Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I went for a laser consultation/session today and I greatly appreciated having been able to read about so many other's experiences here before going.  So I thought I'd share mine for posterity.


They were a little disorganized as my session was originally at 1pm, but they had called last night to move it to 2pm which was fine; but apparently it wasn't noted for the people working the front desk today.  However, the technician was prepared so I guess that's all that matters.


I went in for my face as while I'd eventually like my whole body done, the face is where I felt I'd see the most immediate benefit as even with the closest shave and a lot of foundation/etc, it's still very hard to hide the beard shadow.


She did my face in 5 sections, the left side, the left portion of the upper lip, the right portion of the upper lip, the chin, then finally the right side.  For the most part the "pain" was as I had read it would be, but around the jawline it was far more painful that anywhere else.  Now by the time she got to the right side of my face - well it's either less sensitive than the left or I was getting used to it as that didn't seem that bad at all.


Long story short, after the first of the five areas I was mentally questioning whether I would come back for anymore sessions; but by the end I had decided it wasn't all that bad and would be worth it in the long run.  The only real "complaint" I had was that when I booked the appointment I was told I shouldn't shave in the 24 hours prior to the appointment; but the technician told me I could've shaved this morning.  But all told I suppose that's a minor quibble.


As far as being sore afterwards, I was a little pinkish I suppose; but it really didn't leave me that sunburned feeling that some have talked about so for that I'm grateful.  I'm curious to see how it feels in the morning as I have a therapist appointment and I've always went as Madison, but I suppose that depends upon if my face is up to a close shave and the makeup.  Hopefully next time I'll be a little smarter and schedule the laser appointment *after* the therapist appointment. :)


Madison

Good for you.

I did my first session 4 days ago and while it wasn't pain free is was not that bad. There was a stong smell of burnt hair for a day or so but no redness and the skin was lumpy like chicken skin for a few days and a bit numb. This has settled down after 4 days and when I shaved it felt very different like the hair has no longer any feeling which is good. Growth has really dropped off exposing all of the grey hairs. I am waiting for the hairs to start to fall out which from others is about day 7-14 afterward treatment. I will have to wait and see how this goes.  :)
I see getting my face done as an important step as I have always hatted it and have very rapid growth that wound never be able to be covered.
I have a second appointment in 3.5 weeks so can't wait.

Its a start and feels good.

Quote from: Jenny07 on August 07, 2012, 07:14:51 PM
Good for you.

I did my first session 4 days ago and while it wasn't pain free is was not that bad. There was a stong smell of burnt hair for a day or so but no redness and the skin was lumpy like chicken skin for a few days and a bit numb. This has settled down after 4 days and when I shaved it felt very different like the hair has no longer any feeling which is good. Growth has really dropped off exposing all of the grey hairs. I am waiting for the hairs to start to fall out which from others is about day 7-14 afterward treatment. I will have to wait and see how this goes.  :)
I see getting my face done as an important step as I have always hatted it and have very rapid growth that wound never be able to be covered.
I have a second appointment in 3.5 weeks so can't wait.

Its a start and feels good.

Several hours removed it wasn't as bad as it seemed at the time - with the exception of the jawline on the first side she did.  Not sure if I had shaved this morning if that would've made it hurt less or not - I guess I should've asked that question.


I feel the same way about my face - no matter how much I try to get a good close shave and/or how much effort I put into covering it up, I still "see" the shadow there and that is frustrating to me.  If only the hair on my head grew that well; but I suppose that "is what it is".


You're right about it being a start and feeling good.  Not as good as walking out of the therapist for the first time, but good in it's own way and another step to where I want to be.


Madison

Congrats! I just had my first session too! Today actually. For my whole face. I was scheduled for a consultation as well but after getting there & going over the specifics & they quoted me stellar price I just immediately handed them my credit card, haha. She did my face pretty much the same way as yours, my upper lip area was the worst part but overall the pain is bearable. My face feels all tingly now but isn't really red...yet. Sooo happy I can still wear make up though so I don't go into work looking crazy. I'm so excited for my next session & already feel my confidence boosting.

I had my 4th session today. The hair has been thinning and becoming finer after each session. If she misses a spot you can see the difference. The upper lip and chin area still isn't satisfactory after 3 sessions, but I had a bunch of dark, course hair. The sides are pretty clear and the neck is at least at the point where foundation alone will cover it.

This time even hurt more than last time so that makes me think she hit a bunch of hair in the anagen (active) phase that wasn't in that phase before. Last time the only part that hurt was the upper lip and a few spots on the chin. This time most of the chin and corners of the mouth hurt quite a bit... almost as much as it hurt the 1st or 2nd time.

I can't wait until it starts falling out. My facial hair is my biggest confidence killer.

