I guess that laser is the way I'm going to start my facial hair removal and I'm
just wondering how bad my skin is going to look the first few days
after each treatment. I've heard a variety of answers on hair removal forums
but most are not TS and doing the whole face.
Will there be gasps of horror or is it just going to be a little red?
If I do it on a Friday morning will I be OK by Monday?
Amanda
Quote from: Ashley Michelle on March 24, 2008, 01:53:39 PM
my first time i did whole face and neck and then went to class two hours later. told everyone it was an allergic reaction. i looked puffy and red until the next day
they get better as you go along. i'm barely even red now by the time i drive home, and aside from a bit of puffiness on the upper lip the next day, a couple of hours later its barely noticeable
thanks for the info ashley :) as iam begining to look into laser myself too
That is awesome, :) I was thinking I was going to look hideous. Were you able to shave in the days after?
I had laser hair removal on my whole face. It was sore and red for the rest of the day. The redness subsided the next day, but my face was still tender for two or three days after that. The first time shaving after laser is not a fun experience. Thankfully though, I've been through enough treatments now that I don't need to shave for a week, and even then it's just a few stray hairs.
Good luck!
Quote from: AlwaysAmanda on March 24, 2008, 01:50:41 PM
I guess that laser is the way I'm going to start my facial hair removal and I'm
just wondering how bad my skin is going to look the first few days
after each treatment.
I reacted badly to the first 3-4 treatments. The more hair you have, the more likely are side-effects (and the more pain). After those first sessions, I'd have weeping, even bleeding wounds here and there for a couple days. The redness at least faded within an hour, but I had what I can call "bruises" (dime-sized red spots) throughout my cheeks and neck for a week+.
Without DermaBlend, I looked really bad. I was terrified the damage was permanent, but... I kept going, I was THAT desperate.
By session 5 or so, I was just red for an hour or so... and that was about it.
But again, my reaction was fairly unusual from what I hear.
OK, if you REALLY wanna know.. this is the day after session #1 (two years ago):
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi235.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fee189%2Fwyldfaerie_photos%2FrightB.jpg&hash=fb57627066b081ef54d45dc1681131b9cfb63016)
Honestly my face was only really red after about 2 hours. After that it was only slightly noticable. I stopped after 4 sessions because I didn't think I was getting results. I don't know if the laser was on "full zap" but it sure hurt like hell. But, now I am seeing a few clear spots here and there but overall it doesn't warrent another $350 gamble.
Thanks for the replies everyone. It sounds like for most it's not something that is
a big deal.
But Kate OMG!!! That looks like it hurt! How far apart were your treatments?
Quote from: AlwaysAmanda on March 25, 2008, 09:14:42 AM
But Kate OMG!!! That looks like it hurt! How far apart were your treatments?
It was... uncomfortable ;)
We spaced treatments about 6 weeks apart if I remember, using a
LightSheer laser. I probably did a dozen sessions overall, although it got kinda pointless after 8 or so. But my wife has refused electro for me, and I get obsessive about getting
"just those few last hairs..."It worked great though. Everything healed. The hairs are gone, aside from a few dark strays and a couple dozen grays (darn it).
One tidbit: before you go in, turn on the A/C in your car and make sure every vent you have is pointed at your face, lol. You WILL appreciate it when you go to leave ;)
~Kate~
Thanks for the tip on the A/C, maybe I should start drinking a couple of
hours before too LOL.
Quote from: AlwaysAmanda on March 25, 2008, 09:44:19 AM
Thanks for the tip on the A/C, maybe I should start drinking a couple of
hours before too LOL.
Actually, I DID make a point to drink a LOT of water before I went, just to be sure my skin was as hydrated as possible. Because laser will suck every last drop of moisture from your face.
I also took Aloe and an old towel with me. When I got back in the car, I'd slather it on for some relief and to get some moisture back. You'll need the towel to blot off the looser burnt hairs, and then to wipe the aloe off your hands so you can drive.
I also had a couple bags of ice in the freezer waiting for me ;)
~Kate~
One thing to make sure of, is that the clinic you're going to has a good track record with laser hair removal. At least in the US they are popping up every day, and not all of them have fully trained staff. Ask them about the dangers, risks and best way to handle the treatment. The staff should be knowledgeable, and not try to sell you the laser treatment.
Good advice from everyone. Thanks to Amanda for starting this thread!
