I went to my regular family MD for a checkup and to ask about metformin and helping with hirsutism. I also requested that he check my hormone levels because I am interested in laser hair removal. Well he increased my spiro from 50 mg to 200 mg a day. I cannot take bcp's because I had breast cancer last year. He did send me for blood work to check hormones but told me that laser hair removal is not effective and it just burns your skin. He said that his office was considering buying a laser and they did test patches on several employees, all of who got burnt. He also said it would cost me thousands of dollars to do my whole face. I was so discouraged since I have read some positive stories and results of laser removal here. Any advice on what to do now? I really want this facial hair to be much less if not completely gone.
Yes, its true Laser can burn your skin ONLY if the person using it is not trained how to use it. I had Laser done 3yrs ago, but my hirsutism came back due to hormonal imbalance, especially my chin area.
It is the most expensive method out there for hair removal, but also the method that delivers best results. In order to do well with Laser Hair Removal I think and it has been my experience, you have to get your hormones in balance first.
I will be getting the Laser treatment again once my hormones go back in place, or who knows maybe after my hormones are in the normal range the hair problems will tone down.
Good Luck!
__________________ DH 26, Me 23
Spiro, Yaz
Dx 04/06
I wouldn't let this one doctor's experience stop you from looking into laser hair removal. I believe your results and your risk for skin burns would depend on many factors such as skin & hair color, the type of laser used, and the skill & training of the technition. Definately keep your eyes open for doc-in-the-box operations out to make a quick buck, but a reputable treatment center should be able to treat you without burns.
I was an ideal candidate for laser hair removal with very fair skin and dark hair. I had a series of treatments in 1999 and seven years later, I'm still very happy with the results. I don't recall any burns from my treatments, but the laser that was used on me had a specially designed tip that would instantly cool the skin after zapping with the laser.
When I was looking into it many years ago, I made appointments for a free consultation with 2 or 3 different treatment centers and asked them about their lasers, technicians, and cost as well as payment plans and discounts for multiple areas / sessions. Then I went home and researched the lasers and picked the center I felt most comfortable with.
I ended up being able to get interest free financing through the center, a steep discount for doing more body areas, and an extra free session for each area I had choosen.
For me, it was very effective and a worthwhile investment. Best of luck to you!!
__________________
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Levothyroid 50mcg
Menopur 300iu CD3-11; HCG CD12; IUI CD13
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Don't give up on LHR because of what that doctor said. I have just finished with the process and let me tell you, it is the best thing I have EVER done for myself. Even the physician's assistant who treated me said she could tell my confidence had gone through the roof because I no longer have to hide my face behind makeup and a pair of tweezers.
I do know I never once got burned and I have fair skin and had dark hair. I was treated with a diode laser, but they make several different types of lasers for different skin types. So if your technician uses the correct one, burning will not occur.
I would encourage you to do further investigating because the only thing I would have done differently is to have done it years earlier. Good luck with your research and decision.
I totally agree with the above posts. If you go to a reputable establishment burns shouldnt happen. My skin is very red after treatment but it goes down by the next day. I have had one small burn - only about 5mm round on my chest - and ive had many treatments all over my body for the past 5 months. My only regret too is that I waited so long to get the courage to do this. That and some of the hair on my face has gone grey - like the hair on my head - hardly fair since im only 28 but never mind!
Good luck
Kel
__________________ KELLIE
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Diagnosed 1996 Irregular AF - on bcps Loads of damn hair Hello efexor my old friend......geez we meet again after two years apart!
I went to my regular family MD for a checkup and to ask about metformin and helping with hirsutism. I also requested that he check my hormone levels because I am interested in laser hair removal. Well he increased my spiro from 50 mg to 200 mg a day. I cannot take bcp's because I had breast cancer last year. He did send me for blood work to check hormones but told me that laser hair removal is not effective and it just burns your skin. He said that his office was considering buying a laser and they did test patches on several employees, all of who got burnt. He also said it would cost me thousands of dollars to do my whole face. I was so discouraged since I have read some positive stories and results of laser removal here. Any advice on what to do now? I really want this facial hair to be much less if not completely gone.
It may well be that your doctor's office simply didn't have properly-qualified,trained and experienced technicians available. However, having said that, it's a fact that skin and hair are very similar indeed and any method of hair removal, other than shaving and waxing/plucking/threading, depends on differentiating between skin and hair. In other words, finding an optimuk does which is severe enough to remove/damage/destroy the hair without causing too much damage to the skin. And the long-term (30 years +) effects of laser treatment on the skin really aren't known yet.
Well he increased my spiro from 50 mg to 200 mg a day. I cannot take bcp's because I had breast cancer last year.
I don't want to scare you, but please ask your oncologist about taking Spiro. It increases your estrogen, and some breast cancers are estrogen driven. Here are a couple of links that talk about not taking spiro if you have a family history of breast cancer.
I have had laser treatments and they have worked wonders for me! I would NOT let a general practice dr. come near my face with a laser. Yes, it is true that you can get burnt and could even scar, but only if the person using the laser is not experienced. I would look for a Laser Treatment Center if you are going to have this done. I originally went for my first treatments about 7 years ago and I go back now about 2 times a year for a maintainence teatment. Yes, it is exprensive, but well worth it. Right now my treatments are $225 each.
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WLS scheduled for August 11, 2008
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I'm so sorry you had breast cancer. What your physician said is half true and half false. Yes, laser is an very expensive option, especially if the hormones don't stay under control. I know I've spent a lot of money on it. As far as burning the skin I wonder if what he was testing was a flashbulb system such as Epilight which does have the increased risk of burning the skin. Also, what others said about proper training is so true. Make sure who ever is treating you has been in the business for a long while. Look for a license and get references from people they have treated.
I had five hair free years from GentleLase laser and I LOVED it. I just wish it would have lasted.
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I am going to look into laser further and am so hopeful that I will find a clinic that is right for me. I do go back to my Dr. for the results of the bloodwork next month but will look elsewhere for a specialized hair removal clinic. My face is VERY sensitive and turns red from the terrible razor burn every day so I hope I won't have too bad a burn from the laser. I'm a little worried about that.
JosieFB, thanks for the heads up on spiro and bc. My oncologist, radiation Dr and family MD are all aware of me taking the spiro. But I am going to check back with my onc. to make sure it is ok for the dosage to have been increased. I will certainly be saddened if I cannot take anything to help me in combating this embarrasing facial hair. I can already tell a difference in being off of the bcp. The hair growth has increased.
Thanks to everyone for their much appreciated and valued input!
Dr. said no to laser 