Quote from: Alainaluvsu on August 08, 2012, 02:06:51 PM
I had my 4th session today. The hair has been thinning and becoming finer after each session. If she misses a spot you can see the difference. The upper lip and chin area still isn't satisfactory after 3 sessions, but I had a bunch of dark, course hair. The sides are pretty clear and the neck is at least at the point where foundation alone will cover it.

This time even hurt more than last time so that makes me think she hit a bunch of hair in the anagen (active) phase that wasn't in that phase before. Last time the only part that hurt was the upper lip and a few spots on the chin. This time most of the chin and corners of the mouth hurt quite a bit... almost as much as it hurt the 1st or 2nd time.

I can't wait until it starts falling out. My facial hair is my biggest confidence killer.

Did they give a number of sessions that you would need? They told me I would need 6 treatments & then just occasional touch ups. I hopeeee that's all I will need for awesome results. If my hair is barely noticeable & I rarely need to shave I would be happy with even that.  My technician said she could already see some good results & that the laser is a new & powerful. So I have high hopes.

They said 6 for me also. A friend that went to the same spot said it'd take maybe 8 or so... so we will see!

On the phone when I was making the appointment she said 4-6.  Upon seeing me she said it would likely be closer to 6 than 4. 

I was able to get dressed for my therapist appointment the next morning without any issues; I had been afraid that I might have troubles with my face, but the shaving went well and the makeup did it's typical job.  Of course next time I'll make sure if I have a therapist appointment and a laser appointment in the same week I'll see my therapist first. :)

Madison

I had my first LHR on my face and neck over a year ago, did 5 treatments over 6 months before I went on to Electrolysis. Don't see any mention of using EMLA 4 or 5% cream before the LHR sessions. Also, you do have to shave before each treatment, because if you don't the outcropping hair will absorb more of the Laser energy, and it will hurt more. Make sure that you clean your face with a good skin cleanser prior to the appointment, this helps clear debris off of your skin that can absorb the Laser energy, leaving less to penetrate to root and bulb.

After about 2 weeks you will be able to see how much "light" colored hair you have that LHR won't remove. This hair will can only be removed by Electrolysis. You will most likely have swelling where the hair was zapped, its called perifollicular edema, and its a "GOOD" sign of a successful LHR session. Regardless of where you are in the world, make sure you put on a SPF 30 Sunscreen after each treatment, and when you go outside.

Don't be discouraged if you need more than 4-6 treatments, could go to 8-10, but you will have rid your face of the hair! Check with your Technician about using the EMLA cream prior to each treatment, it will make it more bearable. I've included a link to the Baylor College of Medicine's Dermatology Clinic, it has instructions on how to apply/use EMLA cream for LHR & IPL treatments.

After 5 treatments I went on to Electrolysis because about 30% of the hair on my face and neck was white. In fact I hit 30 hours of Electrolysis today and making good progress, but I still see some dark hairs that have to be zapped by Electrolysis.

http://www.bcm.edu/dermatology/index.cfm?pmid=2334 (http://www.bcm.edu/dermatology/index.cfm?pmid=2334)

Congrats girls,
It is a big step but a goodie.

It helps if you are on anti-AAs
For laser try and shave before the session, you want to nuke the root follicle not the hair.
For electrolysis don't sahve they need to find the hairs and place the needle down along side them.

Moisturise and sunblock.

Laser hair removal is an ongoing saga for me >:(  I have had some great results though.  I first went about a year ago, and I have been going every 5 weeks without fail and it is still not gone.  The technician has worked on many a T girl and uses a very high powered Alexandrite laser.  Not IPL or anything weak. 

Initially it hurt a lot and I would feel a little sunburned for bit.  Redness would fade quickly and I would be able to shave after a couple of days.  Each time she turns up the power.  The area that is being the most stubborn is the upper lip.  My technician told me the follicle's sit a little deeper in this area and that is why it is always the last to go.  I am hoping I wont have to go for much longer.  I went yesterday and I am still a little red today.  She has also started laser on my chest.  Fortunately the hair was not that bad and after a couple of sessions it will all be gone ;D

I guess I am my worst critic as I am convinced the remaining shadow is obvious, although people tell me it his hardly visible with even a little make up.  I am passing now with barely any make up so it cant be that bad.

Stick with it girls.  It will be worth it in the end.  Beauty is pain :'(

The upper lip is the hell area!

It is so much more sensitive than the rest of the face. It is the only area that I need 'top ups' on, about every 4 months now.

I hope the techs took before pics. They are in my file and if I get a knew tech they check them and just go Wow. So do I.

I was one hairy ape.

