I started both laser and electrolysis in January 2017. Why both? I was hoping laser would get rid of all the dark hairs, but it does nothing for grey. The only solution for grey hair is electrolysis.
I did not notice much difference in facial hair until after the third treatment. Although almost all of the hairs shed 10 - 14 days after each visit they will eventually be back. There was a big difference after session number four, but there are still some dark ones hanging around. I am having laser treatment number five early in September. I expect I will need at least two or three more laser sessions to get all the dark ones.
The only side effects of laser I have noticed is some redness, temporary minor swelling, and occasional dark patches on my skin. The first three sessions were not too bad, but my electrologist noticed treatment number four the moment I walked through her door. I don't know if the HRT has made my skin more light sensitive or if they just had the power turned up a bit more than usual. It felt like I had a minor sunburn for a few days.
Electrolysis can also be very uncomfortable. Although my first few sessions resulted in tears, I have gotten so used to it that I often fall asleep during my sessions. Facial laser treatments can be exceptionally painful, and the upper lip is the worst of all. I have a reasonably high pain tolerance, but I usually have to take at least one break while they are working on my upper lip.
