A reader who has been blogging about her gender transition has been providing detailed reports about her experiences with laser hair removal:
Full blog:
I’m a little worried that this person doesn’t talk about the type of laser used, or settings, and goes every 4-6 weeks. And it sounds like the provider is telling them that Meladine will actually work for their red and blond and finer hair, which isn’t really the case. I hope they’re not getting IPL treatments and are hoping for too much.
My LHR folk told me the type of laser right-off, but I couldn’t recall the name, so I called them back. They use a Lumenis (company name) Lightsheer Diode Laser (http://www.aesthetic.lumenis.com/wt/page/lightsheer). As for the settings, these are always based on the answers given by the patient to establish their Fitzpatrick skin typing plus the state of their skin at the time of treatment. I don’t understand why you’re worried that I’m having treatments every 4-6 weeks, but my LHR folk say that they’d want at least 2 weeks between treatments to ensure that the skin has ample time to recover and also they set the period in order to target the phase of whisker growth that’s most vulnerable to LHR. Only one out of the three phases is the most suitable and so the period of time may change to get the optimum results as we go along.
My laser hair removal provider did not tell me that Meladine will actually work for their red and blond and finer hair, nor did I imply that in my blog. I wrote, “…there is a new product on the market called Meladine that purports to force pigment into gray, clear, blonde, and light colored hairs/whiskers such that LHR will work.” That information I conveyed was based on my inference of what I’d read on the Internet and what the Meladine people (not my provider) were purporting about their product. My LHR folk are being extremely careful not to endorse anything about Meladine until they know a lot more; one of their patients is testing it and I’ve volunteered too, so we’ll see.
No, I’m not having IPL (also known as Photo Facial) treatments, which my LHR folk say, isn’t really a hair removal system. I’m getting real Laser Hair Removal with one of, if not the best, Laser on the market for that purpose. Incidentally, my LHR folk are at the Tacoma, Washington branch of http://www.laserhairremoval.com/ if people want to contact them for more questions.
I’ve added a 3rd blog entry to my site for today 11/12/08 that includes the above information and more at http://360.yahoo.com/julielabrouste
Thanks for the clarification. The reason I mentioned all of that is because all those factors are VERY important in getting results from treatments. If they’re not met, you’re not likely to get results. So I’m trying to help here.
Lightsheer is a good laser in good hands. Experience is especially important with this machine because there are several settings they need to adjust and how they do it makes a huge difference in your results. Yes, settings depend on skin type, but Fitzpatrick chart is not meant for LHR, so it’s approximate. An experienced clinic will actually test several settings to make sure they can go as high as they can on you without side effects. It’s very important to treat at highest settings you can handle to produce permanent results.
4-6 week spacing is too frequent. If treatments are effective, you shouldn’t have much to treat yet until at least 8 weeks on most areas, and 6 weeks only on the face at the earliest. You’re supposed to experience shedding within 2-3 weeks after the treatment, so at 4 weeks, there shouldn’t be any hair yet. You should have a hairfree period for several week after shedding. If this is not happening, it could be a sign that the treatments are not working well and something needs to be adjusted (i.e. settings).
Meladine doesn’t really work as it claims to since laser affects the root of the hair in order to kill it and meladine only colors the part above the skin’s surface.
I hope you achieve your hair removal goals with the diode.
Many people come to realize that they need a two-fold plan for total permanent hair removal on the face, because a signifigant reduction will just not satisfy them. See where laser takes you, but start investigating who the most skilled TG experienced electrologists are in your area, so you are prepared to go the full extent to get a smoth face. You are going to need more help for your facial hair beyond laser hair reduction.
I realize that you’re helping; I appreciate it and want it very much; as you said, I was clarifying 
My technicians appear to be both knowledgeable and experienced; when I asked them about my red, brown, light-red and light-brown whiskers, they said they’d be using different settings as they go along, depending. Plus, there’s the guarantee I described in my blog; if there are any whiskers, other than gray/clear (I have no blonde) they’ll zap them at no cost to me for two full years after the last treatment. Naturally I don’t want to fall back on that, but neither do they.
They slated my second treatment for eight weeks after my first, but then I called them to see why it was so long because I read (somewhere) that it was 4-6 weeks between sessions. The technician checked my chart, made sure that it was okay, and then said that six weeks should be fine for me if I wanted, so I re-scheduled. My first was on 11/01; my second was set for 12/27, but now my second is set for 12/13. From what I read of your reply, six weeks should be okay for face/throat.
They told me there’d be whiskers that were dead, but didn’t know it yet and for two weeks afterward, these would fall-out. Is that what you mean by shedding? If they fell-out, I didn’t actually witness this happening, like seeing them drop from my face or come-off in my hand or something; you didn’t mean that did you? I also haven’t been examining my face as much as I should, which I’ll try to correct, and I missed an excellent opportunity today, but I did glean vital information anyway.
