so confused

ok i give up... i've decided to start saving up for laser hair removal... but I know nothing about this industry. Can anyone give me some pointers as far as what you've learned are the most effective lasers, how to find out if a place is licensed/board certified, what kind of licensing/certification is needed, what to look for etc. and who I might want to look for (ex: a doctor vs. an aesthetician)... Can any of you laser ladies give me advice on what kind of questions are important to ask during the initial consultation?

Also, is it normal to ask if I can speak with past clients to see how satisfied they are of their results? or is this a no no?

thanks sooo much

__________________
23 y/o; finally diagnosed summer '03; bloodwork revealed excess male hormones

cystic acne, facial/body hair, hair loss, overweight

looking for natural approach (diet/fitness)

--All I want to do is hide from the world and take a break from reality and that's just not possible because time stands still for no one and before I know it I'll be a "has-been" without ever being a 'was'--

ducky

I have also been wanting to get laser hair removal done. I found a site that tells you what to look for and what to ask when you go for your consultation.

go to
www.elaserhairremoval.com/page_5.htm

Also, I have seen, I don't remember where, but apparently the pulse lasers are not as effective. I was trying to choose between a local place that does it and uses the Spa Touch system, a pulse laser and driving over 2 hours away to an actual Dr. that uses the Alexandria laser. As far as I was able to find the Spa Touch system, along with other pulse lasers are not "approved" by the FDA to be marketed as permenant hair removal, only as permanant hair "reduction" I did find a list of the ones approved to be marketed as permanant removal but of course where that was I don't know...... Do a search on Google for laser hair removal and I think it was on some kind of message board called Kitty's Consumer Beware.

I did go for a consutation locally and because of privacy issues they can't tell you their clients. You could ask them if they have clients willing to talk to you. I knew of someone (small town and all) who had gone for the more expensive one at the Dr's over 2 years ago and she told me that most everything is gone and still hasn't come back. Just a few stray hairs have appeared only.

Another thing, before you go for treatments make sure your hormones are under control. If you haven't taken care of them new hair will continue to grow until you do.

I hope this helps you.

nobimbo

You can learn lots by going to this site and reading the archives:

http://www.consumerbeware.com/forum/....asp?ForumID=3

Linda

__________________
dx pcos 1984, type II diabetes 2001, also hypertension
Met 2000mg since 2001, started Glucophage XR 4/22/04, then switched to Met ER 6/04; also: multi, Vit. C, Vit. E, B12/folic acid combo, fish oil & borage oil combo, garlic capsules, cinnamon, Vitex, calcium with magnesium/zinc, biotin, CoQ10, selenium,iron
Other meds: Verapamil and Altace(for blood pressure)
Started laser hair removal 7/29/03, completed 3/04 (it works!)
UAE for fibroid 3/24/03 and 3/16/04