My treatments at ALC (Male Beard) Liberty, MO

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
1

Well after flip flopping many times, I finally decided to stick with the laser and ride out the experience. I am using American Laser Center in Liberty, Missouri. The laser that is being used is the LightShear XC Diode, 12mm.

February 22, 2006 - 1/6 Treatments
I arrived a bit late due to some traffic and was met with a lot of paperwork. I took my time to read all of it, mostly just borrower information for the payment plan I had scheduled.

I was seen promptly by a very nice tech named Amber, who coincidentally is friends with some old high school friends of mine. Small world. We hit it off well, and began the treatment.

I did have to shave my face first, which was a horrible experience. I was given a throw away 2 bladed Bic and very crappy shave lotion. My skin is very sensitive, and new blades cut me up pretty good. I was bleeding everywhere. How embarassing!

After that the procedure started. I was given large glasses instead of “eye cups” (think tanning salon) and Amber applied the gel to my face. At first, she tested my tolerance to the laser on a place without hair, and I got up to about 33. So we went with that and it hurt pretty bad on the first few patches (on my neck) but we were getting very good results (or so she said). The “burnt popcorn” smell from the hair being destroyed was pretty horrible too.

Anyways, after a few more spots we had to turn it down. So now I’m at about 26 and still hurting quite a bit (remember sensitive skin). We finally rested on 18 and went with that. The pain was tolerable and I was pretty calm about it. I didn’t talk when she ran the laser across my face, and she got a little worried that I was in a lot of pain, lol. The worst part was probably the upper lip, I cried a little bit at that.

At the end, there were already some hairs that had shed and some that were beginning.

Regardless, it went well I think. I will definately try and suck up the pain a bit more next time, and try a higher setting.

That’s all for now!

A

2

sounds good. let us know how shedding goes in 3 weeks. I would recommend that you shave yourself next time before you come in with a nice razor and shaving gel. It would be easier on your skin too if it’s not freshly shaved.

3

Yeah I was going to do it the day before, but I flip flopped so much I just didn’t do it. I think the next treatment will be a definate improvement.

4

April 13, 2006 - 2/6 Treatments
Well today was my second treatment. A little backtrack first though, to comment on the shedding. It happened about 2 weeks ago, and the only reason I could tell was because when I shaved there was barely any resistance to the razor. It was very nice! I stayed hair free for …gasp… 2 days. My beard was quite patchy, I’m positive this is from using a high setting on the first side (left side) and then lowering as we went along. I’d say maybe 10% reduction, but it’s hard to tell so early.

Today, I arrived at 11:40am for my noon appointment but was immediately seen and got to sit down. My technician was not at work today, so I was treated to the manager of the center working on me.

I had decided after the last visit to grin and bare the pain this time, so we started and stayed at 28 joules for the entire session. Also, instead of running the laser over my skin we went in small bursts, it gave me a little room to breathe. I am curious how it turns out though, since it’s possible that some spots were missed.

All in all, the session lasted 15 minutes. It was quick, a bit painful, but much better than the last time. Many hairs “popped” out this time as well.

My next appointment is June 1st, so I’ll check back in then. So far so good.

A

5

the up and down method is actually usually more effective than gliding, especially if they use compression on the LightSheer. So as long as she was overlapping a bit, you should get better results.

6

June 8, 2006 - 3/6 Treatments
I had my third treatment last Thursday. The past few weeks after the shedding occurred from the 2nd treatment, I noticed a big reduction in patchiness, and my beard looked full but more spaced out. I kind of just figured it was the current cycle filling in the patches.

Anyways, I had a different tech AGAIN, which bothers me a bit. 3 treatments with 3 different techs doesn’t seem very consistant to me, plus they don’t know how I was treated the previous time. This tech named Amy didn’t even know what I was in for. I had to tell her my entire beard and neck were going to be lasered. Don’t get me wrong, I’m seeing results but that ticks me off a little.

So last time I think I was at a 28, and we went up to 32 this time. I was VERY red and it was quite painful, but the redness faded quick and probably 20% of my hairs popped out at the time of treatment. I was quite impressed.

My next appointment is in August, so I’ll post again then.

A

7

I had the same problems with ALC . . .

Even when I had the same tech, they only vaguely remembered me. Treatments were always rushed.

It was extremely difficult to schedule appointments at the proper intervals; they were always booked up. Several times I called a day in advance to confirm and was told I was not in the system for any appt! Once I even showed up and had to reschedule because the tech could not figure out how to operate the machine. WTF?

If you’re paying by appt. I would suggest cutting your losses and going somewhere else. The patchiness is a result of improper procedure (and laser type). It will only get worse. Believe me I’ve had 11 treatments and now just want all my hair to grow back and look normal. If you truly want uniform reduction you need ONE very experienced and caring tech!

8

I agree that ALC is worth avoiding for several reasons. If you have patchy hair removal on the face, however, I think this is not due ONLY to bad technique. See my post:

http://www.hairtell.com/ubbthreads/showf…=true#Post32970

9

Well my place is VERY good about appointment scheduling as it’s a very new center. They openned in January and I started treatment in February. I think the next treatment I’m just going to request that I have the same tech everytime and explain to them my feelings on the matter. I don’t mind scheduling around the techs if it will make my procedures more uniform and my results better.

