Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi girls, any tips for a virgin electrolysis patient?  It was scheduled quickly and I pray my lidocaine prescription is filled in time.
Starting on the most sensitive spot, the upper lip!


Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Jessica on September 14, 2018, 08:43:16 PM
Hi girls, any tips for a virgin electrolysis patient?  It was scheduled quickly and I pray my lidocaine prescription is filled in time.
Starting on the most sensitive spot, the upper lip!


Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Lots of sleep. Lots and lots of water. Avoid caffeine. Take 4 ibuprofen 45 minutes before you start. Put the numbing cream on and rub it in good an hour before the session, and cover it with Saran Wrap. Don't let air at it. And then wonder why you chose the most sensitive place to start!

I've found that the blend (galvanic+thermolysis) hurts a lot less than pure thermolysis, but it takes a lot longer. It is quite effective though. My chin is pretty much bald now. My former electrocutioner cleared my upper lip with thermolysis, and I'm getting a lot of regrowth. YMMV.

Good luck, hon. Each zap gets you closer to where you want to be.

Stephanie

My prescription is ready for pick up already.  I asked my GP for it. 
When he replied with the script, he was apologizing for telling me that I was not covered for hair removal, after I told him I knew I was.  That's one of the reasons I am requesting a new doctor, another is he misgenders me differently, moment to moment, and has never called me Jessica, even though his nurse does.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

In addition to what Steph mentiions, if your prescription doesn't come through in time, 4% lidocaine cream is availaable at CVS pharmacies on the aisle with the sunburn ointments and pain relief wraps.  Try to get one with just the lidocaine.  The menthol or eucalyptus junk does electrolysis no good!

You can contact me if needed.  Two years left me with quite the stash...

@Steph2.0 @Michelle_P

Quote from: Steph2.0 on September 14, 2018, 08:57:08 PM
Lots of sleep. Lots and lots of water. Avoid caffeine. Take 4 ibuprofen 45 minutes before you start. Put the numbing cream on and rub it in good an hour before the session, and cover it with Saran Wrap. Don't let air at it. And then wonder why you chose the most sensitive place to start!

I've found that the blend (galvanic+thermolysis) hurts a lot less than pure thermolysis, but it takes a lot longer. It is quite effective though. My chin is pretty much bald now. My former electrocutioner cleared my upper lip with thermolysis, and I'm getting a lot of regrowth. YMMV.

Good luck, hon. Each zap gets you closer to where you want to be.

Stephanie

Thank you Stephanie, great tips, hadn't thought about the sleep aspect. 
Is that 800mg ibuprofen?
I started with the upper lip because it causes me the most trouble when shaving.
Get er done!

Quote from: Michelle_P on September 14, 2018, 09:16:58 PM
In addition to what Steph mentiions, if your prescription doesn't come through in time, 4% lidocaine cream is availaable at CVS pharmacies on the aisle with the sunburn ointments and pain relief wraps.  Try to get one with just the lidocaine.  The menthol or eucalyptus junk does electrolysis no good!

You can contact me if needed.  Two years left me with quite the stash...

Thank you Michelle, I appreciate it, my doctor got off his butt and is helping me "Thrive" this time.


Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Good luck Jess!  It a long ride but worth it.  I would have the electrologist move around a bit as focusing only on your upper (or lower) lip may be too much at first.  I used over the counter cream at first but after six months I stopped as it didn't make a huge difference.  No caffeine and a couple ibuprofen are a good recommendation.  And stay well hydrated. 

If you are consistent in your appointments it does get easier as the new growth is thinner and finer hair.  It will take a couple zaps to completely deaden each follicle.  Transitioning isn't for sissy's.  It's tough work. So hang in there!
 

Quote from: Jessica on September 14, 2018, 09:13:22 PM
My prescription is ready for pick up already.  I asked my GP for it. 
When he replied with the script, he was apologizing for telling me that I was not covered for hair removal, after I told him I knew I was.  That's one of the reasons I am requesting a new doctor, another is he misgenders me differently, moment to moment, and has never called me Jessica, even though his nurse does.

If you do get a new GP, you may want to ask him to prescribe BLT cream. It has to be mixed up at a compounding pharmacy, and consists of Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetrocaine. Supposed to be better than any of them individually. A container a little larger than a film canister costs me $58 and lasts about 4 months the way I'm using it.

