My Laser Journey - treatments advice

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hi everyone,

I am new to this forum and wanted to ask advice. I don’t have the exact details, I know that you will require to advise, but just wanted to introduce myself and map out how I have got on so far. I will get these details soon.

Alexandrite is the only laser my derm office offers. I have had 9 Alexandrite laser treatments for hair removal on the side of my face and upper lip. It hurt quite more than I had expected at first, but now I only wince a little. I had downy, fine hair and the setting was kept low at 13-14 due to my Indian skin - although light, tans very well.

As soon as I got home I would press ice packs against the treated areas until the hot feeling dispersed, then spray Avene thermal spray and apply Neutrogena ultimate moisture every two-three hours.

I could always see small (very small) scabs nearer the hairline, but no others- and none on the upper lip - thank goodness.

The only thing I am worried about is that I have had 9 treatments now, and although the growth that has come back has reduced I am certain that areas where there was no growth at all there is now - some are thicker, more coarse. I now know through reading other on-line forums as well as this one that this is quite common with my skin and hair type, but am so worried that I feel I just don’t know what to do. I read and read and still don’t come to a solution. I tried to talk about it with my the laser derm but she says that we have to keep the energy low due to my skin type and see it as a better method of hair removal - every 10-11 weeks at the moment. All the hair sheds by the 3rd-4th day. The areas mainly remain clear for approx 8 weeks and then start to return in the last two before the next appointment. I find the upper lip comes back first.

I know I need to change what I’m doing, but just don’t know what to do.

Electrolysis worries me, as I can’t take much pain and have been told by others who have had this treatment that it hurts an awful lot- no pain no gain i know. Plus, finding a good electrolysist may be difficult, I travel often and the schedule for treatments is much closer together.

I suppose I just wanted to get as much as I can out, just typing all this helps. I hope I haven’t written too much. Any thoughts on this will be appreciated. Pokka

#2

You need to stop laser treatments. They’re not right for your situation. Electrolysis is the ONLY solution for your hair issue, which is finer hair on a woman’s face, especially with Indian skin.

Electrolysis is not that painful at all. It sounds like your laser treatments are more painful that it would ever be in good hands. Everything is about finding a good practitioner who knows what they’re doing, has the right modern equipment, etc.

Please use our Electrolysis forum to educate yourself on the best machines and ways to tackle electrolysis out there.

Where do you travel? If it’s around the US, you can find electrologists in most places. However, if you can commit to treatments every 2-3 weeks, you’ll be fine sticking with one in your hometown.

#3

Hello LaGirl, and thank you for your reply.

I will stop the treatments.

I live in Kent, UK. I travel for work to other countries in Europe and US. I can probably commit to every 2-3 weeks if I organise my schedule more tightly. It’s just that I am not one to go to a practitioner I don’t know or haven’t been recommended to. Especially since all this. I will read the electrolysis section and see if there are any users from the UK who have been to electrolysists in the Kent area.

My sister has heard of one clinic that offers treatments using Diathermy machines. I will get more info.

#4

Hi Pokka,

I’d check the BIAE directory and find some electrologists in your area and go for a few consultations.
After reading a bit about electrolysis in the relevant section of the forums :slight_smile:

#5

Hi Stopit&tidyup,

I found the site just an hour ago and found a few clinics in my area. Thank you for replying.

I have read so much I think I’ll be seeing electrologists in my sleep! :slight_smile:

#6

Diathermy is thermolysis in Euro terms :slight_smile: Start there and check them out. Get a sample treatment. See how the reaction is. Let us know the name of the clinic and the exact method they’re using. Thermolysis, especially microflash or picoflash types, is fastest method.

Btw, you don’t have “light skin” in hair removal terms. You’re likely at LEAST a type IV.

#7

Hi LAgirl,

I have read all of the electrolysis info I can today and feel a lot more confident now. I’ll look into a consultation at a few places before deciding on anything. Thanks :slight_smile:

I know about the usefulness of skin typing, which is why I always mention that I am Indian, as no one ever thinks I am from looking at my skin but I tan very easily so it’s important to mention it. I was checked by my derm yesterday to examine the areas where the follicles are now more coarse and she always has a look to determine my skin condition; she noted a fitzpatrick skin type of III on the record. I will change my signature to reflect this instead of the description.

-Although, I did a quick search of fitzpatrick skin typing and really, to be safe, I should be considered a IV
( Skin and Health )

#8

Skin types are not exact. Due to your ethnic background, you’re likely between a III and a IV.

#9

Hi all,
I started a new post in the electrolysis section regarding my consultation today :slight_smile:
My electrolysis journey