I've wanted to transition for my whole life. When I started to go through puberty, I was horrified by the peach fuzz that started to grow on my face. I hated it, I hated shaving, I hated everything about it.
Fast forward to now, transitioning like I always wanted to. Getting rid of the scruff on my face is always something I wanted, even before I completely figured all this out. I just hated the scratchiness, and the fact that it couldn't even grow a good beard, to make myself feel more masculine. I hated shaving. I always wanted it to just go away.
I have extremely sensitive skin. Part of the reason I always hated shaving. I feel pressed for time, always, so shaving ends up being something that I do "if I have time" I really want this to go away.
I've done laser hair removal twice before I started HRT, and that was BARELY tolerable. Now that I've been taking hormones, my skin is even MORE sensitive. Last time I tried to get laser, I had to stop because it just hurts SO MUCH. I can't do it. I understand that nobody likes pain, but it's the FEAR of the pain that's the worst part. I feel like this is where my transition ends, and think maybe I should stop hormones, maybe I should just give up.
I now know that I am not a woman, this does not bother me, and I've always known I was never supposed to be a guy. I feel somewhat uncomfortable socially with women, and have nearly no guidance, but I CAN NOT take the pain of the hair removal process. It makes me extremely sad. This is one of the the things that makes me the most dysphoric, and once I realized the process wasn't going to get easier, I just feel like there's no point to transitioning. I didn't think I'd feel like this. Finally pretty okay with my body, but I'm getting really depressed again.
Is this the end of the road? Do I just want to try to go back because I learned how to be a reasonable facsimile of a guy for 27 years, and have lost the one person who I feel like could ever help me through this? I'm having crying fits when I think about this very much. I don't want to move forward with my life at all right now.
I don't know where you are, but there are some clinics that will use a local anaesthetic to numb you whole face for extended electrolysis sessions. Some other members here have comented on these services in the past.
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Hi Michelle,
There is a fairly well-known Electrology clinic in Lewisville, Texas (a suburb of Dallas) called Electrology 3000 (3K) that specializes in electrolysis with injected anesthetic. If I recall, they use a combination of Lidocaine and another anesthetic and anesthetize each area before performing electrolysis on it. My first visit took about one and a half days, and my last was done in less than a day. Now, the injections themselves can be a little touchy, especially upper and lower lip areas, but the electrolysis itself is virtually pain-free (at least that was my experience). Now the downside is that my face was very swollen after each session, much more than one could see after a typical electrolysis session of an hour or two, so it pays to plan ahead so you don't have to go in to work all swollen.
I believe that there are other similar practitioners in the U.S., one in Arizona, maybe one in Chicago? I'm not looking any more since I've been cleared enough to get stragglers in 2 hour sessions with my local electrologist. There may very well be someone in Canada doing it too, but I never looked into it. If I happen across anything, I'll be sure to post it back here.
A second alternative is a combination of injected anesthetic from a physician with electrolysis by your electrologist. I've never done this, and I imagine it's complicated coordinating everything.
If you read through some of the historical posts on the subject, there are some pretty good descriptions of preparatory practices, such as application of 5% lidocaine cream (EMLA) or other similar products, the need to be hydrated, possibly even sedatives, anti-inflammatories or anti-anxiety medications. Again, not familiar to the specifics, but they may be helpful to you.
I sure hope that you can surmount this obstacle and get to where you wish to be. This has been probably the biggest impact on the success of my transition after hormones. I'm glad I started electrolysis before HRT, as there was a difference in my pain sensation and tolerance. That said, I do know some people who have been unable to participate in either HRT, laser or electrolysis, and have fully transitioned and are currently living as women, so this need not be an end to your transition, should you elect to proceed. Either way, best of luck on your journey!
