Question About Laser

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

I found this forum about a year ago and then forgot about it. Now I’ve rediscovered it because I’m seriously thinking about getting some laser done.

So far, all of the posts here have been very helpful, and I learned that laser may not really be permanent according to some people’s experiences. Thanks for sharing them with us!!

Now here is the thing, I don’t really trust some “certified” laser tech working at some Spa to do good work, because it seems like most of the people who’ve been dissatisfied with their results went to some type of “laser center” or “beauty spa,” not an actual doctor.

I’ve also learned that not all lasers are created equal, and from reading it seems that the Diode laser and the Gentlelase seem to be the most praised on these forums.

Since I live in Durham NC, I’m thinking about going to Duke University for my laser treatment. (I’m thinking they should know what they’re doing, right?)

Now, I have a pamphlet right here in my hand that advertises Laser Hair Removal with the treatments performed by physician or physician’s assistant. Not some laser tech.

It also says that they are using the new state-of-the-art Gentlelase II (Alexandrite) Laser. Then it says “competitive prices” and “excellent results.”

Now, should I do this or what? I don’t have money to throw away on something that won’t work, because I’m a college student with low funds, but I’m looking at this as an investment to save time in the future. Because now I frequently use an epilator. It’s not the pain that bothers me but the time it takes and the regrowth stubble. I want to do my chest, abdomen and neck area.

Also, I’m thinking about doing a brasilian, but I’m wondering if the laser could damage my testicles and render me infertile?

I’m 26 yo with a light olive complextion. Most of the hairs are dark and coarse, but some are a little lighter and finer.

So do you guys think Duke can take care of this or what?

Sorry my post was long, but I just had a lot of questions…

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#2

  1. your assumption that only a doctor or physical assistant can perform this treatments is incorrect. it doesn’t depend on whether it’s spa or a salon or a doctor with an MD after his name. what you need is someone who has been performing LHR for a while and knows everything about it, no matter what their certification is. experience is most important. honesty is too.

  2. No, being part of (or most likely just using the name of) a famous university doesn’t mean anything. There is a place here in LA that uses UCLA in their name and they overcharge and use a bad IPL machine. What you need is to do 3-4 consultations and find a place that cares about getting you results and is honest about what to expect.

  3. please read the FAQs and determine approximately what your skin type is. www.hairremovalforum.com/faq.cfm . if you’re lighter than a type IV, than an alex laser like GentleLASE would be best laser for you. LightSheer diode can also work well in good hands especially if you’re a type IV or so. Laser will work well if the settings are high enough on the coarse and dark hair; it’s harder to get the finer and lighter hairs.

  4. No, it will not affect any of your organs. It doesn’t penetrate that deep anyways.

#3

hi,

Thanks for your answer.

I’m like a III-IV skin type - not that dark, but a little darker than the average Caucasian. So do you think the Gentlelase II (Alexandrite) Laser will work for me? I’m really not concerned with pain, because like I said, I’ve been using an epilator for years now and if you can handle that, you can handle anything…

Also, about getting the brasilian done… How weird is that going to be? I don’t imagine finding myself in the most flattering position. I mean, am I literally going to lay there like a woman with her legs spread getting a pap smear?? or how will this be handled? Can I, like, request a very old nurse to do that? I don’t want some young, hot chick working there at the doctor’s office to see me like that…

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#4

since you’re in between those skin types, you would need them to perform some test spots to see how high of settings they can use on your safely. if they can use effective settings, then you should use this laser. if not, diode or a Yag would be safer for you.

this is a pretty standard area to get done. so don’t worry too much about it. whoever performs it has seen it all. when you do your consultations, you can see who you feel more comfortable with.