Stephanie

Make sure you are properly hydrated.

You may not be able to handle a long time on your upper lip. I'm not, because of that, it's pretty much all that's left for me. Have a second or third area you want worked on, since you will likely have to pay for the full appointment even if you can't make it through.

Quote from: Jessica on September 14, 2018, 09:23:49 PMThank you Stephanie, great tips, hadn't thought about the sleep aspect. 
Is that 800mg ibuprofen?
I started with the upper lip because it causes me the most trouble when shaving.

Not sure about the ibuprofen. Four of whatever the OTC dose is.

I admit I had them attack the upper lip and goatee area first for the same reason, and specifically because it hurts the most. I figured everything else would have to be easier.

Stephanie

Quote from: Jessica on September 14, 2018, 08:43:16 PM
Hi girls, any tips for a virgin electrolysis patient?  It was scheduled quickly and I pray my lidocaine prescription is filled in time.
Starting on the most sensitive spot, the upper lip!


Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Hi Jessica,
                   Bad outcomes for electrolysis can be permanent pockmarks or pits. Also a potentially permanent marks called rust stains.
     
I would imagine your operator has a good reputation. After each session there is some trauma involving swelling and an effect that looks like numerous small mosuito bites. A day or 2 sees the trauma gone mostly.

Some people like me have coarse beard hair and the removal of the hairs and roots can cause a mini bleed that is below the skin surface. These rust stains can cause spots like freckles that are like a mini tattoo. Even though I had stubborn whiskers the operator was careful to prevent rust stains(successful).

I also kept an eye out for scabs that healed badly causing acne style pockmarks - you may have heard of this from second rate operators. This was also closely watched by the operator.

  Once you've had a couple of sessions and  bounced back from the trauma(mild). You will find it a breeze. The operator will probably recommend a soothing balm and regular exfoliation, use sunscreen and normal moisturizing routine.

Watching the stubble dissspear brings much satisfaction.

Wishing you a very smooth and hair free future! ,
             Kirsten [emoji3377]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Quote from: JudiBlueEyes on September 14, 2018, 09:41:47 PM
Good luck Jess!  It a long ride but worth it.  I would have the electrologist move around a bit as focusing only on your upper (or lower) lip may be too much at first.  I used over the counter cream at first but after six months I stopped as it didn't make a huge difference.  No caffeine and a couple ibuprofen are a good recommendation.  And stay well hydrated. 

If you are consistent in your appointments it does get easier as the new growth is thinner and finer hair.  It will take a couple zaps to completely deaden each follicle.  Transitioning isn't for sissy's.  It's tough work. So hang in there!

Good advice Judi!  I didn't know what to say when asked where I wanted to start.  When I said upper lip, I was told that is one of the more tender areas, and that I only needed to grow that out a bit. I will give them my whole face to be able to get all my allotted time.
When you say no caffeine, the appointment is in the later afternoon, would a morning coffee be alright?

Quote from: Steph2.0 on September 14, 2018, 09:54:23 PM
If you do get a new GP, you may want to ask him to prescribe BLT cream. It has to be mixed up at a compounding pharmacy, and consists of Benzocaine, Lidocaine, and Tetrocaine. Supposed to be better than any of them individually. A container a little larger than a film canister costs me $58 and lasts about 4 months the way I'm using it.

Stephanie

Stephanie, I'm not sure of the composition of the cream.  I asked my doctor for numbing ointment for me to apply before electrolysis.  I hope it's the good stuff!

Quote from: VeronicaLynn on September 14, 2018, 10:05:06 PM
Make sure you are properly hydrated.

You may not be able to handle a long time on your upper lip. I'm not, because of that, it's pretty much all that's left for me. Have a second or third area you want worked on, since you will likely have to pay for the full appointment even if you can't make it through.

Thank you Veronica Lynn
It seems this is a common theme.  It is so good to get advice repeated.  It strengthens my resolve to do just that.


Hugs and smiles from a California girl


@JudiBlueEyes @Steph2.0 @VeronicaLynn 

Quote from: Kirsteneklund7 on September 14, 2018, 10:33:43 PM
Hi Jessica,
                   Bad outcomes for electrolysis can be permanent pockmarks or pits. Also a potentially permanent marks called rust stains.
     
