So far I have had 4 sessions of IPL, once every 6 weeks, to remove my facial hair (out of an estimated 10 sessions).

Just thought I would give an update seeing as I have taken a break from the sessions for a few more weeks. I have had to take a break due to financial reasons, but I think my face needed more of a rest anyway and I'll talk about below.

The results are pretty good so far. The hair is less dense, does not grow as fast (though a bit patchy so I still shave every second day. Also I have noticed the hairs are no where near as thick as they once were.

The downside of the treatments for me has been the recovery. I've been getting infected ingrown, or nuked hairs that are just below the surface. I probably pick at my face too often (can't help it) but some areas got pretty nasty and you kind of just have to get the dead hair out otherwise the spot just keeps getting infected and puss filled again and again. I've noticed I now have a few really deep ingrown hairs. I also have these little spots of hair just below the surface that don't really pop out in the six weeks between treatments but I can squeeze them out like a pimple. I also got these little pimples filled with black sludge. I assume these are hairs that were pretty much liquified or turned to ash under the skin. These are fun to squeeze out.

Anyway I noticed that my skin had not completely healed in time for the next session so the lack of finances have been a good excuse to take a rest. Now, 8 weeks on from my last session my skin is pretty much back to normal, I still have the odd hair I can squeeze out like a black head but they are almost all gone. I'm just relieved cause I was worried that I would get scared from my 'excavations'.

Anyway, just letting people know the treatment is not all roses, but the last session was much easier to handle than the first 3 and I'm sure it will get much easier from now on. I don't doubt I will probably need a little electrolysis to zap the odd hair later on but IPL seem to be doing a good job - but time will tell.

QuoteThe downside of the treatments for me has been the recovery. I've been getting infected ingrown, or nuked hairs that are just below the surface. I probably pick at my face too often (can't help it) but some areas got pretty nasty and you kind of just have to get the dead hair out otherwise the spot just keeps getting infected and puss filled again and again. I've noticed I now have a few really deep ingrown hairs. I also have these little spots of hair just below the surface that don't really pop out in the six weeks between treatments but I can squeeze them out like a pimple. I also got these little pimples filled with black sludge. I assume these are hairs that were pretty much liquified or turned to ash under the skin. These are fun to squeeze out.

That sounds horrible... thanks for sharing.... I think lol

Glad to hear that it gets better.

Amanda

What is IPL?

I think it stands for  "Intense Pulsed Light", and it's just a form of laser

Amanda

Thanks. I heard that there was a new type laser that used radio frequency, I think, and was good even on light hairs. Also that it would only take about four sessions to clear. I thought maybe it might have been that. And I'd like to know more about that. I've stop the electrolysis because of finances for now but want to try this new laser treatment when I can begin again.
Sheena

Four sessions sounds great, do you have any links to that or a name?

Amanda

The name is American Laser Centers. Thats all I know atm. I was hoping maybe I could get more input from someone here who knows more.
Sheena

Woops.... I've heard "American Laser Centers" are a scam... or at least more
interested in over selling the results... can anyone confirm that?

Amanda

I've heard mixed things about ALC.  They're on my list of places to call when I have money for laser, but I think I'm going to wind up going with a doctor that I found; I just like the sound of her operation better.  Still, I'm going to call ALC just to see what's going on. 
I've also heard that IPL is not as effective as some of the other types of laser.  It is, as far as I know, somewhat newer technology so maybe there just isn't as much experience with it.  From what I understand though, it tends to be less effective than the diode and alexandrite lasers that are commonly used in doctor's offices.  People here at Susan's that had good experiences with laser were usually using diode lasers, at least the ones I can recall off the top of my head. 

As Amanda pointed out, places that oversell the results are probably just out to get your money.  They try to convince you to get laser even if you don't have the right skin type, etc.  Beware of anyone making unsubstantiated claims.  This is why it's really important to get information from other sources.  If you've done your homework, you can tell when you're being taken for a ride. 
Here's a website I found useful.  I think someone else had posted it in a different thread.  There's tons of info, but it's great for perusing on a slow day.   
Anyway, here it is.

Thanks for the website, I'll go there later when I have more time to read. Right now I'm working or trying anyway, lol. I got the email of the gal in my support group who is suppose to be getting the laser treatment I mentioned and just asked her for an update on how it's working. I'll let everyone know what I find out.
Sheena

Hi all! I'm new and haven't posted an introduction yet. I've been lurking here over the last week, and when I saw this thread, I just had to join and provide input. Hope that's ok!!

I've been having laser hair removal done through ALC for almost a year now. Since I started this (on my legs) before I recognized/accepted who I was, I was pretty embarrassed about researching different laser techniques and companies/doctors. So, I didn't do a whole lot of research first, other than with the BBB. Anyway, some of the centers in my area had had some issues with burning patients and such, but the center I approached was getting really good reviews. I went and listened, and talked prices with them.

