Laser Hair Removal

[Jamie76 0]

I have such pale skin that I can't even find makeup that matches my tone exactly- but my hair is all DARK brown. even when I shave you see dark brown spots on my legs where the roots are. I've wanted to get this done really badly- but I'm afraid of long term side-effects that may not be seen yet. :[

Lasers have been around for about 15 years or so for this type of procedure. I don't think there have been any major problems as of yet, other than major burns caused by untrained clinicians. One has to think that heating the pigment in a follicle could have some effects on surrounding tissue though.

[L_n_O 3]

so lucky to have you ladies around..

[Donna A 4]

as for me i had it years ago and it didnt work at all. i ended up with electrolisis and that took along time but it did work.

they did tell me that laser hair removal is not classes as permanent hair removal but just hair reduction electorlisis is permant.

[Emancipation 2]

I've had laser treatments for my upper lip and chin.

Here's what I found.... I have very dark & coarse hair & I am very fair skinned and my technician said that was the greatest candidate for the therapy. I had it about 2 years ago and I DO NOT have to shave/wax/tweeze anymore. She did warn me that when I hit menopause and hormones again get out of wack I most likely will have to have it done again. They guarantee the hair not to come back, but warn you that hormonal changes can come and they can't control that.

It kills the hair instantly.. that one little hair will never come back; however remember your hair has many growth cycles, so it takes many treatments to get all the little buggers.

As far as pain... gosh.. I have a high tolerance for pain, so it was more annoying than anything.. I've heard it likened to little rubber bands snapping at your skin. When it really does zap a good juicy hair it also smells.. kinda like burnt popcorn.

I used to pay $125 per treatment (for my chin & upper lip together). IT probably took 1250$ to get it all gone.

Before you have an initial treatment you cannot wax or pluck for a month (to get the maximum hairs out on your face). You have to shave for that month leading up. That was trauma for me as I'd never shaved in my life. Made me feel like a man honestly. So, as you go through the process you either cut your hair on your face with scissors or you shave, but NO more waxing or tweezing.

After a treatment there is some care you have to observe too. Your face will generally be REALLY red (for the first few treatments) as well as swollen from the heat I guess.. it takes a cold compress for a few hours so schedule these treatments after work, and give yourself some time to heal. I used Yonka's "Pure Emulsion" afterwards to prevent breakouts and to soothe the skin.. expensive as all get out but works wonders..

It really worked well for me, and I can't say enough about the experience. I"ve spent thousands of dollars on my facial hair.. tried electrolysis, waxing, threading, tweezing and this by far has had the best results.

I agree with the others.. make SURE you have a reputable technician as it IS a real honest to goodness diamond laser.. You don't want to frig around with that!

Just thought of something else.. while you are doing treatments and for 6 months after you are NOT allowed in the sun with out protection. You could get dark spots on your skin and that would suck.. So you have to be EXTRA careful when out in sun while doing laser treatments.

Edited August 8, 2007 by Emancipation

[L_n_O 3]

great review!!!

[L_n_O 3]

Hmm, where do you think it'd be cheaper to get done?

Canada or the US?

[Queen Jenn 0]

If you decide to try the laser stuff, make sure you go to a reputable clinic or even an MD to have it done. I personally know two ladies who got 3rd degree burns from laser hair removal. be very careful

[Emancipation 2]

Hmm, where do you think it'd be cheaper to get done?

Canada or the US?

I'm not exactly sure - didn't check into the pricing here in the US but I had to pay 17% tax on the CDN amounts (PST & GST).. so... I'm kinda thinking it HAS to be cheaper in the US Lasic certainly is!

[L_n_O 3]

true!

didn't think of tax!

I'd be paying 14% in Ontario

[Emancipation 2]

Found this today -

Laser Hair Removal Information

Laser Hair Removal is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States and continues to grow in popularity. Laser Hair Removal removes unwanted hair by emitting a low energy laser that gently that passes through the skin, is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle and gently removes the hair. Laser hair removal treatments can last a from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the size and area to be treated. The most popular areas selected by men and women for laser hair removal include: face, upper lip, neck, chest, breast area, underarms, back, abdomen, bikini line and legs.

Laser hair removal does not require needles or creams like other hair removal treatment methods and is a non-evasive procedure. Laser hair removal is best performed by a licensed and trained medical professional such as dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

According to Dr. Ramsey Markus, a dermatologist at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, patients should find a doctor with experience in treating the skin. Preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. "It doesn't take that kind of experience (doctor) to fire up the laser, but it does take that type of experience to properly deal with the complications that may arise.

"There is never a guarantee there won't be complications, but if you're treated by someone who is well-trained, they may be able to minimize the complications and better deal with them if they occur," Dr. Markus said.

According the Food and Drug Administration, laser hair removal is not permanent. However, it can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce unwanted hair growth for up to seven years, according to your body's natural hair growth cycle. The hair that does grow back after treatment is usually "finer" and "lighter" in color. Because hair growth occurs in 3 stages (this is the normal hair growth cycle), not all of the hair can be removed at one time. Therefore, three to seven treatments for up to six months could be required.

It is important to note that laser hair removal patients will not lose their hair in the treated area for up to 14 days.

If you have a nice bronze summer tan, you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal, unfortunately. You must wait until your tan fades until you can be treated. Tanning changes skin pigment and can adversely affect how the skin absorbs the laser energy. Laser hair removal treatment on those with tans can cause side effects such as blistering or discoloration.

The most common side effects of laser hair removal are brief swelling and redness following the laser treatment. This is common, though, and most patients completely heal in 2 to 10 days. In rare cases, laser hair removal can cause scarring and skin pigmentation changes. Following laser hair removal treatment, patients may resume their normal activities with the exception of exposure to the Sun. If patients cannot avoid direct Sun light, they must use sun lotion with an SPF of 45 or higher.

http://www.omnimedicalsearch.com/laser_hai...onnecticut.html

[Emancipation 2]

Hmm, where do you think it'd be cheaper to get done?

Canada or the US?

I'm not exactly sure - didn't check into the pricing here in the US but I had to pay 17% tax on the CDN amounts (PST & GST).. so... I'm kinda thinking it HAS to be cheaper in the US Lasic certainly is!

So going back to what i said earlier.. it looks like in the US this is more "cosmetic surgery".. and involves Dr's.. which in Canada from my experience it's more an esthetic service rather than Dr. stuff.. So i might have to eat my words on that one..

GOLLY.. I just went to a place where they give facials etc. and had it done.. not a Dermatologists office eek!

BUT that makes me wonder if you could get it through Insurance though.. take some kinda psychological trauma slant to it and have your Dr. perscribe it.. I dunno.. but I know that it has been done successfuly through Blue Cross (electrolysis is the example I know of) in Canada

[L_n_O 3]

*bump*

[sereia 0]

i had it done and it worked great! painful, yes, but not nearly as painful as waxing! apparently your hair can grow up until 40+ so you may need to go back for a few sessions here and there to zap new hairs. everyone already added great info so i won't repeat it, but just wanted to give my first hand opinion of it! good luck!