PilotGirl

Hi SoulCysters!
Can we start a sticky for all the laser information here on the boards? I've seen some good stuff pass through here and it would be very helpful if we could consolidate it in one place.
Personally, I have had marginal success with laser/IPL but I think it's because I used the wrong one for my skin type...
I would like to hear from everyone who can take the time to post about the specifics of their treatments, and I hope it will be useful to others:

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
(please include brand name or any info. you have)

How long ago and for what duration?

How many actual treaments did you receive?

What color is the hair that was being treated?

What color/shade is your skin?

Do you know what setting the technician used?

What were/are your results?

How much did it cost?

Would you do it again?

Did insurance cover any of it?

Thanks in advance to all who reply. If one of the moderators catches this would you please tell me how to re-do this as a sticky, or if a poll format would be better.
I will reply and post my results.
Cheers!

PilotGirl

PilotGirl

-Palomar Esteux IPL
-Just ended, had treatments for 1 year previous
-9 treaments total
-hair color is reddish brown
-skin is very light
-no
-mildly satisfied, chin area is better but not perfect
still shave almost every day after getting in the habit of it
for treaments
-total cost was $300
-yes, I would do it again as I saw about 20% improvement and now have fewer ingrowns
-insurance covered nothing

hanshab

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
Lightshear

How long ago and for what duration?
Currently under treatment. Started in February, 2004

How many actual treaments did you receive?
6 treatments so far, scheduled for 7th this friday.

What color is the hair that was being treated?
black

What color/shade is your skin?
fair to medium (only in the summer)

Do you know what setting the technician used?
The technician increased the setting with each treatment.

What were/are your results?
So far about a 90% reduction. Some areas are more stubborn than others.

How much did it cost?
Treatment 1 - $385, Treatment 2 - $275, Treatment 3-5 - $225 each, All treatments after #5 - $100

Would you do it again?
YES, YES, YES!!!

Did insurance cover any of it?
No, it is considered cosmetic (those fools)

__________________
36 yrs, divorced w/one daughter (adopted)
Official Diagnosis PCOS: May, 1997
Medications: 500 mg Met XR 1 x daily, 10 mcg Byetta 2 x daily, 10 mg Lisinpril
Symptoms: strings of pearl-like cysts, acne, no periods, hirsutism, type 2 diabetes, weight issues, skin tags, you name it I've got it


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poetgrl87

hey, im lookin into having laser treatments done...can u tell me what "lightshear " is? im curious b/c i want to make sure than i get the right thing done. im 6, and have "sideburns", "moustache", and "hair under chin" - dark hair, ,my skin is fairlty light - do you think that this type of treatment ould would for me? i've heard that electroloysis is supposed to be permanent but needles scare the hell outta me....

hanshab

You can search the internet for information about Lightsheer. I think that laser would probably work for you and from what I hear it is a lot faster (faster results that is) than electrolysis. I would get a consultation from a professional. I go to a plastic surgeons office for my treatment, but lots of dermotologists offices do it as well. They should be able to tell you the estimated number of treatments you'd need, estimated costs, etc. Good luck to you.

__________________
36 yrs, divorced w/one daughter (adopted)
Official Diagnosis PCOS: May, 1997
Medications: 500 mg Met XR 1 x daily, 10 mcg Byetta 2 x daily, 10 mg Lisinpril
Symptoms: strings of pearl-like cysts, acne, no periods, hirsutism, type 2 diabetes, weight issues, skin tags, you name it I've got it


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thinkthin98

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
(please include brand name or any info. you have)
sciton laser

How long ago and for what duration?
started in June, going for 3rd treatment the first of Nov.

How many actual treaments did you receive?

What color is the hair that was being treated?
very dark brown/black

What color/shade is your skin?
very fair

Do you know what setting the technician used?
she increased it "by 4" each time (not sure that that means)

What were/are your results?
AMAZING! After only 2 treatments I am only shaving 1-2 times per week! ABSOLUTELY no pain, redness, bumps...just no hair!

How much did it cost?
$200 per session (the cheapest I could find around here)

Would you do it again?
ABSOLUTELY

Did insurance cover any of it?
I tried to get it covered but my insurance denied me because they said it was cosmetic. I do know of one person (in real life) that is covered 100%. Also there are a few people on the boards who claim to be covered.