Mine was a bit swollen and sore after the first session. I have a follow up this week, so let's see how this one goes. It was definitely a painful session when she got to the upper lip, without any numbing. Got some cream for this session.
ive had two treatments... after the first my face was red for about a day and felt like a mild sunburn... the hart part was that for the first week i couldnt get a close shave. my skin was kind of bumpy and the hairs seemed blunted... then as the hairs started to fall out i was patchy.. i had to make sure to shave before work because of the unusual pattern. as the hair kept falling out i was left with mostly go-tee hair left... but still kinda weird around the edges... im about two weeks after the second treatment and i still have the chin hairs.... but the hairs from the second treatment are just starting to fall out... my cheeks and my upper lip are getting very smooth with no shadow... so it is working... but be prepared to look a little different for awhile.
also at about week two after my first treatment my face had a little swelling... not really noticable, but with the hair being hard to shave and a little swelling through my beard area i had a case of MAN FACE! i looked more manly then i ever did before! i totally panicked and was really depressed about it. thank God that every thing is moving in the other direction... im very pleased with the results so far.
I've had four laser treatments, and I've never really had any horrible face lookings after. I don't really have a lot of facial hair, so that could be why, but I'm not really sure. My laser tech has done 3 full power sessions on me and yes, they hurt bad haha. But actually my face is only a little red afterwards, like someone rubbed it too much or something. It feels like it's on fire for like the day, but the day after, my face was back to normal and didn't look or feel bad at all.
Quote from: beth06 on March 30, 2008, 08:37:41 PM
ive had two treatments... after the first my face was red for about a day and felt like a mild sunburn... the hart part was that for the first week i couldnt get a close shave. my skin was kind of bumpy and the hairs seemed blunted... then as the hairs started to fall out i was patchy.. i had to make sure to shave before work because of the unusual pattern. as the hair kept falling out i was left with mostly go-tee hair left... but still kinda weird around the edges... im about two weeks after the second treatment and i still have the chin hairs.... but the hairs from the second treatment are just starting to fall out... my cheeks and my upper lip are getting very smooth with no shadow... so it is working... but be prepared to look a little different for awhile.
also at about week two after my first treatment my face had a little swelling... not really noticable, but with the hair being hard to shave and a little swelling through my beard area i had a case of MAN FACE! i looked more manly then i ever did before! i totally panicked and was really depressed about it. thank God that every thing is moving in the other direction... im very pleased with the results so far.
Oh great! I don't need MAN FACE :) LOL... good info thanks!
Posted on: March 30, 2008, 08:16:22 PM
Quote from: shanetastic on March 30, 2008, 08:51:51 PM
I've had four laser treatments, and I've never really had any horrible face lookings after. I don't really have a lot of facial hair, so that could be why, but I'm not really sure. My laser tech has done 3 full power sessions on me and yes, they hurt bad haha. But actually my face is only a little red afterwards, like someone rubbed it too much or something. It feels like it's on fire for like the day, but the day after, my face was back to normal and didn't look or feel bad at all.
I can only hope that is how it will be for me :) But I'm guessing it will be worse :( How much of your hair is gone
after 4 sessions?
Hope things are going better for you today :)
ummm, my lip is pretty much cleared, about 75% of my neck, and probably like 60% of the side/chin. I'm going to go with electro now because I don't think laser can do much more for me since my hair is blonde now. I shave like probably every week or week and a half, so the hair grows slow now as well, but I don't know if laser or hormones did that. Or maybe both contributed toward it. I also didn't get ideal results from laser though because I didn't have the darkest hair, and HRT lightened some of it before I started laser unfortunately.
Thanks to Amanda for the thread.
I too have been looking into laser treatment, because I do have a dark beard. The info here was helpful and informative. I realize that prices vary but can anyone give my a rough cost per session.
Thanks Janet
Your welcome :)
I've been quoted $200 - $300 per session but I'm sure it is location dependent. Most tell you you need 5 or 6
sessions.
I've found prices on the web lower than that too.
Amanda
I just had my first, ok that day but sensitive the next, and i foolishly tried to shave today; couldnt get close shave but could irritate the skin real good. ughhhh. oh well, nothing for it but to go back in 6 weeks!
Im going for my 4th treatment next week and I have been a poster child for success according to my technician i have had about 80% reduction in 3 treatments but you need to remember it all comes down to personal acceptance of the treatment, hair colour, density, skin colour, sun exposure all play a part as does family heritage to how well the hair absorbs the laser. Also freckles and moles can cause diffusion of the light so it wont be as effective and require more treatments. Also check if they use laser or IPL they are different and IPL can be more painful and less effective. Try and stay out of the sun for at least 2 weeks prior to treatment if you are in the sun use a good sunscreen as tan or darker skin is less receptive. I only go red for 30-60 minutes after treatment and it settles if it gets hot and continues to heat up after the treatment has finished it could be the laser was to high on the output also if it is to low it can actually cause more facial hair to grow. Everyone reacts differently so keep that in mind i use a aloe based gel on my skin 2-3 times a day or more for the first 3-4 days after then a mild exfoliation scrub before showering once every 2 days from the 7th day onwards and my skin has never been better. I 'shed' the dead hairs 8-10 days after treatment DO NOT pluck any hairs or it wont work
I hope all goes well for you
Kao
i have tough beard the session itself was painful some spots and some better i already used home laser IPL device from philips it's slow very slow results but in my case thanx god i used it as i prepared myself for hard part, i felt also so cold i waited awhile before i leave the laser center, already it's January, after session directly i felt nothing, only a little bit burning but fast gone, my skin is very sensitive but it can take much conditions, my 3rd day because i have to go out i couldn't shave well it's super insensitive i think razors are bad shaving devices could be better but hate them because they are too manly, i tried body shave better for skin but not smooth because the skin is irritated and sensitive, i'm scared to do second session but no choice
Had mine many many years ago.... back to almost normal after a few hours.... Put hydrocortisone cream 1% with aloe vera post laser.... Avoid d sun and wear sunscreen......
Quote from: celine77.lb on January 08, 2017, 01:47:57 AM
i have tough beard the session itself was painful some spots and some better i already used home laser IPL device from philips it's slow very slow results but in my case thanx god i used it as i prepared myself for hard part, i felt also so cold i waited awhile before i leave the laser center, already it's January, after session directly i felt nothing, only a little bit burning but fast gone, my skin is very sensitive but it can take much conditions, my 3rd day because i have to go out i couldn't shave well it's super insensitive i think razors are bad shaving devices could be better but hate them because they are too manly, i tried body shave better for skin but not smooth because the skin is irritated and sensitive, i'm scared to do second session but no choice
is it that painful?
Quote from: celine77.lb on January 08, 2017, 01:47:57 AM
i have tough beard the session itself was painful some spots and some better i already used home laser IPL device from philips it's slow very slow results but in my case thanx god i used it as i prepared myself for hard part, i felt also so cold i waited awhile before i leave the laser center, already it's January, after session directly i felt nothing, only a little bit burning but fast gone, my skin is very sensitive but it can take much conditions, my 3rd day because i have to go out i couldn't shave well it's super insensitive i think razors are bad shaving devices could be better but hate them because they are too manly, i tried body shave better for skin but not smooth because the skin is irritated and sensitive, i'm scared to do second session but no choice
Welcome to the site.
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Hope it becomes easier.
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Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.
With warmth,
Joanna
Definitely try moisturizer, possibly with aloe Vera. I was told laser basically creates a mild-moderate sunburn. Typically I've been good to go by day 4-5. If you have experience treating sunburns try the same thing that's worked for you to heal/ease the sunburn.
Good luck and hang tough. The end results are completely worth it! (That hasn't helped my second guessing during every laser and electrolysis session though!)
Hugs,
~Brooke~
I will finish my 4th treatment tomorrow. My face is I guess extra sensitive to Lazor according to my tech. She said she has never see anyone face and neck get as swollen as mine. Everyone mileage will vary with this process. It's been one of the best things I have done so far. Except seeing a therapist.
Good luck to all. It's worth it.
I am active duty Air Force and still have to adhere to male standards until. Clean shave everyday. Would you say 2 days was enough time to be able to shave? So if I have a treatment on Friday, I would be able to shave Monday morning. My PCM (primary care manager dr.) is very supportive so I am sure I can get a shaving waiver if needed.
Hi lanah. Brooke's answer kinda says it all. For Me by day 4 I'm also good to go. I just had My 4th this evening. So I am not going any place for the next few days. If You can get a waiver you may need it( never been in the military) so I'm not sure how that works. It takes a few weeks for the hair to finally fall out. give it about 24 hrs before You shave. Otherwise your then good to go girl!
((Hugs))
Quote from: lanah101 on February 03, 2017, 07:40:01 PM
I am active duty Air Force and still have to adhere to male standards until. Clean shave everyday. Would you say 2 days was enough time to be able to shave? So if I have a treatment on Friday, I would be able to shave Monday morning. My PCM (primary care manager dr.) is very supportive so I am sure I can get a shaving waiver if needed.
I think two days would be enough time. After laser there is not really much growth over the next several days. Instead the hairs start purging (falling out) after a few days and up til two weeks after treatment. You should not see a ton of growth from dark hairs during this time.
Grey hairs will still grow at the same rate.
If you can share with a mild sunburn you should be able to shave anytime after laser, whether that's an hour or a couple days.
One thing to note is the follicles can tend to look darker, even after a clean shave. This is (I believe) to the expansion of the hair follicle during laser in combination with the hair still being under the skin at this point. Don't pluck, as that leads to other nasty issues. Instead just exfoliate daily and let the hairs come out on their own.
You should have no issue shaving, but it may appear to be a 5 o'clock shadow with a clean shave for the first few day's. If someone was to put their hand on your face though, it would be as smooth as any other clean shaven morning.
Hugs,
~Brooke~
Laser, my skin responds very well too. Pre HrT I had no redness or discomfort. I just followed their instructions, and covered up or used sunscreen when outdoors. Even now, by my last laser session, post HRT, I have very minor redness, and it's gone after about a half hour. I still baby my skin afterwards though in the sun.
Electrolysis I had no experience with pre HRT, but POST, my skin gets VERY upset with me. Loads of swelling, super tender to the touch, redness lasts for HOURS, and on the actual follicles themselves, they remain a BRIGHT red for... a week+ easily. (Still a bit red but it's fading.)
After an hour or two the redness is gone, this is real expensive place though.
Real pros, Every hair falls out a week after, I have had a serious reduction in only two sessions. Next appointement is Friday! :3
Quote from: ChristineRachel on February 04, 2017, 03:26:53 PM
After an hour or two the redness is gone, this is real expensive place though.
Real pros, Every hair falls out a week after, I have had a serious reduction in only two sessions. Next appointement is Friday! :3
^This!
After the 1st session they sent me home covered in a cream and the redness was gone after an hour. Tenderness remained for a couple days and the stubble would catch on shirts and hurt like hell but then it all fell out =D
The place I go to is extremely professional too! I received full face and am the ideal candidate with dark course hair and fair skin. It is a lifetime package so if anything ever shows later they will laser it. They go with 9 sessions planned... 5 to clear it and 4 sessions for the final touch-up. Mine came out to 6K with a session every 8 weeks with a large down payment plus a contract is required. No groupons lol. I started with electrolysis but it was so painful and took so long for my face to heal I was advised by someone else about the laser place I go to now. I ended up being far far happier with the laser results.
I am on about my tenth session of electrolysis because I have gray hair and that is the only way to get rid of it. Now half way done. yeah. It hurts, a lot. Misty asked me how I felt and I told her "Like a prick". It's kind of a double whammy because there is the initial prick followed by electric current. Then as if that were not enough, she pulls, the hair out after zapping it. I have to say though as far as lingering effects the redness usually dissipates on the 30 mile ride home. I use witch hazel to cool it down and it usually does a pretty good job of putting out the fire.
I saw nothing more than a few red spots and my face overall looked like I was in the sun for a bit. This was with Gentlelase on light skin and dark hair.
Quote from: MyMichele on March 09, 2017, 09:14:36 AM
I saw nothing more than a few red spots and my face overall looked like I was in the sun for a bit. This was with Gentlelase on light skin and dark hair.
So sorry this is so late. Welcome to the site. Thanks for sharing. Hope you find good info for yourself as well.
I also want to share some links with you. They are mostly welcome information and the rules that govern the site. If you have not had a chance to look through them, please take a moment:
Things that you should read
Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,2.0.html) | Standard Terms & Definitions (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,54369.0.html) | Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar) (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,114.0.html.) |
Reputation rules (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,18960.0.html) | News posting & quoting guidelines (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,174951.0.html) | Photo, avatars, & signature images policy (https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,59974.msg383866.html#msg383866) |
Once again, welcome to Susan's. Look around, ask questions and join in.
With warmth,
Joanna
Its was my first appointment today, about 4 hours ago. Im very lucky with little hair on the cheeks and normally amounts else wear. I go to a place that specializes in patients that transition. Top of the line equipment. I had very little if any redness after wards. She did apply a moisturizer with sun screen after the session. No pain and just felt the sparking for lack of a better term. She was quite surprised and said I was a perfect candidate for laser. I will keep you posted to the results after a couple days.
In my case I worried for nothing and it was a breeze. About 25 mins in the chair.
Huggs Niki Marie
Quote from: MyMichele on March 09, 2017, 09:14:36 AM
I saw nothing more than a few red spots and my face overall looked like I was in the sun for a bit. This was with Gentlelase on light skin and dark hair.
Hi MyMichele
Welcome to Susan's Place
Its a great resource and some wonderful people here. Enjoy!!
Huggs Niki Marie
Niki,
Congratulations. I hope it continues as well.
With warmth,
Joanna
Quote from: Joanna50 on March 21, 2017, 06:36:14 PM
Niki,
Congratulations. I hope it continues as well.
With warmth,
Joanna
Thx Joanna, me to. Fingers crossed.
Huggs Niki Marie