You are right. The least painful is going to be the Alma Soprano. We have one at our office and I think this machine is wonderful. First, you need to understand what the patients want when they come through the door. Many have already had laser treatments of some sort and absolutely do not want to feel the "rubber band" effect they had with the previous lasers. Yes, you can use lidocaine/prilocaine anesthetic cream before, but this is not advised to do with lasers and the patient has to sit there for 30 minutes before each session and no one wants to do that. You could use a Zimmer chiller with the treatment, but you still feel the pain and plus you would have to buy an additional piece of equipment. As for the price, I really don't find the Soprano to be any different price-wise than the others. Please realize if buying new, that the price can fluctuate greatly depending on the sales rep. One quote we got was actually 45,000 higher than the the other guy! We ended up getting ours used at an excellent price since we have a great laser repair guy. So now we have a laser that works like new for half the price of the new Soprano. yippee!!

As for burns, that area is related to training (or lack thereof). See, it's not the Laser's fault if a patient gets a burn, it's the person using the laser! The technician needs to understand how to set the laser by using Fitzpatrick skin typing and receiving training to the point he/she can go out there and not injure a patient. If you do end up buying a Soprano, Larry Helwig R.N. with Clearskin laser center in Phoenix (www.clearskinlasercentre.com) provides superior training is very knowledgeable and basically just awesome. He has been using Alma lasers since they came out and trains both Physicians and their staff.

The laser sales reps you are dealing with should be able to forward you all the scientific research and comparative studies on each laser you are interested in.
-Wendy Hovorka

You may also want to look at the Lumenis Light Sheer Duet (Diode Laser). IPL based hair removal modules are also effective and relatively pain free. The Sciton BBL works well for your needs as well. There are so many good platforms out there. Make sure you demo them and get the best price possible. Watch out for any consumable tips or disposable costs with your purchase. This is one of those one time purchase for your practice. Hope you end up buying the right platform for your needs