Hope this helps!

lizziebelle

Great Idea!


What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
Coolglide? I think it is called

How long ago and for what duration?
started in May- every 4 to 6 weeks

How many actual treaments did you receive?
4 so far

What color is the hair that was being treated?
black and very coarse

What color/shade is your skin?
medium

Do you know what setting the technician used?
not sure, it was increased each time

What were/are your results?
UNBELIEVABLE- I have about 90% less hair growth. I am due for another treatment, so there is a little growing now, but all in all, it is amazing!!!

How much did it cost?
$300.00 per session


Would you do it again?
MOST DEFINATELY

Did insurance cover any of it?
Nope

__________________

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kalista

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
Lightsheer

How long ago and for what duration?
Started July 4

How many actual treaments did you receive?
Just had the 3rd
November 5 had my 4th

What color is the hair that was being treated?
dark blonde/reddish overtones...but the hairs were black during 3rd treatment?!

What color/shade is your skin?
very fair/freckles

Do you know what setting the technician used?
no, but she upped it from the first time
I think at 47. She uses the highest setting she feels comfortable with me since my coloring is so iffy. Not many need this high of setting.

What were/are your results?
Much better...sideburn area is completely hair free, neck area better, chin area definately needs more treatments....might not be my saving grace with the hair color but big improvement!

How much did it cost?
$125 per treatment
4th treatment found a coupon...was only $110!

Would you do it again?
Yes,

Did insurance cover any of it?
No, although the management types at work have different benefits & have a medical 'slush' fund that covers it.

Another question that might be beneficial is:
Do you have your PCOS/hormones under control? (apparently this might make a difference in results)

No. Not exercising regularly or eating properly (low carb) daily and not on metformin, etc.

5th Treatment Dec 28
Really hurt this time, so she turned down the laser setting a bit. Didn't seem to work as well this time though. Darn blonde hair...not too hopeful about it completely going away.

__________________
Not committing to any specific eating or exercising plan at the moment
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queenbuzz

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
(please include brand name or any info. you have)
Smooth Solutions, no idea what laser

How long ago and for what duration?
Today

How many actual treaments did you receive?
Only 1 so far

What color is the hair that was being treated?
Dark

What color/shade is your skin?
Light

Do you know what setting the technician used?
She said 2 and that she could lower it. I thought that was pretty painful, so I was surprised to see people say that they go up on the next visit and go up 4 notches?!!!

What were/are your results?
Too soon to tell

How much did it cost?
Well, I had my legs and bikini done for $394 (Legs $179, Bikini $200 something)

Would you do it again?
Yes, I have to shave my legs daily because I have more hair than most people. I've tried Nair, Veet, waxing and everything else. I am so tired of being embarrassed of the 5 oclock shadow on my legs.

Did insurance cover any of it?
I didn't even ask, but I doubt it

Celina

--SoftLight Laser
--Began in January 2000...ended May 2000
--four treatments
--dark hair
--tawny (light brown) complexion
--Do not remember setting technician used.
--No long term (or even significant short term) results. Immediately after each treatment, hair would grow back in same super coarse texture (light colored at first but reverted back to dark color within weeks).
--got a significant discount--only $475 for 4 treatments (normally costs $1,000).
--I would not do this same laser brand again.
--Laughs at the thought of Cigna insurance covering hair laser removal. I wish.

Note: at the time, there were few options for women of color who wanted to get successful results from laser.

__________________
Four years ago, I wrote:
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Shortly after this post and since Jan. of 2004, I was beating PCOS (taking spiro, glucophage xr, yasmin, lost and maintained a weight between 130-140lbs, exercised and had less PCOS symptoms). However, as of Jan. 2004, emotional eating has surged my weight from 140 to 175lbs, thus, increasing PCOS symptoms (hairier, insul.resist). My current attack plan: yasmin, lose and maintain weight (120-130lbs) thru moderate carb diet/exercise lifestyle.

kalista

bump..

