Just had my laser consult!

KabitTarah · September 14, 2013, 01:31:02 PM

I led her on...

She wouldn't run it for me today... because of the diabetes (need to clear it with my GP first - though I'm doing much better with it and may be able to come off meds in November, so I don't see a problem).

She said to shave before coming (fine with me! I started shaving daily instead of weekly as soon as I came out). And that taking advil was about the only thing I could do before hand (no Asprin).

She also said that, with my thick hair, it could take up to two years... (I have a groupon for 6 sessions... she was very worried), and that she recommended against doing the upper lip because it would be painful, spotty, and noticeable. She seemed to be suggesting just the neck would be a good idea...

Finally I told her I definitely want full face, definitely want upper lip, and I know it will take a while... because I'm transgender, just came out (see my sig

), and wanted to make sure I got started on this ASAP because I knew it took a long time.

She was cool with it. Said to call her when I had my GP's ok... I was really hoping we'd do our first session today - I read up on it and took some advil just in case

I'm looking forward to that pain!!!! Well..... sort of. I'm glad I have a high pain tolerance. HRT may change that (?) but I'm not starting that for at least 5 months... probably more.

Jenny07 · September 14, 2013, 07:37:08 PM

Good for you Kabit

Hope you can start sooner
Just remember Laser is totally pain free, between zaps.

Enjoy, as it is really not that bad. I look forward to each and every session, thought the first one was challenging to say the least but after it I did feel very contented.

Now most of it is gone and I couldn't be happier and no one has said anything about it, not that I care now anyway.

J

Tessa James · September 14, 2013, 08:06:48 PM

Another cool step along your journey Kabit, yeaaaaa!

I just had my 5th laser session yesterday. I have had it done with and without a topical anesthetic and definitely recommend 1 oz. topical xylocaine applied 15-30 minutes prior to treatment. You may receive a couple hundred blasts in a session and flinching is unhelpful.

I do not understand her concerns about the upper lip. Ciswomen frequently get it done and it is typically a "stubborn" area for us but it need not be a spotty result?

You will be wearing protective eye pieces but get ready to experience a puff of air and then a cartoon like orange yellow flash. Sure it stings and you may want to bring along an ice bag to sooth your skin. You may have redness and some discomfort but please consider sunscreen afterwards so it does not get more inflamed.

It is really working on my dark hair while the HRT is softening my remaining hair. Laser will not do much on light/grey colored hair. Many of the FtMs I know are so very glad to have or grow a beard as it is a big marker for gender. I had a beard for 40 years as camouflage for being transgender and i do not miss it a bit.

Hair today, gone tomorrow ;-)

KabitTarah · September 14, 2013, 08:16:53 PM

That makes more sense to me. I was always a once every week or two shaver (and it comes in thick and fast for me). Hiding trans*... interesting way to think of it, but that wall I had was pretty smart at hiding itself from me.

I'm not at all worried about Doctor's Orders. My A1C was <7 last time... and with the amount of salad I've been eating - and the weight I've lost... next time I'm hoping for <6 (which would be amazing). He'll give the go ahead. I'm also thinking about requesting Spiro for my BP med ~ that's in November, and another thread (see the HRT board), but would that also help with body hair (and facial hair thickness)?

I'm looking forward to it, pain and all... I'm no masochist, but I can handle this to get results. Is it better or worse than that Braun Epilator I bought (that I tried on my chest & legs...)?

Tessa James · September 14, 2013, 08:51:12 PM

I have not used an epilator but know people who tried and think little of the No No devices.

Congrats on getting that getting that weight and diabetes well managed. You seem very well informed and nicely determined about what your are doing.

I have had the estradiol and spiro together so cannot comment on how effective they might be alone on hair. Spiro used to be a first line drug for inducing diuresis and some endos do like to start the androgen blockers first so your plan could give you an early boost?

The minor discomfort of these procedures is a tiny price to pay to be free to be ourselves;-)

Red faced and happy,

Tessa

suzifrommd · September 15, 2013, 07:00:39 AM

Quote from: kabit on September 14, 2013, 08:16:53 PM
I'm looking forward to it, pain and all... I'm no masochist, but I can handle this to get results. Is it better or worse than that Braun Epilator I bought (that I tried on my chest & legs...)?

Laser was no big deal. I didn't especially find it painful.

Epilator did hurt much more the first time I used it. After that, the hair becomes accustomed to being yanked out.

Cindy · September 15, 2013, 08:13:09 AM

Good on you kabit!

When I had laser my tech said to things constantly. Breath. Oh and wriggle you toes, that way I know you aren't dead.

Looking back, I love my laser people, they saw me when I didn't. They accepted me a damn sight more than I did.

KabitTarah · September 17, 2013, 04:15:48 PM

Quote from: Cindy on September 15, 2013, 08:13:09 AM
Good on you kabit!

When I had laser my tech said to things constantly. Breath. Oh and wriggle you toes, that way I know you aren't dead.

Looking back, I love my laser people, they saw me when I didn't. They accepted me a damn sight more than I did.

I already like the woman I've got

) after just a consult! I called today after I talked to my doctor and my first session is Friday! 0 down and 6 to go! Good thing I'm excited... hopefully the endorphins and Advil will be enough. I have a pretty high pain tolerance... my problem with epilating wasn't the pain, but the welts. I shave daily now (damned hair grows back too quick... full body shaving rotates on a 3 day schedule right now).

KabitTarah · September 20, 2013, 03:40:36 PM

It burns! Next time I'm shaving right before I go... not at 6 am for a 3 pm appt.

The pain is definitely worth it, though!!!

Thylacin · September 20, 2013, 08:46:38 PM

How was the pain compared to an epilator? A lot worse? Twice as bad?

KabitTarah · September 20, 2013, 08:57:03 PM

Quote from: Thylacin on September 20, 2013, 08:46:38 PM
How was the pain compared to an epilator? A lot worse? Twice as bad?

I'd say a bit worse, but not as constant. It's like there's this prep period and suddenly zaaap! So individually the pain is a bit worse, but collectively the epilator is much worse.

I stopped with the epilator because of the red welts on my chest that wouldn't go away for about a week!

Jenny07 · September 21, 2013, 04:11:50 AM

kabit

Yes it burns and smells funny for the next few days but it feels so good to be zapping those nasty hairs, doesn't it?
The pain is only short lived and the irritation is for about a week then the shedding begins. Happy days!

I agree with you shaving as close as possible prior to the session but for the first few sessions it will still sting.

Now you know what to expect for the next session, it's not that bad. I now enjoy each session with the pain monsters and as the hairs lessen so does the pain but the upper lip still hurts a bit, wowsers!

J

News:

Just had my laser consult!