This morning, after three days without shaving, I felt my face, detected whiskers, which may have been nothing but gray, stumbled into the bathroom without bothering to check the mirror and shaved in the shower. Significantly, however, I did notice that on each stroke of the razor, I only saw literally a few non-gray whiskers in the shaving cream; clearly, a lot more have gone, one way or the other, since I last reported. So, it seems that I am in that (non-gray) “hair-free” period right now.
My LHR folk explained to me that whiskers go through three basic phases of growth, and that only one of these phases is optimal for or susceptible to LHR; so only 33% are eligible to actually die on each session, although many more may also be damaged enough to die anyway. I had conveyed this in my blog and since you hadn’t contradicted it, I assume that this is correct according to you too; but just to make sure; is this right from what you understand as well?
If the above is true and you are correct about the, “hair-free,” period, which is supported by my all but whisker-less shaving cream scum, there’s a dilemma here for which I can only see one solution. Though only 33% of the whiskers may actually die, all non-gray/blonde whiskers should, you say, still be affected such that there’s a, “hair-less,” period, which is why you need to wait at least six weeks so that these 66% have time to grow back…in order to get whacked on the next session.
Have I got this right? If so, then there was one gap in my knowledge. I didn’t realize that all or nearly all of the remaining non-gray/blonde whiskers that survived and won’t die from that session, would nevertheless stop growing for that hair-less period. Thus, this would be something that either my LHR folk didn’t explain to me, or I just missed; the later being very possible. That may also be in the pamplets they gave me to read…which I didn’t read. If I haven’t got this right, I’d be grateful for an explanation; either way, I’ll double-check with them.
My LHR folk are dubious about Meladine too, but want to get their own data. If you’re right then the Meladine people are really lying because they specifically claim to go down to the root. I’ll still let my LHR people try it on me if they want to, but based on what you’ve written, I’ll insist that they pay for it themselves.
I think that covers everything Thank-you so much!
Julie
Oh yeah, I know that I’ll need electrolysis too dfahey In fact, I put a line in my roadmap to look for a good person.
Thanx,
Julie
You’re doing well and I think you will be successful. Stay active here so others can learn from you. Okay?
Dee
I’ve sent the email, included below, to www.creativeinc.biz, which is the company that my LHR folk bought some Meladine from for their own tests. My LHR are EXTREMELY dubious about Meladine, which is what I’ve found so far on this site as well as others. Basically, I can’t find any independent success stories at all. But before I write this off, I thought I’d contact them as I’m curious to see what they have to say:
Hi,
I’ve started the process involved with male-to-female sex-reassignment and I’m currently having LHR (diode laser) performed on my face and throat, but I have some gray whisker with which to cope. I’ve learned about Meladine, but I’m finding nothing but negative results, which has all but convinced me that $60 for a 4oz. bottle used 16 times a day (8 in morning and 8 in evening) for 6 weeks prior to each LHR session is simply not worth it given the lack of independent and clearly successful results. Have you any studies or success stories, etc. that pursuade? If so, I’d love to have them. I’m on 3 transsexual websites and all of their views so far are negative.
Julie
Okay, below is the reply I received from Evan Parker at www.creativeinc.biz. At this time, I won’t comment on what I think about Mr. Parker’s response yet; instead I’ll simply post it for you to judge for youselves what you think:
Hello Julie,
Thanks for your email. I appreciate you contacting us, and I would be happy to assist you. Meladine has been used in over 2,000 practices just in the US and in over 20 countries. We have studied hundreds of practices and I would like to share with you candidly what we see consistently.
First realistic expectations are important. As you are aware, Meladine deposits natural melanin into the hair follicle. However, different types of hair perform better than others. Fine vellus hair is the best performer. The feedback we receive continually is: approximately 90% of clients with this type of hair experience success. When you get into the coarse, thick hair a lot of clients see success, but it is more challenging. The coarse hair is tougher for our liposomes to penetrate, and sometimes is the result of hormone changes adds another challenge. However, realistically about 50% of clients with the thick coarse hair see success.
Also patient compliance is an issue. There is a regimen with Meladine and if you don’t follow it there won’t be any melanin for the diode to pick up.
Next the technician must treat correctly. We send an information and training manual to the practice when they order that goes over everything from a technician standpoint.
You mention gray wiskers below. If you would like to try the Meladine, what I would recommend is to try it for a couple treatments to see if you will respond.