Erin
fyi:
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,224217.0/topicseen.html
I'm in Canada, the last time I went, the pain caused me to have a panic attack and I only got my chin done before I couldn't take it any longer. Once I started to panic, the doctor (I think she's a dermatologist) that was doing the treatment gave me something for ancmxiety and applied some lidocaine cream, let me rest for I don't know how long, but it doesn't help much. My anxiety was way too much to handle, and the pain was too great. It was a year ago that I did that, and this makes me feel like I'll never be able to feel like the person I want to be. I want to just throw in the towel, give up, I have little support on a personal level, but I think I'm very closed off to most people since I started transition. This depresses me so much, thinking about it makes me cry. I refuse to look in the mirror, and indont want to take care of myself because I hate my face... there are all kinds of things that I didn't expect to happen during transition, I didn't expect my social life to get worse (before I just didn't have one, now I don't even go out) my romantic life is nonexistent anymore (I had the illusion that in was just rather unsuccessful before) this year alone I've made three suicide attempts, I've never gotten that far before... I'm feeling the lowest I have in a long time right now, and distracting myself doesn't work when I try to shut down for the day or right when I'm getting up.
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Being a female, for me at least, requires me to endure pain. No pain no gain is the motto. When I was a male I was even scared of the pain of an injection. During laser hair removal I would sweat profusely with the pain and anticipation of the next zap. They can lower the power of the laser to a more comfortable level but you have to go more often. Use a strong numbing cream and wrap saran wrap over it and take a sedative. It reduces the pain. Or you can have a numbing injection, tried that and it works really well after you bear the pain of the injection. Today,my pain tolerance has increased significantly, I have botox, fillers, electrolysis and I dont mind the pain because I can see the results.
Michelle,
Here's a link below to a previous board topic listing four U.S. locations offering anesthetized facial and genital electrolysis. I think you may be a little closer to Chicago than I am, but I imagine it's comparable to my L.A. to Dallas commute. Not sure if your situation permits, but it's potentially an avenue worth pursuing. If you could get a couple of clearings done under injected anesthetic, it might make getting the cleanup done seem a little less daunting. I haven't come across any providers in Saskatchewan, but the two links to providers in Vancouver (noted farther below) mention the possibility of local anesthetic, Fariview cites a relationship with a nearby dentist for the application. Vancouver may be out of your reach, but it's probably closer to you than any of the U.S. providers.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=219018.0
http://www.vancouverelectrolysis.ca
http://www.fairviewelectrolysis.com
Hope this helps,
Erin
The way to deal with pain is not to think about it. I would attempt to solve difficult problems while I was being treated. Audio books or music could work for some. In my case, I ask my operator not to speak with me while I was being treated so I wouldn't break my concentration. What will work for you, I don't know but pick something that holds your attention.
Quote from: Dayta on August 21, 2017, 12:33:48 AM
Michelle,
Here's a link below to a previous board topic listing four U.S. locations offering anesthetized facial and genital electrolysis. I think you may be a little closer to Chicago than I am, but I imagine it's comparable to my L.A. to Dallas commute. Not sure if your situation permits, but it's potentially an avenue worth pursuing. If you could get a couple of clearings done under injected anesthetic, it might make getting the cleanup done seem a little less daunting. I haven't come across any providers in Saskatchewan, but the two links to providers in Vancouver (noted farther below) mention the possibility of local anesthetic, Fariview cites a relationship with a nearby dentist for the application. Vancouver may be out of your reach, but it's probably closer to you than any of the U.S. providers.
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?topic=219018.0
http://www.vancouverelectrolysis.ca
http://www.fairviewelectrolysis.com
Hope this helps,
Erin
Vancouver is nearly 1000 miles away from me. I have purchased some numbing cream, but have my doubts about it. I also do not gave a driver's license. I'll see about something sedating... it's funny that I nearly slept through my tattoos without painkillers or anything, but this hurts a lot more. I'll look into travel options, Vancouver might be a good option, I just have to check flight prices.
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I can only imagine that the pain is real.
I, like you, have tattoos (7 of them.) they were not painful at all.
When I started electrolysis, those first sessions were painful...especially right under the nose and around the lips. My electrologist recommended the Emla cream. Fortunately, we in Canada do not need a prescription. And, I followed her instructions to put the cream on 1/2 hour before, and seal with Saran Wrap...apparently it seals it in or something. I did around 90 hours of electrolysis after that, never experiencing what I'd call pain...but the cream really helped. I think what also helped is my electrologist talked to me the whole time...like taking my mind off what she was doing.
Wishing you better luck...FYI, I'm from Prince Albert originallly, but moved away in the early 80s.
Quote from: NJOttawa on August 25, 2017, 08:17:08 AM
I can only imagine that the pain is real.
I, like you, have tattoos (7 of them.) they were not painful at all.