I’m positive the patchiness isn’t all due to form, though I’m sure they are not overlapping all the time. I can tell when they do it that they aren’t.

Regardless, the whole point behind the laser for me was to get a decent percent of reduction and finish with electrolysis. Hopefully it pays off, and if not well, lesson learned I suppose.

A

10

Exactly, its a jump start to get the bulk removal done quickly (although it is a risk as some of us will have bad results). I found one place that discourages getting an appt with the same tech. I think they don’t want customers upset if a tech leaves (or is unavailable) and they don’t want to encourage favorites from the clients. Nonetheless, they have provided consistant service for me; their record-keeping and training make the difference…

11

This is me before any treatment. This is one week worth of growth (7 days) [image]http://www.chimeracollies.com/old/images/pretreatment.jpg[/image]

Here is 3 weeks after my 3rd treatment. Also one week of growth to accomodate the control picture. The fuzziness I couldn’t control for some reason, so I apologize.

Click the pictures for more detail.

[image]http://www.chimeracollies.com/old/images/Front1.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.chimeracollies.com/old/images/Left2.jpg[/image]
[image]http://www.chimeracollies.com/old/images/Right2.jpg[/image]

In the front picture it’s painstakingly obvious that the tech has missed parts on my neck and chin. Also on the sides of my face you see almost grid like patterns where overlapping didn’t occur.

Regardless, I’m quite happy with the results after 3 treatments. A lot of hair is gone or very light.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

A

12

Wow! Thanks so much for sharing these with everyone!

One thing I tell people considering this is that you will probably have patchy spots unless you commit to complete clearance.

It can take time, but many have found it worth it.

Androgen-induced facial hair is the hardest kind to kill, so go to someone with lots of experience.

I hope all the readers will join in thanking our great members who share their experiences in pictures!

13

Well I’ve been away a bit, but I’ve gone through my 4th treatment and will be going to my 5th on this Saturday.

I have had a bit more removal since the 3rd treatment. Many of the “gridlines” on the side of my face are gone. There is a large grid section under my chin, and my moustache and chin hairs are still holding strong.

The major difference I have found is that my hairs are all coarser since I started this. Even the new velous hairs are quite coarse.

Regardless, I’m excited about the next 3 weeks and hope that some of my strays and chin/lip will fall out!

I’ll update when it sheds!

A

14

ouch this brings back painful memories. after about a dozen or so treatments on my beard I had only a little hair left on my chin.

its been 8 months since my last treatment and my face looks like your grid-line picture. at this point i hope it just continues to fill in so i look normal.

i went to ALC in new york. i really dont think laser is practical for young male beards (if at all).

15

Ah yes, the Liberty. I’m from KC…quite close. First of all, didn’t you have alot of irritation after laser? I do my chest, shoulders, upper arms and I get horrible irritation. It’s been 3 weeks and I still have some pimples and what not. If I did my beard, wow. I can’t even imagine, I coudln’t leave the house for weeks. Also, how long in between appointments are they scheduling? If it’s less than 9-10 don’t do it.

16

My face stays red for about 5 hours after treatment. The only irritation I have is a few pimples for 2-3 days after from the hairs pushing out.

We usually go about 6 weeks to the day on my schedule and it seems to be working very well. I notice when the hair sheds and when the new hair starts to come in (about 1.5 weeks before next appointment).

Beard hair is very different from body hair, so that may be why you have to wait longer for your appointments.

A

17

angelafking, I’m wondering how your treatments are going on your face. Thanks!

18

Well I’ve been away for some time from my laser schedule. The last (6th) treatment I had was last December. I wanted to take some time away just to see how much my beard grew in. So far, it’s not growing in at all in the places that the laser actually worked. I still have a noticable goatee after 2 days, but it’s very streaky and patchy.

I’m very unimpressed with the results and will probably NOT go back to ALC or any other laser place for that matter. Time to break down and spend some money the right way on electrolysis.

Perhaps it’s just very difficult to laser off a beard because of the type of hair. If you have great success then stick with it!

-A

19

yes, this area has very coarse hair and should be treated with caution and only by someone very experienced with this particular area who is careful not to cause patchiness. chin area is the hardest to get rid of. Electrolysis should help even things out and tackle that area specifically, though it’s still a hard-to-treat area and takes the longest with electrolysis too.

20

I feel for you bro. It’s painful to watch someone go through the same dramatic arc. First getting excited then disappointed.

I remember seeing your pics and reading that you were excited back in Oct. 2006. Your results then looked just like mine and I knew that in awhile you’d be back on here disappointed.

I’m not trying to say I told you so. But I think it’s important to point out that I did try to say something back then. Which I’m sure wasn’t what you wanted to hear so it was ignored. I actually have done the same when someone tried to tell me to stop because I was going to end up regretting it. I wish I listened.

I only point it out, because I think it shows how the con of laser hair removal, so much so that young guys are willing to ignore the hard science of clinical studies and the experience of others.

[Only specifically referring to young male beards here, so please don’t jump on and attack me unless you are young man (who is not taking hormones) and had your beard lasered].

The patchiness will get slightly less noticeable over the course of several more months (my experience). And in all likely hood you’ll have a full beard again in 2-3 years (others I’ve talked to).