My Laser Journey (pics included)

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hello everyone,

I started a few topics, one main topic that started with a specific question and turned into my laser diary. So I figured I should start one with the correct title and keep it all in one thread.

So far, I have had:

4 sessions on lower arms: 14j, 18mm, GentleLase the first three then 16j, 18mm, GentleLase for the last one.

4 sessions on underarms: 16j, 15mm, GentleLase, then 18j, 15mm, GentleLase, then 20j, 15mm, GentleLase for the last two.

3 sessions Brazlian: 24j, 15mm, GentleYag, 3ms. Then 26j, 15mm, GentleYag, 3ms. Then 28j, 15mm, GentleYag, 3ms.

3 lower legs sessions, 12j, 18mm, GentleLase (caused hyperpigmentation). Then 22j, 18mm, GentleYag 3ms for the second and third.

Most recent pictures of my legs are confusing me. I do not know if I should go on or not. My last session was 11 weeks ago and this is how my legs look now:

Should I stop after three sessions or these hairs could be killed with a Yag?

I am also considering laser for my thighs but I’m not sure if they would respond well or not. I read around that thigh hairs on women don’t respond well but mine seem thick in certain areas of the thighs like below.

It would be great if someone can advise.

P.S. my other threads where I also discussed my laser experience:
Doesn’t get better?
HELP: Nd:Yag Lumenis One or Altus?

Yag on Bikini

#2

LaserQ,

I ended up with hyper-pigmentation afer 2 sessions with a Soprano XL, so I noticed some patches of light hyper-pigmentation in your second photograph of your leg.

I strongly recommend that before you continue with LHR that you consult a dermatologist.

In my opinion you should stop laser treatments to avoid worsening your hyper-pigmentation or other problems. Besides, laser is never going to remove all hairs. If you are going to end up shaving or waxing eventually, I were you I’d stop now.

#3

  • What is your skin type?

  • How come your underarms and lower leg settings are so much lower? On 15mm, max is 30J. Your Brazilian settings are much higher.

Legs have really long cycles, so you should be waiting about 12-16 weeks in between.

#4

My first laser session on my lower legs using the GentleLase caused this :frowning: they became much lighter now. I did go to a doctor to get it checked. You can see how they used to be here:

#5

  • My skin type is strange, based on the chart, I should be type 3. But reading around here, and since I am Middle Eastern, maybe I am a type 4. The technician doesn’t get this stuff, she’s very shocked GentleLase on 12j caused hyperpigmentation to my legs and the same machine, 16j did not do anything to my arms (although I do not tan and expose my arms more and rarely expose my legs to the sun)

  • My lower legs settings are the maximum my skin could handle. She tried 24j on GentleYAG 3ms on 18mm, the test patch left one spot of v.slight discoloration. As for the underarms, I know they’re low! Which is why I try to get her to increase each time. She was traumatized after what happened to my legs she’s afraid the same will happen to my underarms. What would be a good setting on 15mm on GenteLase? I was calculating the percentages, and if 16j on 18mm on GentleLase is good enough, shouldn’t 22j on 15mm be good enough too?

#6

LaserQ,

You said they did a test spot 2 days before. The thing about test spots is that I think you should have waited 1 month or 2 months AFTER the test spot to see if any damage was done.

In two days nothing might show up.

In my case the hyperpigmentation spots and burns showed up several weeks and after I had had laser done.

I was refused a test spot because they claimed that the Soprano XL is completely safe. And I was treated by a Doctor!! (should not have trusted them).

#7

24J on 18mm GentleYAG is not low (max is 30J on 18mm on this machine). I’m confused on your comparisons between GentleLASE and GentleYAG settings. They do not make sense to me.

Here are the maxes:

18mm
GentleLASE 20J (pulse width fixed at 3ms)
GentleYAG 30J (but pulse width is adjustable and can be increased from 3ms)

15mm
GentleLASE 30J (pulse width fixed at 3ms)
GentleYAG 40J (pulse width adjustable)

#8

Star123, The area where I got the test did not have hyperpigmentation ever. When I got treated 2 days after, other areas of my legs were harmed and it showed within a few hours! It was very scary at the time and I still do not understand it. Which is why I waited for them to slightly fade with a doctor’s recommendation and then switched to Yag.

LAgirl, I was comparing GentleLASE settings in 18mm and 15mm. Basically trying to figure out what would be the minimum setting on 15mm comparing to the 16j setting on 18mm. So I figured the minimum would be 22-24j on 15mm and that’s what I should go for? So yes I obviously was under-treated there. Good thing is, I only have very few fine hairs - still too early to tell - now after 3 sessions.

#9

In the original posting above, you mentioned you used GentleYAG vs. GentleLASE on brazilian and legs. That’s why I asked the question.

If both are GentleLASE, then you’re correct in your estimate.

#10

Sorry for the confusion. With regards to my legs images in the first post, do you think I should stop or it could get better? And thighs?

#11

I’m still very confused when it comes to my arms. Any advice is appreciated! My arms hair isn’t as thick as say my lower legs, but when I shave there is a shadow and I have been told by couple of doctors that I should see ‘good reduction’. I have had 4 sessions…first three were 14j 18mm gentlelase and the fourth was 16j. So far only one small patch is hair-free and the rest is exactly the same! And I still have a shadow when I shave. I figured I should stop but I really don’t get why this is happening…the remaining hairs aren’t finer either! Please help :frowning:

#12

After having 4 sessions on my lower leg using GentleYag: 18mm, 22 joules, 3 ms, I am not sure if I should continue. I have had around 70-80% reduction, and the remaining hairs are fine. I was hoping I would get more reduction since my hair was coarse, but I am still pleased.

Also, my lower arms’ results weren’t satisfying at all. I only have one patch in each arm that is hairless, the rest of the arm looks like nothing changed. I’ve had 5 sessions (all using GentleLase 18mm), the first three were using 14 joules and the other 2 were using 16 joules.

My biggest disappointment is my “full Bikini” area - or hollywood - the only difference I noticed that the hairs got lighter! They were super black and now they’re light brownish. Besides that, there was no reduction, only the actual bikini area had good reduction, but the rest of the area looks the same…not even patchy. I have had 4 sessions using GentleYag 15mm 28 joules 3ms for the last two and 26 joules for the first two. I would appreciate any comments about this, I do not even know if I should go on or stop.