American Laser Centers

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 7:55 am

Well as some of you all know I had a very unpleaant experience with a local Laser hair removal place a couple of years ago. After burning me twice, I decided maybe I would just "wait and see." Oh, yes, my attorney had no problem in getting my money back!

Now I have been in contact with American Laser Centers and they purport to now be able to remove "all" hair, including light, blond and gray!!!! And they still give a two year guarantee to remove any hair that returns for free. As you know the FDA says they can not say permanent hair removal in their advertising but off the record most places that do this laser hair removal say it is pretty much permanent!

They are offering basically a half price "sale" and it is less than some of the original prices that I saw from them, of course I have to drive 3 1/2 hours to Richmond for each treatment.

Anyone have any experience with them? They must be good as they have offices all over the US!

Thanks for any input!

Virginia

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 10:21 am

Virginia,
I posted in another thread http://crossdressers-forum.com/forums/v ... highlight= regarding American Laser Centers.

I've had a great experience and continue to get treatments. There are 2 centers in Grand Rapids Michigan.

The sale is pretty normal, actually I think all laser centers are 40 or 50% off. I always work with the manager and try to get a deal or get them to throw something in for free!

Post by **DonnaT** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 1:15 pm

What kind of laser do they use?

The may be able to remove lighter hair, but it definitely won't be permanent.

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:50 pm

Donna,
This is from their website: http://www.americanlaser.com/dsp_laser_hair_removal.cfm

"combines pulsed, high-intensity light with carefully-modulated RF energy to deliver an unprecedented combination of safety, versatility and effectiveness for virtually all hair and skin colors. An actively-cooled treatment head helps to soothe and protect your upper skin layer, while the pulsed light and RF energy gently work together to disable active hair follicles. Even blonde, gray and red hairs, traditionally the most difficult to treat using laser-only systems, are suppressed by our advanced systems."

Their their guarentee: http://www.americanlaser.com/dsp_hair_r ... tments.cfm

They tell me it will permanently remove the hairs. We will see.

Post by **DonnaT** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:38 pm

Pulsed, high-intensity light with carefully-modulated RF energy are two different treatments. Light pulses and radio frequency pulses.

Are the light pulses products of a laser diode or are they IPL (intense light pulses). Both use photothermolysis.

The type of laser/light is important, particularly the wavelength. IPL does not use one wavelength of light the way a laser does

Laser pulses between 800 nm (nanometers) and 1000 nm are best suited for facial hair in men because of the depth of the hairs root/follicle. Wavelengths less than 800 nm can and will damage the hair, but not permanently damage the follicle to the point it will no longer grow hair.

IPL is a broad spectrum, non-coherent, intense pulsed light (IPL) source that delivers multiple wavelengths. IPL units have a lower wavelength cutoff around 500nm and extend to 1200nm . Energy at 1200nm is wasted, as it penetrates well but is poorly absorbed by melanin, which is the target for selective photothermolysis. The lower wavelengths of 500 to 755 nanometers are simply not suited for trying to achieve permanent facial hair reduction.

Body hair roots aren't as deep as facial hair roots, and IPL apparently is fine for this type of hair. For male facial hair, it's more of a photo-epilation process that could last for several years, than permanent hair removal. If it was for permanent hair removal, I would imagine a lifetime guarantee would be offered, instead of 2 years.

Note that damaging the hair could result in light or white hairs regrowing.

The RF energy is for lighter colored hair, hair that is not affected by laser nor IPL. However, RF energy will only penetrate the tissue about a millimeter from the RF source. That is why a probe is used in electrolysis, to get the RF energy to the root/follicle. Therefore, for RF energy to have any affect on a hair's follicle, the root must be near the surface of the skin. Again, more of a depilatory effect.

Electrolysis is the only hair removal system that can guarantee permanent hair removal.

Electrolysis uses three methods: Galvanic, Thermolysis, and combination of those two, known as Blend. They all have their own merits, and one method is not better than another. The success depends on the skill of the electrologist, the type of hair being removed, the condition of the skin and the pain threshold of the client. All three methods, when properly performed, can be thorough at destroying the hair matrix cells, and leaving follicles incapable of regrowing hair.

