Probably gonna be a dead topic but I just had to post it xD I got my first laser treatment and set up for full face for a really good price ^_^
Also; it was surprisingly not as painful as I expected... It pales in comparison to the pain of full body waxing. Probably a 5 (IMO) on the pain scale < more like a stinging really.
Even after just the first treatment I can see/feel results. So happy to finally have started this lengthy process.
Just out of curiosity, they told me that 9 sessions should be enough but that they would ensure full results, so I'm curious; how many treatments did it take anyone else on here to get full face hair removal?
Nice!
I still haven't gotten laser myself, but I want to.
Lazer doesnt always work for some.
But it can go a long way to thining it out for electro later.
keep updating plz.
Im pre hair removal myself. But im intrested in how yours goes.
goodluck
I started not too long ago. Hurt like hell around my chin, otherwise not too bad. Saw results too after first session and about 6-7 days. Thrilled !
Quote from: ashley_thomas on May 28, 2014, 11:23:29 PM
I started not too long ago. Hurt like hell around my chin, otherwise not too bad. Saw results too after first session and about 6-7 days. Thrilled !
Can't wait for the shedding phase xD! They told me that I'm an ideal candidate for permanent removal because I have dark thick hair, so I doubt I'll need electro.
Also, can you by any chance tell me how long I should wait after the first treatment before I start exfoliating? I was told that exfoliation will make it easier for the excess hair to fall off, but I don't wanna damage my face by exfoliating too soon.
It hurt like a cigarette burn around my chin and jawline too :P upper lip/cheek/ and neck were like splashing water IMO
I only needed laser, worked great, about 9 sessions over 18 months, exfoliate when you feel like, the follicles drop over time.
I feel rather unfortunate in that I am blond/grey and don't have a dark hair to save myself. Laser is effectively off the menu.
However 40 plus sessions of electrolysis is making a noticeable impact at least. That in combination with HRT means I only shave once or twice a week. At the moment I am onto the dreaded top lip with the electrolysis. Believe me, Pain central! Use numbing cream!
For those considering electrolysis I thought I might actually explain what happens with electrolysis;
Think boiling each individual hair out with a heated needle. Well it's actually hot lye, because that's what the inductively heated needle is for. It heats up the gelatinous follicle and turns it into hot, semi liquid caustic lye. It's this hot, semi liquid caustic lye that kills the root permanently.
Meantime I am the writhing, whimpering, thing underneath that needle, generally behaving like someone who has had a red hot poker plunged into their lip, which they have! ;)
Disclaimer:
Of course the above only applies to my upper lip, everyone else will have a different experience. ;D
Yay only another year or so to go! :o
I exfoliate daily and started within a few days. Your skin will tell you. Took me 4 days to be able to resume a normal care and shaving regimen.
I haven't decided on laser or electro. I have relatively pale skin and dark hair that's actually somewhat sparse, so I think I would be a good candidate for laser. I'll probably get some feedback in the next few days.
Quote from: LittleEmily24 on May 28, 2014, 06:30:07 PM
Probably gonna be a dead topic but I just had to post it xD I got my first laser treatment and set up for full face for a really good price ^_^
Also; it was surprisingly not as painful as I expected... It pales in comparison to the pain of full body waxing. Probably a 5 (IMO) on the pain scale < more like a stinging really.
Even after just the first treatment I can see/feel results. So happy to finally have started this lengthy process.
Just out of curiosity, they told me that 9 sessions should be enough but that they would ensure full results, so I'm curious; how many treatments did it take anyone else on here to get full face hair removal?
Congrats on starting laser! After the shedding phase your skin will be super smooth (until the regrowth occurs) and your complexion will improve a lot! The first time I had laser on my face, the upper lip and chin area were the worst...even with numbing cream. However, waxing is definitely way way way more painful.
Number of sessions would depend on how aggressively (settings wise) and thoroughly the laser tech treats the area, but as the hair becomes thinner, lighter in color, and patchier the laser will become less and less effective. At some point it would probably be more cost effective to transition to electrolysis to finish up.
I'm about to delve into laser again on my face, arms, and legs and was kind of curious as to what kind of price you got and for how many sessions?? Also, do you know what brand of laser they are using?? I was quoted by a local dermatology clinic $2000 for 4 sessions on both my arms and legs and $450 for 4 sessions on my face. Its not a super good deal, but they did take around 25% off they're standard prices.
