Laser - Ouch!

[Guest Jenny_W]

Today was a big day for me. It was my first laser treatment on my face. More importantly, it was the first permanent thing to start changing my outer self to match the inner.

Pain is quite subjective. Different people feel different levels of pain. Some people don't feel the pain as much as others if they are determined to achieve a goal. That's me. But yes, it tickled a little.

I went to a laser clinic far enough away from where I live so that the possibility of chance meetings with people I know is reduced. Not that I would care actually - it was the closest clinic to where I live. I wanted to go to a clinic that specialised in laser treatment, not just one that offers it as a sideline to a whole bunch of other beauty stuff.

I went in and sat down in the waiting room. Very nice decor, comfortable chairs, I was feeling more relaxed. A nice woman called Nat gave me the forms to fill in. The radio was playing in the background and as I started to write, one of my favourite songs came on (Skinny Love by Birdy) and I just knew it was a sign. Aaaahhh, now I'm relaxed

When Nat gave me the forms, she automatically crossed out the lower section which was headed "For Females Only". I took a glance through those questions (PCOS, pregnancy, etc, etc) but the last one asked whether you were on HRT. Hmmmm, hopefully I can tick that box soon.

She came back after she had farewelled her previous client. They talked for a few moments and it became quite obvious that Nat's client was going through a nasty separation (Not that I was eavesdropping!). Anyway, Nat suggested she get legal advice and stay sane. I smiled to myself - there for the grace of God go I. I am just glad that my ex and I are doing well and it wasn't me having that conversation with Nat.

So, she came over to me and we went into the consulting suite. She asked me lots of questions (good, good, concerned with doing the right treatment) and then she asked, "You're interested in treating your face area, I believe?"

Here is where it becomes real. I simply said that I am transgender and I am planning to start transition next January so I wanted to get a head start on getting rid of my beard. Wow. Just like that. Just like I was talking about the weather or something. Quite personal weather. Weather that has been hidden but now people are allowed to see. Man, it was good to tell a total stranger - but she wasn't a total stranger, I knew her name

Before long, we were chatting about make up, gay men and how exciting my transition will be. (Apparently, gay men are one of the largest groups to have facial laser. To avoid stubble rash?). Also, facial laser is very popular with high-powered business executives because having 5 o'clock shadow is frowned upon. Really? You guys are definitely working too hard.

She took my news all in her stride as you would expect any decent person and she started explaining the treatment, the side effects and the rules. All very informative, important and necessary. Ok, bring on the laser! She decided to only to a test patch on my cheek because I am supposed to have had no sun exposure for at least two weeks prior to treatment and be wearing SFP30+ on my face all day (and I suspect she was hinting that night time would be a good idea too). Also, it's good to know if you're going to react badly to the high powered machinery stuff.

What was it like? The best way I can describe it is: having about 10 burning white-hot needles puncturing your skin and then being pulled out again quickly. Then it's gone. No more pain. She started on low power and I was coping fine. She ramped it up to about medium power and I could certainly feel it. I just kept thinking of the end result and it actually seemed to hurt a little bit less. Only a litle bit, mind you.

Nat was impressed with my pain threshold and she said I should have no problems doing my whole face. There was no evil cackle, just a sweet smile. She did remark that the face is one of the most sensitive parts to get laser. Yes, thank you Captain Obvious. I was the one on the painful end of that stick a few minutes ago, remember?

Now I have a patch about the size of a fifty-cent piece where there curently no hair. All burnt off. In 7-10 days any remaining hair that was growing below the skin will just fall out. How exciting! This makes the pain and the burning hair smell all worth it.

I go back in two weeks to have my first full treatment. I am quite excited and it will be the longest two weeks to wait.

So as a reward I had a Mintie. Actually, the reward is in the background

Jenny

[Guest angels wings]

That is fantastic Jenny . So good to read that you found a great place . Happy lasering lovey

Angel

[Charlize]

That sounds like the sweet smell of success. It will be worth the effort in the long run !

Hugs,

Charlie

[Carolyn Marie]

Good for you, Jenny! It's nice to find good, supportive and competent people, whatever the profession. I'm like you - my pain threshold is pretty high. You'll find that the upper lip area is by far the most sensitive, but I found it bearable. Plus its small and treated quickly. She should treat your face afterward with a cooling jell, and they sold me some to take home, too. It really helps.

Good luck with the rest of it. You should be very happy with the results. I sure was.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest Melissa~]

My first laser treatment was the first time I used this emoticon:

Nuff said.

[Guest Jenny_W]

Thanks everyone for your support. I feel like I'm starting to gather momentum and I have lots of family & friends behind me. It's all very exciting and quite a relief at the same time

xox Jenny