Laser in Nashville

[Aoife]

I'm a long way from really getting moving on my transition, but I am very heavily testosterone poisoned, so i would love to get a move on laser on my face asap.

 

I am having trouble getting comfortable with looking for a place nearby with all the feeling like some vain rich lady.

 

Does anyone have any positive experiences with a place that will be comfortable for an extremely masculine-appearing girl trying to get rid of her beard?

 

I don't even know how to navigate the cost on something like this, but I know it will be years until i am smooth.

[KimmieElise]

I totally never tried laser hair removal because I don't have any laser hair to remove.  LOL. jk.

 

So, laser hair removal is not permanent.  The only truly permanent method for hair removal is thermolysis, which is a type of electrolysis.  Electrolysis use chemicals which form lye when the electricity is introducted.  Thermolysis actually cauterizes the hair bed and it won't ever re-grow.

 

I live in Atlanta and I pay about $80 an hour.  I get great service and after-care.  I am not sure if that is good or bad.  LOL. 

[Kathy2020]

So there are a couple different ways to answer this question... 

 

As Kimmie stated, there is a difference between laser and electrolysis, and both take some time and lots of money. There is a whole section here in the forums on the topic with tons of information though, so start there.

 

When looking for specific places in your area for either process, you will likely find some local on-line reference resources put out by groups like Planned Parenthood, transgender clinics, etc. that will include hair removal professionals. Depending on the extent of your personal health care team, therapists, dermatologists, and PCPs tend to know who is good in your area too. You will then want to set up a couple consultations (if you have a number of options) and see who gives you good vibes; you will be getting very close during the hours and hours you spend together! 

 

As for the awkward, out of place feelings, that's mostly just in your own mind. Quite a few men get hair treatment on a number of body places, and beard "shaping" is quite popular, so if you are not out socially yet you will still fit in fine. Since you will be in a private room with your hair professional though, only you two will know the extent of the work being done (its not like going to a get a mani/pedi where most things are done in a group setting). And don't forget, you and your hair removal specialist are going to get very close, so they will help you be discreet too if that is a concern!

 

I hope that helps, and have fun starting your personal journey!

 

 

 

[Aoife]

thank you!

 

my understanding has been that for thicker, darker hair laser is better, but i assumed it was permanent, so i guess electrolysis it is.

[rainflower]

1 hour ago, Aoife said:

thank you!

 

my understanding has been that for thicker, darker hair laser is better, but i assumed it was permanent, so i guess electrolysis it is.

Laser is permanent, and a superior option to electrolysis if you have large areas of dense, dark hair, just make sure it is medical grade and not something at a spa where you have to keep going back. I use Milan Laser and have had great results, I'm not done yet but getting close. Many trans people use Milan as they are very accepting of us, they always get my pronouns right and are just lovely to work with.

[Aoife]

@rainflowerthank you so much! i will probably reach out this week. My testosterone poisoning is REAL BAD, and while i still have to appear as masculine as ever for my wife's comfort i know that i will take many sessions before i no longer can grow a full bear and can start right away.

 

on that note, i am also wondering about body hair. i know THAT actually is helped on hrt, but i worry about having to remove hair around my nipples when my boobs start to hurt all the time. anyone have any takes on that?

[rainflower]

22 hours ago, Aoife said:

@rainflowerthank you so much! i will probably reach out this week. My testosterone poisoning is REAL BAD, and while i still have to appear as masculine as ever for my wife's comfort i know that i will take many sessions before i no longer can grow a full bear and can start right away.

 

on that note, i am also wondering about body hair. i know THAT actually is helped on hrt, but i worry about having to remove hair around my nipples when my boobs start to hurt all the time. anyone have any takes on that?

