I Need Some Help/advice

[Sally]

As the topic title suggests I am in need of some counseling on laser hair removal.

Over the Weekend I purchased a reduced price - introductory coupon for five laser sessions $99 total - they want to get you hooked so that you will do more at their usual price of $150 per session.

I just called and scheduled my first appointment for Tuesday Morning the 19th.

I know that it will only work on the dark hairs so we are going to use them all on my chin as that is where the dark hairs reside.

However, she mentioned numbing the area for $10 - knowing that an epilator can send me into shock, should I spend the extra $10 per session?

It would mean going in a half hour earlier also.

I was surprised that she told me to shave before I came in.

So would you mind sharing your experiences and advice?

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Elizabeth K]

ummmm....

I will let you borrow my depilator?

hee hee

Lizzy

[Guest micralla]

I am doing electo, have very light blondish facial hair so if this helps I say use the numbing spend the extra time and money. I use it when I go in and it helps big time.

Luv

Jessie

[JJ]

Seems to me that $10 is fairly cheap not to be in pain and dread the sessions. But that's all they help I can give

Love

JohnJ

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Sally...I think that the numbing is just a topical cream that is rubbed on 1/2 hour before treatment in an area.

That is what I get when I get electrolysis under my nose...

(Does it help? Well I dunno, I don't wanna feel how bad it hurts without it there!)

When I get electro under my nose, the tears run down my cheeks into my ears...

How much water is in my ears equals the ammount of pain I was in!

Donna Jean

[Guest Elizabeth K]

My electrology tech sold me a cream to use - afterward! It was $20 and it helped. I think it depends on your sensitivity to pain. I suppose you could find a novicaine base skin numbing cream at a pharmacy - but I suspect the LASER place would not like it. If you are really a sensitive skin person, you could do both - use a cream before you go, the wipe it off and have them do it with their stuff. Of course you may be a bit number than needed - just don't try to put on any makeup - grin!

You never answered about borrowing my depilator?

Lizzy

[Guest Donna Jean]

.

Most of the non-prescription strength stuff is 2% Lidocaine.....nothing to write home about...

I have some myself and rub it on before I get to my electrologists house..

Then she puts some more on....

I'd rather have a stiff drink.....

Donna Jean

[Sally]

You never answered about borrowing my depilator?

Lizzy

I will answer that one in person, where is my rolling pin?

Now I know why you set up the kitchen.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest sarah f]

I will tell you that it hurts but it is a good hurt because you get rid of the hair. I don't personally use anything for laser or electrolysis. It will bring a tear to your eye but the creams are just a waste of money. They don't really help that much.

I am so happy that you are getting this done. It definately helps with the self image knowing the hair is gone forever.

[Carolyn Marie]

Sally, I have not heard of or been offered any "numbing" products or services at my LHR place. They put a very cold creamy substance on the skin beforehand to keep the skin cool, and the laser really does put out some heat. But it doesn't numb the skin.

I wouldn't really worry about the pain if you are mainly doing the chin or cheeks. For me, those have been the least painful areas. The neck and the upper lip are the most sensitive.

They will probably offer you an after-session product, which is a clear cream you apply 2-3 times a day for several days afterwards. I suggest buying it, even though its expensive. It does help keep the skin moist and helps prevent foliculitis, which was a big problem for me at first.

The advice on shaving is correct. The laser machine works better when it can "see" the follicles. Actual hair strands would interfere. Also, be sure and avoid sun exposure in the week before treatment, as it won't work well on reddened skin.

Good luck, and have fun!

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Miss_Construe]

The place I use includes the numbing as part of the fee and unless you have an allergic reaction it is required. Use the numbing agent.

Tips from Pella Belle Laser here in CO:

- High SPF (30+) lotion for your face, covering more than the area to be lasered (2 weeks before and after).

- Shave the day before but not the day of so that the hairs are long enough to absorb the light and die, but not too long to dilute the impact.

- Have your face clean of ANY facial product prior to your session.

- Bring Aloe lotion and High SPF powder (30+) for after the session.

- Make sure you have about 20 - 30 minutes prior to the session (with a glove) to apply the numbing agent so it can start to work.

Pain levels and results will be effected by how dark your skin is, how dense your dark hair is and how your skin reacts to sun when pasty white (does it just burn, turn red then fade, turn red then tan, just tan; the first half hour is the telling time)