When I started electrolysis, those first sessions were painful...especially right under the nose and around the lips. My electrologist recommended the Emla cream. Fortunately, we in Canada do not need a prescription. And, I followed her instructions to put the cream on 1/2 hour before, and seal with Saran Wrap...apparently it seals it in or something. I did around 90 hours of electrolysis after that, never experiencing what I'd call pain...but the cream really helped. I think what also helped is my electrologist talked to me the whole time...like taking my mind off what she was doing.
Wishing you better luck...FYI, I'm from Prince Albert originallly, but moved away in the early 80s.
I'm in Saskatoon myself, only been to PA 2-3;times, and that was just driving through
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Hi MichelleZelda
You have a kindred spirit here. I have hypersensitivity on my facial skin, my panin management Dr suggested it was because of scar tissue from previous facial surgeries. This make electrolysis unbearable for me with out any aesthetic.
Find a sympathetic dentist who can give you dental block that will cover you for top lip, bottom lip and chin area. I have found that these work far better.
I have also found that whilst very painful for me I have a very sparse beard that reacted well to the higher currents and I have a small percentage of new growth/regrowth. Having said all that I had to find a Dr who was prepared to give me facial injections.
The Dr concerned was trans herself and understand how painful electrolysis can be...she did warn me that she had not done them but was happy to "give it a go for me"...by trial and error we worked out what areas work well with facial injections and what areas don't. I have something like 25 sessions of injection which ended up to be about 100+ injections...some I could not feel a thing and other days I could feel it but it was greatly lessened.
I am at the stage where facial injections are just not worth it...my electrologist is talking about us being on the home stretch...if you can find a Dr who will give you the injections on a week by week basis you may find you can ease your fear and tolerate a little more than you could.
My first session I managed 10 minutes and by the time I go back to my car I was bawling my eyes out. So take heart as I am nearly finished There are so many things you can do to reduce the pain and discomfort of electrolysis.
My laser tech used an ice pack...she would work on one cheek and have me icepack the other side and then icepack my chin or under my neck...it worked pretty well. Shew would give me a couple of minutes at the start of each session so that the first area got numb and then away we would go.
Preparation is very important for successful electrolysis session, not only reducing the pain but letting the Tech work under optimal conditions
Quote from: ElizabethK on August 26, 2017, 01:32:13 AM
Hi MichelleZelda
You have a kindred spirit here. I have hypersensitivity on my facial skin, my panin management Dr suggested it was because of scar tissue from previous facial surgeries. This make electrolysis unbearable for me with out any aesthetic.
Find a sympathetic dentist who can give you dental block that will cover you for top lip, bottom lip and chin area. I have found that these work far better.
I have also found that whilst very painful for me I have a very sparse beard that reacted well to the higher currents and I have a small percentage of new growth/regrowth. Having said all that I had to find a Dr who was prepared to give me facial injections.
The Dr concerned was trans herself and understand how painful electrolysis can be...she did warn me that she had not done them but was happy to "give it a go for me"...by trial and error we worked out what areas work well with facial injections and what areas don't. I have something like 25 sessions of injection which ended up to be about 100+ injections...some I could not feel a thing and other days I could feel it but it was greatly lessened.
I am at the stage where facial injections are just not worth it...my electrologist is talking about us being on the home stretch...if you can find a Dr who will give you the injections on a week by week basis you may find you can ease your fear and tolerate a little more than you could.
My first session I managed 10 minutes and by the time I go back to my car I was bawling my eyes out. So take heart as I am nearly finished There are so many things you can do to reduce the pain and discomfort of electrolysis.
My laser tech used an ice pack...she would work on one cheek and have me icepack the other side and then icepack my chin or under my neck...it worked pretty well. Shew would give me a couple of minutes at the start of each session so that the first area got numb and then away we would go.
Preparation is very important for successful electrolysis session, not only reducing the pain but letting the Tech work under optimal conditions
I don't know if I'll be able to get the facial injections, I'm not sure who might give them. I'm not sure if anyone would. I'm terrified to go again, it sounds like my facial hair situation might be similar to yours.
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Although I would support the use of anaesthetic agents to alleviate pain, I would also suggest meditation.
I know it will be poo papped by some but if you are taught to meditate or as some people call it self hypnosis you can control your self. You can control anxiety, and other subconscious reactions to your Id.
I suggest it may be worth exploring. I suspect that anaesthetic agents may not control the anxiety effects you have and if they do, they may not be the sort of drugs you want to take.
I have all of my quite invasive throat manipulations without gagging or moving. Just to explain, I have people putting forceps through that hole in my neck opening and making another hole so that I can speak. I do that while meditating and being in my safe place. It isn't hard to learn those techniques and they are very useful.
I was just talking with my local electrologist, and she's been thinking about approaching local dentists to apply dental blocks in conjunction to her practice. We talked for a while, noting that the removal of pain allows the electrologist to operate at higher levels and much faster, which simultaneously a) damages the skin more than careful hair removal would under normal circumstances and b) clears large and especially sensitive areas significantly faster, reducing the overall electrolysis load and leaving less to be accomplished via conventional means. This short circuit cut probably months of electrolysis from my journey, and ought to be considered as a supplement to traditional methods, if available, at least in my opinion.
Erin
Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 27, 2017, 08:43:39 AM
I don't know if I'll be able to get the facial injections, I'm not sure who might give them. I'm not sure if anyone would. I'm terrified to go again, it sounds like my facial hair situation might be similar to yours.
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Cindy makes a really good point and I although I didn't mention it above I have an appointment to see a hypnotherapist next month for this exact issue as I really want to find a better way of dealing with my pain issues in the longer term. I have spoken to a number of people who use meditation very successful including one who has two hour sessions at a time. There are several area's in my life where I feel something like this would be helpful which is why I am pursuing it. I have had to wait nearly 2 months for an appointment but my understanding is that the particular therapist is very good at what she does.
When I contacted her and told her what I wanted she seemed to think she could help so I guess time will tell.
Went for laser today. The device this place uses is WAY better! Practically painless comparatively!
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Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 30, 2017, 04:28:05 PM
Went for laser today. The device this place uses is WAY better! Practically painless comparatively!
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That's great news, very happy for you. [emoji4]
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Although I do have a stomach ache and am a little put off by having outed myself, even if normally I'm so out it makes others a little uncomfortable lol
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Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 30, 2017, 04:28:05 PM
Went for laser today. The device this place uses is WAY better! Practically painless comparatively!
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Glad to hear that! I was just about to post suggesting you try a different place.
I went for several laser sessions by the Marquise de Sade. She cranked up the level each time, and the last time, it was near unbearable, even with Emla cream. Then I went back for one more session, same place, same machine, different operator. When I told her about the pain in the previous sessions, she adjusted the machine. Less watts over a longer pulse. It was much more comfortable.
I haven't been back, since I was on HRT by that time and my face was starting to react to sunlight. She said I should not come back for more laser until the fall. In the meantime, I am continuing with weekly electrolysis. I always bring music and headphones. I find that meditating on the music is a great way to reduce the pain. I also use Emla cream. In preparation for each session, I have only weak tea at breakfast time, not coffee, and I avoid chocolate. I am a chocoholic, so that last one is a hardship for me, but it makes a huge difference. I found out the hard way! I also make sure I am well hydrated before the session.
Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 30, 2017, 04:28:05 PM
Went for laser today. The device this place uses is WAY better! Practically painless comparatively!...
Great news, congrats!
When I went for electrolysis, my doctor prescribed a 5%/5% lidocaine/prilocaine cream which I'd apply to my face starting one hour prior... I'd wash my face, apply a lot and cover with plastic wrap so it doesn't evaporate and stays against the pores. Quite effective but I had to really do it an hour in advance and often added more about 30 minutes before. The goal is to have 100% cream against the skin to numb it.
My doctor was willing to prescribe stronger pills but she said it would require me not to drive until they wore off (or have someone drive me). I opted out of that one but it's good to know it's available.
I personally bought over the counter Kava Kava and took one about 15 mins before my elec session.
I also had a lower pain threshold after starting HRT... I hear that's not uncommon.
For my body I went to laser... they used a lightsheer duet laser which has levels... more powerful is more effective but also more painful. We adjusted the levels up/down each session depending on how I felt.
Oh for either elec or laser... preparation mattered for me... avoiding coffee beforehand helped. Having enough sleep was better than not... or perhaps being really tired/relaxed allowed me to fall asleep, which I did at times, is best... but fatigue where you can't sleep and therefore feel more pain is worse in my opinion.
For me, laser was effective for the body except facial hair. For facial hair, because not all of mine was black, laser wasn't doing much... had to use electrolysis for that.
Best of luck continuing your hair removal. Mind over matter... so much great advice above from others. You can do it... no doubt... some days may be smoother than others but no pain no gain as they say... if you want hair removal, stay focused on that goal even if there are down moments... those down moments won't mean much if you never give up... little by little you'll achieve the removal you're after.
I'm basically only really worried about electrolysis now.
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Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 30, 2017, 08:47:56 PM
I'm basically only really worried about electrolysis now.
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Everyone's different, and I'm not saying electro is fun, but I find laser worse.
If/when you do electro they do have some control over the zap strength (technical term [emoji4]), though it needs to be enough to do the job...
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Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 30, 2017, 08:47:56 PM
I'm basically only really worried about electrolysis now.
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Considering all things life can send our way, the difficulties of navigating electrolysis is hardly an issue. If elec is a goal for you, you can do it! Also, in case you were not aware, this forum is loaded with older message/posts containing advice on hair removal pain management... i.e., you can search messages for "electrolysis pain" or the like. Same with laser stuff.
Pain is an extremely individual phenomenon, I thought that a conversation might potentially be more productive than reading alone. I read through what I could find, and wanted support rather than just information.[emoji4] thank you
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Quote from: meganjames2 on August 31, 2017, 01:32:22 AM
... I'm not saying electro is fun, but I find laser worse.
If/when you do electro they do have some control over the zap strength (technical term [emoji4]), though it needs to be enough to do the job...
I found laser painful too... but it could be adjusted. So I found both painful but ultimately bearable... my doctor helped me by prescribing pain management and I was able to interact with the person administering the laser, as well as the electrologist to optimize things. For example, the laser used was the LightSheer Duet laser... it has level adjustments... we turned it up or down depending the sensitivity of the zapped area.
Quote from: MichelleZelda on August 31, 2017, 06:01:47 AM
... I read through what I could find, and wanted support rather than just information.[emoji4] thank you
...
That makes great sense. I just wanted you to know about that info but I'm guessing you've already seen it.
I think asking my doctor led to some nice surprises which helped... like I mentioned to her the pain of electrolysis and she said "Would you like me to prescribe a 5%/5% Lidocaine/Prilocaine cream?" and she went on to tell me how to use it... this was sort of like "secret" info I'd not seen before so I became informed and had an overall better experience.
My doctor also said more powerful prescription drugs were available but that I'd not be able to drive until they wore off... I never used those but I thought about it... like go for a 3hr elec marathon with heavy pain management.
I just think it's good to keep trying to get info... i.e., don't assume your doctor has told you everything... sometimes doctors need you to stimulate answers by telling them more about your experience. You might also check with local trans clinics even if you don't frequent them yourself... they may have some info on a new approach to pain management... I say this because pain management for hair removal has got to be something the trans community has loads of info on all over the place...hearing different people's experiences, techniques and all that.
Beyond that... I can say one thing that really helps me manage pain and recovery situations is to have a state of mind that the pain and recovery are nothing... for example, take a look at your shoulder and imagine Pain is sitting right there... then brush your hand on your shoulder to brush off Pain... see it get brushed off by the stroke of your hand and do the same with the other shoulder and think of yourself as above the Pain and boss of any recoveries you go through. I believe treating pain and recovery situations like gnats... those pesky things can be annoying but are easily brushed away. This is actually less of a gimmick than it sounds... I'm only describing it here but actually embodying that attitude seems powerful to me.
Anyway... here's wishing you successful perm hair removal to the degree you want with pain at a level you consider perfect or better.
The 5% cream doesn't require a prescription here, I actually misplaced it before my appointment lol my doctor is the foremost doctor in the province old or trans medicine.e fine now I think I'm gonna be fine now
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Last night I ordered some loose leaf spearmint tea, which, according to posters here, slows down the rate of hair growth and diminishes libido, here's a big thread on it: Finally Got Spearmint Tea (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,105856.0.html). Whether this is negligible compared to what anti-androgens do isn't certain, these are just anecdotes, but I was interested enough in the testimonies people gave to spend $15 on a carton of the stuff to try it out.
