I'm thinking very seriously about having laser hair removal to my chin and upper lip (something I NEVER thought I'd do!) and am wondering if anyone has had it done. Any thoughts? The "possible" post symptoms/side effects scare me a little! Possible bruising, scabbing, etc. I have always been prone to a little hair there, but since my daughter was born, it's gotten out of control!! It's starting to effect my self-esteem. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!
Hi J.
I have had laser hair removal-and although expensive-I suffered very minimal after effects.
But my concern for you is the age you are having this. Could this be a hormonal imbalance-since it is right after childbirth?
You may want to look into that also (or instead)
I am not suggesting hormones though!!
Good luck.
J. H
Hi J. - The coarse hair on my upper lip has seriously been a major thorn in my side since I was a teenager! I was always self-conscious and felt like everyone was staring at it, and like I could never stand in the sunlight, etc. I did waxing for years until I finally started laser removal on it last December. I have to say, I have had 4 treatments and I have been very happy with it so far!! Every time I go, it takes longer for it to grow back, requiring me to go again. And when it does grow back, it's not as bad as it used to be. The idea is that after a certain number of treatments, depending on your hair shade and the thickness of it (I was blessed with dark and stubborn hair), the laser kills the hair root, so it never grows again. The esthetician who does mine thinks I will need one, maybe two more, and be done. Yes, it's more expensive, but it's cheaaper than waxing every 3-4 weeks for the rest of your life!! I have not had any bruising or scabbing, but it does swell and get red right after the treatment, so just be sure to put ice on it for an hour or two afterwards. And always wear sunscreen on the area so you don't get hyperpigmentation. It does hurt a little bit, like a quick zap, but it's over really quickly and the pain actually lessens every time I go. It is so worth it... I highly recommend it! I finally got fed up with being self-conscious and worrying about what it looked like! I say go for it!
Hi, I just started laser hair removal this past January for my legs, underarms and bikini (face will be next!). I'm sooo happy with it!! I've only had 3 treatments so far and can already see a huge difference. Each time after a treatment, I have about 2 weeks of being hair free and then slowly the new hair starts to grow back but it's finer and more sparse. I've never had any of the side effects that you mentioned. The worst is that I've gotten a temporary red spot at the spot of the hair follicle. The key is going to the right place for you. The first place that I went to was very honest and said up front that my skin color (light tan) and hair combo (black) was not right for their equipment. I did a little research and decided to go with Sleek Med Spa (they have several branches) because not only did they have the best equipment but they also offered a life time guarantee. So it doesn't matter how often I go. When you're dealing with a place like your face that the hair is hormone related, I strongly recommend that you find a place that would offer the same guarantee. If it ever does comes back, you'll never have to pay for another treatment.
My sister did the laser hair removal on her legs 7 years ago and it's never come back but leg hair isn't effected by your hormones. My sister in-law is doing it now on her underarms and bikini (somewhere in Miami) and even though this place has offered a two year guarantee, she hasn't seen a difference at all and it's been a year. She wants to switch and get her money back but she's locked into a contract. So I'd recommend that you do your research first on which laser will be the best for you (and pricing because I was able to bargain on the price)before you sign on.
my friend had the same situation, always a little fuzzy underneath but after her baby, she got black long hairs. she ended up going to an endocrinologist after her primary referred her, her testorone levels were all off. she took meds but eventually got fed up waiting for them to kick in, so went for the laser hair removal...was so happy with it, that she decided to continue with her legs. no scabbing. a little painful while it's happening, but nothing crazy. it's expensive, but she said it was worth it. she was so self conscious about it. if you have the money, go for it. if it's consuming your thoughts, it will be good for you to get rid of the problem regardless of whether anyone else notices or not. good luck
Despite what anyone says, laser is not permanent. I have done it and I am very happy with the results. I will have to continue going to maintain the "hair-free" results for as long as I can afford it. It is, however, quick and relatively painless. The best results will occur if you have fair skin and dark hair. Good luck.
Depending on where you live, I use a place in RI. It is so worth the 45 minute drive. It's in a Dr. office and the woman who does the procedure is so nice. It's a little uncomfortable while it is being done. But a few minutes later You don't feel anything. If you're interested in more info e-mail me (____@____.com). I'm so glad I did it.
I have done both electrolysis and laser hair removal and I think both are effective. My major reason for going was self esteem and comments made from others ( I started electrolysis in high school with Jean from Advanced Electrology in Newburyport). I later went to Shanti in Newburyport for the laser. The girls there will evaluate you and tell you how effective they think the treatments will be. Not all lasers work on every person. Your skin and hair color will be evaluated with the lasers they have.
You need to consider cost and time. I did not have ill effects with either and I did notice a difference. You will have a certain level of discomfort during the treatment (a pinching or stinging feeling) but it is not unbearable and it is so worth the time and effort. You might have some redness after the treatment, but it goes away quickly. Laser is faster because the tool can cover a section of your face while electrolysis goes at each hair one at a time. The hairs do get lighter and fewer on your area of treatment with both types of treatment. Follow the instructions of the person administering the treatment and you will be fine.
When you get pregnant and nurse, the hormone changes in your body may trigger more hair growth (I have this problem now). The girl at Shanti said to wait to come back for the next treatment until I am done nursing to allow the hormones to balance.
Hi J., I know exactly how you feel and had chin hair that I was very self conscious about. I had to shave it every day. It was the most embarrassing thing and I felt like everyone could see it. I got laser hair removal done and it did absolutely nothing to remove it. It seemed to stunt the growth temporarily, but did not remove it and it just continued to grow back. Then I ended up doing electrolysis and it removed it completely. It takes several visits but it was permanent for me. I went to Lucy Peters (www.lucypeters.com). This was before my daughter was born and I was able to take a monthly trip to NYC to get it done. My husband and I would make a day of it. I know that would not be possible for me now with a child but perhaps there is another place in the Boston area to have electrolysis done. Lucy Peters uses a particular method so do your research when you investigate places to go. Call references to see if they had results. Good luck.
