Laser is not permanent. Now I know.

[QuestioningEverything]

I think an important thing to mention is what type of laser is being used as there are so many types some being better then others.  The place i go to used Candela GentleLASE and it seems to be doing a great job for me. I've had 3 sessions so far that are spaced apart every 4 weeks  and I haven't really noticed any regrowth just a few here and there.

[LizMarie]

Laser results vary widely, hence their inability to get the FDA label as permanent hair removal. Laser does do permanent hair removal for some people. Will it do it for a specific person? There's no way to know except to try and see.

Given the cost of laser, the fact that at my age I have lots of grey facial hair too, my decision was easy - electrolysis all the way.

[Shodan]

Considering that I have no experience on what the machines between IPL and Laser, I was lead to believe that I was paying for LHR. But now I'm pretty sure that I'm paying for IPL, especially since last time they talked about having to replace the bulb.  I'll talk to them about it since they had me thinking that I was getting laser, but I think that, at this point it's too little too late. I might as well just finish the sessions and cross my fingers that it does the trick in killing a bunch of a the dark hairs. I'd already planned on going to do Electrolysis to take care of my white/grey hairs (which is about 15% of my facial hair) and whatever Laser didn't touch, it just means that I'm going to have more sessions with them. :/

[Julia-Madrid]

I think we are dealing with several issues here.

The first is that laser can give the illusion of permanence if the sessions are close together, but what it's really providing is a temporary hair removal similar to waxing - i.e. they "vanish" and then grow back but we keep lasing them just in time in the regrowth phase and hence it appears permanent.

The second is that it's a balancing act between laser power for eficacy and the pain and potential for burns.  There are no equations here, sadly 

The third is whether the esthetic center is truly involved in your hair removal project to work towards the most efficient procedure or combination of procedures.  Remember, even electrolysis isn't permanent if the power is not set high enough.

[helen2010]

I have tried laser, thermolysis and galvanic electrolysis.  I have spoken with therapists and patients.  Some have less hair to remove, different discomfort tolerance and a higher proportion of darker hairs.  Every time I beat myself up for not embarking on this in my 20's, I think of those with red hair, and a very hairy chest and back, and count myself very lucky.   Besides I have met some really nice folk and had great conversations.

Results were:

Laser (7 full body, including face but not genitals and 7 touch ups) - appeared to thin out darker hairs, and had an immediate improvement,  results were not permanent and facial hair, in particular, appeared to return, albeit finer.  The problem is that I never knew for sure whether these hairs were part of another growth cycle.  No impact on light hairs (blonde, grey or white)

Thermolysis (4 full day 2 operator sessions and 2x1hr follow up).  Achieved a full clearance.  Skin wept and crusted afterwards.  Seemed to work reasonably well but was, in reality, just  the start of the heavy lifting required to remove my hair.  The anaesthetic injections under the skin still give me nightmares.

Galvanic electrolysis. (Tomorrow will take me to approximately 144.5 hrs, typically administered in 3 hour, weekly sessions)  Proved to be the most effective method for me, but it is time consuming and expensive.  Much more uncomfortable than laser,  but not as bad as the injections.  Upper lip, close to the nose and parts of the back were the most uncomfortable.  Am now achieving a full clearance so hope that I am in the final stretch.  Have been warned that 'maintenance' may be required  - it's funny but my tolerance for longer vellus hair is now being tested, so  I may do more than others require.

Safe travels

Aisla

[crowcrow223]

Thanks for posting girls, especially Aisla

I am entitled to 8 facial hair removal sessions on my health service, I presume they use electrolysis, as well as donor site hair removal, where I presume they use IPL... How successful is IPL on the "down there" section? Has anyone got any experience? Thanks!

[Alejandra]

 Hi, I just wanted to share my experience. First of all, excuse me about my english. I'm 47 years old.

I've investigated a lot about laser before I begun any treatment. And I've found that you can have a lot of difference regarding of what laser you use, so: What kind of laser treatments are you having? How many sessions did you have?.

I'm having Soprano XL 3G, I had 10 sessions on all my body so far, when I begun the treatment, I was told to expect some hair re-growth on sessions 3, 4 and may be 5, it is normal, and they told me that for a complete treatment, it would take about 14 sessions to have permanent results. It was true, I had hair re-growth on sessions 3 and 4. With session 6 I begun to see more permanent results. I almost don't have hair on my legs any more, much much lesser in my belly and chest. Very little in my bikini line. I had my 10th session 2 days ago, so, in a week I'll be able to see the difference between sessions 9 and 10. If you are interested I can come back and let you know.

Hope this was helpful, if I can help you in any way don't hesitate to ask me

Best luck to all

Ale