I am about to go for my third treatment tomorrow, myself. And I have to say the pain has been worth it. I was told, I would only need about 6 treatments and thats normal for most. But then again, she said to me, that she is using the highest setting available.
She told me to wait about 4 days before doing my normal routine which is about perect for me. I had to do it earlier the first time, due to work, and ended up with a massive infection. No problems since, but best to follow the advice given.
Quote from: Kaley on June 01, 2014, 02:17:46 AM
Congrats on starting laser! After the shedding phase your skin will be super smooth (until the regrowth occurs) and your complexion will improve a lot! The first time I had laser on my face, the upper lip and chin area were the worst...even with numbing cream. However, waxing is definitely way way way more painful.
Number of sessions would depend on how aggressively (settings wise) and thoroughly the laser tech treats the area, but as the hair becomes thinner, lighter in color, and patchier the laser will become less and less effective. At some point it would probably be more cost effective to transition to electrolysis to finish up.
I'm about to delve into laser again on my face, arms, and legs and was kind of curious as to what kind of price you got and for how many sessions?? Also, do you know what brand of laser they are using?? I was quoted by a local dermatology clinic $2000 for 4 sessions on both my arms and legs and $450 for 4 sessions on my face. Its not a super good deal, but they did take around 25% off they're standard prices.
I'm already beginning the shedding phase and my chin is sooooooooooo so so so so much smoother than it has ever been xD so happy, concealer is becoming more and more effective. It doesn't feel like a Brillo pad anymore on my face >_<!
I went to ideal image and they gave me 9 full-face sessions for 7650$ don't know what lasers they use but all the reviews are 4-5 star reviews. Not to mention that she said that if after the 9 sessions there is still patchiness, that she (the rep I spoke to) will take care of me for any other necessary sessions. I don't mind having peach fuzz, I just want the black, thick, wire-like hair GONE from my chin, jaw line, neck and sideburns. Seriously, like I'm finally beginning to see the girl in the mirror now that my facial hair is thinning away... The pain is definitely worth it
I'm on about 15 sessions now, they are been really stubborn on my chin. But the amount of time between sessions is increasing each time now. I am also having electrolysis in between the sessions to remove the stray, clear hairs that I also have. When you get to the stage were you don't need to wear any make up or concealer it is amazing!
One idea, if you want to speed the shedding up, pluck the hairs after a few days. I find it strangely therapeutic, but it consumes a fair bit of time!
Quote from: RachelH on June 03, 2014, 02:09:30 PM
I'm on about 15 sessions now, they are been really stubborn on my chin. But the amount of time between sessions is increasing each time now. I am also having electrolysis in between the sessions to remove the stray, clear hairs that I also have. When you get to the stage were you don't need to wear any make up or concealer it is amazing!
One idea, if you want to speed the shedding up, pluck the hairs after a few days. I find it strangely therapeutic, but it consumes a fair bit of time!
I was actually told SPECIFICALLY not to pluck or else the laser sessions would take longer lol
Quote from: LittleEmily24 on June 03, 2014, 03:25:11 PM
I was actually told SPECIFICALLY not to pluck or else the laser sessions would take longer lol
Hehe conflicting advice! My clinic said it doesn't matter after a few days, as the hair has already detached in the folical and if you gently pull the hair it should slide out easily, and they do. But certainty always follow the person doing your treatment.
Quote from: RachelH on June 03, 2014, 04:15:58 PM
Hehe conflicting advice! My clinic said it doesn't matter after a few days, as the hair has already detached in the folical and if you gently pull the hair it should slide out easily, and they do. But certainty always follow the person doing your treatment.
I can see the logic in that. I guess since there is no real way of know which hair is just dead hair and which hair is in the regrowth stage, that plucking could risk taking out a potential follicle for burning :P plus... I tried to pluck my facial hair once... It makes laser pain pale in comparison (to me at least LOL) how anyone can do it is beyond me, but I salute you haha
Quote from: LittleEmily24 on June 03, 2014, 04:27:31 PM
I can see the logic in that. I guess since there is no real way of know which hair is just dead hair and which hair is in the regrowth stage, that plucking could risk taking out a potential follicle for burning :P plus... I tried to pluck my facial hair once... It makes laser pain pale in comparison (to me at least LOL) how anyone can do it is beyond me, but I salute you haha
Ah see that is where the difference is, after I have laser these days ALL the dark hairs (not so many now either) drop out for over a 6 weeks. So there is no risk of pulling a hair in the regrowth stage, they all just slide out. Although the few clear ones.... yes they hurt very much when they get pulled.