I took a break from electro, wanting to mull things over a bit, and am going back in now. I hope the pain won't be unbearable with a month's worth of E in me, albeit with some breaks in there. My last session was all upper lip and boy but did that sting! Body hair just creeps me out anymore, though.
Upper lip is the worst. Along with jawline and or chin. Emla (brand) / lidocaine cream is something a lot of people use, some states don't require a prescription for it. It doesn't do much for me
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Quote from: MichelleZelda on September 01, 2017, 05:08:35 PM
Upper lip is the worst.
I am dreading getting my upper lip zapped. Emla takes the edge off in other areas, but I don't think it will do much there. I have already had my dentist agree to give me a dental block for those electro sessions.
When I had my upper lip done, my eyes were leaking water the entire session. I had salt water streams running down the side of my face to my ears and in my hair. It felt so good after the session was done to wipe the salt water off my face as it was somewhat irritating. Doing the upper lip truly brings tear to your eyes.
Dental blocks are the only thing that has allowed me to have my top lip done and in fact I am having both top and bottom lips done in about 10 days with dental blocks...I am so hoping this the last one and I am still 3 weeks away from my hypnotherapists appointment...
My Lidocaine(5%)/Prilocaine(5%) prescription would only work well for the upper lip if I washed my face beforehand, placed a generous amount of cream, and covered it with plastic wrap (i.e., Syran wrap used to cover glass bowls). In fact, I'd use 3 strips of plastic wrap: left cheek/jaw/chin, right cheek/jaw/chin, and strip for upper lip. I'd use a generous amount of cream throughout, but I'd add more to the upper lip if it became clear, like from either being absorbed or washed away from sweat. I'd start this no less than an hour prior. My upper lip can perspire so it was key to put more cream... the goal was to keep white cream present as a thin film throughout the areas to be treated where the plastic wrap would keep the cream from drying to fast, and also keeps it pressed against the face. I found my upper lip was the hardest to get numb but usually only on the days where I'd rush and start like 20 mins before, didn't have time to wash my face. Just using the cream directly without plastic wrap was never any help. It dries too quickly and seems less effective than layering under plastic wrap.
I find the biggest problem around my lips is how fast the stuff wears off. I can put on lots of cream and cover it to be good and airtight, so the skin is actually good and numb when I get to the electrologist's. But the moment she wipes it off, the clock starts ticking. If I am lucky, she has five minutes to work before full feeling is restored. By the end of the five minutes, it is really hurting. I quess the blood circulation is just too good there, and any lidocaine that has been absorbed quickly gets flushed away.
You are all doing it wrong! The best way in my experiences is an ice roller. When i was getting laser done around spring time 2016 my laser lady gave me an ice roller thing. Basically, it was beauty face roller with a metal roller on it. She put it in her freezer the night prior and took it out for me when I arrieved at my appointment. I was skeptical at first but it was a god-sent. I put it on all the areas i needed and the pain went from me needed to take pro-longed breaks, tensed/flexed body muscles as a reaction to soon to come pain and wanting to cry all the way to being frozen physically in those areas and not needing any breaks. Some areas felt no pain what so ever and other areas just mild but highly tolerable pain. I wish I knew about it when I first started in 2014, but didnt know then in addition to having laser done by someone else and the lady doing it I dont think had one of those rollers.
Emla does little in my experience, so try the rollers!
Quote from: KathyLauren on September 02, 2017, 05:16:20 PM
I find the biggest problem around my lips is how fast the stuff wears off. I can put on lots of cream and cover it to be good and airtight, so the skin is actually good and numb when I get to the electrologist's. But the moment she wipes it off, the clock starts ticking. If I am lucky, she has five minutes to work before full feeling is restored. By the end of the five minutes, it is really hurting. I quess the blood circulation is just too good there, and any lidocaine that has been absorbed quickly gets flushed away.
How long are you putting the cream on for? I was only doing 1/2 before and then I watched some stuff on utube about Emla cream. I put it on for 1 1/2 hrs before hand and get about 15 minutes of numbing...I will do two area's on my face/neck...the electrologist leaves the other one wrapped whilst she works on the first area...if you can see you skin through the cream then you don't have enough on was the other tip from the video. I found I got the best results on the cheek area.
Sailor my laser tech also used ice to numb my face when I was getting treatment...I found it pretty effective
My laser clinic always uses an electrically cooled gel roller, it makes a big difference.
As for electrolysis on the upper/lower lip area, I always have that done for the first 20min or so and then move onto other areas for the rest of the session. Once that is over, everything else feels like a breeze in comparison.
Quote from: ElizabethK on September 02, 2017, 06:49:53 PM
... I put it on for 1 1/2 hrs before hand and get about 15 minutes of numbing...I will do two area's on my face/neck...the electrologist leaves the other one wrapped whilst she works on the first area...if you can see you skin through the cream then you don't have enough on was the other tip from the video. I found I got the best results on the cheek area.
I pretty much had the same experience/findings... putting cream on
far in advance was always critical... rushed jobs didn't work. Any skin showing was an indication I needed more... and even if I had enough at one point, even with plastic wrap, it can soak in, perspire off, wear down so skin can appear in that scenario too... where I took off the upper lip plastic wrap, added more cream, put back the plastic wrap. I too got the best (easiest) results on the cheek... meaning for the time the cream was on face, the cheek got relatively more numb than other places... but upper lip could get fairly numb if I ensured it constantly had full coverage. I believe the upper lip may be a more vascular area... if so, perhaps the increased blood flow wears off the effect faster for that reason.
I found getting to my electrologists office and sitting the waiting room for the hour before hand was a nice way to relax, drink water, prepare and monitor the cream.
Quote from: KathyLauren on September 02, 2017, 05:16:20 PM
I find the biggest problem around my lips is how fast the stuff wears off. I can put on lots of cream and cover it to be good and airtight, so the skin is actually good and numb when I get to the electrologist's. But the moment she wipes it off, the clock starts ticking. ...
My electrologist keeps the plastic wrap in place while working except for the area being worked on... she generally starts on one cheek working slowly toward the other side (crossing over the upper lip)... as she goes, she lifts up the plastic wrap little by little... there is often excess on the wrap, or I have a tube of cream on hand... we make sure there's plenty on exposed areas she hasn't reached yet, perhaps rubbing it in on areas she just uncovered and was going to start working on.
I agree it can wear off fast. Putting full coverage cream on for an hour, arriving at elec's office, wiping off the cream, and waiting 10 minutes before it's your turn... that will not work. The cream stays on to and through the appointment.
I find cream is effective but tricky to get right and offering little runway for either error or for doing the actual work... it must be present to and through the time of work.
All that said, even with cream numbness, there will be occasional zaps that hurt more than others. It's never not a no-pain-no-gain thing but I wouldn't trade the cream numbness.
I've never tried dental anesthesia but I've heard great things about it... I'm betting that's the most effective though I can't say firsthand.
Quote from: SailorMars1994 on September 02, 2017, 06:46:05 PM
... The best way in my experiences is an ice roller. ... Emla does little in my experience, so try the rollers!
Very interesting, first I've heard of ice for electrolysis... in my experience with facial filler injections, they use little ice packets before injecting to ease pain... it works, reducing pain, but not eliminating it by any means... I may try ice next time after removing cream or some combo. Thanks for sharing that.
Quote from: warlockmaker on August 20, 2017, 11:56:56 PM
I have botox, fillers, electrolysis and I dont mind the pain because I can see the results.
If I may ask, did you have or do you know of an electrolysis place in Thailand that is happy to do "all the bits"? I am having laser at the moment but there will be lots of bits still needing clearing by electrolysis. Thanks)
Quote from: SailorMars1994 on September 02, 2017, 06:46:05 PM
You are all doing it wrong! The best way in my experiences is an ice roller.
They're cheap, too. (https://www.amazon.com/ESARORA-Roller-Puffiness-Migraine-Products/dp/B01E8IZ4ZA/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_194_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=RBKP5W61Z9FKHGN0EVXJ&th=1) I'm going to order one and time my next assault on the upper lip after it's arrived, you read nothing but conflicting reports of creams and topicals.
How long does it stay frozen? Undoubtedly that's a question someone asked on my link but thought I'd ask you anyway. My electrologist is a half hour away. I could keep it in a lunch pail with coolers I suppose. Thanks for what sounds like a great tip!
Although I'm pretty satisfied with my pain management process, I ordered one of those cold rollers today to give it a try. Worst case is I can make use of it over the few days after a session to control swelling and then just for general cold facial treatments.