Ouch!

[sarahb]

I had my second laser treatment today and it was a lot more painful than my first, not unbearable but definately stung. I have read that it usually gets better with each session, but maybe I'm different It may also be because I am on hormones and my skin is just getting more sensitive. How was everyone else's experience as you had more treatments?

Sarah

[seldom]

The first couple will hurt more because they are new hair growth cycles.  After the third it will hurt significantly less.
Skin sensitivity from hrt will contribute as well. 

[Kara]

Just got my test spot and consultation. I cannot imagine that doing the entire face and neck is going to be a plesant experience. I am just wondering how my skin is going to react to it. The pain was not unbearable. I am just wondering what my skin will look like afterwards. It already irritates easily when I shave.

[seldom]

Don't worry to much Kara.  As long as you are staying out of the sun there should not be any issues.

There might be some laser bruising (I have experienced this), but that goes away with time. 

It will be painful, but the pain is not nearly as bad as electro.  It will also help your skin. 

[Kara]

I am also going to try Electro before I make my decision. I do not mind if it takes longer. I just want to see which one works for me.

[seldom]

Kara if you have dark hair DO NOT DO ELECTRO.  Sorry, but this is the cold hard truth.  Laser is as effective as electro at this point, and much cheaper in the long run.  The pain involved is also significantly worse.

Your skin tone does not matter. Just make sure if you have darker skin they are using a YAG laser.
While laser is more expensive up front, in the long run it will save you THOUSANDS. 

[sarahb]

Just set up my appointment.

I have to grow my facial hair out for..6 WEEKS? x_x

Guess I'll just wear a bandanna over my face or something. That's really terrible.

You're talking about laser, right? If so then no, you can shave as often as you want. It's even required that you shave before the appointments as it makes it easier for the laser to get to the hair folicle without excess hair getting in the way. That's another plus on the side of laser over electro. The fact that you have to wait 6 weeks is because the hair grows in phases and will not be in the correct phase for another 6-8 weeks, but by all means go ahead and shave whenever you'd like

Sarah

[seldom]

Laser you can shave whenever.

Electro you have to let it grow for a few days.