Laser Update

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Andrea,
Thought I would give an update on my first laser treatment of a complete beard removal on August 6. The specs are : Apogee 9300 set at 16J, 40ms, and 1 hertz. I asked about the 16J setting since it seems a bit wimpy compared to the numbers that I have seen posted here, but the Dr. said that my medium colored skin and the blistering Kansas sun this time of year forced him to caution. I was hoping that I was not wasting money on these early treatments due to excess caution.

 After treatment, salve was applied, and I kept out of the sun, and let the A/C blow full on my face on the way home.  I used no pain meds, and do not intend to going forward.  The doc checked in three times during the procedure, and everything went to schedule.

 I used liberal amounts of Aloe Vera Gel all evening long, which my skin seemed to readily absorb.  The day after, my skin seemed to peel a thin layer.  The red bumps and itchiness started late the second day.  I had another procedure done the same day as the laser, and on day four had to return to the Dr. to get stitches out.  He seemed rather indifferent to the progress of the treatment and said that we would go a bit higher next time as I got used to the procedure, and the sun weakened into the fall.  

 The itching stopped on day 7, and all of a sudden I starting to see changes to the beard on a daily basis.  I sit here today to report that about 25% of my beard seems to have disappeared.  The skin has never been smoother or more elegant.  The progress the last ten days has been remarkable.  

 Let me preface all of this by saying that I am transexual, 14 months into full hormone therapy.  For all intents and purposes, I am now much closer biochemically to a being female than to a male.  This may explain the progress in spite of supposed weakness of the laser energy.  Perhaps, Andrea, there is a correlation between success in this area, particulary the beard, and the hormones floating around supporting that hair structure.

 Anyway, wonderful results, and will post again after the second treatment in a couple of weeks.  Thanks.  Deane
#2

Hi Deane,

Although I’m not a transexual, I wouldn’t mind never shaving my beard again. :smile:

Don’t get discouraged if you start seeing regrowth in the coming days. Hairs will be shed for up to 2 weeks after treatment.

However, each treatment, especially at a low setting, can only really be effective for 15% of the hairs in the treated area. So, 3 months from now, you may only have a 15% reduction. Don’t get discouraged! From my visits, it takes 6 sessions for complete reduction.

I’m sure that varies between persons though, depending on hair type and area. So, you may have as little as 2 or 3 sessions before you get long lasting acceptable results.

Good luck!

Vulpes

#3

Thanks. My assessments are rather subjective at this point, but frankly expected no results until after the second treatment. I swung by the Dr. today and even he is a bit surprised at the progress. At any rate, second treatment is next week, and a report to follow. As an aside, I will gladly do six of these, and have a yearly follow up for life if I can limit electro to just the white hairs. Best of luck, Deane

#4

Facial hair is a major challenge, especially if it’s been influenced by androgens.

Be sure to keep careful records-- it’s the only way to assess progress in a way that will help others. It’s also cool to look back when you’re done (like me!).

[ August 29, 2002, 04:32 PM: Message edited by: Andrea ]