok after 3 treatments or so, but usually the first 1-3 treatments need to be done 6-8 weeks apart. I recommmend if you go with them that you just come in as soon as you see a bunch of new hair surface since hair is most vulnerable to be killed when it’s new. (3-4 weeks after it comes in)

  2. GentleLASE can go up higher than 20 joules. 20 joules max is only on the 18mm spot size setting. If they decrease the spot size to 15 or 12mm, they can go up to 40 or so. My last treatment was at 12mm and 30 joules for example on this machine. If you go with this place, it’s fine to start at 18mm at 18-20 joules and then gradually go up to 30 and 40 by descreasing the spot size for later treatments. I got about 80% of bikini and underarms wiped out at 16 joules on the GentleLASE with 18mm spot size on my first 2 treatments. I do have type II skin and black coarse hair in those areas.

Good luck and thanks for sharing, I’m sure it’s helpful to others.

#3

Look more, if necessary, outside of that area. Treatments get cheaper than that. a 25J treatment for $550 benefits mostly them. You are paying for a treatment that is just so so in terms of effectiveness, and in turn they are getting a chance to cover their ass to see how you react. If you do go to those guys tell them you want to start at 30J, and that you signed the waiver so there shouldn’t be a problem.

As for 16J with the other at $675. Just don’t even bother with them.

#4

I went to a consulation with Dr. Narurkar in San Fransisco and wanted to share some of my thoughts here for anyone else who might be considering him for laser treatments.

I just went to see Dr. Narurkar yesterday and wouldn’t recommend the experience I had. First off, there is normally about a 2.5 month wait to get a consultation appointment. I was told the consulation would be free of charge by one of the receptionists, however, when I showed up at my appointment (after taking half day off from work), I was told that I need to pay $175 “consulation fee” even though this was contrary to the information I was given by phone. I have called a number of places around SF and none of them charge fees just for the consultation, which is why I was pretty surprised. The main nurse came out to talk to me to clear up the misunderstanding, however, she told me there was nothing that she can do as far as the fee, despite this misinformation on their part.

What I especially didn’t like is that the staff were EXTREMELY reluctant to give me any BASIC information (ie. What lasers do you have? What is the range of costs per 1 underarms treatment?) They kept trying to brush me off saying that this information can only be given at the consultation, when in fact, I think it is VERY general information that any honest and reputable practicioner should be open to providing. There is absolutely no reason why a practicioner should be trying to hide the maker and model of the lasers that they have in the office (which, by the way, are only 2 for Dr. Narurkar - LightSheer and Estera…no GentleLase…GentleLase is arguable the best laser for Type I-IV skin types, so this is something to consider because he does not have it). And there is also no reason why any office cannot give a RANGE (obviously the exact cost would depend on the specific client) of prices per 1 treatment for a particular area (which they finally told me is about $350/treatment for underarms and $350-$500/treatment for bikini, which is about 3-5 times higher than what most places charge, on average).

Basically, I was extremely turned off by this experience and ended up leaving without the consultation. It was not that I didn’t want to pay $175. It was more the fact that I didn’t feel that the place was honest and comfortable. I want to get my treatment done at a place which is more concerned about making sure that I get the results that I am looking for than about how much money they will be making from me. It seems that this doctor’s office sort of “preys” on those consumers who are not very knowledgeable about this treatment and who just rely on the fact that Dr. Narurkar is well-known to assume that he will do the best job, despite the fact that he charges approx. 3-5 times more than the average doctor. Dr. Narurkar’s office told me that if I agree to sign up for treatment with them, they would credit the $175 toward my first treatment. However, I didn’t want to feel pressured to commit to anything before I have a chance to get 3-4 consulations. I was pretty sure that Dr. Narurkar’s prices were ridiculously high (and not justified despite his big name) and that I would be sure to find a different practitioner in SF who would also be very experienced, but less concerned making money and more about the quality of the treatments as well as attaining results for his/her patients.

I will be checking out a few more places for consultations in SF (primarily those which use GentleLase) and will post any other information I find.

#5

reposting SFgirl’s experiences at other places in the San Francisco and Palo Alto from her post on the other forum. I know her and helped her find a place she was comfortable with, so I asked her to post her experiences.

marinav

Joined: 22 Dec 2006
Posts: 2

Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2007 7:18 pm Post subject: Laser Hair Removal Options-San Francisco & Palo Alto

I wanted to post some information I gathered during my consultations/phone conversations with a number of clinics in San Francisco (and 1 in Palo Alto) for anyone who is interested in getting laser hair removal in SF. Most of these places use GentleLase (because I have light skin and was primarily interested in this laser since I read that it was the best choice for light skin), however, there are also a few options with Lightsheer, Cutera, GentleYag etc. I ended up choosing the first place - Aura Skin Spa and have started my treatment there (so far so good). Just wanted to share this information with anyone who might be interested.