I would imagine your operator has a good reputation. After each session there is some trauma involving swelling and an effect that looks like numerous small mosuito bites. A day or 2 sees the trauma gone mostly.

Some people like me have coarse beard hair and the removal of the hairs and roots can cause a mini bleed that is below the skin surface. These rust stains can cause spots like freckles that are like a mini tattoo. Even though I had stubborn whiskers the operator was careful to prevent rust stains(successful).

I also kept an eye out for scabs that healed badly causing acne style pockmarks - you may have heard of this from second rate operators. This was also closely watched by the operator.

  Once you've had a couple of sessions and  bounced back from the trauma(mild). You will find it a breeze. The operator will probably recommend a soothing balm and regular exfoliation, use sunscreen and normal moisturizing routine.

Watching the stubble dissspear brings much satisfaction.

Wishing you a very smooth and hair free future! ,
             Kirsten [emoji3377]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Thank you so much Kirsten, I had heard talk of such things and I feel confident that my health provider has vetted them as a proper outsource. I will be careful for the rusty pitfalls in the process.
I'm apprehensively excited!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Steph2.0 on September 14, 2018, 10:24:16 PM
Not sure about the ibuprofen. Four of whatever the OTC dose is.

I admit I had them attack the upper lip and goatee area first for the same reason, and specifically because it hurts the most. I figured everything else would have to be easier.

Stephanie

That was my initial thought, re-thinking that though.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

One of the best feelings is when you have a full clearing session.  Face is smooth and it is great.  Especially after a couple of days when the little bumps settle down. 

Hydration is one of the keys that I find helps.  I had a ton of laser before I started the electrolysis and that knocked down a lot of my dark hair.  The electrolysis is getting the blond and a lot of gray. :(   You can tell you are getting closer when you can have a clearing in about an 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours.  When I first started they could only do some sections in that amount of time.

Cheers, Julie

@Julie -2010

Quote from: Julie -2010 on September 14, 2018, 11:40:40 PM
One of the best feelings is when you have a full clearing session.  Face is smooth and it is great.  Especially after a couple of days when the little bumps settle down. 

Hydration is one of the keys that I find helps.  I had a ton of laser before I started the electrolysis and that knocked down a lot of my dark hair.  The electrolysis is getting the blond and a lot of gray. :(   You can tell you are getting closer when you can have a clearing in about an 1 hour or 1 1/2 hours.  When I first started they could only do some sections in that amount of time.

Cheers, Julie

My hair is of the salt and pepper variety and I would have needed to start at least a decade ago for laser to work effectively.
I only started transitioning in earnest a little more than a year ago at age 61 and one of the first thing I heard was start hair removal now.  I was still unsure of a number of things at that time.
Wish I knew what I know now, then.

So much to know and absorb, but that's the case with anything new.

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

My wife tells me I have a head like a baby's bum!
Bless her heart![emoji178]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Hydration has been mentioned a few times as a necessary tip.  How much beforehand?  More than typical?

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Jessica on September 15, 2018, 09:25:24 AM
Hydration has been mentioned a few times as a necessary tip.  How much beforehand?  More than typical?

All I know is if I'm dehydrated my electrocutioner berates me and has to turn up the power, which hurts more. As I understand it, when they zap the follicle, the liquid surrounding it turns to lye and kills it. If it's too dry it doesn't work well. So too much water is a lot better than not enough.

Stephanie

A couple of other tips for during the electrolysis session...

While the electrolyst is working, focus on your breathing.  Take in a deep breath.  Hold it for 5 seconds.  Breathe out.  Repeat.  Let everything else go. Focus on the breathing.

If there is music available, in the office or on earbuds, listen to something soothing, something you might be able to drift off to sleep with at home.  Harsh or aggressive stuff can make the 'zaps' from electrolysis hurt more!

If you have training in mindful meditation, or guided meditation audio recordings, use it!  The idea is to let go, and avoid focusing on what the tech is doing.

