Question
So I went in for my second treatment (full legs and arms) on Saturday with the LightSheer Diode laser. I am skin type IV (light skinned Indian) and have mostly thick black hair.
When I went in for my first appointment I thought the person treating me said that the setting was 30 joules. I found out at my second treatment that the setting wasn't 30 joules it was 30 ms! The setting was actually 16 joules . This time she treated me at 18 joules but said she didn't feel comfortable bringing it up to 30 joules.
Anyway, I've bought a package of 6 treatments so I am going to be continuing with the Diode but if I'd known what I know now I may have tried harder to search for a Yag laser.
It does seem like my second treatment is showing a better result but who knows. I normally have hair regrowth after shaving by the end of the day. After my first treatment I could feel some the second day (most likely missed areas). This time it's been 3 days and I still don't really feel anything.
All this time I thought I was being treated at 30 joules! I hope I haven't mislead too many people .

Answer
So I went in for my second treatment (full legs and arms) on Saturday with the LightSheer Diode laser. I am skin type IV (light skinned Indian) and have mostly thick black hair.
When I went in for my first appointment I thought the person treating me said that the setting was 30 joules. I found out at my second treatment that the setting wasn't 30 joules it was 30 ms! The setting was actually 16 joules . This time she treated me at 18 joules but said she didn't feel comfortable bringing it up to 30 joules.
Anyway, I've bought a package of 6 treatments so I am going to be continuing with the Diode but if I'd known what I know now I may have tried harder to search for a Yag laser.
It does seem like my second treatment is showing a better result but who knows. I normally have hair regrowth after shaving by the end of the day. After my first treatment I could feel some the second day (most likely missed areas). This time it's been 3 days and I still don't really feel anything.
All this time I thought I was being treated at 30 joules! I hope I haven't mislead too many people .

Answer
treating you at those settings is a waste of time. i would demand for them to do a few test spots at 25, 30 and 35 joules and see how your skin reacts. if you don't get any negative effects, she will feel more comfortable treating the entire area at those settings and you should definitely request it. LightSheer is usually ineffective for most people when used at less than 30 joules. if she refuses and you don't see shedding, i would request for my money back unless you don't mind wasting that much money. she should know that those settings are ineffective. did you experience shedding the first time around?

Answer
Yes, I did experience some shedding but it was around 20%. The test sounds like a great idea. I'll ask for that and hopefully schedule a test session in a few weeks. I do think my skin can take it. I usually don't burn on my arms and legs. I burn easily on my face and shoulders but I don't think that should make a difference.
Thanks blink888.

Answer
20% is unacceptable. all treated hair should shed. with missed spots that are unavoidable you should see at least 80% shed. keep that in mind when you get more treatments. you're paying them money, so you should request the type of service you want to get. if they're not willing to provide it, they should be willing to refund so you can find someone who will. good luck.

Answer
Hi Vml,
If it helps - the lightsheer place I had talked to would not start at over 18J-19J. The test spot that I got on my forearm at 18J with the lightsheer saw no shedding at all.
In comparison, the test spot that I got on the same arm with a Coolglide at 55J and 25 ms is still clear. I had another test spot on my other arm also with a Coolglide at 50J and 30 ms and that one is 'mostly' clear. I am still waiting for shedding with my first 'treatment' at 45J and 35ms, still lots of pepperspots, I will update next week.
GL
hert9

Answer
If I only had 20% shedding after a session on both arms and legs (which must have cost you HUNDREDS) I would FREAK OUT!
You're obviously dropping tons of cash on this and you definitely want your money's worth. Don't put up with that crap.
Whether or not you "think you can handle" the diode at 30j is irrelevant. You don't know how much of the laser's light your skin is going to absorb, and as a skin type IV, your tech isn't keen on upping the power because you might burn. Obviously she isn't intereted in scarring you, so she's half-assing it at 18j.
You need a YAG laser. They say that's really the ideal laser for your skin type, so get your money back from this tech and find one!

Answer
VML,
If you're looking for a LHR practitioner that uses Yag lasers in the Toronto area you should check out Baywood Clinic. You can check out their prices on their website.
I had my first session earlier this week. I feel good about my first session. I'm already noticing shedding.
Since I am also a type IV I was concerned about which laser to use. I had LHR done on my face and I had virtually no redness when I left. She puts ice on the area she treats right away and then applies some sort of cream at the end. My next session is in month. I'll let you know how it goes.

Answer
Thanks everyone for your feedback. I'm going to do my best to get what I know I deserve out of my treatments but I don't hold out much hope to getting my money back since I prepaid for a package. I am definitely going to ask for spot tests at 30 joules on my legs and arms to validate that my skin can take it. I'm not worried about handling the pain. Thanks again, I really appreciate everyone's input!