I was yanking on two or three this week and they are all new growth, the week before the two or three I pulled our were goners.
Just jumped back on the laser train with you! Had my face and legs done (overall, was the 4th treatment on my face, and the 4th or so on my legs). Pain wise it wasn't bad as I knew what to expect, but I'm glad I opted to get my face numbed...the upper lip area and chin area would have been really sore without any! I too am really looking forward to getting rid of all this nasty hair!
Quote from: LittleEmily24 on June 03, 2014, 12:13:00 PM
I'm already beginning the shedding phase and my chin is sooooooooooo so so so so much smoother than it has ever been xD so happy, concealer is becoming more and more effective. It doesn't feel like a Brillo pad anymore on my face >_<!
I went to ideal image and they gave me 9 full-face sessions for 7650$ don't know what lasers they use but all the reviews are 4-5 star reviews. Not to mention that she said that if after the 9 sessions there is still patchiness, that she (the rep I spoke to) will take care of me for any other necessary sessions. I don't mind having peach fuzz, I just want the black, thick, wire-like hair GONE from my chin, jaw line, neck and sideburns. Seriously, like I'm finally beginning to see the girl in the mirror now that my facial hair is thinning away... The pain is definitely worth it
Seven thousand dollars? Are you freaking kidding me it's that's expensive???????
Quote from: Evelyn K on June 14, 2014, 03:41:00 AM
Seven thousand dollars? Are you freaking kidding me it's that's expensive???????
"Beauty is pain" as I'm told every session. Both on the body and the hip pocket
I had my 7th (I think) laser session yesterday, and I doubt it will be less than 10-14 sessions in total, to get almost all the hairs...
Pain and results depend mainly on the type of system used. You should be using the best unit on the market for best results (not mentioning the make, because it will probably start a mine is better than yours war...), but stay away from IPL, which is anyway not considered laser, and a total waste of money IMHO...
The pain factor was quite intense on my upper lip, even with numbing cream. The rest of the face is acceptable. The pain gets less every passing session, as the hairs become less dense (you feel absolutely nothing when the laser is fired on skin that has no hairs), so less hair = less heat and pain.
The first 7-10 days after treatment, I dont even bother with trying to cover with makup, as the hairs are extremely course and dark (much worse than the normal/pre-treated hairs, and a smooth shave still ends up with ugly/obvious thick black hairs...
The price to pay for what I want, I guess.....
No pain no gain.....
Its tough being a girl.....
And the list goes on :-)
Quote from: Evelyn K on June 14, 2014, 03:41:00 AM
Seven thousand dollars? Are you freaking kidding me it's that's expensive???????
I agree :icon_yikes: -I've never heard of laser costing that much no matter how many sessions you schedule.
Ally :icon_flower:
So far I've done 9 sessions with a LightSheer Duet and one with IPL since January 2013. It's $150 a pop.
I can't find any dark ones now, so I guess it's working. I'm assuming a few more will pop up in time (they always do!) and I plan on one more for when that happens.
The rest all have to come out with electro. I'm going to wait until after the orchi when the chances of follicle regeneration are much less.
I'm going to go against the grain here and say go with the higher priced place, but most importantly do your research on what type of laser they use! I've seen horror stories of girls going to the cheaper places and having....less than optimal results. $7650 is a bit high, but I'm pretty sure you're going to a spa that uses the most up to date equipment and sanitary practices.
I actually agree with AnnaCannibal. Especially here in S. Florida, the higher priced places usually, but not always, do have a much better setup in whatever it is. And as LittleEmily can probably attest, in South Florida, if a cosmetic service costs $100 anywhere else, it will be $250 here. Unfortunately, that's just how it is down here, since vanity is everything, and people will pay whatever and not care about the cost.
