Laser hair removal - anyone had laser hair removal done?

[BellyBelly]

One of Marisa's kinder friends came over to play the other day and her mum said how happy she was with the results with laser removal, she only had one session and it never grew back!!! I know it can take more than that, but I am so keen to do it especially since we're going away in January, and the place nearby has a special at the moment to get underarms at half price if you get your bikini done.

Sooooo who's done it? Are you happy? How did you tolerate it?

[dusty]

a recent edition of Choice Magazine (june 07) had a piece on the different permanent hair removal techniques, the pros and cons of them and the prices. i haven't had it done but am interested in personal experiences too. they mentioned electrolysis is the only real permanent hair removal technique as you can still get some regrowth with laser. also they mentioned that the success of laser can depend on your skin pigmentation and hair colour. those with darker hair and lighter skin get the best results. it also talked about a new technique called intense pulsed light (IPL) which is similar to laser but the treatment is slightly faster as its beam covers a larger area.

the article mentioned that there is some concern about the lack of uniform regulation of use of laser and IPL. some states are better than others. apparently poor training and lack of skill using the equipment can lead to burning of the skin.

the article recommended looking for an experienced operator who works under medical supervision.

[krisp]

I had it done on my bikini line about 7 or 8 years ago. From memory it took 3 sessions and it did hurt more than they say it will! But the effect is fabulous. I now have no worries about throwing on a cossie at a moments notice and no more waxing or ingrown hairs to deal with.

When I had it done they told me it works best on people with fair skin (less scarring) and not to let the area get exposed to sunlight for at 2 months after again to lessen scarring. It's also important not to pick as you get little scabs where they shoot the laser, again to avoid scarring.

Having said all that it was a while ago since I had it done so they may have improved the technique as far as scarring goes by now.

I would recommend it to everyone, it's pricey but being hair free is worth every cent!

[rurumummy]

Hi,

This is one thing that i would love to do.
I have really bad male pattern facial hair due to my PCOS and being arab it grows nice and thick!!
It is really making me crazy.
I would love to do laser hair removal or the likes but it is way out of my budget
I always said if i were to have money the first thing i would do is laser surgery
I looked into it and i got quoted $250 per session and for permanent removal of my facial hair i would need 5-6 sessions so that would be about $1500!
maybe on day....

[anney]

Kelly,
recently had it done on my top lip so was a bit scary having it done on the face. There are different types of laser machines but I don't know the differences. I certainly had no scaring or scabs or anything. You feel a bit of a zing but only similar to what you get with electrolysis. I had a bit of regrowth but not much. Apparently hair regrowth is often hormonal so pregnancy and menopause can trigger it so they don't guarantee no regrowth as they really can't tell what your body will do. I would go for it definitely.
I would have everything done if I could afford it. I am so glad it is around, as i have very dark hair and with DH being arabic, I can see DD already has dark hair so she won't have to worry about it.

[~Raven~]

I am very interested in getting this done
I shaved for the first time in weeks the other day. I was like a Wookie!

[MrsB26]

My Beauty therapist does it, they specialise in it. I gave it a go last xmas as they had a special on.

One word for you OUCH!

I had it done on my underarms, sorry underarm, didnt end up getting to the other side i was squirming so much, lol.

I have friends who swear by it, they had between 3-5 treatments and they are still hair free now. I would consider re doing it myself but i still remember the pain, so i continue to shave..............

[BellyBelly]

I heard you can get numbing cream - will be asking them when I have the initial consult this week

[*becstar*]

Ooooh! This interests me also! I had a fave beautician before we moved and she mentioned to me I'd be a great candidate as my hair colour, skin colour and coarseness of hair are textbook! I'd love to get it done too as I prefer waxing but HATE the in between periods and the ingrowns. Will keep an eye on this one Kelly.....

[Jaycee]

Kelly, the numbing cream doesn't really do much, not that I can feel anyway...
I have laser for a different reason (tattoo removal), the one for tattoo removal hurts more than the hair removal (so I'm told), and OMG is it painful!!
Hopefully the hair removal laser isn't as bad!

[sunnymel]

i had it done end of 03 - took 3 sessions & was told it wouldnt come back cause i was a perfect candidate with fair skin - didnt hurt too much - just kept thinking it will be over soon & no more ingrown hairs - was given aloe gel to put on & all was good till i fell pg & it started to grow back - i called them & they sometimes it grows back with a hormone change!! havent been back to try again cause when i had it done it costs $330 a session but prices have com down heaps since then - it was good while it lasted

[MsPink]

Hi Kelly,

OMG - it's just the best. Have done bikini, underarms and legs - ok ok I have a good connection so doesnt cost.
I absolutely used to dread every time I went for a bikini wax - to me that was the ultimate pain (ok ok with a bit of exaggeration). Anyway, it feels like someone snapping a rubberband on you pretty hard. But the second the laser has zapped - there is no lingering pain. Also - pain varies due to time of the month. Sooo worth it. No more ingrowns, underarms smooth as a baby - no cactus feel (funny i put another word in pr.ckles and got censored). Just love it. Would def go to one of the better clinics.

[Tanya]

The price puts me off!!

[C~Q]

I'm getting mine done (bikini) next Wed so i'll let you know how it goes!!!

[C~Q]

Had the laser hair removal done today. It was SPL and it was fine! It took about 5 mins and it hurt a little but was totally bareable (and i'm a big wuss!). The area is slightly red with a few dots but fine other than that. I'm definatly going ahead with the rest of the treatments

[BellyBelly]

I am all booked in for next week! The lady I saw said that IPL isnt the best for it, laser is, IPL takes longer and needs more sessions due the the laser frequency they operate on. Laser is targeted to hair removal whereas IPL is more suited to face rejuvenation.

Oh and I am going to use emla cream so I don't feel a thing LOL :P I gave birth - I had my fair share of pain

[saramac]

I am a trained therapist in Laser Hair removal.

As Kelly said, i would recommend Laser for hair removal over IPL. IPL works on many different wavelengths of light therefor making it harder to target the hair. Laser uses ine direct beam that basically is attracted to the pigment in your hair.

Laser will only be effective in killing the hair when its in an Anagen (growing) stage. There are three stages your hair goes through so that is why you need several sessions as not all hairs are in the right phase for permanent removal.

Also hair that is caused by an underlying hormonal imbalance such as on the face, may grow back as the hair growth is caused by hormones, where as "normal" areas such as underarms, bikini lines etc are more of a permanent form of reduction.

Sessions are usually every 4-6 weeks apart. Works best on dark hair/ fair skin as there is more contrast and easier for the laser to pick.

Emla cream is the topical anesthetic and works best if you leave it on for about 1.5 hours before laser treatment.

Hope that helps!
Any other questions, feel free to ask

[C~Q]

saramac, I had SPL is that like IPL or Laser removal?