Plz Help! Very Confused

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hey guys been doing my research for a few weeks now although i’m still a bit confused if diode lasers are okay for dark skin. Many people online seem to believe that it is completely fine, although many advise against it in favor of an Nd:YAG.

A little background on myself: I am a 19 year old Indian male, with a skin type 4-5. I am located in London, Ontario frequently in the Toronto area as well.

After reading the FAQ and other information on this forum, I have come to the conclusion that an Nd:YAG laser would be the most effective and safe method for someone with my skin type.

After talking to various clinics in the london/toronto area, Its very rare to find a clinic that owns this type of laser. I have found one so far and am going to book a consultation soon

The majority have different types of diodes such as the Soprano XL,or Lightsheer.

When I mention about Nd:YAG and that I have dark skin, they all seem to assure me that these machines are the best, will work fine, and they have treated dark skinned patients before. One guy also said he doesn`t use the nd yag because they are very slow compared to the soprano.

I am beginning to think that they are either not experienced, or they just want my business.

[b]So my questions are:

  • Would I be alright going with one of these clinics that use a diode, or should I keep looking and invest a bit more money if necessary into a clinic that uses an Nd:YAG… And which manufacturer is the best?

  • Can anyone recommend an experienced practitioner in the area[/b]

Any help would help me tons and be greatly appreciated… Thanks!! :slight_smile:

#2

Laser techs will say anything to sell a session.
Stick to the YAG.

Seana

#3

thank you for your response. I think I am going to stick with the YAG although…

i was reading about the soprano online, and came across this:

Alma Soprano lasers are an 810 wavelength. The bonus of these machines is that they have settings that allow a constant pulse to go in rather than a hard targeted pulse, like other lasers. This means that with a good technician, who knows how to set the machine properly, this can result in better, stronger treatments for darker skinned people.

… does this mean that the Soprano will be more effective than a YAG if used properly?

very confusing, I am in kind of a hurry to get the treatments started and completed, and I do not want to waste time and money with an ineffective/unsafe treatment.

Thanks again

#4

The practitioner with the Nd:YAG laser also told me over the phone that I will need yearly touch up sessions if I want to maintain the results.

Since I am a guy, I do not mind having 100% reduction, but will be happy with reduction so it looks natural for a man.

I’ve read many places online that says laser hair removal is permanent for the follicles it kills, although new hair might grow in the future.

The practitioner states if I do not maintain the results with yearly touch ups, a few years down the road I will be exactly as hairy as I was to begin with…

Is this true or just another up sell method? Again I do not mind not have 100% reduction, just looking to reduce the majority of hair forever…

I am okay with a few new hairs coming here and there, but do not want to go back to the amount of hair originally.

Thanks

#5

LondonJames,

The statement: “The practitioner states if I do not maintain the results with yearly touch ups, a few years down the road I will be exactly as hairy as I was to begin with.”

Um, does this statement make ANY sense to you, or anyone else reading this? (Now, for the record, I’m not talking about James, but I AM talking about the clinic that told him this “twaddle.”)

Isn’t the idea of having a “hair removal treatment” to perhaps remove the hair at least “sort of permanently?" If this is all they can promise you, why not just wax the hair a couple times per year?

My guess is that this practitioner was telling you what his/her results are in actuality (sad but true?). I appreciate the honesty … but DAMN!

Continue doing your “homework” and don’t THROW money at anything unless the business offers you some sort of guarantee! Get the details before you “get burned.” “In writing” would be nice too.

Why not an actual monetary estimate? Why not an estimate of how many treatments over what duration of time? Why not a statement of what actual percentage of hairs will be removed and when?

I do this, why can’t they?

Take a clear photo(s) of your area before you start! Provide the clinic with the “before” photo(s), and keep one set yourself. It’s good to be prepared and not go only by “instinct.”

#6

Thank you for the help Michael.

Yes that was exactly what he told me…

I’m pretty new to the whole laser hair removal thing but that seemed odd to even me… He understood that I would be happy with the hair permanently reduced and not 100% eliminated either. Weird…

Also I had another question. When advised to eliminate exposure to sun before and after treatments, would having the treatment area covered with clothing do?

For example if I wanted to get my chest area done in the summer, could I go about my daily activities as long as I am always wearing clothing?

Thanks everyone:)

#7

Can “slow” be faster?

Your story has been repeated to me so many times that I’ve pretty got the whole thing memorized. And, I know the questions that will be coming, once you actually start treatments.

Of course, ALL guys want this done fast so they opt for laser (it does make sense). But the reality might not be what you’ve “signed up for.”

Being “done” by laser could take years of so-called touch-ups (with what certified guaranteed results? Can they guarantee how much hair will actually be destroyed?). Getting proper electrolysis? You will be 98% clear in 9 - 10 months.

Again, if you opt for laser, get them to state a “return policy!” If you don’t get results, you must get your MONEY back! Doesn’t this seem, well, logical? Get this in writing; I’m warning you!

(I have several UK clients that would probably be willing to talk with you … as a REAL “client to client” that has had this experience already.)

Say, maybe have the laser clinic give you names of “happy post-laser” clients? This is a very common practice in plastic surgery.

#8

Thank you Micheal I will be sure to ask them for both of those things.

I have taken a few pictures of myself. One near a light, and the others near a window using the outdoor light. I wasn’t sure how much light to use, or which one gives a better depiction of my skin so I tried to include both. Here is the link to the pictures:

thanks

#9

just spoke to a technician over the phone and when I mentioned the preferred longer wavelengths of the Nd:YAG for my dark skin, she said that they can adjust the wavelength of the lightsheer machine that they use to suit the patients skintype. Is this true at all?

#10

recently spoke to a cosmetic surgery clinic that also does LHR

He said they have an Alex, diode, and yag laser… When I asked him what he recommends for my dark brown Indian skin over the phone, he said he would use the diode (lightsheer duet) , even though they have all 3 types…

It is very confusing because I am getting a lot of mixed opinions on which laser is appropriate. Many say the diodes are safe for all skin types if used at the appropriate settings while others insist on the YAG lasers for darker skin,

#11

Just had a test session done

They used an apogee elite Nd:YAG with the settings

20 joules,

pulse width 40ms,

rep rate 1.5hz (not sure what this setting means, can someone explain?),

and spot size of 15mm