Settings on a Yag

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi all,

I just went to 2 consultations yesterday for laser hair removal.
I am a type IV skin and have decided to use the yag.

I asked for a test patch at each.

  1. At this location, they use the Candela Yag machine.
    Settings used: 34J/ 15 mm window
    It did hurt/sting alot, and the test patch was on tiny section of right underarm.

  2. At this location, they use Cutera Coolglide vantage 1064 mm.
    Settings used: 40J/35 ms. I was not provided with a the size.
    I asked for the patch on the left underarm, and it was virtually painless during the test.
    She iced the area prior to even starting, and then applied a cream afterwards.

Between these two, would you say the settings were good? Is one machine beter than the other?

#2

I also went to a third place.
Here, they have both the Candela Yag and Candela Alexandrite machine.

I am a type IV skin, and the lady said that I would need to start with the alexandrite, and go up to the yag, to higher settings.

Is this right???

I had a test patch on leg this week, settings at 16 J with 18mm window from what I remember.

It hurt ALOT.

So far, the hair is still there from the other two test patches.

From these three what would you recommend? How are the settings?

#3

They did 18mm/16J on an alex laser? Did they tell you the pulse width? It’s very rare a skin type IV can handle that strong of a setting on an alex laser, but if you can handle that one, that would be the best one, though I’m surprised your skin could handle it.

#4

thanks brenton for the quick response!

the third one did hurt ALOTT. but I don’t mind the pain if it will actually give great results. I think my skin could handle it. However, I had the patch done about 2 days ago, and the skin is just slight red from it.

But is it normal to start on an alex and move up higher to a yag? Wouldn’t I just need to start on the yag since i’m type IV?

#5

Slight red is ok. If it becomes a burn/blister, then I’m more concerned.

Normally you start on a YAG for your skin type, but if they’re starting you that high on an alex, you should stay with that, though I have no idea how your a skin type IV and they’re using that high settings. It also depends on what the pulse width is, but unless it’s extremely high, that’s your best bet.

#6

Thanks Brenton for your advice!

I went ahead and booked my first appointment with them in 2 weeks. I will keep checking the status of my skin and make sure it doesn’t become a burn or blister like you said.

I’m actually excited!