I would probably give the caffeine a few (at least 3) hours to get out of your system.   As you progress through treatments you'll figure out what your tolerance is and can make good decisions about it.  When working on my lip area there have been times I asked her to move as it was getting to be too much.  Mine has a particular way of starting the session on the cheeks (less pain) and working her way to the areas that need it the most.  Early on I told her I wanted to focus on the dark hairs as those are the ones that we see and that cause the most stress.  The white ones can wait until later.  We're well into them now.  A smooth face is a wonderful feeling. 

My electrologist is a talker and we talk the whole time although I am much more quite as I can't move too much.  After three years we've become good friends. 

I started at 61 too.  I've told my wife that I would have done this when I was much younger if I could have thought of a good excuse (since I wasn't out).  I have always hated to shave.  But better late than never!

Caffeine from coffee requires 8 hours to completely lose its effect and you definitely do not want it before electrolysis.  I used coffee as a reward after electrolysis.

Later on, I learned excessive caffeine isn't a good way to prepare for surgery.  Had a horrible caffeine withdrawal headache after GCS... the caffeine headache went right past the morphine or whatever opiates were in my intravenous line at the hospital, worse than any pain from surgery.  I had been drinking two Grande size plus a Tall coffee every day for years, equivalent to 5+ servings.  After that experience I stopped all coffee until I was completely done with surgery (3 more anesthesias scheduled) and resumed at less than half what I used to consume. 

Quote from: Kirsteneklund7 on September 15, 2018, 12:05:52 AM
My wife tells me I have a head like a baby's bum!
Bless her heart![emoji178]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

That is the best compliment you can get.   :D

@Kendra

Quote from: Kendra on September 15, 2018, 12:10:01 PM
Caffeine from coffee requires 8 hours to completely lose its effect and you definitely do not want it before electrolysis.  I used coffee as a reward after electrolysis.

Later on, I learned excessive caffeine isn't a good way to prepare for surgery.  Had a horrible caffeine withdrawal headache after GCS... the caffeine headache went right past the morphine or whatever opiates were in my intravenous line at the hospital, worse than any pain from surgery.  I had been drinking two Grande size plus a Tall coffee every day for years, equivalent to 5+ servings.  After that experience I stopped all coffee until I was completely done with surgery (3 more anesthesias scheduled) and resumed at less than half what I used to consume.

Thank you Kendra!  I rise at 6 am nearly every morning, so if my appointment is at 3:30 pm, I have until 7:30 am to have a cup of joe!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Thank you everyone for the much needed tips!
I slept well.
Was well hydrated.
No coffee for eight hours.
Ibuprofen taken before.
Plenty of 5% lidocaine to give it a numb, one hour prior.
Went in with a fake mustache and goatee of clear Saran Wrap!
3 days growth of coarse, thick hair. The tech love it, but needed to up the juice.
I think it seemed that only about 25% of the hairs gave her trouble...they hurt.
The others... not as much as I expected.
Did 45 minutes on my chin, and 15 on my upper lip (ow)
My chin with the largest area is a bit tender, like a mild sunburn.  I'll tend to it kindly.

I'll need to slather sunscreen on tomorrow as I climb the peak above Mission San Jose tomorrow!


Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Jessica Yay!  Those tough ones that hurt the most are now gone.  A few may need an additional re-zap but the majority are gone forever.  Each time is gradually easier and the benefits keep getting better. 

Be super careful with sun exposure.  In addition to sunscreen I suggest a big hat or face away from sun as much as possible. 

Tomorrow will be 1 week since my first electrolysis session.  My electrocutioner worked on the front of my chin and a bit on either side of my mustache.  As expected it's still clear in those areas, but some will be back. 
The question I have is why my chin (size of a quarter area) is still a bit numb and raised red.  It doesn't hurt, itch or anything, except feel numb.

Curious, Jessica ⚡️⚡️⚡️

Hi Jessica,
                   I had the same thing. The coarsest, thickest hair with the biggest roots was the most stubborn & painful. I had the same numbness ( the nerves must cop it). The numbness went away soon enough . Chin area was the worst for trauma - mustache worst for immediate pain.

Just think of the electrolysist as a dominatrix and you will be back for more in no time ![emoji4]

Wishing happy hair removal, Kirsten[emoji126]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

@Kirsteneklund7

Quote from: Kirsteneklund7 on September 22, 2018, 10:57:07 PM
Hi Jessica,
                   I had the same thing. The coarsest, thickest hair with the biggest roots was the most stubborn & painful. I had the same numbness ( the nerves must cop it). The numbness went away soon enough . Chin area was the worst for trauma - mustache worst for immediate pain.

