The Laser Consult at Dermacare
Tonight I had my first laser hair consultation.
This is what I learned:
1. The underarms are the most effective area. You will see results within 3 treatments, and they should be completed, on average, within 5 treatments.
2. It takes about 2 minutes to complete an underarm.
3. The clinic can only guarantee a 75-90% reduction.
4. Shave the area 24 hours before the appointment. If stubble appears, it will not burn the skin because the laser will focus most of it’s energy at the base of the hair. If there are longer hairs, they will be shaved prior to treatment.
5. IPL should not to be used for hair removal. IPL is normally used for sun damage, spider vains, skin treatments, etc. If you find cheaper prices on hair removal, most likely they are using IPL, which is not as effective as diode or yag laser machines. These other machines are meant for hair removal.
6. Only shave between appointments. Treated hairs will naturally come out of the follicle.
7. Within 6-8 weeks, new hairs will begin to break through the skin. Schedule your next laser appointment within 8-10 weeks of the previous appointment.
8. Laser machines do not work on red, grey, or blonde hair.
9. With this company, I would be able to treat 1 underarm for $75. Multiply that by 5 treatments, and it totals to $375. (Normally it would cost $180 to treat both underarms. I was given a discount because I am doing research.)
10. At the National Laser Institute, the cost was $50 for both underarms.
Should I do some more shopping…or make a decision? What do you think?
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Be careful about going with National Laser Institute…the techs are all still in training. Since it is a medical procedure, I would definitely go with a place like Dermacare that has physicians who own or run the clinic.
Also, I know that with laser hair removal, you get about 20% reduction each time, because the laser can only target hair in an active growth state (which is about 20%). That’s why you have to get between 3 to 5 treatments…any place you go.
Don’t forget to research which laser technology they use too…that can make a huge difference. I know that Cutera has good (and safe) technology for hair removal.
I’d say for $375 max, it is well worth it to go with a clinic like Dermacare that has a proven safety record; after all, it is still a medical procedure.