IPL & Cosmetic Laser User Groups > If You Could Do It Again....Would you go with a Palomar Icon Platform?
We've had a Palomar Starlux 500 for 4 years and when it started breaking down we demo'd an Icon for a couple weeks. Based on our recent and ongoing hurdles with Palomar and the incredible expense in keeping the unit and all its hand pieces working, we are looking outside of Palomar for our next machine.
Be warned that the Icon will lock you into repairs with ONLY Palomar service. The base unit and hand pieces use a new technology that mates the hand pieces to your specific unit and unless Palomar switches it off, you'll never be able to have any service done by anyone else. The machine will simply not work for anyone else. I promise you the Palomar rep will not mention this at all, but ask him and he'll have to admit to it.
I actually came across your post because I'm about to post looking for recommendations from others on systems that are more reliable and require less maintenance. We're spending $5k-$7k per year on each hand piece just keeping them working. There's always something that needs replacing; flash lamps, crystals, tubing, etc and every time it's $3k-$5k.
YMMV but I would steer clear of Palomar.
Claudio
Really not aware of the Palomar Icon limitations or capabilities.....haven't needed to because in our multi-office dermatology practice the Palomar StarLux 500 has been such a star. Yes we have Co2 ultra pulse, Yag lasers and the rest but for reliability and workhorse versatiliy the starlux has been a champ. We get it serviced by local techs and bought it used! Hope that helps.
Dr Kathy Colorado
Now, I completely understand that most of you are going to tell me that it's impossible to have just 1 laser, or one platform, to treat everyone. But I want to get your feedback on whether or not a platform like Palomar's Icon would make a good starting point if the goal is to keep things non-ablative.
We are very successful wellness center that got burned bad because we had a lemon platform from Laserscope for over 4 years without having any of the techs point this out. We are looking to revitalize our skincare business, and are looking for a good starting point. As we grow, and we can show good clinical outcome, we can invest in additional lasers.
But to me, a Platform seems like a good starting point. And for the type of services that I want to do (non-ablative), the Palomar platform seems to be a better option than Sciton. Your thoughts would be appreciated.