Thursday, September 15, 2011

Laser Hair Removal Appointments One through Four

I wrote about my first hair removal experience, but I haven’t had the heart to write about my second and third visits until now--the day of my fourth visit.

First, I’ll review and remind you that my first visit for my underarm treatment went OK. It was way more painful than I was prepared for, but I was pleased when seven days later, my hair did seem to fall out, and it seemed easier to shave for the next couple weeks. After that, I noticed my hair grew in patchy as expected, so I was optimistic.

My second treatment seemed just as painful, but it seemed to take a little less time than the first, which was a relief. The results were nothing to write home about, though. I noticed almost no change between the second and third treatments other than being happy when about a week later, I didn’t have to shave for one day when the hair finally fell out.

The third appointment...ah the third appointment. I was nearly ready to call it quits. I walked in, and the lady observed that the hair was finer this time around, meaning she’d need to use a more intense laser. How much more pain could they really subject me to? Apparently a lot more. I was nearly brought to tears and began trembling, not unlike during labor contractions. They lasted about the same amount of time, too. She warned me that the burn might last longer this time around, and that turned out to be true. Normally, in a half hour, I’m good as new, but it was hours before I could comfortably bring my arms to my side again. Not only that, I had developed a small swollen bump on my left pit as if there were a semi-sweet morsel wedged underneath my skin. The bump subsided after a few days luckily as did the slight lingering tenderness.

Needless to say, I was not looking forward to my fourth appointment today one bit. I walked in and quickly reminded the lady that we were going to try ice this time so that it wouldn’t be quite so painful. I had also conveniently taken some Advil Cold & Sinus earlier--I needed it for other reasons, but I figured it couldn’t hurt. I held the ice pack against my arm pit for a couple minutes while the lady readied the laser. Then, I prepared myself for the excruciating discomfort...but felt nothing!!!!!!!!!! The ice and Advil had worked!!!!

Now, I’m not even worried about going in for my last two appointments. Well, the pain part doesn’t bother me anymore, but I am a little concerned whether I’m going to see any results. Hopefully, in November, I’ll have an excited post about not having anymore underarm hair. We shall see.

9 comments:

  1. LOL, the things we do for beauty! I'm really glad you shared this, I always wonder what really happens and if they work - I have pretty dark hard and sometimes I wish I could get rid off it permanetly! (ex armpits, legs, eyebrows!). I can't believe it takes so many appointments. Good to know- thanks for sharing your experiences. Hope the last ones go well - good luck :) Stay Strong!

    Tasia
    http://rufflesandsequins.blogspot.com

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  2. Apparently, the treatments are supposed to work best on people with light skin and dark hair (like you and I), but we'll see. I'll definitely update when all is said and done with my final results.

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  3. First of all, the underarms area is very sensitive so I think this is a reason for the pain...even if it shouldn't hurt so much.
    About the result, you have to be patient, and I don;t know if the doctor told you that laser hair removal doesn't provide permanent results.....
    This was the first thing the doctor told me when I did my first laser hair removal treatment in Toronto, because eh knew we all think our hair is gone forever after such a treatment. The truth is that laser hair removal can offer something that no other hair removal method can: "long lasting results" and that's awesome because I'm sure you are tired of shaving and waxing:)

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  4. Well that's depressing. I'm glad I got it at a discount because if that's the case, I would not pay full price.

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  5. I have to admit I sold Rebekah on doing laser hair removal through Ideal Image as a referral. I am doing my arm pits, extended bikini, and lower legs. I admit being disappointed in the results of the first few appointments, like Rebekah. They tell you you lose 80% of your hair after each appointment ... sure?

    After 5 appointments in a year, I am finally noticing a difference. My arm pits and bikini hardly have any hair. My lower legs have what I call peach fuze. It is working, thankfully(!), because I hate shaving or I should say having personal caregiver, aka my mom, my husband, or the drop by random lady, shave me since I have Cerebral Palsy.

    The pain is more than the representative let on. After my first appointment at the Brooksfield clinic, it felt like I had a moderate sun burn for the rest of the day. Because I moved to Florida, I switched clinics. At the Ocala clinic in Florida, the ladies put Aloe on the treated areas, which helps a ton. You can ask for cream to put on before hand to relieve the pain.

    My only regret is not doing my upper legs, which are more hairy than I thought and get more exposure in Florida.

    Is it worth the pain? To me, yes. Who wants to shave?

    Erin M Diericx
    www.God-the-Healer.com

    PS. Avril, Ideal Image gives a 100% garantee that the hair will not grow back with its new technoloy.

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  6. You'll get used to the pain of hair removal after a while. I agree with Avril. The underarm area is a bit sensitive, and that's why underarm hair removal is also more painful. It's a good thing that, nowadays, most hair removal services offer permanent results.

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  7. nice blogs i love reading it. laser hair removal is the new trend today. maybe ill try it someday.

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  9. Haha. I'm sure you'll get used to the pain eventually. Just remember, you're doing this to make yourself look better. :) Try posting pictures of the results next time. I'm sure everyone who reads this will get inspired to also try the procedure.

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