I can answer that too. The effect of hormone therapy on your body hair is highly variable. It *MIGHT* stop growing in some spots, but more likely, it will just get thinner in certain areas. Maybe after years of it you will see some actually go away, but I am only 1 year 8 months on treatment. I've also had laser hair removal on my entire body, they do go around the nipple and I was getting it when mine were budding, it didn't hurt more or less, it was fine. The laser isn't doing anything to your skin, muscle, or fat tissue, it is using the pigment of your hair to find the root and cauterize the blood supply to the root (which is why laser is best on dark hair, ok on red hair (I think, you would have to ask), and pretty much ineffective on blonde/gray/white hair). Your skin will react of course, you will get a bubbled/puffy look that is quite alarming but goes away fast, leaving behind a red patch that will last a day or two. The most painful part is the face, it hurts more than the Brazilian. The good news about laser though is that the further along you get, the less hair they have to treat, so it hurts less and less as they go on, despite them increasing the power of the laser each session. The most important thing about laser treatment is absolutely no sun exposure after treatment.

[rainflower]

22 hours ago, Aoife said:

@rainflowerthank you so much! i will probably reach out this week. My testosterone poisoning is REAL BAD, and while i still have to appear as masculine as ever for my wife's comfort i know that i will take many sessions before i no longer can grow a full bear and can start right away.

 

on that note, i am also wondering about body hair. i know THAT actually is helped on hrt, but i worry about having to remove hair around my nipples when my boobs start to hurt all the time. anyone have any takes on that?

Also what does for your wife's comfort mean?

[RachelGoods90]

I just had my first full-face laser hair removal session 2 weeks ago in the Raleigh NC area. I went to the girl that my trans girlfriend has been going to. Also, my GF went with me to the appointment so I kinda had it easy as far as finding a laser provider goes. Anyway, I went to the appointment dressed as a guy basically and didn't try to use a feminine voice at all lol. It was totally fine, so I wouldn't worry about that stuff too much.  Also, the laser wasn't too painful really. I do epilate most of my body (not my face though), so that might give some idea for my pain tolerance.

 

I think the cost of laser is much higher than that of electrolysis. I was charged $245 for full-face laser hair removal which took around 30 minutes. Also, that was supposed to be some kind of slightly discounted price idk? Seems pretty steep but idk. I think she charges around $100/hour for electrolysis. The plan for me is to do around 8 laser sessions and then move on to electrolysis afterwards to get any white hairs that I may have. Also, she doesn't go too close to people's lips with the laser as it can effect the color of your lips apparently. So hair closer to the lips needs to get removed with electrolysis according to her. She drives a Tesla, so she may be over charging but whatever lol. 

 

Other notes: It took 2 weeks after my first session for my hair to actually be removed basically (from exfoliating). My hair loss as of now is in like circular patches so if I skip a day or two shaving then it's kind of noticeable. Also, Rainflower has a good point about limiting or avoiding sun exposure after treatment. My laser provider recommended that I use an spf 50 all the time now.

 

Good luck!!  

[Aoife]

thank you everyone! @rainflowerit means that while we are living together (of course she is the breadwinner because i did find myself in the traditionally feminine role in the family, if you can believe that) she can't handle me turning into a girl.

 

even though "the good stuff" is over, we still sleep in the same bed and me being hairless in it is a big problem for her.

 

it's a bit soul-crushing, but she is my best friend, the mother of my child, and the most powerful witch i have ever met. also, i would be dead in a gutter without her. that's what i keep telling myself - i wouldn't be alive at this age, let alone living as a girl without her and our daughter's goddess energy. i didn't think i would even make it to 34, so i never let myself take my "gender issues" seriously enough to get here until things got comfortable enough for her to wake up and break free.

[rainflower]

@Aoife Ok, I'm sorry to hear that will be a challenge for you. We are here for you and hope you continue to spend time here.

[Aoife]

thank you @rainflower, i am doing the best i can. it's very hard to love someone this much, hurt them, and then be held back when you see what your spirit needs. the bigger signs just get bigger and playing a small game is frustrating, but not as frustrating as denial was at least.