Aura Skin Spa
Phone 788-3800
Address 118 Columbus (@Jackson)
Website auraskinspa.com
Laser Type GentleLase
Consultation Free - 1 hour
Who does the treatment RN
Experience 7 years as a nurse. 2 years with GentleLase, but just 3.5 months at this Spa. Worked at a different place before.
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation: Wed-Fri 9-5PM and every other Sat
Payment Full refund guaranteed if not satisfied.
Comments Atmosphere excellent, very upscale, clean. Laser is only 3.5 months old. RN sees about 6 clients/day for laser (so lots of practice with the laser). Free touch up (if any spots are missed during the appointment).

Zoozlaser (Derma Laser Clinic)
Phone 650-565-8683
Address 701 B Welch Rd #212 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Website zoozlaser.com
Laser Type GentleLase, GentleYag
Consultation Free - 15 min
Who does the treatment RN (she and her husband who also works there own the practice)
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation Works everyday except Wed & Sun. Works every other Saturday.
Payment No refunds. Pay in full after 1st appointment

Comments: Tiny, crammed office. Not very pleasant atmosphere. Very busy, many clients/day. Said likely to need 10-12 treatments total, which is EXTREMELY high number. Nearly all other clinics said 4-6 treatments, at most, will be necessary. This is probably because she said she believes it is ESSENTIAL to come in 4-6 weeks for first 3 treatments (bikini). In my experience, 4-6 weeks is too often. If you come in that frequently, your hair does not have enough time to grow and develop enough pigment, and therefore you end up treating hair within the same cycle twice in a row. This is probably why this clinic ends up treating people for 10-12 treatments. For this reason, I would not recommend this clinic.

Urban Allure SF
Phone 399-1300
Address 230 California (at Front St.)
Website urbanalluresf.com
Laser Type GentleLase
Consultation Free - 30 min
Who does the treatment 2 nurses. You can pick which nurse you want to do treatment with.
Experience Both of the 2 nurses have 5+ years experience. This center was opened 1 year ago.
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation Weekdays 11-6
Open Saturday? Yes

San Francisco Laser Clinic - Spina MD William Medispa
Phone 749-6417
Address 2215 Chestnut / Pierce
Website sanfranciscolaserclinic.com
Laser Type GentleLase
Consultation Free
Who does the treatment MD plus 3 nurses on staff: Center has been open for 2.5 years.
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation Mon-Fri 11-7 (except Wed), Sat 11-5.
Open Saturday? Every sat 11-5PM

The Maas Clinic
Phone 567-7000
Address 2400 Clay St & Webster (Pac Heights)
Website
Laser Type Lightsheer
Consultation Free - 30 min
Who does the treatment RN
Experience They have been open 5 years. Have had 2 lasers during that time. Used to have older version, but upgraded to the current laser 3 years ago. RN has been with them 2 years working with Lightsheer whole time & worked at a Spa before.

Epicenter Med Spa
Phone 362-4754
Address 450 Sutter Ste. 1336 (Powell)
Website
Laser Type Lightsheer
Consultation Free. Aesthetician does the 30 min consultation, not nurse.
Who does the treatment 3 nurses do laser. Could be any of the nurses. All are very experienced.
Experience They have been open 9 years. “Coined the term MedSpa” Dr. Patrick Bitter Sr. involved in FDA trials for lasers and personally certified each of the nurses. Each nurse does laser treatments as well as botox etc. However, no nurse is fully dedicated to just laser hair removal, which is a drawback.
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation Open until 6PM
Open Saturday? Sat. from 10-6

SF Derm
Phone 564-1261
Address 350 Parnassus #400
Website sfderm.com
Laser Type GentleLase
Consultation
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation M-F 9-5

Dr. Kathleen Welsh MD
Phone 292-6350
Address 2299 Post / Divisadero
Website
Laser Type GentleLse, GentleYag, Coolglide
Consultation $130. If you see nurse the $130 is credited toward 1st treatment. If you see MD, 130 is not credited toward 1st treatment. Depending on who you do consulation with, is who you will see for treatment.
Who does the treatment MD & 3 nurses ( all very experienced)

Beauty Before Age (Dr. Jeffrey Binstock)
Phone 956-8686
Address 22 Battery Ste. #905 (1st)
Website
Laser Type GentleLase
Consultation $126
Who does the treatment Dr. Binstock usually, but sometimes Stephanie (Physical Assistant).

