Still have lots of underarm hair after 9 sessions

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hey everyone!

I started LHR with the Candela GentleLASE around August 2014. I just finished my 9th session, however, I am NOT seeing the results that I want! I’m really disappointed. :cry:

90% of the hair sheds within 7-8 days after the treatment. After 6 weeks, the hair all grows back. I’ve noticed that the hair is thinner than before, but it’s still pretty much all there. And when I shave, I can still see the stubble on my underarms.

I’m an asian with very fair skin and dark hair.

Here is a picture of the settings that I snapped:

I believe the settings are quite low? According to this document: http://www.laserpartnersok.com/uploads/GLP_Treatment_Guidelines.pdf

I barely feel any discomfort during the sessions. I always hear of people claiming that it hurts, or they smell the scent of the hair burning. Honestly, I feel only a slight twinge.

I’ve spoken to the technician before and she kept saying I probably only need 2 more sessions, and that she’s already seeing a reduction. This discussion did not prompt her to up the settings though… :mad:

Can someone help me shed some light on my situation?

Thanks so much.

#2

The reason it’s all growing back is because 10J is insufficient. You really need to be at 14J+ (16J+ is preferred) assuming you’re light enough to safely handle those settings. Not feeling anything is a bad sign that treatment is insufficient.

Your two options are basically:

  1. Find another clinic (gentlelase is a great laser, so I’d look for a different practitioner with that laser, again if you’re light enough – otherwise look for GentleYAG/GentleMAX)

  2. Get it cleared off with electrolysis

#3

Jesus Christ! 9 sessions with 10 Joules on 18mm!!! You were robbed of your money, period! This technician is beyond incompetent and beyond poorly trained. I had my 8 treatments ranging from 16 Joules all the way to 20 Joules on 18mm spot. 10 Joules on a large spot size like 18mm is just placebo effect. Making hair shed doesn’t require a lot of energy. Same principle with electrolysis: making hair slide out smoothly with electrolysis isn’t that difficult but destroying hair follicles is.

Even Candela’s chart is very conservative in settings and experienced techs don’t follow by it.

#4

Thanks so much for your input! Deep down inside I knew I was being robbed, just needed someone to confirm it to me because the ladies working at this place always answer my questioning by insisting my body is reacting poorly to the laser.

#5

They were right that your body was “reacting poorly” to laser and now you know why. I only hope you can threaten them enough to give you some refund for their incompetence. Unfortunately the consumers of permanent hair removal industry are still being exploited by poorly regulated industry where bad quality of service is too common across.