I finally found a place that uses GentleLase...

Thank you for your inquiry regarding laser hair removal. Dr. Gallacher is fellowship trained in laser hair removal and laser skin rejuvenation treatments. She uses a Gentle Lase from Candela Corp. which is the “Gold Standard” in laser hair removal. All hair removal treatment is performed by Dr. Gallacher herself. We would be happy to schedule you for a consultation for laser hair removal. We do offer packages consisting of three treatments. For the best results three treatments are generally recommended, one every four weeks. Dr. Gallacher will be more than happy to discuss the packages with you at your visit. We are happy to allow time for treatment at the time of your consultation as well.

It’s really weird that they are recommending three treatments…

3 treatments won’t be enough. Every 4 weeks is too early. They’re either unaware or they’re trying not to scare off customers with an upfront commitment.

But I would go in for a consultation and see what settings you can handle. From what I remember, you’re a type IV, so high enough settings may burn your skin on this machine. It doesn’t hurt to see what you can handle. In the end, you don’t have to agree with them on how often to come in. You can schedule your appts as often as you want them. The most important thing is that they use good enough settings. If they’re not willing to do that, then there is no point of spending money there.

I want to go in for just a consultation, and have a very small area tested like my upper legs. What settings do think I should ask for that won’t damage my type IV skin, yet be effective? I find all the clinics that I’ve visited want to start with lowest settings, even though I tell them that I’ve had previous treatments with high settings.

There is no point of getting treated on anything under 16J on 18mm spot size. So I would ask to test at that.

The fee for a cosmetic consultation is $85.00 however if you proceed with hair removal the day of the consultation Dr. Gallacher will waive the fee. Once you begin treatment for hair removal with any future touch ups there is a fee. Dr. Gallacher will answer all your questions at the time of your appointment with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

I would look for someone who doesn’t charge consultation fees. I believe you said you were in San Ramon area. There are lots of clinics in the Bay area. You should be able to find someone without fees. Have you looked at the Candela Corporation search function? I know there are at least several places with GentleLASE in Palo Alto area if you don’t mind the commute.

Yes I have looked for a place around this area on the Candela website. The search engine on that website gives me different results everytime… I would like to find a place near by, however it seems no clinic around san ramon/dublin/pleasanton/danville/walnut creek uses GentleLase.

As I recall, the Candela search engine only shows 5 results. So, each time you run the search, it randomly selects and returns 5 clinics in the search area you selected (whether that’s 20 miles, 50 miles, etc.). That’s why the results are different every time.

They only give you closest 6 results to the zip code you enter. Try entering zip codes for all those various cities separately. You can also search for GentleMAX, which is an alex and a Yag in one.

I just found these by searching the cities you mentioned:

Dan Minh M.D. - Pleasanton
Dermatology and Laser Center, Gergana Gallacher M.D. - Danville
PRI Medical Technologies - Dublin
Greenberg Robert M.D. - San Ramon
Aphrodite’s Grecian Medical Spa - Dublin (GentleMAX)