We decided to add a Hair Removing Laser to our practice. I have looked at a few of them with all the bells and whistles and even at IPL for that purpose (which does not do much for hair removing despite sales rep's claims). Any suggestions on good and not too expensive unit to start with?

The Lumenis LightSheer would be the laser I would get. Treats all skin types. Treats thin dark hairs on the face of Indians. Very powerful. Must learn to use it and respect its ability to get great results but also cause burns. You may need to get a 1064 long pulse ND:Yag for African Americans.

For large areas, Lightsheer is painfiully slow. I would not use Lightsheer on Type V and VI skin especially for finer facial hiar. There is not a single machine for all people.

I don't know what type to get but I would look at used euqipment. We've been open for two years now and if I had to do it all over again, I would take a serious look at used equipment. The difference in cost is huge and with something as basic as hair removal, you should really consider it.

We have a Syneron laser and while I'm not thrilled, I really don't have anything to compare it to and can't say I would get something else in it's place. It's OK.

CanMD,

Do you have the LightSheer with the 12 mm window? We use it on skin type 4 and 5 all the time (not on african americans, but on East Asian and Southern Asians (Indians). It gets the fine dark hairs on Indian Skin. We don't use it on African Americans because we bet great results with the Vantage 1064 (they have thick dark hairs). We have the model that has auto, 30 ms, 100 ms and 400 ms pulse duration).

We get GREAT results, but you have to be expert at using it because you can get burns and hyperpigmentation.

We also have the Cuteral ProWave which is not very good and we have the Sciton BBL which "so far so good" but we have not had it very long. The candella Alex is a great laser, but you can't use it on dark skin types.

we also have the lightsheer. Mostly have fitz1-IV types. get great results always-would definitely buy used. We did-very good decision.

hi, we use, outside some of the systems already used above, the Accelawave. We have only had it for 7 weeks, first hair removal results look promising. Plus it has relatively low running costs. Hope this helps. Best

I would use a Fotona nd yag 1064 laser this is the best product there is on the market period. we have been using it in our practice for over six years and never had any problems. it treats all hair and skin types with fantastic results.

I highly recommend the Lumenis Lightsheer diode, great for thick and thin hair...can comfortable treat skin types 1 thru 5...very happy with the results and consistency.

I originally bought a Cutera 1064 as they said it was great for all skin types and works great. They were full of crap. Only get a 1064nm laser if all of your patients are Fitzpatrick 4-6. We purchased the Lumenis Duet with the new high speed hand piece. We have had some troubles with the disposable tips. They are $10 each. We have complained about it and they are changing it from plastic to glass. The new glass tips are suppose to last about 2 months. The only reason you need to replace them as there is a small filter in each tip that gets plugged over time. This protects the vacuum motor. Other than the disposable tips, I really like this laser and I would purchase it again. We have had great results and patients feel it is much more comfortable. You need to be very cautious on darker skin types especially with the HS hand piece.

Lornell E. Hansen II, M.D.
LazaDerm Skincare Centre
www.lazaderm.com