Hello people,

I officially announce that today was my last day exploring places that do laser. Out of six consultations, I'm down to comparing two places. Now considering that I do have very light (pale) olive skin (middle eastern). I'd like to know which do you recommend for arms and legs, LightSheer Diode or Alexandrite? Also have you used any of the mentioned machines on your arms and legs? Please share your knowledge and experience. Which has more side effects?

I did my underarms using Alexandrite and it felt great from the second time but some people say that Alexandrite is not permanent. Is it or is it not? Coz I was told that Lightsheer gives permanent results but has more side effects. What do you think?


I really need to make up my mind ASAP!!!

Thanks in advance for any shared info.

Merci,

Adding to the questions above, what do you think of DIODE F1?????? Pleeeez share your opinion!!


Merci,

http://www.laserlaser.com/laserclinic/gentlelase.htm

i hope this site helps some of ya!!!

Go with the Lightsheer. It is more effective than the Alex. and is more compatible with your skin type.

RJC2001

RJC2001,

Thanks for your comments! I think i'm gona start with Alexandrite first. The reason why is because the place that does lightSheer has no physician at all. For some reason, most of the doctors around my area use alexandrite, why is that? i am yet to figure!

I'd also like to ask u since you seem to know a lot about lazer, is it possible to swtich from alexandrite to LightSheer later on if I don't find good results from Alexandrite?

The only thing I'm worried about are my moles, I got small ones that I'm getting checked before I get my lazer done! Coz I hear it could be dangerous!

Merci

You can always switch to a diode laser later on if you want to. I had less scabbing with the diode laser. The alexandrite laser can be quite effective, but the fluence must be high and there is more risk of redness and scabbing with it.

From my experience, the diode laser can be used at higher fluences with less redness and scabbing than the alex.

You do not need to have a doctor perform the laser treatments, but it would be preferable to have a doctor on the premises if there are any complications.

RJC2001

As per my Experience

1. ALexandrite-1
2. LHE (Light & heat)-2
3. ND Yag-3
4. Diode 4

Reason being Diode is causing burns all over world (even with lumenis & experienced hands). Alexandrite & LHE presently are having fewer complications. You can inquire with doctors who use them all over world.

Hi Everybody, my questions are similar enough to what issues Zein has raised that I really didn't want to start a new thread, especially when so much of what is here is helping me in this choice.

Okay, here in San Diego there is just a really large number of laser clinics, some give discounts, some extoll a mix of electrolysis and laser, some use lightsheer, some diode, some talk about practically spaced intervals, some say they can treat tan skin. I'm now trying to find out what are the best questions to ask these clinics as I now want to begin contacting the ones on my list. I'm a male have tan skin, dark hair, and maybe 1% of that is gray. I want to do most of the body. I'll be paying up front, and see it as a long term venture. I have looked through the archives, and have gone to the specialty laser websites, but it would be great to hear a kind of priority-type list of what to weigh these clinics with. It would help me immensely.

Thanks,
Mantaray

I will offer you a brief list of things I feel are important for laser.

Don't treat tanned skin if at all possible. The lighter the skin the more power they can use to kill the hair. So in short stay out of the sun. If a laser place says sure we will treat you with a tan, they do not have your best interests in mind.

Places with both laser and electrolysis options can offer you the ability to do the whole treatment plan with consistent service. What I mean is that you will need electrolysis to finish off after the laser treatments have done all they can for you if you truly want all of the hair gone.

I would not pay for multiple treatments up front only because you do not know if laser is going to be the best option for you. Ask for a package price for one round of treatments for the areas you are interested in. If the service or treatment turns out not to your likeing then you do not have to worry about trying to get any money back or finishing out a contract.

Try and find a place that has a doctor or dermatologist on staff.

Avoid places that propose treatment spacings closer then 6 or 8 weeks apart. Since laser targets the whole surface area unlike electrolysis it is most efficient to wait till most of the hair that is going to regrow comes in before treating an area, keeping in mind that you do not want to wait too long between appointments (16 weeks would be too long).

Avoid places that will not give you a free sit down consult and laser spot tests. You will potentialy be paying thousands of dollars for treatments and if they can't offer a free consult it makes one wonder what other areas they will skimp on.

Avoid places that will not treat you at high enough levels to be effective. Every one is different on what a good level of energy is but if you feel little to nothing and notice no hair burning it is safe to say the levels are to low. Laser hair removal is not comfortable if it is to be effective, you are trying to burn the hair growth cells after all and that hurts.

Be warry of places that treat blonde or very light haired clients with laser. They are not offering those customers the best chance for hair reduction or removal.

All in all after a consult if you do not feel comfortable with a place do not go there no matter how well they rate or how flashy there business is.

Cleanliness is also important. If you see dirty towels or reuse of consumable supplies (electrolysis probes, towels with out cleaning, razors, etc) between clients then I would avoid such a place.

Also if you can find a place that will provide you with fully documented (date, time, cost, location, area treated and by whom, taxes paid) receipts just in case you want to try and get a portion of the treatments covered by insurance or if possible based on your tax code applied against your taxes owed.

As to laser types I have only had experience with the LightSheer diode but others are reported to be effective if used properly. Look through these message boards for peoples results based on the different lasers and try and form an opinion of the ones you most likely would have results with.

Hope this helps you somewhat. The best single advice I can give you is to try a fair number of places before making a decision, and follow your instincts.

Chris

Balius,
Thank you so much for taking the time to post your response. It is valuable knowledge. Just when I had it narrowed down, now I guess I'll only consider combined laser and electrolysis treatment clinics. There are a lot of claims these places make, it really is a hard sell industry. I guess when appealing to peoples vanities and insecurities, they really throw out the promises people want to hear. I'm definitely tanned, so this I guess is a big factor in choosing treatment. I really hope I can get laser even though I'm tanned, even if it only means a 60 or 70 percent reduction. Well, I have to start getting the consultaions done. Of course if I run into any questions, you here at this board are invaluable.

Mantaray