Should I continue with IPL?

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hey everyone,

I seem to have a million posts on here now :slight_smile: From my signature you can see I’ve done 4 IPL sessions at a good clinic on my abdomen which I’m really happy with. I’m a fairly smooth person but just always had hair there. I get a really good price paying only $100 a session for a large area, about 8"x8" plus around both nipples, and last time she did my collar bone for free. 2 of my sessions were also free since I get a friends discount.

My last session was 8 or 9 weeks ago, I’ve shaved once, and I probably have 10% of the hair that was there back with the last time I shaved several weeks ago. For the most part it’s smooth, and when I do shave it’s totally smooth with no stubble or anything. I’ve only had 4 sessions though so thinking another might help get rid of the rest since it’s still dark coarse hair that remains. All the hair was always dark and coarse to begin with.

I know that IPL isn’t as efficient as laser and not possibly as permanent. I’ve switched clinics and I do GentleLASE in other areas now. I haven’t enquired about pricing on this area at my new place, but I know it will be more than $100 based on the prices they list for areas like Chest on their website ($200-250). The other issue is again as I mentioned, there’s really not that much hair left so even if it was more than $100, there’s not a lot left for it to target.

Four sessions seems low though so I’m just not sure what to do. Should I just go for GentleLASE in that area? I’m just confused with IPL, if the rule is that it generally requires more sessions than laser to achieve the same results, then I’m fine with that. My biggest concern though is that it’s not as permanent, meaning in a year the hair will all come back and it will be a big waste.

I guess first step would be to get a quote on the area from my current place and see if they’d do it for $100 as well but just wanted to hear feedback. Thanks everyone!!!

#2

I am not a laser expert,but I am a very practical person. If I were you, rather than make a decision now, I would perhaps wait for a few more weeks, and then decide. This way you can see if more re growth is forcoming. I hope you get more responses.

#3

I have to check the exact dates but I think it’s been at least 9 weeks now. I emailed my place to find out about pricing for this area so I might see how that goes. My biggest thign I’m trying to figure out is just the difference between the two. Like if they were to say $200 for GentleLASE vs $100 for IPL, is the GentleLASE basically the same as 2 IPL sessions or whatever.

#4

Capturing more growth in a session would be my objective in waiting longer. With electrolysis, regrowth in this area takes approx 12 weeks. I know laser is completely different, and as for laser versus IPL, I have no idea apart from what I read here about which is best. Hopefully a laser pro will chime in.

#5

I wish I could remember when my last session was, it’s at least 7 weeks that much I know. I got a new blackberry so my calendar stops early August but I know it was sometime around then, so I think it’s probably 8 or 9 weeks now. I’m waiting to hear back pricing on GentleLASE in this area to see, and I’ve also got a quote for Soprano XL which is $110 so I may give that a shot since it’s more effective than IPL I’m sure. Again my biggest thing is it’s not so much the price, I don’t mind paying $200 for example for GEntleLASE but only if its more effective than doing IPL twice since 2 IPL sessions is $200. If it’s only a bit more effective, then it’s better to do the 2 IPL for $200, but either way right now I’m thinking I’ll try the Soprano XL, $10 more isn’t bad :slight_smile:

#6

Okay so yeah $200 for the area with GentleLASE.

#7

If you want to know how much is truly gone, you need to wait longer. Give it 12-14 weeks then judge.