Now I just wear tinted moisturiser to work, I don't need to use foundation as there is nothing to hide. I wear foundation and the full works when I go out places and 'wanna look prreetie'  :laugh:

I have probably saved half my laser costs in not buying so much make up!

Madison

1 week since my first session and the face has settled down, no longer lumpy and hair growth has slowed considerably to what it was previously.
Some hairs are starting to fall out as the skin pushes out the dead hair while it is now easier to see the white hairs which I will have to be zapped by electrolysis later.
Sides of my face are reacting better than chin and upper lip.

I'm looking forward to second session in 3 weeks and the follow up sessions to do other areas as well.
The pain is only minor to what I and we all suffer so I see it only as an inconvenience at best.

Hope you are having similar results from you first session.

Jen

YES! THE UPPER LIP IS HELLL!  >:-)

I remember my Nurse having to zap me 3 times and then I'd count to 3 and start again...OUCH!

I'm concerned though, no one has mentioned using EMLA/LMA Cream to numb the area first...unless you are getting it done at IMAJ Institute in AZ. The cream helps, and for those of you going on to Electrolysis, you'll need it for the face and neck also.

Quote from: SandraJane on August 11, 2012, 04:49:23 AM
YES! THE UPPER LIP IS HELLL!  >:-)

I remember my Nurse having to zap me 3 times and then I'd count to 3 and start again...OUCH!

I'm concerned though, no one has mentioned using EMLA/LMA Cream to numb the area first...unless you are getting it done at IMAJ Institute in AZ. The cream helps, and for those of you going on to Electrolysis, you'll need it for the face and neck also.

I'm Australian, the pain killer here is a picture of an American, New Zealanders or, UK citizens having laser.

Sorry being rude in a jocular way.

I was offered ice packs and that was about it. Lots of moisturiser. I have to admit it hurts but not that much. If I knew how much it hurt when I began, as a very hairy face thing and the benefits I have had from it. I would have no hesitation what so ever. Do it ASAP. Scream, cry, get it done.

Quote from: Cindy James on August 11, 2012, 05:16:56 AM
I'm Australian, the pain killer here is a picture of an American, New Zealanders or, UK citizens having laser.

Sorry being rude in a jocular way.

I was offered ice packs and that was about it. Lots of moisturiser. I have to admit it hurts but not that much. If I knew how much it hurt when I began, as a very hairy face thing and the benefits I have had from it. I would have no hesitation what so ever. Do it ASAP. Scream, cry, get it done.

Not very funny.  I am concerned that no one has mentioned  the use of EMLA/LMA cream in their posts.  :P

The jawline hurt for me, mainly because the laser zaps the bone (I get the same pain if they get too close to the cheek bones.)

Upper lip wasn't too bad for me.

Yes, in my case they section the beard area into several areas...(in no particular order): left side cheek/chin, left upper lip, right upper lip, right side cheek/chin, then neck area. Each technician has her own way of sectioning.

After 9 sessions, I don't have to shave every day...but I do anyway.

Hi All

Sandra Jane pm'd upset that she thought I had been insulting and patronising in my posts in this thread.

If any one felt that way my apologies.

Do remember you can report any post to Admin if they disturb you. In the case of my posts they would be handled by Susan or Forum Admin and would be scrutinised carefully.

Susan expects Global Mods to have a very high standard of behaviour.

If I have been out of line I apologise and my comments were certainly not meant to be judgemental to anyone.

Cindy James

Global Moderator

Well done for taking the leap to your first laser session.

All told I've had 6 sessions now, and every month they get better and less painful, except on the upper lip.

After my session the technician lightly rubs my face with ice which melts on contact, and then when the heat has dissipated a bit she applies a topical cream that is white and makes my face drip with sweat until I get home and can wipe it all off.

I've been told not to shave for 24 hours before as well, and then for 12 hours after. As you progress you may find the 24 hour no shave period becomes essential as your facial hair slows and becomes less thick. Otherwise the exfoliation they do after starts to lose effectiveness, and then you're left with dry hard hairs that can take a week or more to finally push through and fall out.

I was told not to pluck the dead hairs with tweezers, but instead just to shave regularly and let the skin naturally push dead hairs out. Has anybody else had the same advice?

Quote from: Cindy James on August 13, 2012, 02:15:28 AM
Hi All

Sandra Jane pm'd upset that she thought I had been insulting and patronising in my posts in this thread.

If any one felt that way my apologies.

Do remember you can report any post to Admin if they disturb you. In the case of my posts they would be handled by Susan or Forum Admin and would be scrutinised carefully.

Susan expects Global Mods to have a very high standard of behaviour.

If I have been out of line I apologise and my comments were certainly not meant to be judgemental to anyone.

Cindy James

Global Moderator

As an American I wasn't offended at all... I don't see any reason to be offended...