Dear Consumers:
I would like to share with you my journey to selecting the best Nd:Yag laser.
I began my quest for a laser in January of 2005. Actually the journey did not begin with a laser at all. I attended a seminar in Florida on the technique of Botox and Restylane. This seminar also contained a segment devoted to light-based aesthetic procedures. Upon returning to Illinois I had the representative of the company, Palomar, come to our office for a demonstration. Much to our disappointment, the IPL did not work when the representative plugged it in and turned it on. Why wasn’t the representative better prepared when he was trying to sell me a piece of equipment with a price tag equal to a small home? The representative then discussed the features of his IPL with us, but was somewhat elusive about the facts, but of course he could not demonstrate. This representative was also not very willing to help us acquire the best equipment at the most cost effective price. And again there was no hands-on training because the machine did not work.
Next I explored Cynosure. I attended a conference in Chicago. At this conference I felt that the representative was interested in the surgeons and dermatologists that were present and not myself, as a family physician. There was, again, no-hands on experience. At this point I had decided, based on ongoing research that was being done by myself and my staff, to search for the best Nd:Yag on the market and not an IPL. So the search continued.
Cutera was then explored next. The representative came to our office, his machine physically worked when plugged in, and he seemed fairly knowledgeable about the procedures. The representative did some work on my staff and myself. But, the key here is, he did the work. I did not experience the equipment for myself. No hands-on experience was given. The representative was interested in helping us get off the ground financially, offering us the basics in refurbished equipment at a reduced price. I later learned that this was still a very over inflated price for refurbished equipment. With this company there was no-hands on training until after purchase. They sent a trainer out to your facility AFTER you purchase the equipment to train you and your staff. The Cutera was also very slow when doing a large body surface because of the cooling mechanism. You need to pre-cool the area, fire, and then re-cool. This becomes a long drawn out process when trying to affectively do a large area. Also because of the direct skin contact and cooling head, my vision was impaired when doing procedures, especially veins.
Lastly, we found Fotona. Robin Sult, Fotona’s Clinical Director talked with my office staff before I had an initial conversation with her. She was genuinely interested in the fact that we had been exploring the field and had not found what I would be happy with. She explained many personal aspects of her laser practice. Immediately she invited me to her business to view and handle her machines. The time I spent with Robin in her practice was fantastic. I was able to view and use the Fotona Laser. The Fotona laser does not have direct skin contact. There is a stylus in place as a guide. Therefore visualization of the target area is improved 100%. I also was able to view and use the Zimmer chiller. It is a wonderful way to cool the skin by simply moving cold air over the treatment area, thus reducing the time it takes to perform a treatment and also greatly increases the comfort level of the patient.
I was so impressed that I immediately purchased the Fotona Laser system.
Our training on our laser happened in our facility. I was trained, as was my staff. My staff has a greater comfort level in using the Fotona than any other laser that we have experienced. Therefore they will be able to display the confidence needed to perform the laser treatments successfully.
Fotona is never out of touch with us. If a new procedure comes to our office we are only a cell phone call away to walk us through our question.
I already have plans to expand the aesthetic procedures in my office because I have seen and experienced what is available and possible.
My advice to any physician seeking to become involved with the aesthetic industry, learn from my experience learn about Fotona, before making any purchases. You will be amazed and so happy that you did.
Sincerely,
K. J., M.D.