Remember that male beard hair is like no other on the body in terms of its resilience and depth. What may may work for less deeply rooted body hair won't work for male facial hair, permanently.

The human body has amazing regenerative powers and using too low an energy on active hairs may have one of several effects. The hair could simply have its ability to produce pigment disabled so when it regrows you have a white hair. It can also put the hair into a prolonged dormancy of over a year.

If you've spaced your sessions too close together (less than 10-12 weeks) it also resets the hair growth cycle so some follicles are being reset to short term dormancy with each treatment. Three months after you have your last session, lots of those will be back again with a vengeance.

Carla L · Post by **Carla L** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 6:02 pm

Donna You Rock! Thank you for the education!

If you've spaced your sessions too close together (less than 10-12 weeks) it also resets the hair growth cycle so some follicles are being reset to short term dormancy with each treatment. Three months after you have your last session, lots of those will be back again with a vengeance.

Couple of things I didn't know. One that after two years some may grow back. Two, I was frustrated having to wait 10-12 weeks between sessions, now I know why... thank you.

Anyway, I will keep all posted on the success/failure of my sessions when done. It has been a lot of money, in the neighborhood of 4000.00 so far.
Luckily they offered (yes that is past tense) 1 yr same as cash. They did away with that, not sure what they have now. I want to do my legs next.

Between sessions, after about 3-4 weeks later, I am completely smooth for several weeks, maybe a month. I didn't have to use 'any' concealer to hide my beard. I'm looking forward to the next session.

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 9:52 pm

Donna, honey, -------------- sometimes you scare me!

Now I want to sink both the 4 and 6 ball using a "reverse henry" with a three wall bank and split the difference with the 4 in the right side and the six, banking off the 12 in the downstream right pocket, but it has to clear the 14. Given that, what is the energy coefficient necessary from a 200 pound shooter using a "Minnesota Fats" custom cue with a 65%/35% weight ratio at a standard 60" length and 18 oz. weight with a "curly Mary" cue tip!?

Inquiring minds want to know!

Love ya,

Virginia

Post by **DonnaT** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:05 pm

Depends on the stroke: draw, follow, stop, left english or right englisih, the angle of the shooters right elbow, the tightness of the right hand grip, the friction of the bridge hand and, of course, the radius of the cue ball.

SilverLady(SO) · Post by **SilverLady(SO)** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 11:18 pm

Well, Virginia, you asked for it, and you're gonna get it!

Virginia · Post by **Virginia** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:11 am

Eureka!!!!

Now I know the secret ---------- it is the radius of the cue ball!!! Why did I not think of that! From now on, just like in golf, I will carry my own cue balls!!!!!

Thanks, Hon, I guess I knew you would have the answer!

and as for you SL - remember last night!?? That was no radial cue ball!

Love ya all,

Virginia

SilverLady(SO) · Post by **SilverLady(SO)** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 7:14 am

DeeDee · Post by **DeeDee** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 12:18 pm

Tch Tch Virginia and Sl....might to time for the woodshed again but then again, beats a lousy TV night. As far as laser, Donna's post is well taken although any argument can be found with a search. I'm just having my beard and neck done and VERY happy with the results so far. By paying for the package in advance, I have life-time treatments should dark hair reappear. Of course, "lifetime" would depend on whose. I use a local spa with a great reputation and they use the Sonata laser, a treatment every 6 weeks. Don't let anyone tell you laser is painless, especially at first...

My tech tells me I endure it better than most men...little does she know why

I do take 2 Advils before per their suggestion and after 7 treatments, its not bad. So, lasers, treatments and results are different but I don't believe there is one for light hair yet although I'm sure that is not far off. I just did some house repairs and didn't shave for 3 days (SO was gone) and no dark hair...just light fuzzy white stuff. Bottom line, research and make sure the techs are certified. Good luck to all

Hugs
DeeDee