My first laser consultation

[Guest sienna]

I went to my first laser consultation this afternoon! The place seemed nice and has a deal (seems to be ongoing) with 3 areas for the price of 1. Face and neck are 1 area. The other 2 areas I'm considering are chest and stomach area. The package is for 6 sessions at $279 a piece (so a little over $1600 when it's done). They said they wanted to be honest with me up front (and not just take my money) that some of my facial hair had light blond and some slight reddish hairs mixed with dark. I already knew that the laser really only affects the dark hairs. She said everyone is different and people can typically expect 60 -90% reduction with laser. With my facial hair she said I would be closer to the 60% reduction range so I would have to decide if that was worth $1600 to me. She also said that touchups could be needed afterward that would be extra -- I think $89 each. Even hinted that possibly 3 years down the road that touchups might be needed. That's the main thing that seemed odd... Is that possible? They use a Candela GentleLase machine for caucasian skin types. and GentleYag for darker skin. I agreed to a test patch. She ended up doing several for free to give me a sense of what it felt like. She first set it to a 16 (and then a sample 20 on one area) and did a test on my wrist, hand, lower neck, back of neck, and stomach. It wasn't too bad actually. The GentleLase machine shoots a cooling mist which masked the prick pretty well especially on the lower 16 setting. It didn't leave any marks but I could smell the singed hair and felt it slightly. Ewww! I asked about qualifications and supposedly everyone who is hired must have a Texas Radiation Board certification. I also had mentioned I was trans in talking to her and she said that a patient in the other room earlier was trans as well who had recently started hormones to transition and was getting some things done too.

I was wondering if these things I was told seemed like things I should hear, or if there is something I should be leary about? Do you think a 60% reduction estimate is reasonable?

I also talked to them about microderm abrasion as they had a living social special -- one treatment $39 (regularly $99). She did a free sample of that on one of my wrists as well as a test. That seemed totally doable I think for my face. She said that around 6 treatments spaced every 2 weeks could help minimize pores and smooth my skin significantly. Has anyone had this done?

Let me know what you think! thanks!

Sienna

[Guest Lizzie McTrucker]

My laser tech has made no mention at all about touch ups later on down the road.

There was another place I looked at, a chain of LHR places, that offered free touch ups for life after you're done with your treatments. I thought it was a little odd that one would need to go back later down the road to get areas re-zapped. I always thought the point of LHR was to have permanent hair removal, not temporary hair removal.

[Guest KarenLyn]

I wish I could remember what type of laser was used for my treatments. I paid $1600 for 6 treatments and it's been close to 15 years now and I have not needed a touch up. I do still have touch up electrolysis but that is for those white hairs that laser can't get.

Karen

[Guest Stormrider2112]

My laser tech has made no mention at all about touch ups later on down the road.

There was another place I looked at, a chain of LHR places, that offered free touch ups for life after you're done with your treatments. I thought it was a little odd that one would need to go back later down the road to get areas re-zapped. I always thought the point of LHR was to have permanent hair removal, not temporary hair removal.

I believe that they can only legally advertise as "Permanent Hair Reduction," not "Permanent Hair Removal." FDA claims and whatnot. Also, that would cover you from their booboos, as if laser can get it, laser should get it.

[Guest Sarahwr]

Thanks for this topic.

I have had two consultations for laser treatment and on each occassion the inference has been that I should save my money.

Now my scalp hair is very grey and laser isn't good with light or red hair.

About 3 weeks ago I approached another clinic run by a TS and she was actually hopeful that she could at least rid me of my "shadow".

She did confirm light hair cannot be dealt with by laser but any sort of hope for me is positive.

I also understand Laser treatment is not permanent hair removal as it is with electrolysis.

I shall watch further replies with interest.

Best wishes,

SarahW

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[Guest Nova Maria]

Laser works best with dark hair and light skin.

I would caution you against a package of six. Most people respond the most within 3 to 5 treatments as far as I've heard. You might be wasting some money if you pay for six.