I look ... like a blowfish ...

[lady amarant]

Ah, the joys of electrolysis ...

Having a sharp needle stuck into every follicle of your face and having a couple 'o hundred volts of white hot electrical energy pulsed into it. Withdraw. Repeat.

Yay.

This morning, I have an uncanny resemblance to one of those little fish that puff up when they're scared. Blue puffers or whatever they're called. My electrologist, Sara, went at it hammer and tongs yesterday, which is a good thing ... but I still look like a blowfish! Aaargh! It's quite funny really ... actually no, it's really not.

And yet, here I sit, already eagerly awaiting next week's appointment, carefully poring over my budget to see if I can squeeze an extra 15 minutes in here or there. If transition doesn't turn me into a masochist, I don't know what will. At least I am in the right town for it: London has quite a few ... alternative clubs ...  >

I just hope the swelling goes down by tomorrow. I mean, the 'acne' excuse just isn't gonna fly, methinks. I'll be defrosting a bag of peas after my shower this morning.

So, any advice, suggestions? Or for that matter wanna share your own experiences at this most pleasant of transitionary pursuits?

And no. There won't be pictures. I have some pride.

[joannatsf]

I take Naprosine (Naproxen) 2 hours before an electro session.  It's an NSAID and works prophylacticly to reduce inflammation.  I then dose every 10 hours the first 2 days.  If I have a really bad time of it I apply a coat of 5% cortisone ointment to the affected area.

I'm a real big medicator but I also use a bag of frozen peas on occaision!

[LynnER]

Really the only thing I can think of that your not doing already....

Ever consider the newtype lasers... <much higher kill rate than older versions> they tend to cost less and you can claim sunburn after a really bad session....

[joannatsf]

Really the only thing I can think of that your not doing already....

Ever consider the newtype lasers... <much higher kill rate than older versions> they tend to cost less and you can claim sunburn after a really bad session....

I hope this doesn't turn into one of those laser v. electrolysis flame wars!

[LynnER]

So do I...  both have there merits and downsides....

[Audrey]

EGGGGhhhhh been there done that.  The first lady I went to used flash thermolysis on my face and I had some extreme swelling also, not too mention some scarring.  Needless to say I didn't go back.  since then its been DIY with blend for me.  It took a little longer but no scarring and much cheaper and convienient.

Audrey

[joannatsf]

EGGGGhhhhh been there done that.  The first lady I went to used flash thermolysis on my face and I had some extreme swelling also, not too mention some scarring.  Needless to say I didn't go back.  since then its been DIY with blend for me.  It took a little longer but no scarring and much cheaper and convienient.

Audrey

My electrologist recommended blend in the beginning and later on suggested we try flash thermolysis.  It was okay in areas that had already been substantially cleared.  In areas of greater hair density I had swelling problems so we switched back to the blend.  I do a 1 hour session per week but I occasionally cancel because my face is still tender.

I had the laser first which worked very well on the dark hair.  Unfortunately I have a lot of white hair under my chin that I'm doing the old fashioned way.  With the dark gone running an electric over my face in the morning makes the remaining hair invisible.  Remember ladies, patience is a virtue! 

[lady amarant]

Thanks for all the tips. Wonder how much a home electrolysis machine costs...

And if I have the guts to stick a red hot needle into my own follicles. 

[funnygrl]

been there too simone. last week i had session #2 on the upper lip , but thank god for the lidocane injections. without those i guess i'd have to be a bearded women >

i had the first upper lip session 2 days after i was assaulted @ work, so i had a black eye and a fat lip to boot BLOODY HIDEOUS!!!!!!!!! >

all this to find the real us...definately worth it though......with lidocane

[Audrey]

No redhot needle.     I got my machine off of ebay its a hinkel electroblend and i paid around $5-600 if i remember right.  well worth it.  just watch out for the ripoffs.  in otherwords "no needles, painless" also do your homework.

Audrey

[joannatsf]

Simone,  If I were you I'd find out if I was a good candidate for laser.  I say that because the results show up fast.  You'll see a difference 2 weeks after the first session.  The psychological effect on me was huge!  I was finally under way and could see the results.  If you have light skin and dark hair, consider it.  BTW, I've always been able to get poor ->-bleeped-<--girl discounts.  Ask nicely and you may be surprised!

[Sarah]

Aloe Vera.

[bethzerosix]

Aloe Vera.

well, 'allo sara, but nobody here is named vera 

that was good. i needed that..