Quote from: Ravensong on July 06, 2014, 02:45:01 PM
I actually agree with AnnaCannibal. Especially here in S. Florida, the higher priced places usually, but not always, do have a much better setup in whatever it is. And as LittleEmily can probably attest, in South Florida, if a cosmetic service costs $100 anywhere else, it will be $250 here. Unfortunately, that's just how it is down here, since vanity is everything, and people will pay whatever and not care about the cost.
I live in Florida too and agree. Things here are generally a lot more costwise, especially services, than they are elsewhere with the exception of my home state of Cali, NYC, and Washington DC., and maybe Las Vegas. I haven't lived anywhere else but these places with the exception of Northern W.Va for a while, and it was the only place cheaper on things such as laser/electro treatments.
Ally :icon_flower:
Wow....that is painfully expensive. $300 per session (face) here, 4-6 sessions for completion.
I checked with my local dermatology clinic a week ago or so. I forgot to ask about face, but for legs they quoted $1500 a session and for torso+arms they quoted $1000 a session. They estimated about 5 sessions. Their deal was buy 4, get the 5th session free. Even then, that's pricy I think. I'm getting a 2nd quote from a different place this week. Hopefully will be much cheaper.
They use a Starlux IPL Laser if what I was told is correct.
~Kamyu
I'm pretty sure IPL is the treatment that doesn't work permanently for hair removal. I was told to make sure it was an Alexandrite laser (lightsheer was mentioned earlier and that is alexandrite according to my laser tech).
So I would definitely not pay thousands for IPL if there are any other options. I think I pay $126 for face and neck per session (Alexandrite laser ) every 4 weeks plus a free touch up at the 2 week in between mark.
One good way of deciding if a place is good could be how packed their schedule is. My place rarely has openings less than 2 weeks I n advance.
Edit: I'm in Marin County (an affluent area of CA) so I would hope that price is comparable to other places too.
I live in a fairly small community area. The place I'm going this week for a free eval uses both IPL and Laser. Not sure what kind offhand. I am going to ask though as well as talk to them about laser hair for face and underarms. Also going to talk to them about another procedure they do called MiraDry. It's for underarm sweat/odor elimination. Not sure on that one yet. Thought it would be a good one to have if I have underarm laser hair.
Quote from: Kamyu on July 06, 2014, 11:32:24 PM
I live in a fairly small community area. The place I'm going this week for a free eval uses both IPL and Laser. Not sure what kind offhand. I am going to ask though as well as talk to them about laser hair for face and underarms. Also going to talk to them about another procedure they do called MiraDry. It's for underarm sweat/odor elimination. Not sure on that one yet. Thought it would be a good one to have if I have underarm laser hair.
Funny, I've never had underarm hair, and rarely sweat there at all. I could jog all day and my armpits would barely be damp. My arms and legs would be drenched though, lol!, icky sweat, yuck!, ew! However I do know a few girls both cis and trans who could benefit from this procedure. Keep us informed Kamyu. You've a pretty name by the way.
Ally :icon_flower:
I've just recently started laser as well. I'm on my third treatment for it and I'm getting it done through a dermatologist for 200 dollars a treatment, and am having my face and neck worked on. I'm considered an ideal candidate, with dark hair and light skin. So far I'm extremely pleased with the results. My upper lips is by far the worst place to have done as while the rest of it feels like something burning, that area feels like ... something physically being slammed into my face. Like a small hammer or something. The whole experience is so painful for me, that she's going to use a topical pain killer next time. They're recommending between 6-8 sessions, so I have 3 more minimum to go.
My greatest concern by far is how long it will stay away, though. I hear conflicting advice. Some people say that after 6-8 treatments (the woman doing the treatments for one, but I've also heard this from others) I'll simply need a yearly touch up, while other people insist that laser is a complete waste of money and time, claiming that it will all come back in less than a year. I'm still trying it, but the differences in experiences worries me, as it's a lot of money to gamble with.
None of my dark hairs have come back and I laser'd them off well over 6 months ago, actually, more like 8 or 9 months ago. Though I still have a few grays to deal with on my face, there's a reason they are still there. I'm making slow progress using the carbon dye however for these I may see out and electrologist.
As for hairs coming back? I suspect this may be the same as with anything else when it comes to feminization and/or transition, it depends a lot on age and genetics.
I'm sorry I don't have more to offer.
Ally :icon_flower: