and OMG.... I can't believe I paid someone to torture me. :o :o
She said with my dark hair and light skin that I will have great results when this is all done but.... But with my dark hair and light skin the laser will be able to get a LOT of its energy in and it will feel 2-3 times more painful than usual. I really believe her because my eyes were tearing up badly and my whole body was shaking with the constant pain. When it was done I just lay there with a cold washcloth holding it on my face while it took about 5 minutes for my body to stop shaking. I couldn't even open my eyes for a couple minutes until I relaxed some. I had read in various places that it feels like a rubber band snap, but that wasn't the case with me. YEOW! really doesn't cover the situation adequately.
And I know I am off my rocker (in a good way) because when I had recovered I was sitting there with a smile on my face, paid her, scheduled another appointment and talked about the timing of other appointments. ;D
By the sounds of it, the people delivering this service should be wearing lots of leather and going by the name "Mistress". ;)
They get less painful as time goes on as your skin gets accustomed to being shot with a laser (strange thing to say) and there is less and less hair to treat each time. More hair = more pain.
Quote from: Kristen on October 25, 2008, 03:37:50 AM
They get less painful as time goes on as your skin gets accustomed to being shot with a laser (strange thing to say) and there is less and less hair to treat each time. More hair = more pain.
That is what I've read and she also said that. I can't wait to see how much of what I do have is gone after this one time.
Quote from: Kara Lee on October 24, 2008, 08:47:33 PM
and OMG.... I can't believe I paid someone to torture me. :o :o
...And then still THANK them too!!! :)
Quote from: scarboroughfair on December 04, 2008, 06:29:54 AM
Yeah, it hurts especially around the upper lip! lol
I had tears rolling down my face.
I'm awaiting my third treatment, but I'm lacking the funds do to my work hours being cut....
When I do resume though, I will also have to have electrolysis done to remove the white hairs! EEKKKK
ooxx
My laser tech nearly did a jig - I think it was my 11th session (I've lost count) - First time the upper lip zapping (especially RIGHT UNDER my nose) DIDN'T bring tears to my eyes!
I'm just over 12 hours away from number 2 and am really expecting things to be better, there isn't as much black hairs this time ;D
Yeooow
I still remember my first session too; i think i may have used some not so ladylike phrases. Rubber band gently flicking your skin they said...okayyyyyyy they didnt warn me the rubber band would feel like its 20 feet long.
Now i opted for pain free electrolysis at my gender clinic.
Your brave hunny, very brave
Just to let anyone reading here know that I did have my 2nd session done today (ok, it is 12:whatever am, so technically it was yesterday, lol) and it was so much better. Not that it was painless, not at all, but I had none of the shakes and the only time I teared up was when she was hitting around the mouth. I was still very tense but thankfully it was nowhere what the first one was like. She was glad to see that I wasn't shaking and hurting as much as well.
Well unfortunately, I have only the non-laser option since my facial hair is either to light or a little gray. No pain no gain in this case. But I always remember that everything has a beginning, middle, and an end. Everything.
yea, I'm going to get to do electrolysis as well on the white hairs that are left all over. At least they aren't as noticeable and are easier to shave than the dark hairs, learned that after most of the dark hairs fell out after the first laser treatment.
... And it really does get easier but never less painful. I think you just get used to the pain. It is not that diffiecult to control/manage the pain especially since each time a session is finished, you get closer to never having to shave or pluck or cover with a lot of makeup.
Ive had 6 appointments so far last time I got her to turn up the laser as I was not feeling much pain (no pain no gain) I also use Emla to de sensitise as well. Ive got one more treatment with the broad laser and then move onto a smaller but more intense laser to remove the fine hairs. Yay more pain. All I could say is if you can tolerate the pain and have no adverse affects keep your threshhold up there. (after all your there to remove hairs not have a pleasant chat)
Yes, we are not there to have a pleasant chat. I suppose we can also say that this the price of beauty! :D
I always try to focus on the results not on the immediate treatment; especially since there really isn't much else to do.
Do you think we can somehow package all that pain and consider it an alternate source of energy?
Here's a trick my tech started to use. She has you hold a cold pack on the area to be done for a couple of moments. Drys the area and ZAP, Then you move to another area.
Not only does it help with the pain, but it helps cool the area.
Janet
I had my 9th session yesterday. My hair seems to be pretty stuborn but it's getting there. It still stings like anything under the nose but I have almost no hair left on most of the rest of my face. They estimated 10 originaly
The place I go to uses and Elos laser. They stick this gel on your skin and you get to hold this thing which blows cold air on your face. The first couple sessions were bad, I had the shakes too. I think this is shock. After that it got easier, still not comfortable.
Before my sessions I take some paracetamol and Ibuprofen - jsut of the shelf pain killer. My tech said it helps take the edge off.
yikes, sounds painful. Well no pain no gain. Is it true that darker hairs are easier to remove?
Quote from: klodefm42 on February 01, 2009, 07:21:52 PM
yikes, sounds painful. Well no pain no gain. Is it true that darker hairs are easier to remove?
yes, dark hair on fair skin is considered ideal. the laser actually calibrates to you skin tone and goes after what it considers contrast. it's still affective on all skin and hair types (at least the newer lasers) but as always, your mileage may vary.
I have my second appointment this month, i've noticed some good results just after one session so I can't wait for the next :)
like you said, no pain no gain. and what pain there is is over in an instant.
Quote from: eliza beth on February 01, 2009, 07:25:59 PM
and what pain there is is over in an instant.
unless it is me forgetting to take some pain medicine before my 3rd session.
A friendly reminder to all....If you need pain relief then REMEMBER to take it at the right time. I totally spaced taking mine and it hurt much more than the second one did.
My lasergirl says that some medications can make your skin much more sensitive to the treatment. Some kinds of antidepressants I think, and probably others too. I know your lasergirl has probably gone over all that with you already but just incase she hasn't I thought I might pass that on.
Quote from: Patriciaz on December 09, 2008, 08:04:23 AM
Yes, we are not there to have a pleasant chat.
Oh we spend most of my session having a chit-chat gossipy catch-up. Getting chatty helps keep the pain out of the room. :)
I hope I did that quotey thingy right.
-Birdie
I might know of a place thats relatively inexpensive to go to over the summer...
Its gonna hurt so good.
I think I'll go in high as a kite or something. I'll be laughing as they zap it offf
How long does the hair have to be for the laser to work or does it matter?
danielle
Quote from: danielleca on February 07, 2009, 07:14:04 PM
How long does the hair have to be for the laser to work or does it matter?
danielle
it doesn't matter for laser, just not a good idea to shave right before or right after if possible. but it does matter for electrolysis - both to locate the follicle and to remove the hair.
Thank you very much :)
you're very welcome :)
Quote from: Krissy_Australia on December 08, 2008, 08:43:10 PM
I also use Emla to de sensitise as well.
Do you use the over the counter or prescription variety? How well does it work for you?
My laser center just lost the nurse practicioner they had on staff, so no more yummy vicodins for me, and that's really to bad because with enough I barely noticed what was going on. I once went in for a session with no drugs in or on me, thinking that I wanted to experience it at least once in all it's glory. Well I did and once was enough. I know my doctor is going to cringe at giving me vicodin just for comfort, but lidocaine creame might not be as hard to get out of her. Do you like it?
~Hannah
Hi Hannah
I use the over the counter stuff. To be honest I dont think it really eases the pain that much but allows you to increase the intensity of the laser up to your pain threshhold. During my session Im always intereracting, couldnt feel that (up goes the laser), ouch (down goes the laser)
The Dr. that does my Laser and i usually talk about things during the session, she knows I'm transitioning and we about what's new with me and general chit chat, it helps pass the time and i don't think about the pain. Wednesday was my third session and it hurt worse than the first two, after she said she did turn the settings up to get the finer and lighter hairs.
Paula.
:icon_userfriendly: :icon_yikes:
I dont claim to be clairvoyant... but I have this sinking feeling that the above icons probably pose a good visual.
This is the part of transition that I least look forward too.
And to think its on an ongoing basis.
Ouch... ouch... ouchieeeeeeeee.
For the pursuit of passing though... no pain no gain.
Michelle.
Quote from: Kara Lee on October 24, 2008, 08:47:33 PM
and OMG.... I can't believe I paid someone to torture me. :o :o
She said with my dark hair and light skin that I will have great results when this is all done but.... But with my dark hair and light skin the laser will be able to get a LOT of its energy in and it will feel 2-3 times more painful than usual. I really believe her because my eyes were tearing up badly and my whole body was shaking with the constant pain. When it was done I just lay there with a cold washcloth holding it on my face while it took about 5 minutes for my body to stop shaking. I couldn't even open my eyes for a couple minutes until I relaxed some. I had read in various places that it feels like a rubber band snap, but that wasn't the case with me. YEOW! really doesn't cover the situation adequately.
And I know I am off my rocker (in a good way) because when I had recovered I was sitting there with a smile on my face, paid her, scheduled another appointment and talked about the timing of other appointments. ;D
I just went through all of this on Friday. And it was absolutely horrible, just like you said. Rubber band snap? Yeah, right. It's much worse than that. I had to make them stop twice because I thought I was going to fall apart.
My arms went numb from squeezing stress balls, and my legs were wobbly from tensing up (and I had also twisted my feet together, which probably made things worse). I'm paler than most because I almost never go outside anymore, and my hair is so unusually thick that they were actually shocked when they saw it.
Now my face feels like it's a porcupine, these steel-like post-laser whiskers are made of FAILURE.
Quote from: luna on March 16, 2009, 07:11:40 PM
steel-like post-laser whiskers are made of FAILURE.
aww sweety, I'm sorry it hurt so much. It gets better, stick with it. If they did it right (and it sounds like they did) in a few days you'll be able to slip those thick little hairs right out and maybe even look at the burnt roots. I know they say not to mess with it, but really who hasnt :angel: Ask your doctor for some vicodins, one dose should only cost like $6...get the biggest dose you can take and not die, they help a lot.
ok, so I had my 3rd sessino today, and it was BY FAR the most painful!!!
I guess it was a different laser this time, she told me the name but right after that I was zapped by countless mega volts and seemed to have forget. but it seems MUCH hotter and more focused. I think this one uses RF (or maybe the last one used RF, i don't know).
she said for sure that this will cause me follicli-itis or something. and that it was a good thing and she could already tell that i would have good results. but OMG!!! PAIN!
anyways, not to scare anyone, i'm very happy with the pain so far :)
Quote from: eliza beth on March 20, 2009, 06:13:36 PM
ok, so I had my 3rd sessino today, and it was BY FAR the most painful!!!
I guess it was a different laser this time, she told me the name but right after that I was zapped by countless mega volts and seemed to have forget. but it seems MUCH hotter and more focused. I think this one uses RF (or maybe the last one used RF, i don't know).
she said for sure that this will cause me follicli-itis or something. and that it was a good thing and she could already tell that i would have good results. but OMG!!! PAIN!
anyways, not to scare anyone, i'm very happy with the pain so far :)
My results aren't showing at all yet, so I'm nervous about going back in 4 weeks. :( Granted I wasn't expecting it to show yet, it was just hopeful optimism.
Quote from: luna on March 20, 2009, 06:47:39 PM
My results aren't showing at all yet, so I'm nervous about going back in 4 weeks. :( Granted I wasn't expecting it to show yet, it was just hopeful optimism.
the first time I went I didn't notice any results for at least a full week to 10 days. i didn't notice it until I went to shave one day, and it only took half the time. then I inspected closer and noticed patches that were clear.
the second time was a little more gradual, couldn't put my finger on when it happened, but there was improvement.
if you are going to see anything after your first session, it should be right around now. stick with it for at least a few sessions and I'm sure you'll see improvement.
also, your technician will adjust the laser for the next time too based on your first session's results. so if you don't see anything, tell her to crank it up!
Quote from: eliza beth on March 20, 2009, 07:27:10 PM
the first time I went I didn't notice any results for at least a full week to 10 days. i didn't notice it until I went to shave one day, and it only took half the time. then I inspected closer and noticed patches that were clear.
the second time was a little more gradual, couldn't put my finger on when it happened, but there was improvement.
if you are going to see anything after your first session, it should be right around now. stick with it for at least a few sessions and I'm sure you'll see improvement.
also, your technician will adjust the laser for the next time too based on your first session's results. so if you don't see anything, tell her to crank it up!
I've already grown and shaved twice as I normally would, and tomorrow will be 3 times. I'm not giving up by any stretch of the imagination, but to say I'm not disappointed that there doesn't seem to be a single solitary spot looking different at all would be a lie. I'm trying to keep my optimism up, as this is really my first tangible physical step. Thinking that it won't work would be quite a blow to my emotional state right now.
has it been 1 week since your session or 2?
if it's been only 1 week, you are just getting in the window where you will notice. if it's 2 weeks you are just passed the point where you should notice (and still may).
if it's been longer than that, i'd say to see how the second session goes.
you might know this already, but your hair grown in 3 stages. and the laser is only affective in the growth stage. that's why it takes several sessions to get most of the lil buggers. is your facial hair pretty dense? perhaps you just didn't notice the first time becuase new growing hairs took the place of the freshly zapped ones.
stay positive, i'm sure you'll get results :)
just one week... and yeah, I know about stages, and my hair isn't just dense, it's thick too. Hair is my curse (and blessing, I have beautiful hair on my head).
talk to me on monday, I bet you may be singing a different tune by then :)
hair is a curse/blessing so much! i'm grateful that I don't have much body hair, but the hair on my head is so thin! not really thinning, just thin in general. i think I'd rather have a thick head of hair and deal with the body hair than to have no body hair and thin hair, but it's a tough decision, LOL.
^ Yeah Eliza. :o
Quote from: eliza beth on March 20, 2009, 08:09:20 PM
talk to me on monday, I bet you may be singing a different tune by then :)
hair is a curse/blessing so much! i'm grateful that I don't have much body hair, but the hair on my head is so thin! not really thinning, just thin in general. i think I'd rather have a thick head of hair and deal with the body hair than to have no body hair and thin hair, but it's a tough decision, LOL.
The grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence, you know? I like to say I'd rather have universal alopecia, not have to worry about facial/body hair and wear wigs than go through this, but that's just my cowardly side showing itself. It's really not all that terrible, it just hurts a lot.
Quote from: Tanya1 on March 20, 2009, 08:11:33 PM
^ Yeah Eliza. :o
/me waves at tanya
Quote from: luna on March 20, 2009, 08:15:44 PM
The grass is ALWAYS greener on the other side of the fence, you know? I like to say I'd rather have universal alopecia, not have to worry about facial/body hair and wear wigs than go through this, but that's just my cowardly side showing itself. It's really not all that terrible, it just hurts a lot.
OMG, so true!
Quote from: eliza beth on March 20, 2009, 08:19:53 PMOMG, so true!
What nobody tells you is that the grass is greener because it's on top of a septic tank. I'd rather deal with my own crap than somebody else's. xD
I just had this done on Monday it hurt much less than I was lead on to believe it's almost been a week now I'm hoping to see some kinda improvement (less hair!) I usually shave 1x a week but I've managed to avoid shaving so far this week the growth is a lot slower so I'm very positive :)
It's been 5 days since my first treatment. It seems that the hair either is growing faster or is coming out faster than it used to grow. The shadow it forms shows more quickly than it used to before treatment. I know it is still early, so I'm not too concerned. Just tell me this is normal. Please? ;)
- Kate
it's been a few days now since my laser and OMG it's amazing I had a lot of dark hair after the laser it was slow growth (what looked like growth) for the first 6-7 days after but was pretty fast the next week and now almost I'd say 1/2 of it has just Fallen it used to grow in real heavy on my neck now it's barely there by comparison lots of short hairs that just fall off now.
It can seem like the beard is coming in faster, but it may just be the hair being ejected from the skin.
I found that when I shaved a few days later, the hair was pulled out of the skin. It just slide out, with out pain. And that is when I realized that the patches were quite apparent. I had to quit because of cost, but I hope to get back to it.
I would like to go with electrolysis. But I don't want to go without shaving.
Janet
Place I'm going to (here in Canada) is great $150 face and neck it's awsome most places near here are asking 400+
One thing you might notice is a lot of the nuked hairs go all fat and dark. That will make it look like you have a heavy beard shadow.
Quote from: Nicky on March 29, 2009, 09:39:00 PM
One thing you might notice is a lot of the nuked hairs go all fat and dark. That will make it look like you have a heavy beard shadow.
On my second visit I asked the laser woman about this. She said what you said, Nicky. So the darker shadow indicates it's working. After five or six days the darker shadow disappeared.
After two sessions I can already see the difference. Yay! ;D I love smooth skin.
yay!
Quote from: K8 on March 30, 2009, 06:40:24 AM
After two sessions I can already see the difference. Yay! ;D I love smooth skin.
Yea, ain't that a grand feeling. I still have to shave after all the dark hairs fall out because of the white hairs in my beard but they aren't spaced near as bad as the dark hairs so I can still get that supersmooth feeling and I don't feel as bad even when the white hairs aren't shaved because they can't be easily seen unless they get longer.
And whoopie, someone is lending me their car so I can get up to Indy for my 4th laser appt.
Yesterday I had my 2nd electrolysis apt and I asked her to work on the dark hairs in my mustache because it has been bothering me a lot. That was like a drawn out session of lasers hitting that area, ouch. But I was real good, she said that she was really surprised that she didn't have to drag me off the ceiling like many of her other customers that have that area worked on. The 2 things that ended it was my lower back hurting after laying there for an hour and 15 minutes (that mustache area has been getting cleared pretty well from laser already) and the fact I had to get to my therapist apt. She is nice and runs me over my hour to fill the time between visiting her and my therapist. As a bonus she doesn't charge a lot as well :^), that doesn't make it hurt any less though, lol
I've been seeing the difference now, even though it's only been one session. I went ahead and made my second appointment yesterday for the 17th of this month, which is exactly 5 weeks after the first appointment I had.
I noticed right off that she missed a very small patch under my right jaw, but forgot to bring it up over the phone. With noticeably fewer dark hairs and less actual time between shaves (I thank all that is good for that) I'm finding it easier to notice the lighter hairs that I have. They're much less of a nuisance overall, but I'm not looking forward to electrolysis in the places right next to my lips where they're at, or on the scar on my upper lip that's still oddly sensitive. I'm not sure if I should combine the treatments (doing electrolysis between laser appointments on those lighter hairs) or just wait, but for all that I'm not sure I can afford to do both yet anyhow.
Quote from: luna on April 01, 2009, 03:59:59 PM
I've been seeing the difference now, even though it's only been one session.
yay!
Quote from: luna on April 01, 2009, 03:59:59 PM
I noticed right off that she missed a very small patch under my right jaw, but forgot to bring it up over the phone.
my first session they seemed to skip over lots of places, I didn't really notice at the time, but the second time I went it was a different lady, and she definately seemed to take her time more than the first girl.
Quote from: luna on April 01, 2009, 03:59:59 PM
I'm not sure if I should combine the treatments (doing electrolysis between laser appointments on those lighter hairs) or just wait, but for all that I'm not sure I can afford to do both yet anyhow.
my plan is to see laser through to completion first. I have 6 sessions and then 1 full year of unlimited touchups during that time, so i'm hoping that after that is done, I won't need too many (or any!) hours of electrolysis.
good news about seeing results now, it makes you more excited for that second session, doesn't it? :)
Oh yeah, I'm excited! I'm also nervous, as it's a big amount of money to drop for me, but I pretty much have to or I don't get that 5th session free. Which I know I'll need (and more).
She was actually extremely even, she just missed that one small spot. There's maybe 10 hairs there... maybe?
I find it odd that people around me haven't noticed (or commented upon) my sudden drastic decrease in facial hair. I mean, if I missed a day of shaving I looked like a haggardy old hobo, or a normal guy missing a few days... But it's all the better, there's less explaining to do.
Luna, after my second laser and all my dark hairs had fallen out I could get a super close shave cutting the white hairs that were left and I had heard only one comment and it wasn't directly to me. A friend of my ex-girlfriends friend saw me and later mentioned to her that with my close shave I could almost pass for a girl, mind you he was seeing me in a dark living room with the light behind me in his face, lol. But that is the only comment I have ever heard about till last week when letting what is still there grow out for my second electrolysis and one person at worked asked when I was going to shave that "scraggly face". Apparently the dark hairs are now scraggly with their uneven growth, hehe.
I hope I don't have to look scraggly too often, I can get fired for my personal appearance where I'm working now. Granted it has to be multiple offenses, so I'm not too terribly worried about it.
I'm waiting for my mother to make a snarky comment about how I look disgusting, like last time she saw me in a particularly feminine pose (which was entirely subconscious, just me standing around thinking about something). I hope it's when my sister is around for the summer so she can bitch her out for me.
...and speaking of my sister, her real name is Kara. <.< My male-middle-name is Lee. Hi Kara Lee! I think of an odd version of her mixed with me every time I see you post. ;D
Well Luna, you could always set your appointments on Monday and let things grow as needed over the weekend if your hair can grow fast enough in that time. That day is when my appts are. I have to let my facial hair grow about 5 days for it to be long enough for electrolysis, it just grows so slow anymore. At least a good shave lasts me more than just a day ;D.
Hi Luna!, from a slightly mixed up person, lol. Last summer I told my supervisor about my name and she started laughing real hard but it wasn't because of the name itself, the next week we had a new person coming into work and her first and middle names are Kara Lee. Although I use Lee at work I have to always catch myself so I'm not reacting to Kara their as well, hehe.
That must be hard. I turn my head to Luna all the time, but I don't get to hear it very often. I also look when somebody says "Tak" or something similar, but that's an internet name that's been with me for almost a decade. xD
Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but it has been 5 days today since my first laser treatment and nothing is happening other than I still have some discolored (dark, bruised looking) patches that only seem marginally better now than they did the first day. That and a lot of dead follicles embedded and just sitting there, and bumps too. I couldn't help it I had to shave it was grossing me out, I hope that doesn't affect them from being able to fall out? Maybe 5 days is too soon to freak out... doesn't stop me though lol
It does seem like all over it isn't growing back out nearly as fast as it did before though...
edit: just looked again and maybe the discolorations are about half better lol
You're not supposed to shave? ???
The first week after the first treatment, it looked like if it was anything it was worse. But things got better and continue to get better. (3 treatments so far) I shaved as closely as I could each morning. I didn't shave the morning of my third treatment in case she needed to see what is left. It's progressing slowly. My face is smoother than it was. But between the remaining hair and visible subaceous cells (from a life of T), my facial skin is still obviously male without makeup.
Patience, dear FairyGirl.
- Kate
thank you Kate. :) I just looked at the wiki:
"Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, you should wait until you have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3.5 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment."
so yeah, I guess 5 days is a bit early yet... (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fsmilie%2Fliebe%2Fp025.gif&hash=7baedd2fa27e0846200b67276925ce4c48320ea8)
5 days is still a little too early to see results, I say more like 10 days is average. keep hanging in there, it's worth it!
I never really stopped shaving at all other than the day of treatment and maybe the day after but that was only becuase my face was still sensitive.
Post Merge: April 05, 2009, 03:59:43 PM
Quote from: FairyGirl on April 05, 2009, 03:13:44 PM
thank you Kate. :) I just looked at the wiki:
"Instead of following an arbitrary schedule, you should wait until you have experienced shedding of the treated hairs, which should complete within 2-3.5 weeks, and see enough hair come in after the hair-free period to have another treatment."
so yeah, I guess 5 days is a bit early yet... (https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cosgan.de%2Fimages%2Fsmilie%2Fliebe%2Fp025.gif&hash=7baedd2fa27e0846200b67276925ce4c48320ea8)
the 2-3.5 weeks is refering to the cycle of hair growth, laser is only affective during the active growth cycle and that's why scheduling sessions at 4 week increments is good at catching the hair in that active growth cycle. the results from laser is usually within 7 days - 2 weeks.
thank you so much. I really appreciate everyone sharing their knowledge and experience. :-* I think I'd be a nervous wreck otherwise lol
*hugs*
:) we've all gotta help each other through this. I'm glad to help.
I had my 2nd session on Friday.
My anxiety has been going through the roof lately, and I had a full-on panic attack in the middle of the session, but I didn't stop it either. The pain was still terrible, but it was less so in several places.
I bit the bullet and told everyone relevant what was going on and why I've been so skittish lately. Anxiety + torture = ball of nerves. My dad's pissed that I'm not just giving him and mom more money, but my sister chewed him out (over the phone, from Canada) so maybe things'll get better.
I'm still a wreck, though.
Quote from: luna on April 19, 2009, 12:15:16 PM
I had my 2nd session on Friday.
...I'm still a wreck, though.
Focus on the end goal... After the THIRD session (in my experience), things DO become noticeably easier/less painful!!!
Just hang in there Luna! Every session is just a little closer to being hairless!
It's not like I'm gonna up and quit. :)
I'm very much looking forward to the next time I'm able to shave to see how it looks. I'm sure that's still a few days away.
Thank you for the support. :D
Not sure if it's better to bump this or to start new but there's a lot of good info here.
Even though I have no spare funds right now i was wondering this, because of my chronically low income situation:
If a person can afford one treatment and then it might be months before they can afford another, is it still good to go ahead and have that one or do you lose whatever you gained if you don't have another within a month or two?
I'm assuming the results are permanent for the hair which is affected, but I might be wrong?
Quote from: Laura Hope on June 01, 2009, 12:44:47 PM
Not sure if it's better to bump this or to start new but there's a lot of good info here.
Even though I have no spare funds right now i was wondering this, because of my chronically low income situation:
If a person can afford one treatment and then it might be months before they can afford another, is it still good to go ahead and have that one or do you lose whatever you gained if you don't have another within a month or two?
I'm assuming the results are permanent for the hair which is affected, but I might be wrong?
I might be wrong but, the point is to kill hairs that are actively growing. You come back in frequency of time to kil the next active batch. If you wait too long, the hair that is currently still alive will deviate in its growth cycle so that at some point after your initial treatment you will have actively growing hair at all points in time. So you have to start the whole series over... meaning the cost is more money.
Daisy
daisy is correct, laura. there wouldn't be any harm, but you may need a couple/few extra sessions when it's all said and done.
Conversely, if they get the timing incorrect (as they did with me) you may be paying for a session you shouldn't have anyhow.
My second session did absolutely nothing for me, but the third was progressive. Despite their apologies towards the second, they didn't offer any refunds.
Has anyone experienced facial hair growing back after several months/years?
I'm not that far along I had my second treatment 6 days ago.
Of course there's the obvious pain of the treatment which feels not like a rubber band as described but like begin stabbed by heated needles.
A day or so after lasering my skin and follicle becomes as angry as it is possible to become. Inflammation both normal kind and T-cell type (Hard red lumps) Massive pussy zits, weeping sores, Mutilated hairs. Also combined with the pain of shaving because it dosen't actually get all the growing hairs only a fraction of them.
After 6 days or so my skin finally begins healing and I get the more enjoyable phase of heavy shedding. It's only fun of course because I'm telling myself once that hair is lost it won't return and the previous pain was worth it.
But I've been hearing about the place that lasers and IPL aren't permanent and they WILL regrow. I don't know how true this is and I'm always worried about it happening because going all this way all that time money and pain just to have it regenerate. That's almost worse than not having bothered.
Sounds like our experiences have been vastly different, but we may be using different lasers and our skin may be different, etc. While my pain was considerable with every treatment so far (and the 2nd was quite tolerable) I haven't had any skin issues. Three treatments in (although the second was insanely ineffective) and I'm shaving maybe once every 4-5 days because I just don't have to shave until then.
I'll have to have some electrolysis on my blonde and red hairs (which are always around, just much less active) but that can always come later.
I would avoid IPL. From what I've read from several sources, it's just burning money.
Quote from: pebbles on June 05, 2009, 09:42:19 AM
Has anyone experienced facial hair growing back after several months/years?
I'm not that far along I had my second treatment 6 days ago.
Of course there's the obvious pain of the treatment which feels not like a rubber band as described but like begin stabbed by heated needles.
A day or so after lasering my skin and follicle becomes as angry as it is possible to become. Inflammation both normal kind and T-cell type (Hard red lumps) Massive pussy zits, weeping sores, Mutilated hairs. Also combined with the pain of shaving because it dosen't actually get all the growing hairs only a fraction of them.
After 6 days or so my skin finally begins healing and I get the more enjoyable phase of heavy shedding. It's only fun of course because I'm telling myself once that hair is lost it won't return and the previous pain was worth it.
But I've been hearing about the place that lasers and IPL aren't permanent and they WILL regrow. I don't know how true this is and I'm always worried about it happening because going all this way all that time money and pain just to have it regenerate. That's almost worse than not having bothered.
For laser, it really depends on your skin color and your hair color. I'm lucky in that I have very pale skin and dark hair - that's the easiest for them to work on. The laser gal warned me against getting a tan because it would make the treatments more painful. She has another laser machine that is a different type. She said she has to use it on people with darker skin, but it hurts more. Perhaps some places only have that type of machine. ???
I've had some irritation, especially the first few times, but never anything that lasted more than an hour or so. The laser gal (what do you call someone in that profession?) puts a lotion on the areas she's worked on as she goes along and then more at the end of the session. I also use day lotion every morning and night cream before bed every night. I don't know if that makes a difference.
Now, skin irritaion with electrolysis (for the white hairs) is another story... :o
- Kate
Post Merge: June 07, 2009, 06:10:37 PM
Another thought: My electrologyst said that when she clears the faces of most MtF people, the area she worked on stays clear. But on a few, the whiskers keep coming back. She says it is very frustrating for both her and her clients. (Eventually they are all cleared, but she has to fight them.) The only thing she can think of is that the person is having trouble controlling testosterone. She says several she has worked with that have the recurring whiskers have had a lot of trouble balancing their hormones. She says it is like their bodies are fighting against the transition. :P
- K
I know this is an old topic (as the silly red warning at the top of "post reply" so kindly reminds me) but this is where everything I've been dealing with has gone, so it feels like a good idea to keep it here.
I'm a bit discouraged with laser at this point, I've had 5 treatments and very little (if any) progress. I went through all the trouble of finding the ideal laser within reasonable driving distance, I have the perfect skin and hair types, and after all of this, 6 months later I can still grow most all of my facial hair and still can shave twice a day (but I don't, it's just too much to deal with). The settings weren't even tolerable as far as pain levels go.
All the electrolysis advocates were right, but I'd still have given it a shot on the off chance that it would work. I just wish I had my 6 months back.
Luna, I feel your pain. I've been doing laser on my upper legs, extended bikini, and face for about 2 years now, using "the most advanced lasers available", and I have the perfect hair and skin colors for it. Alas, I still shave daily and have turned to electrolysis to fix the problem once and for all. I do believe, based on many of my friends, that I managed to save quite a lot of money and time by going with laser first and in essence thinning the crop. I'm actually glad I did this, although I am also very disappointed that I had to turn to electrolysis for more than just the pale hairs.
i"m sorry to hear that for both of you. all i know is that my 5th visit is coming up and i hardly think it is worth it going. i should really start concentrating on the white hairs soon.
I did my laser through ALC, and I'm in the maintenance part now, so it's not costing me anything but time to continue having it done. Every hair successfully zapped by laser is one less I have to pay to have done with electro, so I continue. But I won't spend any more money on laser.
sorry girls :(
I just had my first maintenance session at ALC yesterday.
I'm getting pretty good results after 7 sessions (really onyl 6 since the 7th was yesterday), but I never had much facial hair to begin with. I'll still need to follow up with electro as well but I knew that going in.
Ive had 11 sessions now. The upper lip was very persistant so I started electrolysis. I thought it was better to start tackling this area instead of waiting 4 weeks between sessions. Im glad i did as this has cleared considerably. Another interesting thing about electrolysis is its ability to remove capilleries. After years of working in the sun and partying hard Im astounded by the results Im getting
Just had my second session yesterday. For me the most painful areas were from my chin down my neck and along the jaw line. The top lip was virtually painless in comparison. Like the originator of this post I have dark hair and light skin and have been told to expect good results.
The nurse during my second session was so impressed with my progress that they believe the six sessions I have paid for might be too many and we might, with the time available, be able to attack some other areas.
Not bad for someone who used to have a five o'clock shadow at 11 am.
Pippa
it's nice that they are so optomistic with your results so far, but no way will you be done in 6 sessions (but maybe close enough to feel good about it :) ). I'm probably in a similar position as you with getting very good results and i'm on my seventh session but it's really just touch ups at this point. the laser is bound to miss some hairs here and there and not be able to catch them until the next active growth period (12 weeks or so?)
I just got back from my 9th laser session (about half of which were touch-ups) and 11th electrolysis session. The electrolysis gal is working from my sideburns down and hasn't touched my upper lip or chin yet. I don't know how many more laser treatments it will take, but I'd guess more than a few.
I am sensitive to the electrolysis mostly along my jawline. I am sensitive to the laser mostly on my upper lip, probably because there are still quite a few dark hairs there.
Still, I can see a lot of progress. Between that and the hormones and finally taking care of my skin, my face is a lot smoother than it used to be.
Isn't this fun? ::)
- Kate
(Now if I could just lose 20 years of aging... )
i had 7-8 sessions so far and i am virtually hair free on my face, my still have one hair abandoned alone here or there but it is not visible even if i don't shave for a week. so overall i am happy with laser.
Quote from: luna on June 07, 2009, 11:42:07 AMI would avoid IPL. From what I've read from several sources, it's just burning money.
I can't comment on the very long term effects like in a years time but so far it's working really well. that was comment several months ago since I've had another two treatments.
On the second treatment I had thin spots around my neck and cheeks, On the third I had large thin regions all over. Now after shedding on my fourth It's more accurate to say I have only have medium sized patches of moderate hair density, as the hopelessly thin areas make up a slight majority of my face.
well, I'll stick my nose back in here and say I just had my 5th laser session yesterday and she didn't even waste time on my cheeks :). She went over my mustache, around the mouth and then the chin area. I think I've had some good results from it. Now I have had two electro sessions across the mustache and 2 on my chin and I still need to clear the white hairs and that will take some more time :(.
Quote from: yabby on August 15, 2009, 12:09:59 PM
i had 7-8 sessions so far and i am virtually hair free on my face, my still have one hair abandoned alone here or there but it is not visible even if i don't shave for a week. so overall i am happy with laser.
If you only have single hairs every here and there I suggest to pluck them and not shave.
Why would anyone shave after so many laser treatments if they don't have hair anymore?
Quote from: Myself on August 18, 2009, 08:30:39 AM
If you only have single hairs every here and there I suggest to pluck them and not shave.
Why would anyone shave after so many laser treatments if they don't have hair anymore?
just by habit maybe hihi ^_^ but i am thinking about getting an extra treatment to get rid of them.
Of electrolysis, right? if it's single hairs laser would be a waste I think
Quote from: Myself on August 18, 2009, 04:13:56 PM
Of electrolysis, right? if it's single hairs laser would be a waste I think
was thinking about laser since i have dark hair and i did get good results.
I stopped shaving after my 5th session. I've read it's not wise to pluck or wax within 1-2 weeks of your upcoming session and that seems to make sense but I find it difficult to resist getting those stray hairs when I find em, LOL. I'll stay with laser for a litle while longer and use up as many of my unlimited touch ups before they expire and then move on to electro early next year to finish up.
are you really hair free after fifth time and just a hair here and there? :O
Or is it supposed to grow back a bit at the next growth cycle?
wow if five treatments is all that I might need, fun ^^
well, I wouldn't say hair free yet. there were only small patches of hair remaining instead of patches of bare spots after the 5th session.. I was plucking several hairs and waxing parts after the 5th and probably could have kept on shaving, but it just seemed so silly at that point since I was shaving like 300 hairs at the most (lots of white hairs, too :( ). I've had 7 now and starting to get the overlap that was missed in the first 6 sessions.
I'm sure i'll get enough regrowth to continue my treatments until early next year, but I think I could actually switch to electrolysis right now and not have that many hours. since laser is sorta free now, i'll keep going until it runs out :)
as with everything your mileage may vary :). I never had much facial hair other than my chin jawline and upper lip.
I am about three weeks after my second session and I am delighted with the results so far. I suppose I was blessed in having a very dark beard and light skin. Although I definitely used to look on this as a curse due the amount of foundation I went through.
I have a couple of dark patches under my chin and a few stray hairs elsewhere. Any hairs appear to be thinner and less strong.
My laser tech is so happy with the results they are asking what other areas I want treated. I have paid for 6, 45 minute sessions and they think that with four remaining it will take such a short time to clear my face, there is time to attack elsewhere. I think between the shoulders and the back of my neck are next.
I am delighted with the improvement in my appearance especially when wearing make up. After the second session I lost any dark patches on my face so I no longer look like a black and white tiger.
My hair is slowly growing out and the hormones are kicking in. With a bit more weight away, I am hoping that I will pass in public much more easily.
For a while my beard looked stronger but it was just the dead hair in my skin pushing itself out.
Pippa
good for you!! it's great when that daily chore is finally put in it's place. just be careful with moving on to other areas premature. laser only treats the hairs in the active growth phase, and you may just be in a bit of a dormant phase.
Do not do not do not do not pluck during your laser treatment.
Some blond hairs have dark roots and can be affected. Some hairs will LOOK light, but you will pluck some dark ones accidentally. Further, if you're plucking stray dark hairs, it's just dumb - you can't kill it with laser then.
I've had black and red hairs removed by laser, but blond hair does persist. I have some hairs on my upper lip that are black but immune to lasering. I've had around 11 full face laser treatments and a couple of spot treatments on areas (upper lip, 15 times yet I still have some dark hairs there.) My sideburns aren't even, but I'll worry about that later on. I've had a trial session of electrolysis, and Saturday I go in for a full treatment. I'm hoping it'll only take a couple of hours for the majority of the hairs. It's *hell* to let my face grow for the week it takes after laser+hormones to grow an appreciable length, but a good length makes it easier to zap.
Laser is usually paid for by area, if they are letting you block time instead, then absolutely tough through the pain and let them work on as much as they can. You should probably use it for chest and underarms as priority... sometimes you still need your chest done after hormones, and under arms are just DIVINE to get rid of. If you have bad shoulder/back/neck hair, though, I'm not sure how much HRT affects that...
Laser really cleared my face up, I'm afraid of what electrolysis will do since it does cause you to break out. That, plus having to stop shaving, sounds really obnoxious :/