ProLase Laser Clinic (SoCal)

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi. I’m new to the forum and am looking for some good info on laser hair removal. I live in the San Fernando Valley, outside of Los Angeles, and have been trying to find the right clinic - with the right kind of laser (GentleLase).

I came across a clinic called ProLase Laser Clinic (http://prolaseclinic.com/) that seems like a winner. Their prices are the best I have seen, and it is pretty close to where I live. But I have two concerns. First, they do not use doctors, and all procedures, including the consultation, are performed by nurses. From what I have read, having a doctor do the first consult is preferable.

Second, I am surprised at how little money they charge compared to how much I thought it would cost. For example, they are now charging $100 for a full male back treatment. Am I right to be suspicious of such a tempting deal? Do you think it means they under-power their laser or purposely miss hair to keep customers coming back for more?

It would be great if someone with prior knowledge of ProLase could advise me on their reputation for laser hair removal. Barring that, any insight into the concerns I’ve raised would be appreciated. I am going for a consult tomorrow where I will try to gauge how much I want to trust them.

Thanks for any help.

#2

I think it is fine for a nurse to do it from what I’ve read but yes that does sound cheap, I’d stay away. No way it can be legit. In the UK at even the scummiest place in London I’d say its at least $750

#3

Here in the UK, doctor’s rarely carry out treatments. They are done by laser technicians, including the consultations. Male back at my old clinic (a reputable one in Central London) costs £200 ($326).

#4

Having a doctor do treatments is not necessary or better. They don’t teach hair removal in med school and doctors generally don’t spend their time in office on LHR when their time can be spent on more in-depth procedures and consultations. You’ll find that at most clinics, it’s nurses operating the machines.

What you should be looking for is that those nurses know what they’re doing, i.e. they’re willing to use good aggressive settings. The only way to find this out is by visiting the clinic and getting test spots. Then you can post them here and we can tell you if the settings are aggressive enough or a waste of time.

Also, make sure they only treat COARSE DENSE growth or you will see induced growth on the back.

Please read our FAQs. This is all explained.

You may want to compare things to Dr Hamilton’s clinic. Have consultations at 3-4 clinics.

#5

Yup, I’ve read a bunch of your posts, LAgirl - I’m focusing on the coarse hair. Induced growth is a big concern. I’ll post some pictures in a bit and, if you don’t mind, I would like to get your feedback.

I had a consult at ProLase today and they said they like to use weaker settings for most clients, especially on their first visit. Pressed for numbers, with the GentleLase Pro, they said it would probably be 18j/18 (mm?) spot. The numbers are still obscure to me, so please correct me if that sounds wrong.

Have you heard good things about Dr. Hamilton? Just going be what I’ve read, he doesn’t seem to be liked by his patients, and people complain he is inattentive to their concerns. Because ProLase is relatively inexpensive, and they have the machine I want, I am probably going to use them at first and see how things go.

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

#6

On 18mm spot size, 20J is max. So those aren’t low settings if they’re correct and it’s actually a GentleLASE (and not a Yag) machine and it’s 18mm and not 15mm. I would confirm.

We’ve only had good feedback on the forums from treatments at Dr Hamilton’s office. The doctor himself doesn’t do the treatments. The nurses seem good and use aggressive settings. Don’t take anyone’s word for it and check things out for yourself. It will help you to get as many consults as possible to compare things.

And, of course, we love photos here.