New 2 Laser Hair Removal & Have Questions/Concerns

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

Hello All!

Today I had my first ever laser hair removal treatment at a medical spa in PA. I found them via the Cutera website in my little bit of research (glad I learned to use an Alexandrite rather than an IPL-is this right?).

So, the main area I went for is my naval/treasure trail (!??!). I ended up getting that done and my chin/upper lip. I believe the tech said she had it on 18 for my abdomen and 14 for my face (I am about a skin type III, possibly between a II and a III).

My main questions are: What should I be expecting right now? I smelled burning hair and saw singed hairs afterwards, but they still seem to be really attached by the follicle (they don’t easily pull out and hurt to pull). I didn’t shave before the appt. but the tech shaved me to about 1/8th of an inch. I am concerned that the laser just burned the hair that was showing and not the follicle, but maybe what I am experiencing is normal for the same day of treatment?

My other question is regarding finer hair…my hairs are dark but not black, and are coarser than the hair on my head but not wiry. I read someone’s nightmare story that they ended up having more hair growth after laser treatments with this kind of hair!?

I guess I am hoping for a little feedback from experienced people with this so I can rest assured that I am doing the right thing (it was $100 for the naval, lip and chin w/ a 1st time customer coupon).

Thanks!

#2

Funkymama,

What you are experiencing sounds typical of what may hapen after laser hair removal.Wait two weeks to see if any shedding occurs. If not, you can call the center and ask for a re shoot. If your hair is coarse, do not worry, you will not get any stimulation on the areas that you had treated.

#3

Thanks Romeo…I will wait and hope that it was successful. I know that I will need to go back at least one more time, if not more, but I got a little worried that it didn’t do anything once I still felt the hairs holding on so well!

Also, after reading a lot I was just a little concerned about the tech and how good she is at manipulating the lasers…but I will wait and see! It wasn’t a ton of $$ anyway, so I guess it wouldn’t be any huge loss.

Another concern I had, which I forgot to mention in my first post, was little red “burn marks” on my abdomen where I believe little bits of hair had been (I imagined the laser burning those hairs and in turn my skin). I wonder if that’s normal? It’s not a redness all over (like in a big patch or spot), but rather little spots and lines. I guess I should just be patient and wait to see if they go away and if the hairs fall out.

Thanks for the light you may shed on this for a LHR newbie!!