Just think of the electrolysist as a dominatrix and you will be back for more in no time ![emoji4]

Wishing happy hair removal, Kirsten[emoji126]

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Thank you Kirsten!  I'm not so worried, now that I know that someone else had this happen.
The coarsest hairs were right there, so it makes sense.
See, that's the power of Susan's Place.  So many experiences to share and help!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Quote from: Jessica on September 23, 2018, 12:11:28 AM
@Kirsteneklund7

Thank you Kirsten!  I'm not so worried, now that I know that someone else had this happen.
The coarsest hairs were right there, so it makes sense.
See, that's the power of Susan's Place.  So many experiences to share and help!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

I really love hearing your experience first hand.


Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

Quote from: JudiBlueEyes on September 14, 2018, 09:41:47 PM

If you are consistent in your appointments it does get easier as the new growth is thinner and finer hair.  It will take a couple zaps to completely deaden each follicle.  Transitioning isn't for sissy's.  It's tough work. So hang in there!

been doing some research on this, and if the zap is doing during the hairs growth cycle this tends to kill it forever.. however as i understand it, not all hairs at the same time have the same cycle. and often because one is dead another nearby starts to grow.. hence the couple of zaps..

I am glad your first session did go well!

I am about 10 hours into the process myself and thanks to prior Laser treatment, I may only have 10 hours left. After that, there will be a session every few weeks to cover some regrowth which apparently happens.

In October I'll also add bottom hair removal for more fun. It will be double sessions face and bottom.

You have gotten a lot of helpful tips, and yes, being hydrated is really the key. I usually start the evening before and on the day of the appointment, I try to double water intake. Of course, Spiro makes me go to the bathroom all the time. When I was not hydrated, it took a lot longer to heal and I had an occasional bruise too.

The one item - which I find the most challenging - not mentioned so far is how to deal with the mandatory beard growth. I usually try to schedule 3 appointments on consecutive days and that means almost a week of growths. Unfortunately, life for me continues so I have to be out and about with this strange looking face. A really clear spot next to a bruised up spot next to a 5-day beard.  I have to admit, for me, this has been the hardest part and I have canceled the gym a few times since I was afraid it would out me. My trainer is really nice about it and ignores it. but of course, I don't want to be careful and I know it is there. With 5 days, there is also no covering up with makeup.

Good luck and I hope it stays as painless as possible.

Hugs, Sarah

Hi girls, I have now had 15 hours of e⚡️l⚡️e⚡️c⚡️t⚡️r⚡️o⚡️l⚡️y⚡️s⚡️i⚡️s!
The first few 13 of them they hadn't worked out the settings to ensure that I was in complete comfort while they zapped me alive.
Session 14 they changed the current and pulsed slower.  The modality is thermolysis, not galvanic or blended. 
The bee stings dropped from about 1 in 10 to about 3 in 100....awesome!
It may be a bit slower, but it seems to be progressing nicely. 
Only 100+ hours to go!  Yay!  Oh joy!  Yikes!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

 @sarah1972

Quote from: sarah1972 on September 23, 2018, 05:25:36 AM
I am glad your first session did go well!

I am about 10 hours into the process myself and thanks to prior Laser treatment, I may only have 10 hours left. After that, there will be a session every few weeks to cover some regrowth which apparently happens.

In October I'll also add bottom hair removal for more fun. It will be double sessions face and bottom.

You have gotten a lot of helpful tips, and yes, being hydrated is really the key. I usually start the evening before and on the day of the appointment, I try to double water intake. Of course, Spiro makes me go to the bathroom all the time. When I was not hydrated, it took a lot longer to heal and I had an occasional bruise too.

The one item - which I find the most challenging - not mentioned so far is how to deal with the mandatory beard growth. I usually try to schedule 3 appointments on consecutive days and that means almost a week of growths. Unfortunately, life for me continues so I have to be out and about with this strange looking face. A really clear spot next to a bruised up spot next to a 5-day beard.  I have to admit, for me, this has been the hardest part and I have canceled the gym a few times since I was afraid it would out me. My trainer is really nice about it and ignores it. but of course, I don't want to be careful and I know it is there. With 5 days, there is also no covering up with makeup.