__________________
Not committing to any specific eating or exercising plan at the moment
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soaperMOM

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
Lightsheer Diode

How long ago and for what duration?
I have been going for about 2 years

How many actual treaments did you receive?
6

What color is the hair that was being treated?
black

What color/shade is your skin?
fair

Do you know what setting the technician used?
highest (I think 36 seems familiar)

What were/are your results?
I have noticed considerable improvement on my moustache which when I started was already completely terminal hairs. My sideburns, cheeks and under chin are a little slower going- I think because there continues to be vellus hairs that turn terminal (from thin blond hairs to coarse black ones)

How much did it cost?
I have paid about 189 canadian per treatment

Would you do it again?
Yes, I am very happy with the results. At first my husband couldn't understand why I was doing it (said the hair didn't bother him) and didn't notice improvement but now when we look at pictures of me before he understands

Did insurance cover any of it?
No

Are you doing anything to keep your PCOS in check?
Praying, trying to eat well and exercise a little each day but no meds


I just went yesterday to try out a new laser clinic where they use AURORA. It was totally pain free during treatment (the other felt like bee stings) but that gives me reason to doubt it. I would love to hear if anyone has experience with the AURORA laser.

Blessings,
Sheri

__________________
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13

AnaYogaMama

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
** lightsheer diode

How long ago and for what duration?
** had first treatment September, booked for 6 treatments. Took about 30 minutes to do the face (upper lip, chin, side of face)

How many actual treaments did you receive?
**so far, only one

What color is the hair that was being treated?
** black

What color/shade is your skin?
** olive

Do you know what setting the technician used?
** painful! lol...no I don't know what setting she used.

What were/are your results?
** I'm amazed. In a month and a half, not a single coarse hair has returned (and it was really really dark and thick hairs!). I have very slight regrowth of fine hairs. I can't believe the amazing results with just one treatment.

How much did it cost?
** $300

Would you do it again?
** in a heartbeat!

Did insurance cover any of it?
** no.

smallpeanutbutter

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
I don't know. I was told it's for dark skin though.

How long ago and for what duration?
So far, one treatment. Goung for a "touch up" in 2 weeks. After that, I purchased a package of 6 full treatments + 6 touch ups. Full treatments are every 4-6 weeks with touch ups in between.

How many actual treaments did you receive?
1 so far.

What color is the hair that was being treated?
black. darkest brown.

What color/shade is your skin?
I'm Asian Indian - medium brown.

Do you know what setting the technician used?
I think I heard her say "25"

What were/are your results?
So far, I can't tell much. Too early to tell.

How much did it cost?
$1500 for the 6 + 6 treaments. I am getting everything between my nose and the base of my neck treated.

Would you do it again?
Too early to tell.

Did insurance cover any of it?
No.

__________________
Me: 30
DH: 32

*married 09/00 (but together since 08/95)

*ttc seriously last 2 years
*self-diagnosed PCOS after lap came up neg for endometriosis.

*symptoms: irregular cycle (became regular starting 06/04. I believe it was due to exercise), excess hair growth EVERYWHERE (getting laser to get rid of hair on upper lip, chin, neck). headaches, fatty belly (got lipo to shed it 2 years ago, soit's not so bad anymore).

*working on weight loss through exercise.

SW: 160
CW: 145
GW: 130

*Metformin 1500/1x a day (yeah, I take em all at once)

*Clomid 100 CD 3-7

jmdtova

What kind of laser or IPL did you get?
(please include brand name or any info. you have)
Lightsheer Diode

How long ago and for what duration?
I just had my second treatment...apparently I will need 6 on every part.

How many actual treaments did you receive?
2 so far.

What color is the hair that was being treated?
Dark brown, and THICK.

What color/shade is your skin?
Light.

Do you know what setting the technician used?
22 the first time on my face, 24 the second. 24 on my stomach, and 22 on the area around my nipples.

What were/are your results?
I see a lot of improvement already...in my face the hair is growing a lot slower and on my stomach a lot of it just flat out melted away after the first treatment.

How much did it cost?
100 for half hour.

Would you do it again?
I plan on finishing my face, stomach, nipples, then getting my arms, thighs, butt and upper back done. I'm a full body project...a regular Chewbacca.

Did insurance cover any of it?
Nope. I have tried and tried, but they call it cosmetic. BULL.

__________________
24 (almost 25!) yo
DX PCOS 2001.
IR--dx diabetic (type II) 01/06
2000mg met/day
BCP ortho tri-cyclen
Spironolactone 50mg/day
Dealing with the Endo is no fun...but I will persist. I will get this taken care of. I will survive this, and be stronger for it.
~~JEN~~
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