Question
I just signed up for a LHR package at -Company Name Deleted- using the Aurora ELOS system. I'm getting my treatments at one of the offices in the Dallas area. The place has so many clients that I have to wait until the end of August for my first treatment. I'm doing my back, shoulders, chest, abs and upper arms (the "T-Shirt" package as they call it). I have about 70% coverage on those areas. I have very light brown skin (almost plale), with medium & course dark hair.
I had a total of 3 consulations in the Dallas area before making my choice. I went to a clinic with a Lightsheer (Diode), another one with a Lyra (YAG), and then to -Company Name Deleted- with the Aurora. At the consultations I told each representative about the other clinics and technologies that I was considering. I told them that five things were important to me: the right technology for my skin/hair type, experienced technicians, competitive pricing, some type of guarantee period, and of course good results. They all said they had the best technology for me, they all said they had the most experienced technicians in town, they all said they had the most satisfied clients, they all told me they were having summer pricing specials, and they all offered some sort of guarantee or maintenace period. Then they proceeded to trash their competitors in ways that I felt was very unprofessional. I quickly determined that this is a very competitive, cut-throat industry and that most clinics will say anything to get your business.
After the dust settled I decided to go with -Company Name Deleted- and the Aurora ELOS system. I made this choice for a number of reasons:
1. I'm a technology buff. I like new stuff. The Aurora ELOS system is slightly newer technology than the Lightsheer and the Lyra. Most new technology works better than old technology. These lasers are very expensive. Not all clinics can afford to upgrade to the latest and greatest technology every time a new laser comes out. Since I have the luxury of making a choice, I'm choosing the newer technology. The rep. at the clinic with the Lightsheer actually got on the computer and Googled the Aurora ELOS right in front of me because she had never heard of it. That worried me.
2. -Company Name Deleted- offered me the best price for the package I wanted. I'm getting a 6-session package for my back, shoulders, chest, abs and upper arms for $3400. That seemed very reasonable considering how much ground they have to cover. This price included a 25% discount that they told me was currently available nationwide. I like it when people give me discounts that I don't ask for. -Company Name Deleted- was very upfront about their pricing. I asked for a price list and they showed it to me. The other clinics didn't have a published price list and seemed to just be making up numbers in their head. I had a 50% coupon for one of them and they still came out more expensive then -Company Name Deleted-. Additionally, the Lightsheer and YAG clinics only offered 5 sessions in their package while -Company Name Deleted- offered 6 sessions..
3. One big plus is that -Company Name Deleted- is the only clinic to offer the 2 year guarantee at no charge following your 6th treatment. Assuming you go every 10 weeks, they could be on the hook for another 10 free treatments if the first 6 treatments don't work. My thought is that if the treatment doesn't work for me, I will get my revenge because I will use every one of those 10 free treatments. At 2 hours a pop, that's 20 hours of clinic time I can burn up. They clearly have an incentive to make my treatments effective. The Lightsheer clinic offered a 6 month "maintenance" period after my 5th treatment. However, the cost of the maintenance period was 1/2 the cost of the total package. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's in their best interest for my first 5 treaments not to work so that they can get me to buy their maintenance period package. You'd have to be a total sucker to fall for this one. The YAG clinic had a similar maintenance period plan, but at least it was a little more affordable.
4. I felt that -Company Name Deleted- was more honest about how long to wait between treatments. They told me 10-12 weeks. The Lightsheer and YAG clincs told me 6 weeks. It was obvious to me that -Company Name Deleted- is willing to invest more time in their customers. The Lightseer and YAG clinics wanted to move me through the program as quickly as possible to get me into the maintenance period so they could get more money.
5. I researched the Aurora ELOS system and the company that makes it, Syneron Medical Ltd. Syneron is an Israeli company, and a lot of cutting-edge technology comes out of Israel. I was very impressed by the information on this company's website and their fiscal performance. Companies don't perform this well without a lot of satisfied customers.
At the end of the day, I know there is no guarantee that this is going to work. I've debated about doing this for 2 years now. I've done my research and decided it's time to give it a shot, so I signed the contract and put it all on the Mastercard (might as well get the airline points).
I believe that I've picked a good technology, that I got a fair price, and that I'm covered by a solid guarantee. With the 2-year guarantee, I figure I've got up to 16 treatments to get the results I'm hoping for. I'm optimistic that it will work, but if it doesn't it's not the end of the world.
I realize that not all clinics are the same and that there are probably many people that have had good experiences with the other laser technologies and with other LHR companies. I just wanted to share my experience with the research, consultation and selection process because I thought it was somewhat stressful, confusing and overwhelming at times. There is so much uncertainty involved that it's easy to put it off for years like I did. Now that I've finally made the leap, it's time to get fired-up and go kill some hair!
I'll let everyone know how it goes during this year-long journey.
Answer
I just signed up for a LHR package at -Company Name Deleted- using the Aurora ELOS system. I'm getting my treatments at one of the offices in the Dallas area. The place has so many clients that I have to wait until the end of August for my first treatment. I'm doing my back, shoulders, chest, abs and upper arms (the "T-Shirt" package as they call it). I have about 70% coverage on those areas. I have very light brown skin (almost plale), with medium & course dark hair.
I had a total of 3 consulations in the Dallas area before making my choice. I went to a clinic with a Lightsheer (Diode), another one with a Lyra (YAG), and then to -Company Name Deleted- with the Aurora. At the consultations I told each representative about the other clinics and technologies that I was considering. I told them that five things were important to me: the right technology for my skin/hair type, experienced technicians, competitive pricing, some type of guarantee period, and of course good results. They all said they had the best technology for me, they all said they had the most experienced technicians in town, they all said they had the most satisfied clients, they all told me they were having summer pricing specials, and they all offered some sort of guarantee or maintenace period. Then they proceeded to trash their competitors in ways that I felt was very unprofessional. I quickly determined that this is a very competitive, cut-throat industry and that most clinics will say anything to get your business.
After the dust settled I decided to go with -Company Name Deleted- and the Aurora ELOS system. I made this choice for a number of reasons:
1. I'm a technology buff. I like new stuff. The Aurora ELOS system is slightly newer technology than the Lightsheer and the Lyra. Most new technology works better than old technology. These lasers are very expensive. Not all clinics can afford to upgrade to the latest and greatest technology every time a new laser comes out. Since I have the luxury of making a choice, I'm choosing the newer technology. The rep. at the clinic with the Lightsheer actually got on the computer and Googled the Aurora ELOS right in front of me because she had never heard of it. That worried me.
2. -Company Name Deleted- offered me the best price for the package I wanted. I'm getting a 6-session package for my back, shoulders, chest, abs and upper arms for $3400. That seemed very reasonable considering how much ground they have to cover. This price included a 25% discount that they told me was currently available nationwide. I like it when people give me discounts that I don't ask for. -Company Name Deleted- was very upfront about their pricing. I asked for a price list and they showed it to me. The other clinics didn't have a published price list and seemed to just be making up numbers in their head. I had a 50% coupon for one of them and they still came out more expensive then -Company Name Deleted-. Additionally, the Lightsheer and YAG clinics only offered 5 sessions in their package while -Company Name Deleted- offered 6 sessions..
3. One big plus is that -Company Name Deleted- is the only clinic to offer the 2 year guarantee at no charge following your 6th treatment. Assuming you go every 10 weeks, they could be on the hook for another 10 free treatments if the first 6 treatments don't work. My thought is that if the treatment doesn't work for me, I will get my revenge because I will use every one of those 10 free treatments. At 2 hours a pop, that's 20 hours of clinic time I can burn up. They clearly have an incentive to make my treatments effective. The Lightsheer clinic offered a 6 month "maintenance" period after my 5th treatment. However, the cost of the maintenance period was 1/2 the cost of the total package. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that it's in their best interest for my first 5 treaments not to work so that they can get me to buy their maintenance period package. You'd have to be a total sucker to fall for this one. The YAG clinic had a similar maintenance period plan, but at least it was a little more affordable.
4. I felt that -Company Name Deleted- was more honest about how long to wait between treatments. They told me 10-12 weeks. The Lightsheer and YAG clincs told me 6 weeks. It was obvious to me that -Company Name Deleted- is willing to invest more time in their customers. The Lightseer and YAG clinics wanted to move me through the program as quickly as possible to get me into the maintenance period so they could get more money.
5. I researched the Aurora ELOS system and the company that makes it, Syneron Medical Ltd. Syneron is an Israeli company, and a lot of cutting-edge technology comes out of Israel. I was very impressed by the information on this company's website and their fiscal performance. Companies don't perform this well without a lot of satisfied customers.
At the end of the day, I know there is no guarantee that this is going to work. I've debated about doing this for 2 years now. I've done my research and decided it's time to give it a shot, so I signed the contract and put it all on the Mastercard (might as well get the airline points).
I believe that I've picked a good technology, that I got a fair price, and that I'm covered by a solid guarantee. With the 2-year guarantee, I figure I've got up to 16 treatments to get the results I'm hoping for. I'm optimistic that it will work, but if it doesn't it's not the end of the world.
I realize that not all clinics are the same and that there are probably many people that have had good experiences with the other laser technologies and with other LHR companies. I just wanted to share my experience with the research, consultation and selection process because I thought it was somewhat stressful, confusing and overwhelming at times. There is so much uncertainty involved that it's easy to put it off for years like I did. Now that I've finally made the leap, it's time to get fired-up and go kill some hair!
I'll let everyone know how it goes during this year-long journey.
Answer
I would bet the morgage that you will use up all 16 treatments
and still be covered by hair in alot of area,s. You might get a
25-30% reduction in some area,s. After the 3rd treatment all
the rest will not bear much fruit. If you are a real caveman
you will still be a caveman after your done.
Answer
What are you basing your opinion on? Is it personal experience? Are you pessimistic about LHR in general, or are you skeptical of specific equipment and methods?
I appreciate honest feedback, even if it's negative. However, it's difficult to seriously consider someone's negative opinion if they don't offer any data in support of it.
Answer
hi, im just giving you my opinion through my own experiance.
Im on treatment 19 and 3 months after all treatments just
about all hair comes back except on my ankles. My back is
covered with hair, not as dense but completely covered.
I might as well give it up soon and just get it waxed for a couple
years and then give up. You wont find one man with very hairy
back who is happy, only lil girls with a couple of underarm hairs.
I am very honest. Its the laser operators who are dishonest.
Answer
Thanks for the reply. That was interesting feedback. So what skin/hair type do you have and what kind of laser or IPL did you get the 19 treatments from?
Answer
Dallas area you say? check out the salon and spa in Arlington that starts with a D, then an a, then an i , then a r, then an e, then a d, then a s. (spell it out, I just know they will delete the name) It's on I 20 and Bowen. I'm their PA (medically experienced, no tech here). We have a candela gentleLASE and our consultations are free if you are interested.
Answer
I appreciate the offer, although I have to chuckle. The guy before you paints this big doom and gloom picture about how I'm wasting my time and money, and then you follow that right up with a sales pitch.
I'm locked into the Aurora ELOS system right now, so that's my plan and I'm stickin' to it. I did like your method of identifying the clinic. I'll have to remember that for future posts.
Answer
thanks for the chuckle, but I'd much rather educate my clients than give a sales pitch. I joined this forum to understand where my clients are getting some of their questions from ( I get some weird ones) and have found it both informative and amusing at the same time. Also, not sure where you are going but know that in Sept '05 the TX board of medicine is passing a law requiring a medical practitioner to be physically in the building and overseeing or performing the procedures and require a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education in laser technology and treatements. Some of these chains are either going to have to hire a PA or NP for each location of shut down. Make sure your location will be around come that time. As of right now salons are only required to have a medical directors name on the door, she/he may physically be many miles away. If you have any questions along your journey please feel free to ask -
Answer
K, do you have more info on the law change in Texas? Such as a good URL that explains it... It sure does appear that many salons would be affected. Thx
Answer
I found info on the Texas regulation issue (google for "texas hair laser regulation" and view the Houston chronicle article). They have delayed the ruling of the board until 9/16 for further review. There is serious concern about job loss due to closing LHR salons, the cost increase to consumers, and cornering this growing market by physicians. This move certainly affects Texans, but will spread to other states too if it passes. I think that this is more political than practical and does not necessarily protect consumers. Afterall, its the training that impacts us the most, not the degree on the wall of the office manager. Does anyone have more recent information on this???
Answer
Interesting choice you made, burritoboy.
The Aurora is the laser that claims to remove blonde hairs as well as dark ones. The effectiveness of this laser isn't well-known, or well-documented. Many clinics will never buy this machine, no matter how successful they are, because hair removal lasers like diodes, alexandrites and yags have already been proven effective by consumers and techs. The Aurora laser is used for skin treatments, as well as hair removal. I'd be skeptical of going in for LHR with an Aurora that was JUST used on a woman's wrinkles 30 mins prior, personally.
To-date there is no effective, popular LASER hair removal for consumers with blonde/grey/red hair. Supposedly the Aurora can remove these, but who knows....if it really worked, I'd imagine every blondie and redhead would be lined up at those clinics, which they aren't...
Lasers like the diode and the alexandrite work because their light is transformed into heat as it passes through the skin, which is then absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the dark, unwanted hairs. After x number of sessions, and when the hairs are in ACTIVE GROWING PHASE, the follicle is so traumatized by the intense laser heat that it can't produce hair anymore. The end.
With blonde/grey/red hair, there is no pigment (or not enough to absorb the laser's light), so a laser like the Aurora uses radio frequency to coagulate the hair follicle, instead. If I'm not mistaken, that's what electrolysis does.
In my strong, yet personal opinion, if you are light-skinned and dark-haired, you should absolutely be receiving treatments with a diode or alexandrite laser (both use the exact same single wavelength technology, and they are both equally effective). Why would you mess around with something like a yag (designed with double wavelength for darker skin types FOR A REASON), an IPL (which supposedly works, although NO ONE ever seems to be able to vouch for that), a ruby (which is old laser technology) or the Aurora, if they don't have to?
You have as close to a sure bet with a diode or alexandrite, provided you are relatively light-skinned (below Skin Type IV) and dark haired. For my money, I'll go with that, thanks.
Good luck to you burrito boy. I hear a man's back is the hardest area to treat on any gender, but I wish you hair-free happiness, along with the rest of the board members. I just wanted to clarify a few points.
Answer
FYI, Aurora IS an IPL, just with RF technology
Answer
B-boy - I must admit that I too consider the IPL to be ineffective. I had a few (complimentary) treatments on my whole back with IPL and found no reduction at all. I am now using an alexandrite and even that is very slow (if useful at all).
Answer
T what laser? What settings? What is your skin and hair type?