Good luck and I hope it stays as painless as possible.

Hugs, Sarah

Yes Sarah, hydration is the key...and lots of 'emla'!

I've been trying to book two 1 hour sessions in one day, and strive to have multiple days in the week, at least that way progress is made and you can get rid of the stubble for the weekend.

So since September up to this afternoon, I will have had 23 hours on my chin and upper/lower lips.  Those areas were cleared somewhat about twice now.  I have 38 hours scheduled through February.  Right on schedule!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl

Passed a milestone of sorts today, 3 hours in one day. 
On in the morning, then another 2 in the afternoon.

Last week I had a morning session also and had foregone my coffee because caffeine can intensify pain, had a terrible headache because of doing that.
This morning I said "heck with that!" and had one 2 hours before with a biscotti.
Don't know if it was the biscotti or what, but my irritation seemed lessened.
I had my second cup 4 hours before my afternoon appointment and my electrocutioner mowed them down with little discomfort.

37 hours so far!

Hugs and smiles from a California girl



@Michelle_P @Donica

Quote from: Jessica on January 15, 2019, 08:28:09 PM
Last week I had a morning session also and had foregone my coffee because caffeine can intensify pain, had a terrible headache because of doing that.
This morning I said "heck with that!" and had one 2 hours before with a biscotti.
Don't know if it was the biscotti or what, but my irritation seemed lessened.
I had my second cup 4 hours before my afternoon appointment and my electrocutioner mowed them down with little discomfort.

The idea behind 'no caffeine' is to make us more relaxed, less keyed up.  When we are too tense, we start anticipating each probe insertion and 'zap', which means that we are focused on the 'ouch', amplifying int in our awareness.

Your headache from no caffeine would have done the same thing.  If you can still relax and 'detach' from the procedure, then it does no harm.  I use mindful meditation techniques to get into a 'flow state' where I can let go of each 'zap' and stay relaxed.  That makes it much easier.

Of course, as you have more mature hairs gone, this also gets easier.  At some point you will have only smaller, shallower immature hairs, and these are easily zapped with a shallower probe and less energy.  I can barely feel the pulses on most of my face, other than right below the nostrils now.

The headache from no caffeine makes it much worse, I try to avoid late afternoon appointments because of this, though they are often all that is available(probably because a lot of other people also have this problem).

I find a cup of coffee or two, but no more than that, in the early morning like before 9am is better than no caffeine for an appointment around 3pm, though I'd rather have the appointment in the morning.

I've only had 2 hours so far. The pain wasn't bad at all but the only area she worked on was my left cheek.

I'd love to have my facial hair gone but I'm not sure what I'm going to do because it's so expensive. :(

Yeah, it is very expensive. I'm not sure exactly how many hours I've had, but I've been doing it for a year and a half. I'm probably going to have to take a break from it and save up to finish it.

@Wendi @Michelle_P

Quote from: Wendi on January 17, 2019, 02:31:13 PM
I've only had 2 hours so far. The pain wasn't bad at all but the only area she worked on was my left cheek.

I'd love to have my facial hair gone but I'm not sure what I'm going to do because it's so expensive. :(

When I first started, about 10% of the zaps hurt, which were enough to bring tears to my eyes.
My electrocutioner adjusted the power lower and pulses several times, so now it's only 3% of them have me twitching.
I'm lucky that my HMO covers hair removal for transgender women.  I do have a small co-pay but I can have multiple sessions in one day under the same co-pay. 
Check it out with your insurance, it was not a well known fact that it was available to me, my doctor didn't even know.  It was Michelle who made me aware of it. 

Quote from: Jessica on January 17, 2019, 02:49:00 PM
@Wendi @Michelle_P

I'm lucky that my HMO covers hair removal for transgender women. 

I just discovered that my HMO also covers my hair removal but only since I started HRT.  So all those early sessions I can't but about 18 months I can recover.  Yea!!  Nice to get money back that I can use on more sessions.  :)

Julie

@Julie -2010

Quote from: Julie -2010 on January 18, 2019, 06:01:10 PM
I just discovered that my HMO also covers my hair removal but only since I started HRT.  So all those early sessions I can't but about 18 months I can recover.  Yea!!  Nice to get money back that I can use on more sessions.  :)

Julie

Congratulations Julie!  If you have a copay like I do, ask if you can have multiple sessions (not even consecutive) on the same day under the same copayment.  I try to have at least two in one day, but there have been days I've had three.

