Laser hair removal - anyone had laser hair removal done?

[ABC]

Hi Everyone
Like most people on this forum i have been looking at doing the laser thing for a while and have been doing a lot of research into it. As a health professional (in an unrelated field) and having access to online journals, I am absolutely dumfounded how little quality research has been undertaken by reputable journals for a modality which has been around for a while and has a lot of people using it.
What I read on the forums and what I see in the journals doesn?t seem to match. A lot of people on the forums have been happy with the outcomes however given the outcomes in the journals, there generally is only a 60% reduction in hair 4 months post laser (not IPL) after 6 treatments.
I know there can be hormonal issues impacting on the hair growth, targeting during growth phases ect, but to me you can quantifiably grade your skin type, you can quantifiably work out the number of hairs, why can?t there be a relatively definitive answer on which laser works?
Secondly, there appears to be no real difference (journal wise) between the results of the Ruby Laser and the Gentlease Alexandrite laser although forum feedback seems to favour the gentlease laser.
If anyone can shed some light on this in particular the two types of laser would be much appreciated

[stillhoping]

Well I have completed 4-5 (can't remember) sessions with the laser and the results were fantastic at the start. I was due to go back last week, but found out the place has closed. No phone call, nothing. I have left two messages and no one has called me to explain. All the hair has grown back and I can't even finish the sessions - 6 is recommended, so I have basically wasted all my money - so cross Skin Systems. At least have the decency to call your customers to explain and to forward them on to other salons.

[lili19]

I think IPL works as good as laser plus studies have shown that there are some side effects for laser while they haven't found any side effects for IPL as yet. I preffer to have couple of more sessions of IPL rather than laser because laser can cause HypoPigmentation and also as the light is very strong it's very painfull & you can get burnt. I've had my full legs and bikini done last year with IPL and it's been more that 6 months since I've finished my treatments and I'm quiet happy with the result.
I know a good place in perth which is very cheap as well.
If anyone is intrested I can give you the details

[heliana]

This is an interesting thread.
For those who it worked for, who did you go with, and how many sessions.
Have you had lasting results?
I had my underarms and bikini done a few years ago. It was a big investment, but I thought it was definately worth it because I get waxed and thats pretty expensive anyway and I hate the regrowth. While I was getting it done the ladies said I was getting really good results, however it didn't work. I had 6 sessions (they used to say you needed 4 and I had the extras to be sure it would work because the hair was still growing back, now I think they say 8) and finished just before I went overseas so I wouldnt have to get waxing done over there. Only I did still have to. The only difference I can see is that the hairs are maybe a very tiny bit lighter or finer (still just as hairy though) and I think they grow back faster. ie I will get my underarms, bikini waxed now and they are regrowing again in a few days.
This doesn't make sense to me so maybe it is a coincedence, and more to do with hormones.
Anyway, it wasn't laser, I used Hair free centre which is SPL. Big waste of money for me.

[FluffyLaRue]

I'm Hanging out to get mine organised- we are remortaging and I'm getting the laser on my legs, and a new sewing machine -woot!
Any reduction for me will be good!

[Victoria Tsoleridis]

Hello Everyone!
I am the one that has been treating Kelly for laser hair removal, so if you have any questions, feel free to ask. I'll do my best to answer.

Think I'll start browsing the other threads... first post today!!

[FluffyLaRue]

Hi Vicky

What treatment would be best for really strong thick dair hairs?

I have a few nasty hairs on my chin I want zapped! And I'm going to get mylegs done.

[Victoria Tsoleridis]

Hi FluffyLaRue - if your hair is DARKER than your skin, I would def recommend Laser.

The ones on your chin will be lasered nicely and won't take more than 10mins. The ones on your legs you'll need to allow about 1hr for.

I can smell the burning hair now

let me know if you need help with which types of laser..

[FluffyLaRue]

hmmm - I had a consultation today at the medical and asthetic laser clinic today...

I'm booked in but I'm not totally sure about them. Should they have a larger laser for larger areas? I'm getting my legs done. They did a test patch, but something didn't seem right about them yanno? And they said you need 10 treatments- does that sound right?

[Victoria Tsoleridis]

Sorry for delay in responding. If you can find out the type of laser it is, for example, is it a diode, ruby or alexandrite? maybe it's not a laser, they may use an IPL/SPL/etc....

10 treatments? What colour is your hair and your skin?

[FluffyLaRue]

They use a diode laser.

To be honest I can't see any difference where the test patch is except that my skin has red spots on it now. I canceled my appointment to get my legs done. Worked great for the little pests on my chin, but I'm not forking out that kind of money unless I'm sure it will have some kind of effect.

Is the Ruby laser better?

[BellyBelly]

Ruby is what Vicky uses on me Its great I seriously have had no reactions, marks, sensation apart from warmth (nice warmth) and thats it!!!!! Ruby is expensive tho... prolly why other salons go for others I would say.