very painful experience: what should I do re: $$

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi all

A couple of years ago, I went to a spa/clinic to have “laser” hair removal done. I had six sessions: two were 1/2 hour, four were 15 min. Why? I couldn’t handle the after-effects of extremely uncomfortable heating (back/shoulders). While the treatment itself was relatively fine, about five minutes after I left I was in near agony. I had not been tanning or anything. The “laser” machine used was Epilas, which I have since learned is not truly a laser. I was so put off by the experience that I swore it off.

This morning, I had my entire back done at a local clinic that does nothing but hair removal. It was excellent: the procedure was great and NO AFTER PAIN. None at all.

Now I’m feeling a bit angry at the old clinic, to the extent that I feel I should get my money back, or some of it. Has anyone gone this route? Any advice?

Cal

#2

I don’t think they will refund your money since it’s been a couple years ago. You can write them a letter though, comparing both experinences in the hope that they will purchase a true laser and find a technician that can work it well. That will help their future clients if they take your comments seriously.

Did you experience any pain at the second clinic?

Dee

#3

Hi again

Thanks for the feedback.

As I mentioned, with the second clinic (here in Toronto) there was no pain at all…I mean, none. I was worried when they were doing my neck because I had such bad memories of the other place. But even the hair removal was painless, and after I just put on my clothes and walked out, feeling 100% normal.

That’s what then, later, got me thinking about this other place, which, in its website, touts that it is pain free etc. That’s just not true. Their “laser” felt, as they said it would, like little elastics being beaned on the skin. But it was worse than that, especially as the heat built up. When the “laser” touched on the shoulder blade, it hurt (because of the bone, they said).

The people at at the new place said that Epilas is not laser but light-stream. Whatever the case, I’m sold on the new place. But I still feel burned (literally and figuratively) about the old place. I guess I will write them and demand that they change their “promise” of “no pain.” It’s just wrong.

Cal

#4

Well… the reason I asked the “pain” question is because laser hair reduction is supposed to be painful. Bad sign if you felt nothing. Permanent hair REMOVAL with electrolysis is not painless and permanent hair REDUCTION with laser is not painless. If you feel nothing, then nothing happened to affect the hair. Painless laser can actually stimulate more hair to grow in certain places for some? many? clients. What laser are they using at the second clinic? What are the energy settings, etc.? If this a new invention, then tell us about how it works??? There is something going on in Canada that one of our posters have reported on that sounds like a dream come true for “permanent hair removal”, but we haven’t heard back from him for awhile.

You may be going after the second clinic for refund. This doesn’t sound right. Please read these boards if you can spare the time. Go to the laser Faq’s page and learn. No one will rip you off if you are knowledgible.

The laser experts can take over this thread as I am an electrologist. They will probably have more to say about this, but I know they will want information on type of laser and settings especially.

Dee

#5

The Epilas is a Nd:YAG laser. It’s a class III medical device, meaning a doctor is not required to purchase or supervise. “Results are 100% guaranteed and can be achieved pain-
lessly without swelling or irritation.” That sentence alone is a red flag.

#6

Cal, I live just outside the Toronto area and am looking for a hair removal clinique can you let me know which one you are going to?

#7

could the painless device be ARIA SHR - I believe that’s ipl and won’t work…

I’m curious about that pain free device

#8

You should feel some pain or your results may be minimal. There is a new laser out that is supposed to be “painless”. I beleive its called the soprano?? It pulses EXTREMELY fast and the technician has to wave it over an area several times before moving on to another section. I have no experience with it but I hear it feels almost like nothing.

Otherwise, all hair removal lasers (including IPL) are NOT painless unless the settings are too low (can be due to a variety of reasons).

Your pain afterwards sounds like its from heat and swelling(not unusual). If it happens again at the new laser place, use a towel wrapped around an ice pack. The thing to look out for is blistering, scabbing and pigment changes in skin. If that happens, then the settings were too high for your skin type.

#9

Hi again.

ADF, I went to OMI at Yonge and Sheppard.
http://www.omihair.com/index.php
I do NOT work for OMI in any capacity.

The procedure that they use involved a gel that was applied to the area before the treatment. The only area that was somewhat sensitive was the neck.

I did experience some discomfort, but not in the sense that it was pain. It was just discomfort, and it passed.

The company states that laser CANNOT effect 100% hair removal; only electrolysis can. They state that laser can result in up to about 80% of permanent hair REDUCTION, often with the result that the hair is so fine as to be unproblematic.

Anyway, it was my first treatment. I will go back for my second in mid-December.

#10

[color:#000099]“The company states that laser CANNOT effect 100% hair removal; only electrolysis can. They state that laser can result in up to about 80% of permanent hair REDUCTION, often with the result that the hair is so fine as to be unproblematic.”[/color]

Honest quote. :slight_smile: