Question
I am looking into back and shoulders laser hair removal in the Towson/Baltimore area and have received a quote from A L C (chain) in Towson, MD, which I am considering. Standard 6-session package with 2 year guarantee for about $3,200. I am hesitant because they never took a close look at my back (I lifted my shirt up for 5 seconds partway). I am also scared because I have read conflicting experiences with laser removal, some suggesting it can actually make it worse?
It should be noted that if I shave my back or shoulders I get terrible in-grown hairs that turn into huge red sores. They shave my back before the treatments and I'm concerned that it will be a huge mess.
I have been told I am between a type II and III.
What should I look for and what might I expect?
Many thanks in advance for any guidence or personal experiences you can share.

Answer
I am looking into back and shoulders laser hair removal in the Towson/Baltimore area and have received a quote from A L C (chain) in Towson, MD, which I am considering. Standard 6-session package with 2 year guarantee for about $3,200. I am hesitant because they never took a close look at my back (I lifted my shirt up for 5 seconds partway). I am also scared because I have read conflicting experiences with laser removal, some suggesting it can actually make it worse?
It should be noted that if I shave my back or shoulders I get terrible in-grown hairs that turn into huge red sores. They shave my back before the treatments and I'm concerned that it will be a huge mess.
I have been told I am between a type II and III.
What should I look for and what might I expect?
Many thanks in advance for any guidence or personal experiences you can share.

Answer
this chain has various reviews, many bad depending on location just for those reasons that you state. a lot of techs are inexperienced and they're willing to take your money without even looking twice at what they're getting into. yes, i would agree with you that this is not the best way to go. there are many clinics out there. i would recommend 2-3 consultations minimum before you make your decision. also, prices vary a lot, you may find a better deal.
there is a very good place in washington DC that's been recommended by others. the doctor there is one of very well known hair removal technicians. run a search on this forum to find exact name and look it up. that's one suggestion i can give.
sounds like you have coarse hair, which is good for laser. you need an alexandrite or diode laser and high settings are urged especially for men's back for best results. as high as you can go without burning.
also, read the "back hair removal in the UK" thread just before yours. lots of useful information by Osh there who has had this area done.

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Thanks will do. If you find the name of that doctor (anyone) let me know as a search on washington DC didn't turn up a name.

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The Dr.s are Dr. Battle and Dr. Harris of CulturaMed in Washington dc (northwest)
Their website (with before and after pictures) can be found at:
[no urls please]
This is on Kitty's consumer beware website. The same site has several very negative posts about the exact location of the chain you're talking about. I would definitely avoid it.
[edited by admin]

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I had a couple of treatments on my back at that place. One last May then again as scheduled in Aug. First treatment 26j/30 second 30j/30.
The price you were quoted looks high to me. I did not buy a package but I had a first time customer coupon and asked about discounts. I was given pricing of $195 per section ( upper and lower back). At about $400 per full back (I did not have any shoulder issue. Do you?) times six equals 2400. Thats a high premium for a two year guarantee.
I was comfortable with the nurse that treated me.
As far as results, the hair is somewhat finer but is there less of it??? I don't know. Of course I did not continue. Got too busy.
There is another place that Ive checked out. Go to rdantonio.com. He also advertises in the Towson Times. I have not gone in yet. They sent me a price list. Upper back 200. Lower back 160. He's a internal medicine MD. He does it himself. Pays better than real medicine. He uses the Gentlelase Alexandrite and Yag lasers. -Company Name Deleted- uses Lightsheer.
Hope this helps.

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The site administrator takes the time to remove a neutral reference to A L C from my reply, but I guess it OK to post to advertise Bl@ck Pssy because it hasn't yet been deleted. What's wrong with this picture?

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Thanks for the info. If your hair is actually finer then, from everything I heve read, they used too low of a power setting and actually only damaged the hair and made it even more difficult to remove in the future...
I think I will stay away from A L C and check out some of the smaller more reputable outfits.
Thanks again.

Answer
after one treatment, you can't really tell. the finer hair could be just hair that was dormant before that surfaced after the first set of hair in angen was killed. but that's of course if all hair shed as it should have after the treatment, which he didn't say.
certain chains and a few other places are automatically deleted when posted to avoid "free" advertising i think. so, the admin doesn't actually go in here to remove the names, it's already embedded in the code.