Premier Dermatology
Phone 371-8600
Address 55 Hawthorne Ste 520 (2nd & 3rd, near Howard)
Website
Laser Type I think GentleLase?
Consultation $100
Who does the treatment nurse (5 years exp.) does all laser treatments (works only every other Mon - so not a lot of practice with the laser, given that she only works once every 2 weeks).

Dermatology Medical Group
Phone 362-2238
Address 490 Post #700 (Powell/Mason)
Website
Laser Type GentleLase (Lightphase)
Consultation $50

Gentle Star Med Spa
Phone 618-0108
Address 54 Mont (Powell)
Website
Laser Type Cutera
Consultation Free
Who does the treatment Dr. Ellis & 1 Nurse
Experience Grand opening Feb 2006

Union St Spa
Phone 409-8500
Address Union / Franklin
Website
Laser Type Lightsheer

UCSF Dermatologic Surgery - Dr. Roy Grekin MD
Phone 353-7839
Address 1701 Divisadero #356

#6

Zoozlaser (Derma Laser Clinic)
Phone 650-565-8683
Address 701 B Welch Rd #212 Palo Alto, CA 94303
Website zoozlaser.com
Laser Type GentleLase, GentleYag
Consultation Free - 15 min
Who does the treatment RN (she and her husband who also works there own the practice)
Appt. Schedule / Hours of Operation Works everyday except Wed & Sun. Works every other Saturday.
Payment No refunds. Pay in full after 1st appointment

Comments: Tiny, crammed office. Not very pleasant atmosphere. Very busy, many clients/day. Said likely to need 10-12 treatments total, which is EXTREMELY high number. Nearly all other clinics said 4-6 treatments, at most, will be necessary. This is probably because she said she believes it is ESSENTIAL to come in 4-6 weeks for first 3 treatments (bikini). In my experience, 4-6 weeks is too often. If you come in that frequently, your hair does not have enough time to grow and develop enough pigment, and therefore you end up treating hair within the same cycle twice in a row. This is probably why this clinic ends up treating people for 10-12 treatments. For this reason, I would not recommend this clinic.

I have gone to this place. when i asked in the phone about the cost for treatment on upperlip.the receptionist(a man) said it costs $60.I thought laser treatment prices has come down and i can afford it now.But When i went there they said it costs $150 … cheap marketing tricks.
I will never go there again

#7

I don’t know if it was a marketing trick. It could have been a new receptionist etc. They don’t usually have anything to do with the treatments.

#8

In this thread only it was informed that husband and wife runs this business from long time.I think RN’s husband is the receptionist. He must have known the rates.I didnot feel right. I felt that price was misquoted intentionally. I might be wrong …who knows.

#9

either way, there are many places in this area. you shouldn’t have trouble finding another. my friend goes to a good one in SF as well.

#10

last year after going through all informative posts here, I had gone for electrolysis for one year. Now my upperlip has very thin hair. But visible in close up. i think i never get over with hair.Since my electrlogyst moved far away from my place i decided to go for laser instead of finding out another electrologist. I haven’t got good results after first treatment when compared to electrolysis results.Do you advise to go back to electrolysis?

#11

Well…YES! Is there another electrologist near you?

Laser won’t get thin hair, especially if it is hair of a lighter color. I’m not of fan of getting the face lasered. A good electrologist with good tools can achieve so much more for a client with assured permanency in a year or so.

#12

are you male or female? did you achieve full clearance each time with electrolysis for a year?

i would also say just finish with electrolysis. you can probably find a better laser, but it won’t remove 100% of the hair anyways, so electrolysis is your best bet at this point.

there are plenty electrologists in south bay and bar area in general. check out the electrolysis section of this forum and run a search.

#13

Thanks for the your advises.
I am female.I never got full clearance. Each time(15 min per session on upperlip) my electrologist tried to clear most visible hair available at that time.And thin hair keeps coming back. Now i lost all thick hair (2-5 left here and there).Is my treatment going ok?And also I never shaved. Waxed once.from then onwards i have gone for electrolysis

#14

at this point, just stick with electrolysis and concentrate on getting a full clearance, so that you’re only coming in after to kill the new weak hairs that pop up. no waxing. you can shave. but you shouldn’t be waiting too long after the hairs show to get them treated for best results.

#15

thanks for all your advises