I thought that I would have to do my co-pay but I didn't.  I got my first refund for 2017 and 18 in the mail the other day.  Made my day.

Julie

Quote from: Julie -2010 on January 18, 2019, 06:17:54 PM
I thought that I would have to do my co-pay but I didn't.  I got my first refund for 2017 and 18 in the mail the other day.  Made my day.

Julie

Wow, lucky girl!

My insurance covers hair removal...

But not a single provider in a 3hr drive (from what I can tell) will bill insurance for it...

Right now I paid for laser hair removal (They were having a BOGO sale, so $1200 will get me 6 treatments of face and full Brazilian). When done I will submit to insurance for reimbursement... That is the best I can do for now...

What do you all recommend to do in this situation?

Right now I figure laser followed up by electrolysis to get the straggling hairs.

Laser doesn't bother me much at all. More of a surprise when the laser fires, but no pain. How is the pain with electrolysis?

Hi, Chanteur

The pain felt during electrolysis varies from person to person. Many here apparently have needed painkillers or anesthetics. I myself have not been bothered by it, and have often even fallen asleep during treatment. Besides one's personal pain threshold, much probably also depends on operator skill, modality and the equipment used.

Quote from: Chanteur on January 25, 2019, 03:31:23 AM
My insurance covers hair removal...

But not a single provider in a 3hr drive (from what I can tell) will bill insurance for it...

Right now I paid for laser hair removal (They were having a BOGO sale, so $1200 will get me 6 treatments of face and full Brazilian). When done I will submit to insurance for reimbursement... That is the best I can do for now...

What do you all recommend to do in this situation?

Right now I figure laser followed up by electrolysis to get the straggling hairs.

Laser doesn't bother me much at all. More of a surprise when the laser fires, but no pain. How is the pain with electrolysis?

Chanteur, 

  I have to submit my hair removal to my insurance also.  Not too bad.  Yes, laser first to get a lot of the dark but you can still do the electrolysis during the same time period.  Just make sure they first work on the light hair.  I did a 20+ or more of laser before I started electrolysis but then I was doing mostly electrolysis but then we would do a laser.  Right now she is telling me laser won't help anymore so I just on the E.

I must have a high tolerance.  She does but a numbing cream on that takes some of the pain away.  I feel so good afterwards that the pain is worth it.  I know some ladies that it is awful for them.  So it does vary.

Good luck!!

Julie

I had a new experience yesterday.........3 one hour sessions in one day, two of them back to back.

I survived!

My electrocutioners are now working on my jawline and neck.....oh joy 😆

Wow Jessica I feel for you.  But like you said, you survived.  :)

I do know of some women that it is multiple hours of treatment.  Longest session I had was 90 minutes.

Julie.

Quote from: Julie -2010 on March 06, 2019, 06:16:56 PM
Wow Jessica I feel for you.  But like you said, you survived.  :)

I do know of some women that it is multiple hours of treatment.  Longest session I had was 90 minutes.

I've been doing 3-hour sessions once a week for a few months now. My electrocutioner uses the blend method, which isn't as painful as the thermolysis the last one used, but slower. I use BLT and can often fall asleep during the ordeal.

I don't have to shave my chin anymore! Yays!

Stephanie

Wow, 3 hours sessions.  I guess if you can fall a sleep it wouldn't be too bad.

It does feel great when you don't have to shave much.  I just want to be done with it. 😊

Quote from: Julie -2010 on March 08, 2019, 01:34:29 PM
Wow, 3 hours sessions.  I guess if you can fall a sleep it wouldn't be too bad.

It does feel great when you don't have to shave much.  I just want to be done with it. [emoji4]

Ugh. Not much napping today. The main problem is with the 1 1/2 hour drive, by the end of the 3 hour session it's been 4 1/2 hours since I applied the BLT. It gets quite ouchy by the end of the ordeal. I definitely had to fix my eyeliner when we were done. I had a little ocular leakage.

It'll all be worth it in the end.

Stephanie