From what I've heard from other people who go other places, prices are normally pretty set... not with ALC. For them, it's more like they are selling you a car. There is a sticker price (and it's different for men and women), but you can also talk them down. And once you pay for a service, any other services seem to get offered at very good prices. Anyway, I balked at their price, talked them down and got additional things thrown in, and have been extremely happy with their service and results. So much so that I've recently started facial hair removal and some work in the bikini area... both at awesome prices.

While you can pay by the appointment, they suggest (and so do I) that you purchase a 'package'. This is 6 sessions, with a 2 yr guarantee (since we all know 6 sessions won't finish it up). The 2 yrs starts after the last treatment - see a hair, go in and zap it.

Anyway, just wanted to let you know what I've experienced, since it was asked. I would still advise shopping around, as well as making sure that your ALC center isn't getting some of the nasty complaints/lawsuits that some in my area were getting.

QuoteHi all! I'm new and haven't posted an introduction yet. I've been lurking here over the last week, and when I saw this thread, I just had to join and provide input. Hope that's ok!!

Hi Rebecca More is better, jump in anytime

Awesome info... I guess for the best price we better go in boy mode? I assume like everything else
women pay more?

For someone who likes to haggle it might be a good place to go. Can you share what you paid?

Amanda

Amanda, thanks for mentioning boy mode - should've mentioned this the first time around. ALC's price-list is definitely based on your sex, and is FAR more expensive for men than woman. I believe this is because normally men have far more hair than women, so the 2 yr guarantee is a loss for them. When I first approached them, I was in boy mode (and since I normally get my treatments during work hours and am not out to my job yet, I have only seen them in boy mode) - but the saleslady just happened to disagree with that policy. Also, I'm not exceptionally hairy (thank God!). So, she flipped to the women's prices and the haggling started.

Normally, I wouldn't be comfortable talking prices (just in case I got ripped off lol), but I've seen some of the prices other girls have paid at different places... so... Here goes. Remember, I'm in CA, so this may be different elsewhere - also, I've gotten some really good discounts at times.

Upper legs, knees, feet and toes - $2500 (this was the worse deal I got, and my first)
Entire face, neck, ears - $1500
Extended Brazilian - $1750

Oh, and a word of warning. They do not give refunds. Once you sign and pay, you are committed.

Wow! For once the girls get off cheaper. LOL.

Thanks for the prices. That helps.

How was the recovery on your face... could you go back to work the next day?

Amanda

Another great question, Amanda. I'm going to have to be careful about posting... personal... things lol.

Actually, all of my treatments so far have been at lunch time on a work day. As for the face, with the 1st treatment, within about 15 minutes, the redness was completely gone. With the 2nd treatment, my neck reacted a little (as the clinician was much more thorough and bumped up the power - yes!), so my neck looked like I had nasty razor burn for about 3 days. Nothing major - no comments. Shaving after this treatment is painful, and you won't get a close shave - so if you're going out dressed, time your treatments accordingly (that is, if you still have a boy mode lol). I'm getting great results, though. Patchiness after the 1st treatment (I look like a quilt!), and generally slower regrowth after the 2nd. My coverup actually works now - can't wait until it's completely gone!

I have gotten some nasty ingrowns in the other areas I'm doing - but this is more related to the area not being used to being shaved and then being in tightish jeans 12 hrs a day.

Thanks for the info, Rebecca.  Definitely jump in and start posting.  Sharing your experience will help tons of girls here, and we all appreciate it. 
I'm looking at starting laser later this year.  The free touch ups for 2 years and a few other things are what got ALC on my radar.  I've been doing some checking up on them, and I've seen some of the same info that you're sharing, Rebecca-- some complaints, and it does sort of seem like a car dealer.  A question, if you don't mind-- did the ALC people ask why you were getting hair removal?  I'm wondering if your response maybe caused the saleslady to cut you some slack on the price? 

Leave it to me to dig all the personal stuff out

That's great news... a lot of people describe much worse recovery.

Thanks for sharing and as Jessica said we appreciate it.

Amanda

Jessica, I was still repressing my GID when I signed up to have my legs done. So, when the saleslady asked (in passing conversation - so far, everyone at ALC has been so friendly), I just told her I was tired of having to shave every day (which got quite the snicker, as girls hate that too.) So, I got the women's price (to start the haggling) because I was balking at the high prices, and because I'm not all that hairy to start with (thank God!). My latest saleslady knows I'm TS, but that didn't factor into the prices either - she just doesn't think it's fair to discriminate against men.

Amanda, I know a girl who had one of those really bad recoveries, using a different laser technique (overseas). She had a really bad, painful, red outbreak for almost 2 weeks. I was assured that this wouldn't happen, and it didn't. The technicians monitor the temp of your skin constantly to avoid burning you, use a gel to lower the temp while using the laser, and use icepacks to reduce redness afterwards. Then, you have to buy a post-laser lotion that you use for 3 days after your treatment (it costs about $30 but will last through your entire treatment.