So I went for my first laser treatment today. It was actually just going to be the first consultation, but they had time and I was there, so I did it.
It hurt - ouch! But I knew that beforehand. They used cooling gel on my face and a Lightsheer laser on a 37 setting. He started with 39, but it was too strong. He was done in five minutes though - is that typically how long it takes? I thought it would take longer.
So after those five minutes I spent over an hour at the office with an icepack on my face to make the swelling go down. Apparently it was pretty bad. There were little specks of blood on the paper that the ice was covered in too. Is that normal? Also I read that some cysters go to a laser treatment on their lunchbreak - there is no way that would have worked for me today, what with trying to make the swelling go down for an hour...
It is now three hours later, and my face is still a little sensitive, but at least the skin doesn't feel hot anymore. On the bright side, it looks so much better already! For the last four weeks I had not plucked (really tough for a compulsive plucker, I might add), and so every night I could see how much hair I have. Well, tonight, a lot of it is gone already. Some hairs already came out in the course of the evening - I thought that wasn't going to happen for a few more days? (Not that I mind)
Okay, last question: He told me since the hair growth is so strong he wants me to come back in three weeks, not four. (He will space out appointments longer after that, he said.) Does that sound okay, or should I just make the next apptmt for four weeks from now?
Thanks for reading, and if you have answers to any or all of my questions, bless you for posting them.
Have a great day!
So I went for my first laser treatment today. It was actually just going to be the first consultation, but they had time and I was there, so I did it.
It hurt - ouch! But I knew that beforehand. They used cooling gel on my face and a Lightsheer laser on a 37 setting. He started with 39, but it was too strong. He was done in five minutes though - is that typically how long it takes? I thought it would take longer. Yes, I was only in there about 20 minutes, my treatment didn't include a cooling gel before it - she placed icepacks on the area to be treated and that numbed it. AFTER the treatment she put on the icepacks again and then some aloe vera gel. I have to say that I was sooooo glad she put the ice pack on first, because it wasn't the most comfortable process!
So after those five minutes I spent over an hour at the office with an icepack on my face to make the swelling go down. Apparently it was pretty bad. There were little specks of blood on the paper that the ice was covered in too. Is that normal? I never had any blood, but my therapist warned me that I might get them. Its not uncommon. She did place an icepack on the skin for a couple of minutes after the treatment but I didn't need it for much longer, however, again its not uncommon for people to need it apparently
Also I read that some cysters go to a laser treatment on their lunchbreak - there is no way that would have worked for me today, what with trying to make the swelling go down for an hour...
It is now three hours later, and my face is still a little sensitive, but at least the skin doesn't feel hot anymore. On the bright side, it looks so much better already! For the last four weeks I had not plucked (really tough for a compulsive plucker, I might add), and so every night I could see how much hair I have. Well, tonight, a lot of it is gone already. Some hairs already came out in the course of the evening - I thought that wasn't going to happen for a few more days? (Not that I mind)
Okay, last question: He told me since the hair growth is so strong he wants me to come back in three weeks, not four. (He will space out appointments longer after that, he said.) Does that sound okay, or should I just make the next apptmt for four weeks from now? I would do what your therapist advises...once you have had a couple of sessions you can space them out further.
Thanks for reading, and if you have answers to any or all of my questions, bless you for posting them.
Have a great day!
good luck!
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37, diag 1993 - textbook case! tried; Dianette*Met*Provera.Now back on Spiro, & taking; Atracand for high BP*Evening Primrose Oil*Milk Thistle*Cinnamon*Agnus Castus*Multivitamin + Minerals with Probiotic*St Johns Wort*Glucosamine*
When I have my laser treatments they apply an aloe lotion first, then they use a laser that has a tube attached that blows really icy air (very forcefully, I might add) on the to somewhat numb it. After the treatment the doctor places a cold, damp washcloth over my face and continues to blow the icy air over the cloth for about 5-10 minutes. Feels great. She then reapplies the aloe lotion before I leave. The area is sensitive for a day or so, but not overly. As for actual pain during treatment...the icy air doesn't feel that great, but the laser part feels like being popped by a very small rubber band right in the hair areas.
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An hour or two before my appointment I have this numbing cream that I have to apply thickly to the area to be lasered. Upon arrival at the dr's office I can wipe the cream off and then they do the treatment.
The length of time the appointment takes depends on the amount of hair in that area, or how many areas you are having done.
As for the length of time between visits, I would go with what your doctor (or whomever is doing the treatment) suggests for the first time. After that you will best be able to tell yourself.
It took 7 treatments for my successful removal, but I will have to have maintenance treatments for the rest of my life.
Stick with it......when it's all over, you will feel like it's the best decision you've ever made.
Buy some Aloe Vera Cooling Gel, or sunburn gel (usually had lidacaine in it) and keep it in your fridge for when you come back from your appointments....it will help with the redness and tenderness.
