First of all I would like to say thank you to Andrea, James and all contributors who have made this site possible. This site is a great resource for anyone who wants to make informed choices regarding hair removal.
I am a 40ish male with type II or III skin. I like to ride bicycles and have problems with ingrown hairs due to the use of bike shorts. I have done a bit of research on the subject of LHR and am very glad to have found this site, where unbiased information on the subject is disseminated.
The area I would like to have treated is that which is covered by the shorts and then up to the small of my back and also a few inches above the belly button. My hair is dark; I’ve been on two consultations so far and am scheduled for a third on Thursday.
From my fledgling understanding of the subject, I believe an Alexandrite laser would produce the best and most efficacious results for my skin type and treatment area. If this is true, my best bet would be to find a practitioner who is skilled with the use of the Alexandrite laser, for best results?
Both consultations were with Dermatologists who had trained RNs as the laser technician. The first RN had 5 years experience with the Apogee Elite laser. The second had 3 years experience with the GentleLASE, however I she did not have experience with male clients in this treatment area, so I’ve eliminated this practitioner. I do not want to be treated by a technician that is in any way uncomfortable with the procedure.
My appointment on Thursday is at a facility owned and operated by a Physician’s Assistant, who is also the laser technician. She was actually highly recommended by someone on staff at the first Dermatologist’s office. The PA uses a machine by Cutera. I have conducted a bit of research on this manufacturer but am uncertain about what to expect Thursday, as far as equipment.
It was only after my first two consultations that I discovered your informative website, so I did not know to ask about spot size or joules. I think the higher the joules (based on spot size), the more effective the treatment. So I would want the most joules, without the risk of burning my skin, right? And I would want the technician to use this setting beginning with my first treatment, right?
Perhaps you could also help me on the subject of pulse length as I’m a bit unsure about this topic.
With regard to the GentleLASE and the Apogee, would my results be strikingly better with the GentleLASE. From my research so far, it seems that this is the Rolls Royce of Alexandrite lasers? I’ve recently spoken with a proponent of the Apogee and she said the Cryogen used is the GentleLASE is somehow dangerous and has been banned in Europe. Have you discovered this to be true? I’ve spent a few hours trying to verify this claim, to no avail.
I also have a question about the differing results in the areas under consideration, but perhaps that should be posted in a different section of the website.
Many thanks for all your help with these questions and all the others you have helped so tremendously. This is a truly great forum, keep up the good work.
Best regards.