Hi Guys

Firstly let me say what an awesome resource this forum is. There are some seriously knowledgeable people in here, and its a credit to them that they take the time to share.

I am based in London and am looking to start laser hair removal on my back. I have coarse, dark hair all over my back (skin type II), and enough is enough! I basically am looking for advice on the best laser to use and the optimal settings.

I know that high joules and large spot size are the best, but there is frankly an alarming number of different machines out there and I could do with some guidance which is best for my situation, best pulse length etc?

A number of years back it seemed that the Alexandrite Apogee was the best option, although I'm sure technology has moved on ...

I fully intend on documenting my progress with photos and regular posts of my experiences as I feel I represent someone at the hairy extreme! The picture attached will be the first of many - and I intend on kick starting this process asap.

All your advice is sincerely appreciated!

Thanks,

Baboon

http://img253.imageshack.us/my.php?image=baboonbackjl5.jpg

It's been nearly 2 months since my 7th treatment with Candela GentleLase (20/25) ?? J/cm2 fluence - 15mm spot size - 3ms pulse duration on my back. I am now seeing regrowth averaging 0.5 cm. But, the growth is rather patchy; some areas seem to have very few number of hairs. I don't know if these areas will become hairy, time will tell. So far, the result is good.

Shoulders, back and upper arms do not respond to LHR as much as other areas do. So, it is hard get rid of hairs on the back area. After 5 treatments, you will probably have same number of hairs but those will be finer.

I am type II-III male by the way.

Edit: Here is two photos on my progress.
http://www.hairtell.com/forum/ubbthreads....html#Post55510

Read the FAQ and the finding a practitioner thread. Those will both help.

Candela GentleLASE is an Alexandrite laser. The pulse width does not change. It is one of the most widely used lasers and it also has the largest spot size at 18mm. A larger spot size makes treatments quicker and easier for both you and the practitioner.

Find a practitioner that is reputable with a GentleLASE machine. 18mm spot size 16j minimum.

Men generally need more treatments than women. With the proper settings and a competent practitioner there is no reason you cannot end up with a 90% reduction.

Goodluck

I beleive the only two places in london that use Gentlelase are - Cannons Health Club (ask for the retreat when you call) and Laser clear in liverpool street.

Good luck.

Hey Guys, thanks for the advice... I emailed Cannons, but they haven't replied to me. This weekend I will call them up and book.

I'm pretty sure that the Gentlelase is the way ahead, but I'm still keeping an open mind! Whatever I do, I want the maximum Joules that I can take.

Do you think they'll want to stick to moderate settings to avoid a potential lawsuit?! Or do these guys tend to listen to their clients and pump up the power to the maximum level that can be tolerated?


Thanks

Baboon.

As long as you have the appropriate skin type for an alexandrite laser, there is no permanent side effects from the max settings. Its just going to hurt a bit more and cause more of a reaction to your skin.

On 18mm spot size 20j is max. 16j is the minimum setting to receive results IMO. So 16,18, or 20 would be fine. Good luck.

Awesome.

My skin type is almost certainly a II, so the max settings should be fine. A 90 % reduction would be amazing, but I'm not going to expect miracles just yet.

I know the technology is dated, and there are have been reports of it being unsafe, but I always though the Ruby 694 was the "ultimate" if you had pale skin.. Seems the Alexandrite has replaced it.

Its only unsafe in the wrong hands. Skin type II will be fine with an alexandrite and a competent practitioner.

I do not know any practitioners using a ruby laser. Thats old school.

GentleLASE is an alex and one of the best machines on the market. Those settings above apply to this machine specifically. The max setting etc will be different on other machines.

There are several London threads here discussing various clinics. Search for it.

Ruby is no longer being used since it was only safe on very very pale skin.

Be prepared to need numbing cream and/or icing if you truly have very coarse dense hair. High settings are effective, but also hurt.