Hello Cysters!
I decided to post my laser hair removal experience for those who are in need of some encouragement.
Monday, December 19th - I went in for a laser hair removal consulation today because I was just plain tired of shaving and packing on makeup to coverup. When I met with the specialist, she was very kind and brought out a photo album of before & after pictures so I could see their work. I was very impressed. I am African-American and there were plenty of African-American men and women who had great before and after pictures. So I was sold! I asked her about the type of laser because last year I had 3 treatments using the Coolglide laser (thanks to Kat's recommendation), but silly me P-L-U-C-K-E-D in between treatments so basically I spent $450 with no real results..Ahhhh! She told me that they didn't use the coolglide branded laser, there, but they used the Alase laser with a cooltip, so it was similiar to the coolglide. I vowed not to pluck in between treatments this time and I scheduled my first appointment for Wednesday.
P.S. - I had to grow the hair for a week so they could see the growth and take pictures....Bleh (this was probably the hardest part of all!) But I did it!
Wednesday, December 21st - This morning I washed my face and shaved my chin and neck area and applied the numbing cream that I purchased at the office (Cost $30) to help ease the sensation of the laser on my skin. I put it on around 8:30am and then I put it on again 30 minutes before my treatment to make sure. By the time I was ready, my chin and neck area was really numb! So I was hoping that I wouldn't feel a thing. When the specialist came in...she explained the procedures and my past laser hair removal history with the Coolglide laser. She told me that I would need 6 treatments and that their procedures are a little more aggressive than most who do laser hair removal because they have been in business for 25 years and they train others to do it. (I've done my research and what she was saying was probably true). She had me sign a consent form and agreement for the price for the services performed. ($275 for neck and chin). I laid down on the reclining chair and she cleaned my face and applied some cool gel on my chin and neck area and placed black glasses over my eyes and then she started. I have to be honest with you...it stung! It felt like small pulses of electric shocks and I admit...small tears were coming out of the sides of my eyes because it was a little painful. I can usually take pain..like having my eyebrows waxed...but after being shocked for about 15-20 minutes..I was just ready for it to be over! After she was done..she put crushed ice in a surgery glove and tied it to make an ice pack and I held it on my chin and neck for a few minutes. She came back into the room with some information on how to take care of my skin until we meet again and she gave me samples of Cetaphil skin cleanser and little packets of bacterial gel to use on my face to keep the area from getting infected. I paid the fee and scheduled my next appointment in february. While driving home I used the ice pack and then once I got ready for work, I washed my face and applied the bacterial gel and put on some powder makeup since I have scars from plucking and then I went to work.
Thursday, December 22st - My chin and neck area look good. Unfortunately, some hair is starting to grow again on my chin and I see a pimple..stupid acne...Bah Humbug! I washed my face and applied the bacterial gel and got dressed and went to work.
Friday, December 23st - I can still feel some coarse hair coming from my chin area and my neck and more pimples are forming...It's been a struggle not to want to tweeze. I think I'm going to have to throw them away so I won't have any choice but to shave the area so I won't waste anther $450. Not feeling very attractive today since I know hair is still growing...the things we do for beauty. I've been talking to a guy I met online and he's so sweet. I'm scared to tell him that I have this "problem". We are planning to hang out soon and I'm debating whether to break the news to him just so I can get it out the way or just wait and see if he will notice. He's seen me on my web cam without makeup and it's not really "obvious" that I "tweezer scars" from plucking, but I really like this guy and don't want to get dumped cause he doesn't want to date the "bearded lady"....The good thing is that I'm doing something about it...I just hope that he will understand. I'll keep you guys posted!
Sunday, January 8th - Today I feel soooooooooo relived. I just told this guy that I am dating that I have PCOS. We got kinda physical last week and he seen me without a shirt in the bathroom and he asked me what those scars/bumps were on my chest. I told him that they were "chickenpox" scars cause I was so embarassed that I had been plucking "HAIR" off my chest and it left dark scars. So he was like okay...and didn't say anything else about it but it was eating me alive that I had lied to him because I was embarassed. So today we talked online and I confessed to him that I lied about the scars on my chest and revealed to him that I have PCOS and that the scars are from me plucking...etc..etc.. His response took me by suprise, cause I said I wanted to let you know so you could make a decision and he was like a decision for what??? Are you ready to break up with me over this?? And I said..well..I just wanted to give you an option and he was like..stop right there..I understand what PCOS is and so what...we're still gonna be together. I almost fell outta my seat! I also revealed to him that I was having laser surgery on my chin and neck and he was like okay...cool. But I am feeling better now. WHEW! --- Oh yeah..about the hair...hehe..the hair is still growing and I'm still shaving..I was hoping the laser treatment would make the hair grow less..but noooooo..its still growing and I'm still shaving. So far I've only had 1 laser treatment. My next one is Feb 4th..hopefully more hair will go away then....this hairy thing sux!
MORE DIARY ENTRIES COMING SOON!!!! 
Diary of Mad Bearded Woman! 
Thanks again. Jean
