Today I went to Advanced Skin Fitness. It was actually located in a smaller, almost residential area and shared a building with some sort of church (!) and what looked like an art studio. Anyway, I went inside and had a consult with the laser tech (no doctors here.) He was very nice, and the prices are good. However, he did say a few things that concerned me. When I asked about burning, I was told “I couldn’t burn you if I tried,” (I bet he could so) and was also told that, because I was fair, he could “crank the power up really high.” They use the Candela GentleLase, which I know is supposed to be the best.
I need to decide where to go! I actually liked Ideal Image best, but they are too expensive. Smooth Solutions wasn’t nearly as upscale, but the prices can’t be beat and a nurse is at least always present and calibrates the machines. They use the Apogee Alexandrite, which I don’t know anything about (is this a good system? Anybody?) I am strongly leaning towards going to Smooth Solutions. I can treat my chest, stomach, AND underarms for less than one session would run my at Ideal Image. I don’t want to go for the cheapest thing around, but I have heard positive reports about them.
Apogee is an alexandrite and the tech needs more skill to adjust the settings as the pulse is variable. GentleLASE has it has at 3m/s and it can’t be changed. It will come down to tech skill between the two. I would go with one area with Smooth Solutions and see how it goes. You can always switch from there since you can get unused portion refunded. Although, personally, I would check out a 1-2 more clinics with the GentleLASE. Btw, Smooth Solutions does use the GentleLASE at some of their locations. I guess not this one yet.
What settings did this person want to use on you with the GentleLASE? also, you’re right to be a bit concerned due to his attitude. Yes, if he tried, he can burn you. Anyone speaking that loosely about the procedure is not very trustworthy.
I don’t know what settings he wanted to use. He swore up and down the laser wouldn’t burn me, but I know better. I don’t think he’s bad or anything, I just felt uncomfortable about that.
Some Smooth Solutions DO use the Candela GentleLase; I know the one in Plano does (not far from my house, but farther than the other one.) Would I be wiser to go out of my way to go to that one? If the GentleLase is truly better, I don’t think it’s too much to drive an extra ten miles. I was told that the one I had my consult at would be getting the GentleLase in the future, but didn’t have it yet.
If I were you, I would make the extra drive for the GentleLASE machine. It’s more idiot-proof and has a better track records, in part judging from previous posts here <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />