How long after laser before face appears normal?

BaxterMama57 · 05-24-2007, 10:21 PM

I am planning on getting laser treatment in the near future but because I work 9-5, it is hard for me to take time off of work. I know that getting the treatment done and then heading back to work probably isn't smart, but on average, how much time did it take before your skin wasn't physically showing the effects of the treatment? If I get it done on like a Wednesday night after work, would it more than likely be okay the next morning?

Also, because I have enough hair where I shave everyday, will I be able to shave the next morning after or should I not even need to?

Thanks!
bekka

RunnerDuck · 05-24-2007, 10:38 PM

You probably will not need to shave. My experience with laser is a lot of the hair pops out in the process and those that are left can sort of be scraped away with your fingernails - do not pluck! It can take up to a week though for them all to come out so if you do need to shave, you can - but the hair texture will be weird so it may seem difficult.

Personally I do not have a problem with redness afterwards. Only once did I really notice any redness - usually I look perfectly normal. I had an appt. this morning at 10am for my chin - at 10:15 I went grocery shopping. I checked in many many mirrors and other reflective surfaces to ensure I didn't look a fright - I really didn't. Your milage may vary but by the next day I would think most skin would be back to normal.

The place I go to likes to put hydrocortisone on afterwards to help with redness and swelling but I refuse it because I just think it feels greasy. Some cooling aloe gel may help. If not, the hydrocortisone is an option.

Nicky5282 · 05-24-2007, 10:38 PM

Im always fine the next day. I'm just red for a few hours afterwards.

askcassyfirst · 05-27-2007, 01:37 PM

Depends...the treatments are escalated in power each session. Back the first times I went I noticed that the redness faded in a few hours. Now, I notice it can last up to a day or so, but nothing that a bit of mineral makeup can't fix.

From what I've gathered through extensive reading on another message board, the stronger or directed they can use the machine the more effective the treatment. So if you have no pain and no redness at all, likely the treatment won't work as well.

In terms of post treatment need for razor, again, depends on the laser used, and your body's response. Most find that the hairs are burnt off, but then you have the week to ten days of the hairs shedding, which looks like they are growing, but in actuality they are simply being expelled by the body. During that time you may have to use a razor or the like.

Best,
Cassy

VivC · 05-28-2007, 04:44 PM

I wouldn't do it. I love my laser results, but I'm left with a red face and popping-out hairs all over for the next day or so. I think you'd be better off doing it on a Friday afternoon/evening the first few times to see how your skin reacts.

tariana · 05-28-2007, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VivC

I wouldn't do it. I love my laser results, but I'm left with a red face and popping-out hairs all over for the next day or so. I think you'd be better off doing it on a Friday afternoon/evening the first few times to see how your skin reacts.

I agree.

Meta888 · 05-29-2007, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askcassyfirst

In terms of post treatment need for razor, again, depends on the laser used, and your body's response. Most find that the hairs are burnt off, but then you have the week to ten days of the hairs shedding, which looks like they are growing, but in actuality they are simply being expelled by the body. During that time you may have to use a razor or the like.

Best,
Cassy

Oh thank god!!!! I had my first laser treatment Saturday morning and on Sunday I was like WTF? It felt NO DIFFERENT then usual in terms of growth. I've literally had to continue to shave every day and I started getting depressed - thinking that this wasn't going to work either and I was beyond help! LOL. I hope my body is expelling the hair. Luckily, I have a touch up appt in a couple of weeks so we'll see how it goes. I also had my arms done and those stayed much smoother... I'm just hoping this finally helps solve the problem - I seriously cannot stand it anymore!

- Meta888

askcassyfirst · 05-29-2007, 09:51 PM

There is a great forum online here:
http://www.cosmeticenhancementsforum...wforum.php?f=3
which I found to be very helpful to explain the 'shedding' process which happens after laser treatment. Give it up to 3 weeks to shed, although most folks see it start at about a week to ten days.

There are some folks on that board with PCOS as well as a few techs which write about experiences. GOod luck.

Cassy

Meta888 · 05-30-2007, 01:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by askcassyfirst

There is a great forum online here:
http://www.cosmeticenhancementsforum...wforum.php?f=3
which I found to be very helpful to explain the 'shedding' process which happens after laser treatment. Give it up to 3 weeks to shed, although most folks see it start at about a week to ten days.

There are some folks on that board with PCOS as well as a few techs which write about experiences. GOod luck.

Cassy

Thank you SO much for this information! I checked out the link and it was super helpful! I really had no idea about the shedding. I'm sure my technician told me this -- but I was so overwhelmed and excited to finally start this process, I didn't absorb a lot of what I was told!

If I have success with the laser on my face and arms, I can see where this might become a really expensive addiction! Oh to be smooth... LOL.

Thanks again. You've made me feel SO much better about this!

- Meta888

askcassyfirst · 05-30-2007, 01:22 AM

Meta:
YOu're so welcome. I researched this extensively, as I had been saving for this for a bit. That web board has SO much information on it, even pictures that people post so you can see how it works. Again, the talent of your tech is a huge part of it.

On another note, the term 'shedding' sounds so cute to me. I like that term and honestly, once it starts, you'll see why they call it that. One day, you'll wake up and they all just start falling out. Just don't pluck at them before they are loose enough to pull out with your fingers...

Glad to be of help.

Cassy

lexicographer · 05-31-2007, 03:02 AM

My skin was red and painful and the hair was impossible to shave off for some reason...at least for the first 2 days after treatment. I did my laser during school and work and had little trouble covering it up though. I'd try it on a Friday evening or Saturday and see how you do by Monday.