African American skin and laser treatments

STORMIEYES73 · 03-15-2004, 01:40 AM

Hi,
My question: What experiences have any African-American Cysters had with laser hair removal? Which lasers? Are you light or dark-complexioned? Any scarring? Kat recently posted that the cool glide laser is the only FDA- approved laser for all skin types.
Last week, I finally went to a dermatalogist in Dallas to discuss my shameful problem-- facial hair!!!!

They stated 5 facial treatments @ $250 each. This doctor uses the Lyra laser.
I am so wanting to have this done TODAY, or as soon as the savings grows, but also, need the confidence for the right doctor and the right laser. UGGGggggghhhhhh!!!!! To be female & hairy-faced, what a pain! What an understatement!
I'm rambling, plz forgive me.
Later Days,
Linda S.

KatCarney · 03-15-2004, 11:53 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by STORMIEYES73
They stated 5 facial treatments @ $250 each. This doctor uses the Lyra laser.

I don't know anything about the Lyra, and $250 sounds high to me.

On second thought, how much of your face are you having done??

Here in GA, the treatments run a flat $700ish for unlimited treatments for a year (for chin/lip area).

I think the CoolGlide site has a physician locator service...

Kat

STORMIEYES73 · 03-15-2004, 09:02 PM

Ms. Kat,
Thank you for replying. This particular office has a standard fee of $250 for chin, lip, and cheeks, or basically any facial laser hair removal is this same price. Probably, because he's one of the few African-American dermatalogists in the DFW metroplex who offer laser hair removal. Intitially, I called a well-known hair removal franchise for an appointment & inquiries about laser types, but they stated they only performed up to the lightest Asian- colored skin, not brown or darker- colored skin. They referred me to this particular dermatalogist. I'm going to check if Cool Glide has a physican in my area. I'm still researching my options. Thanking God for the revealed answered wisdom & knowledge.
Peaceful Journeys,
Linda S.

ZphisticatedLady · 03-30-2004, 06:16 PM

Hi Kat and Stormie,

I'm an African-American woman that is going to start Laser treatments this month. I had a cosmetic consultation at Morphosis Rejuventation Studio in in San Jose, CA and I am having them do my laser treaments (using the CoolGlide Laser, by Alltus) at $95.00 a treatment for my chin area and a total of $242.25 for a series of 3 treatments.

The consultation was great and she was really concerned about my skin. She noticed, that thanks to "endless plucking" that my skin had alot of scaring and pigementation, so she suggested some products that I could use to clear it up. Currently, thanks to Kat's post, I'm now using Melanex prescribed by my doctor and I believe I am seeing my chin area lighten. So I'm going to keep using Melanex until its finished.

They also stated that I can't tweeze during my series of treatments...Uggggghh!! But I promised that I won't tweeze, because I want the laser to be effective (also cause I don't want to have to pay for it all over again)

I hope this helps. $95 bucks a session is the cheapest I've found.
I'm also going to try microdermabrasion at $49bucks as session once the laser treatments are done.

Kat, if you have any other tips for skin care, by all means, hook me up!

Msnikki · 03-31-2004, 06:11 PM

I'm curious about the same thing. I've heard bad things about laser procedures and african american skin. I 've had some eletrolysis done on my abdominal area but because of the scabbing I don't want to try it on my face. Not to mention the fact that the procedure is very painful.

STORMIEYES73 · 04-01-2004, 01:20 AM

Ladies,
Thank you for the great information. I've been pressed for time due to work schedule to consult any other dermatalogists. I really like the price structure that Kat and ZphisticatedLady, quoted from the east to the west coast. Prayerfully, the south will start pricing the same services with reasonable prices.
Msniki, hang in there girly, we're all learning & supporting each other.
Later Days,
Linda S.

ZphisticatedLady · 04-16-2004, 03:24 AM

Hey Ladies!

Tomorrow is the BIG day...yes...LASER DAY. I've been ITCHING to pluck my facial hair, but I promised the doctor who is doing my face tomorrow that I will put the tweezers away while I am getting the laser done. I have to admit, I am scared. I did a test spot with another place at Stanford University years ago, and it BURNED!!! and I vowed not to do it again. I am praying that this time, it will work.

Keep me in prayer ladies. I can't wait to come back here and post that I am facial hair free!

STORMIEYES73 · 04-16-2004, 09:25 PM

ZphisticatedLady,
Great news!!! I'm praying all goes well for you on Saturday. May the laser treatment be as cool as a spring breeze on a warm afternoon. Query: What is the waiting period between laser treatments and microdermabrasion? I'm praying for us all.
Thankful to God for being GOD,
Linda S.

ZphisticatedLady · 04-16-2004, 11:59 PM

Hey STORMIEYES73,

I just got back from my laser appt. It was sooooooooooo quick and easy!!! I went in about 30 minutes before my appointment. I remembered my last laser experience that was so painful, that I asked them if they had some "nubbing" cream for my face so I wouldn't feel any pain. The nurse practioner prepped my face with this topical cream and let it sit for 20 minutes on my face so it could numb my chin area.

Before she started, she explained the procedure step by step. Showed me the Altus Coolglide Laser machine and explained to me how she would use it. She gave me some forms to fill out... (if you dont pay us...we'll take your first born...lol)

She cleaned my face, and then put this clear thick gel all over my chin area. (it was cold!)...LOL....afterwards, she started the laser and did a quick test spot. I barely felt anything. As the laser got to areas on my chin where the hair was most concentrated, then I felt it a little bit. It felt like someone taking a toothpick and poking you VERY lightly on your chin. She even did my neck just to be nice cause there were a very stray hairs there.

I'm serious..I barely felt anything until she was like, its over. I don't think the whole procedure took 15 minutes including the pre-talk.

After that was done, I asked a couple of questions. I asked her if I needed microdermabrasion and if it would help remove the hyperpigmentation in my skin. She stated that I didn't need it.

She stated that I could continue to use the Melanex to remove the dark spots, but to help it along, I should use Retin-A, because it will work faster. Which was the same advice that Kat gave in another thread when she talked about Melanex. So I think I'm going to try the Retin-A. I'm not really ure the benefits of Microdermabrasion, so please do tell if u have had it done.

As for the next steps for my laser treatment, she stated I would need about 4-6 treatments to really notice the results because hair grows in 3 stages. (Thank Goodness for Medical Reimbursement). She gave me an ice pack to put on my chin area to make sure there was no swelling. After 5 minutes. I was ready to leave.

Since i was a first time customer, they gave me a coupon for 50% off because it was a special they were running for all of their services (teeth whitening, botox, etc..). So my payment was only 49.00.

The only thing that is that the hair is still there. She stated that the hair would start falling out the follicles soon. And I could only shave in between treatments. NO PLUCKING OR WAXING.

So now I gotta shave, but I'm gonna wait a day or 2 before I let a razor touch my face as I don't want it to get irritated.

I hope this helps. I'll keep you updated on my improvements.

Adios!

Lucy19 · 04-20-2004, 09:38 PM

I am afro-carribean and have been having IPL ttreatments on my neck for about 8 months. I have noticed a slight reduction in hair growth on my chin area but no change to my neck yet. They are going to use a higher energy level from now on to see if this will improve the results. I have also tried laser treatment (softlight) but found this too painful and didn't see any results (only had two treatments though). At the moment I still have to shave my neck everyday cause the hairs grow in really quick. My neck has become very dark in comparison to my overall skin tone. Do fade creams work and if so can anyone recommend a good one? I have tried palmers skin success but didn't really see any results (only used it for two months do i need to use it for longer? I have just started using A3 lemon fade cream- hoping for good results.

Thanks for listening and I hope my experience of IPL is useful.

Lucy xXx

ZphisticatedLady · 04-20-2004, 11:13 PM

What is IPL?

Here is my latest update for the CoolGlide laser:

Since I am unable to Pluck or Wax..UGGGGHHH!

The hair is growing back at warp speeds. I have to shave like everyday, not to mention I can't go back until 3 more weeks from now for another treatment I was told that the hair should fall out of the follicles itself, but I guess I was mysteriously hoping that it would all just fall out at the same time and I wouldn't see any hair, but currently the hair is still as strong and thick on my chin and I constantly have to shave it down.

I started back on the Atkins Diet today, I hope this brings down my hormones...wish me luck.

STORMIEYES73 · 04-21-2004, 05:25 AM

Zphisticated Lady,
Thanks for the updates. I'm glad the office visit & the treatment went well for you. Prayerfully, the remaining hairs will fall out soon. I hope that the current hairs were just in a dormant, resting phase. I feel your pain for having to shave.

No, I've never tried microdermabasion.
Lucy19,
To echo Zphisticated Lady, what is IPL treatments? What is A-3 lemon fade cream? Does it further irritate sensitive skin? I have the same problem of skin darkening on the shaved areas. I can't use palmer's skin products b/c they usually have cocoa butter as a main ingredient-- I'm allergic to cocoa butter products. Most African- American skin products include cocoa butter or tea tree oil.
Ladies, I believe the only way to combat ignorance of a subject is to begin by asking a question. So, here it goes:
Query: Does melanex work on small, dark spots or larger discoloration on the face caused by daily shaving? Is all retin-a products created equal? Does the main ingredient come in different strengths? I believe years ago Essence magazine had an article on black skin & retin-a. Thank you for the support.
Sleepless in Dallas,
Linda S.

KatCarney · 04-21-2004, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ZphisticatedLady
Here is my latest update for the CoolGlide laser:

Since I am unable to Pluck or Wax..UGGGGHHH!

The hair is growing back at warp speeds. I have to shave like everyday, not to mention I can't go back until 3 more weeks from now for another treatment I was told that the hair should fall out of the follicles itself, but I guess I was mysteriously hoping that it would all just fall out at the same time and I wouldn't see any hair, but currently the hair is still as strong and thick on my chin and I constantly have to shave it down.

The same thing happened to me...the wait between the 1st treatment and the second was the WORST...

BUT...

Within 1-2 weeks after the second treatment, the results were VERY noticeable - so hang in there!!

CoolGlide ROCKS!

Kat

Lucy19 · 04-22-2004, 01:22 PM

Sorry i didn't explain what IPL was. IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light treatment. It is a light treatment that is carried out by the practitioner operating a hand held device that they press on to the skin (which is covered with gel) and aim the light at the area to be treated through the hand held device. A3 Lemon fade cream is another brand of fade cream, I only use it once a day before i go to bed, never after I have just shaved. It hasn't irritated my skin so far.

Hope this is useful

Lucy xXx

ZphisticatedLady · 04-23-2004, 08:49 PM

Kat,

I am scheduled for my next treatment in 2 more weeks. I can't wait. I just bought this electric razor that they advertise on TV called the IGIA Micro-Trim (http://www.asseenontv.com/prod-pages...trim.html?gid=). I got mine from Bed, Bath and Beyond for about $9.95. Since I can't pluck, I've been using it to help me shave. The cool thing is that it shaves as close a razor, but without the nicks! Unfortunately, I have to shave more often because my hair is growing at warp speeds

How many Coolglide treatments did you have? Are you still getting them done or is the hair all gone? Also did you use the Melanex and Retin-A during your treatments?
----------------------------------------------------------

Lucy19,

Thanks for the info on IPL. I was just watching the reality show "The Swan" last night and on this episode, there was a minority woman (hispanic i think) who had facial hair issues and they showed her on the show getting the IPL done. Once I seen the IPL name on the machine they were using, I was like...ohhh...that's IPL! It looks similar to CoolGlide, because they put this clear gel on my face as well and then use this handheld tool that goes across my skin.

I wonder if the hair removal is better for IPL..Hmmm..anyone know?