I already have Aloe Vera cream! Why didn't I think of that before?? (DUH!!)
I am still thinking about the next apptmt in only three weeks - i don't think that's enough time for more hair to grow in. From what I've read you should wait for hair to grow in again, then go within the next two weeks so you catch it in its anagent phase (is that the word?). That way your treatment will be most effective.
I was also very surprised at the amount of pain. No doubt the setting was high, but it didn't feel like a rubber band snapping against my face - it felt like a thumb full of very sharp needles pricking my face about 1cm deep. (ouch!)
Japan, I wonder if they used a different type of laser compared to what was used during my treatments. The sharp needle thing sounds awful. Mine wasn't that bad at all. Ouch! I went every 6-8 weeks during my treatments. I am on a "will call" (when I need to) status right now.
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It was a Lightsheer laser. I think typically they use around 30 for the first treatment, and he had it on 39, then went down to 37. He also said it wouldn't hurt so much for the follow-up treatments. I don't care how much it hurts (though the swelling afterwards was bad and lasted way too long if you ask me), I just want this over with.
I was also very surprised at the amount of pain. No doubt the setting was high, but it didn't feel like a rubber band snapping against my face - it felt like a thumb full of very sharp needles pricking my face about 1cm deep. (ouch!)
LOL yeah, I have been describing it as someone prodding my face with a very fine hot poker........niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice!
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37, diag 1993 - textbook case! tried; Dianette*Met*Provera.Now back on Spiro, & taking; Atracand for high BP*Evening Primrose Oil*Milk Thistle*Cinnamon*Agnus Castus*Multivitamin + Minerals with Probiotic*St Johns Wort*Glucosamine*
I went for my latest treatment last night and it was MUCH better. The icepacks were frozen solid so THAT part was almost unbearable, however, they numbed the area much better, I also took 2 painkillers about an hour before I started the treatment. Although some bits were nippy, I can say that 99% of the treatment was virtually pain free.
Thank goodness for pain medication eh?!
p.s Thanks to Japan for leaving me the lovely message....its nice to be appreciated!
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37, diag 1993 - textbook case! tried; Dianette*Met*Provera.Now back on Spiro, & taking; Atracand for high BP*Evening Primrose Oil*Milk Thistle*Cinnamon*Agnus Castus*Multivitamin + Minerals with Probiotic*St Johns Wort*Glucosamine*
I only leave credit where deserved, hee hee. You had been so helpful to me.
It is now two weeks since my first treatment, and a lot of the hair has fallen out over the course of the last three days. It's an awesome improvement. Will it all fall out? I know some of it will continue to come back (b/c it wasn't all zapped during its initial growth phase), I was just curious if it would all fall out first.
Georgy, nice to hear this last treatment didn't hurt so bad. My doctor said he prefers me not to take pain pills b/c then we wouldn't be able to tell if the laser is set strong enough. Hmmm..??? I will definitely take some ice packs to my next visit and apply them before the treatment. First though I have to get the results from my bloodwork to see if I even should have started this laser treatment. I kinda just jumped the gun and went w/o knowing where I stand hormone-wise...
ETA: OMG, I just saw that smiley with the chocolate bunny - ROFL!!! That was so me on Easter Sunday!!
:o actually, my therapist told me not to take painkillers either - and if I did I was to let her know but I forgot until you mentioned it! oops. I will tell her next time....I took 2 Co-Proximal which are quite strong, and they really helped so I do want to use them again.
To answer your query, no, not all of the hair falls out. and after about 3 1/2 weeks you will notice your stubble coming back heavier again. But this is apparently normal....I asked last night. This is the new hairs coming through...the ones which didn't get zapped last time.
My therapist said that, usually after a few sessions you will find that you will have more and more time between zaps....like 10 or 12 weeks. I JUST CANNOT IMAGINE IT I really hope its true!
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37, diag 1993 - textbook case! tried; Dianette*Met*Provera.Now back on Spiro, & taking; Atracand for high BP*Evening Primrose Oil*Milk Thistle*Cinnamon*Agnus Castus*Multivitamin + Minerals with Probiotic*St Johns Wort*Glucosamine*
Hey ladies I just wanted to thank you for sharing your experiences...I plan on getting lazer therapy as soon as I can afford it and it really helps to see what everyone elses experience has been...
Thanks again..
__________________ "It was through Perseverance that the snail reached the Ark" ~C. H. Spurgeon
30 years old~Single Cyster
256/184.5/135 Lost weight on Atkins, platued for a year. Started IR
Diet on 2/12/05~I have lost 12 pounds since starting the IR Diet...I love this WOE, apparently so does my body.
DX December 2004~tried BCP and hated them.
Here is a link to my journal :p To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 0 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Laser Therapy - Account and Questions 
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