London Clinics and Laser types-Opinions :-)

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
1

Hi,

This forum is amazing; I was reading it until 2am! However, I still need some answers!

I was wondering if you could give me opinions based on experience (Or general/word of mouth) as I have already read the FAQs many of times and I have done a lot of research. However, considering that the websites will be biased towards their products and clinics, it’s difficult to identify the best clinic and the best laser for my skin type. I am aware from reading the boards that it also depends on the skill of the tech and the type of laser they use.

I have narrowed my choice of clinics down to three that are all based in London, UK.

  1. Laser Active
  2. Boston Clinic
  3. Skin
    (In that order)

With exceptions of Laser Care in London Liverpool street and the London Day Surgery Centre in North London. (The LDSC use a Plasmalite, which is a machine that uses both an IPL and Yag. Any information about this would be grateful.)

Ok, I know for sure that the GentleLASE is the best Alex laser around, however due to my skin colour which I believe is between type 4 and 5, I may not be a suitable candidate for this, yet on the Laser Active website, it claims that it can treat all types of skin colours. I am mixed race, European (Irish) as well as Turkish and Bengali. So, my skin colour is light brown, Hispanic looking. I am often mistaken as a Hispanic in the States! I plan to have my full back done. The hair colour is brown, medium coarse and is noticeable from 7ft in the mirror below and the top half is noticeable from three ft!

If I were definitely not suitable for the GentleLASE, which other laser would you recommend the Yag or Diode? I really hope I can use the Alex though since the reviews have been excellent.

I am planning to book consultations with these clinics, but want to make sure it’s worth doing so. The only real thing that is making me hesitant is the ‘pain’ factor, I have a below zero pain tolerance. I can even bare needles!

I apologise for the repetitive questions you, I did do a search in the forums for the clinics as listed above, but there weren’t many posts regarding this.

Many thanks in advance,
T.

2

Welcome to the forum. Your skin type is tough, especially since the hair doesn’t sound very coarse. GentleLASE could be ok, but you really need to have them do a test spot. Most likely you’re too dark for effective settings, but you can do a consult and give a spot test a try if it’s free.

Otherwise, diode or a Yag would be best. However, do understand that although Yag will be safe on your skin, it might have trouble with the finer hair on your back. With your skin and hair type, you might not be able to avoid it. You might need to get a set of laser treatments and finish with electrolysis on whtaever doesn’t respond to laser.

3

Hi lagirl,

Thank you for the welcome and the helpful response. I had the feeling this would be the case and I was worried still, even though the clinic claims that it will be ok on Asian skin types. I’d never bother with electrolysis because it’s painful and will take ages! As long as I can get rid of the noticable coarse feeling hair, I’d be happy! I may post a pic, is it possiable to do this here?

Many thanks :slight_smile:

4

you can post a pic in your profile here, or you can upload to www.photobucket.com and post the code here. then it will appear in the post.

as long as you have correct expectations, you should be satisfied with the results. in your situation i wouldn’t expect near 100% removal with laser alone.

i do have to add that laser at effective settings IS painful. so be prepared for that. the good thing is that it only lasts WHILE it zaps, not afterwards at all and you should be thinking of how hairless you will be during that time. it helps :slight_smile: plus, there is a numbing cream available if you really can’t handle it, although it doesn’t prevent the pain altogether. I got all my treatments without it and it was fine. Just remember, no pain no gain here. You do need to sacrifice a bit to get results as you need to be treated at effective settings.

electrolysis does take a while with consistent treatments, but it is permanent. And it’s not any more painful than laser if that’s what you meant. You can’t really compare the two since laser is probably more painful given one pulse, but electrolysis is a continuous set of pricks (not too painful at all, but it lasts longer obviously).

5

Hi lagirl,

I want to sincerely thank you for answering my questions in detail. I am kind of aware that for effective results, you have to experience PAIN :frowning: I’ll probably run out! Now that would be a sight!!! Although it only lasts while it Zaps, it depends on how many zaps and how close each zap is! But I am determind to get this done. I believe I won’t be able to use numbing cream as I will be having treatments on my back. I will definitely be booking my consultations next week and will let you know how that goes.

As for electrolysis, I really just can’t be bothred with it, as I would have had it done earlier on. But if it is needed then iI will consider it. The results I am after is signifacnt hair reduction or thinner and lighter hair, that is less noticeable to see and feel.

I will be posting a picure up sometime this week.

Anyways, once again, thank you veyr much :slight_smile:

6

you’re very welcome. i’m glad it’s appreciated. :slight_smile: