I've been going to the same electrolysis technician since 2012. That year I had only a handful of sessions, and I progressed more in 2013. In 2014 I went on nearly a weekly basis averaging an hour a session. I really ramped it up this year since going full time. I thought I was well on the way to being done forever. My cheeks and sides are 99.5% done and there is no shadow at all. I never could get pure and clear looking skin on my upper lip or "soul patch". If I could add the hours up, I would guess it's between 125-150.

I had FFS a few weeks ago and haven't had electro in 3 weeks, and some facial hair came back with a vengeance from hell!  I am at the point in my life/career where I cannot simply let my black hair grow out just so it can get treated. I am strongly considering getting laser. I did it 7 years ago but didn't think it was effective and it hurt like a son of a bitch. I think technology has progressed to where it's more efficient. Also, some of my MTF friends have had pretty decent results from laser. I am tired of getting the hairs treated one by damn one, and I know it cycles, but come on! I used to think I made it this far with electrolysis and invested waaaay too much time and money and pain, so I might as well finish it but now I am at my wits end. I may just get a Groupon laser package and call it a day. At least I can shave and be in public wearing makeup instead of letting whiskers grow out.

I figure the hairs and follicles have to be pretty weak by now so I have good shot by carpet bombing them with laser. Has anyone else tried laser right after electrolysis this and had success wiping out facial hair for good?

I did a year of laser before I started electrolysis and it pretty much wiped out the black hairs. It has been about a year since my last laser session and I have noticed a very few stray black hairs beginning to return but since I'm now doing electrolysis to eradicate the remaining gray ones the electrologist will just zap whats left of the black ones.

I agree - laser technology has improved. I got lucky and found a Groupon deal at a place using current technology - a Candela Gentlemax dual laser system. Find a place that's using current technology and I think you'll be happy.

I don't think it will matter if you've been doing electrolysis for awhile before going back to laser.

I mix laser and electro. Mostly I do electro but sometimes I notice groups of black hairs and I do some laser sessions because it is quick and easy and hurts less even though she has the laser cranked up to a high setting.

I find that the laser can kill or damage some of the dark grey hairs too. Every little helps

Thanks for the feedback so far! I've opted to tough it out and put up with having to shave until I can get my face lasered. I recently went to a place and had laser on my arms to see what it would do for me. They got great reviews overall and they're pretty cheap without having to resort to Groupons or packages. I have high hopes for them!