Question
I have been doing research on this for the last couple of weeks, and I must say, I am getting more and more confused.
I am a type 3, and went for a consultation at a local owner-operated laser clinic. We did a follow up test spot. She will be using (assuming I go through with this) a Gentlelase, and the areas to be treated are my bikini and underarms. She did a test at the bikini line at 18 and the vaginal area at 16. I almost jumped off the chair, because it was so painful (not the upper bikini area, but more the middle -which for some reason is a little darker) I am reading about all these high settings, and just wondering how people possibly can stand that. Is 18 considered too low??? She strongly suggests EMLA, which I would be using if I go through with it (I did read the horror stories about the numbing creams on this site as well - very helpful!)
My skin on the bikini line responded just fine, but in the darker area it looks (and felt like) I got burnt. My laser tech suggested that just skip those areas and do the basic bikini. I was a little disappointed, because after the investment of time and money, I would really like a worth-while finished product. When I had contacted one of those chain clinics that operate in the malls, they insisted that their technology is the latest and greatest and they treat all colors of skin (I would think I would probably be considered type 4 down there). So I am wondering if I should be going there instead, although I always prefer to go to smaller, owner operated places. I forgot which type of equipment they use at Sleek, but she did mention over and over again that they even treat African-American clients.
Has anyone had any experience with these chain clinics? Bad or good? Is it true that newer technology treats all skin types effectively? Any other advice would certainly be appreciated.

Answer
I have been doing research on this for the last couple of weeks, and I must say, I am getting more and more confused.
I am a type 3, and went for a consultation at a local owner-operated laser clinic. We did a follow up test spot. She will be using (assuming I go through with this) a Gentlelase, and the areas to be treated are my bikini and underarms. She did a test at the bikini line at 18 and the vaginal area at 16. I almost jumped off the chair, because it was so painful (not the upper bikini area, but more the middle -which for some reason is a little darker) I am reading about all these high settings, and just wondering how people possibly can stand that. Is 18 considered too low??? She strongly suggests EMLA, which I would be using if I go through with it (I did read the horror stories about the numbing creams on this site as well - very helpful!)
My skin on the bikini line responded just fine, but in the darker area it looks (and felt like) I got burnt. My laser tech suggested that just skip those areas and do the basic bikini. I was a little disappointed, because after the investment of time and money, I would really like a worth-while finished product. When I had contacted one of those chain clinics that operate in the malls, they insisted that their technology is the latest and greatest and they treat all colors of skin (I would think I would probably be considered type 4 down there). So I am wondering if I should be going there instead, although I always prefer to go to smaller, owner operated places. I forgot which type of equipment they use at Sleek, but she did mention over and over again that they even treat African-American clients.
Has anyone had any experience with these chain clinics? Bad or good? Is it true that newer technology treats all skin types effectively? Any other advice would certainly be appreciated.

Answer
It sounds like you are a bit too dark for GentleLASE. GentleLASE is really good for skin types I-II and sometimes III, but in your situation, I would probably go with a Yag type laser. You might also be ok going with a diode like LightSheer since it's a bit more powerful than a Yag, but is still a bit more tolerable of darker skins, up to type IV. You're right, you're spending a lot of money, so don't get sold on the idea of getting less removed than you want just because that particular clinic doesn't offer the best laser for your skin type. It's not in your best interest to go with them in this case.
Where are you located? I'm sure there are clinics with above lasers around you. I'm not a fan of chain clinics and there is no way to assess them as a whole, except that at none of them you're treated in a personal manner. It's more of an "in and out" policy. Also, what laser do they use? Maybe it's not what is best for you either.
You can try searching on this forum for other recommendations in your area. And you can run a provider search on the Candela website (GentleYag) and Cutera website (Coolglide laser).

Answer
Thank you so much for your reply.
I am in Boston (north of Boston). I see others are also looking for a clinic in the same area, so I will keep looking to see if anyone posts rave reviews about where they went.

Answer
Sleek uses Palomar IPL - any thoughts on that?

Answer
IPLs don't tend to work as well as true lasers for most. when they do, it's usually on very light skin and in some instances lighter hair (Aurora IPL). I recommend to stick with a Yag or LightSheer diode.

Answer
Like the others said, don't give up on what you want just because this clinic does not have the technology to do it. I have done several brizilians on people with light skin everywhere except the bikin area where skin is darker. For these clients I treat the rest of their body with Alexandrite and the bikini with YAG. So look for a place that has Alexandrite AND YAG. I use Apogee Elite which has both lasers in one machine so I can easily switch between the two. This machine has a real good cooling system which makes treatment much more comfortable.
I am in Raleigh, NC so cannot help you in Boston but considering that Cynasure who makes Apogee is headquartered close to Boston, I am sure you can find someone with a combo machine. Good Luck........ExcelLase

Answer
Thank you all so much for your input. Much appreciated. Never realized that this would be so complicated.......