Below I have listed testimonies for your review:
Brandon Fitch / Spa Director
Skin 360 Laser Spa
Evan,
I just wanted to let you know why you have recently seen a major increase in our orders for the product Meladine. We have had a major increase or clients the require help with their laser treatment due to light and non treatable hair. As in the past I have seen products that have promised great results and delivered a less than satisfactory outcome. We receive clientele from all social groups including a large number from the Transgender community. Many of these clients cannot afford to “go through the change” until later in life and by this time some of the facial hair has began to turn gray or white. This presents a bigger problem for them than convenience. We tried Meladine on a few of these clients to test the results. To tell you the truth, I did not expect results as listed in the brochure and clinical studies. Let’s just say I was surprised and my clients have seen a major improvement in their hair removal success. Your company releases a 50-60% success rate on thicker hairs. I believe it, in fact, it might be closer to 70%. I have had many female clients with hormone conditions that cause excess growth of blonde facial hair. I have been selling them Meladine and have been ecstatic with their results plus the fact that I can now accept clients that would have otherwise been turned away. Your product has increased our laser sales and made many of my clients happy and hair free! You should look forward hearing from us on a regular basis.
Best wishes,
Hall & Hall Dermatology
“We are seeing good success with Meladine in our clinic!”
Affordable Enhancements
“Our clients love Meladine. Clients that had previously been to other clinics and had been turned away and told they couldn’t be treated didn’t know there was any alternative. However, with Meladine they were able to achieve success with their previously untreatable hair.”
Carrollton Eye Clinic
“A client came into my clinic with unwanted blonde hair on her arms and we were able to remove it with Meladine! Meladine gave my client better self esteem.”
Paula Koral
“From my salt and pepper to my blazing white hair, Meladine has worked absolutely wonderful.”
Laserderm Medspa
We are having fantastic results with Meladine! Our clients get rid of the hair they didn’t realize they could before Meladine.
Body Perfect
“All my clients that use Meladine correctly have seen results, both the fine hair and the coarse.”
Amazing Laser
“Meladine is working great and the patients love it.”
Laser Advantage of East County
“Our clients love it, it just flies of the shelves!”
Images Inc.
“I wish I bought all my products from you. You are on the ball, well informed, and really treat me well. Thank you!”
Laser Med Cosmetics
“My clients are seeing good results with Meladine!”
Sona – Virginia Beach
“It has been great to see people who never thought they could get rid of their unwanted hair discover they can with Meladine.”
“Meladine has given a lot of people hope and offered a solution for their unwanted hair that was previously untreatable.”
Sona - Indianapolis
“We are seeing the results that we expected with Meladine.” “It works great on fine blond hair”
Three Rivers Dermatology
“Patients we wouldn’t have considered, we have been able to treat and get results for! Offering Meladine has definitely increased our revenue!”
Canton, NY
"Meladine is the only product that has allowed us to offer laser treatment to light-haired client. Without Meladine we would have to turn them all away.”
Electrology & Laser Center
Dear Evan,
We at The Electrology & Laser Center have been using the Meladine on the appropriate candidates for years now. We have only used it on the face, however. In each case the client saw improved results. Due to the improved results; the client went on to do an additional treatment or two in 95% of cases. We give explicit instructions to our clients on how to use the Meladine for the best results!
Thank you.
Francine Capuzzo RN
If you have any more questions, just let me know.
Best regards,
Evan
Evan Parker
President
Creative Technologies, Inc.
1025 Executive Blvd, Ste: 112
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Phone: 757.436.4774
Fax: 757.549.2753
www.CreativeInc.biz
In response to Evan, I sent the following reply, and below that, he replied to me. I’m not convinced. He clarified that 50% meant half the clients achieved the results they desired. Those results aren’t specified and this also means that the other half didn’t achieved the results they desired. I really expected to get some idea as to what percent of blonde/gray whiskers got whacked, which must be somewhat known by them, but isn’t stated. Instead, he lists three reasons why it doesn’t achieve desired results and at the top of the list is that the patients don’t follow the regimine; I find that difficult to understand since, we were discussing MTF TSes, who, in my opinion, would be THE most motivated people on the planet in terms if following the letter of a procedure to rid themselves of whiskers. The rest of Evans’ references either didn’t specify whiskers, meant the same thing in terms of success, and the vast majority were not independent, but are folk who sell Meladine.
Given that I’m still very dubious even after this exchange with Evan, I don’t think I will try Meladine unless some more convincing evidence comes forward. My LHR folk do have one TS that is trying it, so I’ll see if I can find-out how she’s doing.
====================================================
-----Original Message-----
From: Julie Labrouste [mailto:julielabrouste@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2008 6:51 PM
To: Evan Parker
Subject: Re: Meladine
Hi Evan,
Thank-you very much for taking the time to reply.
You wrote that, “However, realistically about 50% of clients with the thick coarse hair see success.”
Does your use of the phrase, “thick coarse hair,” include whiskers?
Technically, your sentence means that half of your clients with the thick coarse hair, “see success,” implying that the other half sees no success at all. Is that what you meant to convey? Or did you mean that 50% of their thick coarse blonde/gray hair/whiskers were successfully destroyed?
Julie
====================================================
Hello Julie,
Yes, “whiskers” would be defined as coarse hair.
When we first launched the Meladine we had experts perform hair removal on coarse hair clients and they showed a very high success rate. However, after thousands of treatments and working with over 2,000 practices we have observed in everyday practices there are some factors that influence the outcomes of the treatments. Just to name a few:
Ø Sometimes patients don’t completely follow the regimen
Ø Some laser technicians or doctors achieve higher results than others with the same laser
Ø There are many factors that are out of our control – skin care regimens used during treatments, hormonal changes, medication….
So, when we discuss expectations with clients we do our best to create realistic expectations. Many practices see higher results that 50% with coarse hair, but we would much rather under promise and over deliver.
When we say 50% success, we mean that 50% of the patients achieved the results they desired. To be candid, just like medication, some patients don’t respond as well as others. As mentioned above, there can be many contributing factors. That being said, we are able to assist many patients that couldn’t receive help anywhere else.
Hope this information is helpful. I know you would like a guaranteed solution (and so would we) but we do our best to be candid.
Best regards,
Evan Parker
President
Creative Technologies, Inc.
1025 Executive Blvd, Ste: 112
Chesapeake, Virginia 23320
Phone: 757.436.4774
Fax: 757.549.2753
www.CreativeInc.biz
Julie,
Read past links here on hairtell about Meladine and draw your own conclusions about Meladine and what the president of Creative technolgies has to say. No one on these past threads have a financial interest in this product. Go to the right top area and so a search on hairtell by typing in ‘meladine’.
Dee,
Yeah, I checked those out before and again just now. Meladine has been around sicne 2002 or even earlier (a post of 2004 said it had been around a couple of years) and yet the ONLY remarks I can find on it anywhere are negative EXCEPT from those who sell the stuff. Even communicating directly with creativeinc has yeilded no independent and specific results. So far, I agree with you Dee, and everybody else for that matter that doesn’t have a vested interest in Meladine
Julie, looking for a good electrolysist, Labrouste
I had my second laser hair removal session on 12/13/08. Please forgive the length of time from my last post, but HRT has become a new level of hell plus the holidays, etc. They, the LHR folk, went from 26 jules to 28 jules this time (if I remember that right). That definitely hurt more and frankly I haven’t noticed anything more or less effective from the first time. I do see that I have a “spot” on the under portion of the right side of my chin that is stubborn around the size of a quarter. I had told them about this before the second session, but is still stands out like a sore thumb when I don’t shave.
Julie, I’m confused…I read the email that you posted from the guy at creativeinc and I saw a bunch of comments from medspas that were using Meladine and they said good things. I know the internet and people complaining are always easy to find but that looked to me like a lot of praise.
The creativeinc guy simply would not give me some idea on how well it really worked. All he kept saying was that 50% were satisfied, leaving 50% that were not. Satisfied? About how much of the gray/clear/blonde whiskers were elliminated? He wouldn’t say. And frankly, if half of your customers are not satisfied, well, that’s pretty bad in my book. As for the medspas; these comments were VERY centered on sales, not actual results; they praised the stuff because it SOLD well. There was like one comment that said anything about the actually performance of this stuff. And NONE of this was independent; it’s makers and salespeople; and it is GOING to sell because people get desperate. I still have one person here, through my laser hair removal folk. that is diligently trying this stuff, but it’s still too soon to say. If it really works then it MIGHT be worth the 8 times you have to use it per day…MIGHT, but if I have to go through that much (one of my LHR people said that it has to be used even more than that, like 12-16 times) I’m going to the electrolysist.
Thanks Ms. Labrouste. This site is about truthfulness. So many people have been ripped off by other people who have something to peddle. That is why Andrea started hairtell. She is a determined consumer advocate. If this stuff worked as intended, we would know about it.
FYI: I’m trying Meledine for my next LHR session. I’m dubious, but before I jump right into electrolysis for my gray, I’ll give it a whirl. The deal that I have with my LHR folk is that I’ll be getting free sessions every 6 weeks for two years anyway so I may as well. I don’t have a camera that’s good enough to take pictures, but I will certainly be unbiased. By the way, I have a MySpace account under my alias of Julie Labrouste and I recently placed a photograph of myself x-dressed.
Fair enough, Miss Julie. We would appreciate your feedback at a minimum of six months AFTER you have done nothing to the treated area. One year would be better.
Dee
Dee,
Am I to understand that you do not want me to post what I had experienced at my sixth Laser Hair Removal session after having used melidine for 2 weeks? You’re use of the word “minimum” is why I’m asking as I get the impression that you don’t want me to comment until six months have passed, preferably 12. Or have I mis-inferred?
Julie