STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

XtinaStyles · Marc Jacobs

Has anyone gotten any laser hair removal?

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

I did a few years ago & it didn'w work AT ALL! I was terribly bummed...LAzer doesn't read light colored hair...& I didn't htink mine is so light...anyway, it's been about 3 years, so I hope that lazers got more sophisticated & now read it, 'cause i'd do this again.

A few of my friends did - very happy, completely smooth with some occasional upkeep, like a hair that needs to be plucked out. (their hair is darker than mine, indeed).

I didn't need numbing cream, but in the place they used theirs. I think I used moisturizer instead. Also, good lazer job should not be painful: a friend, who worked as a nurse in plastic surgeons' offices told me.

Best of luck! I hope it works, you should start seeing results after like 2-3rd sessions.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

I was just about to post the same question! LOL!

I've read more promising stuff about laser hair removal in the past year, but I just haven't come across a real, live person who has done it.

Yana - I think they have gotten better recently, even with lighter hair (although I imagine it will always be a little tougher).

Boots · Gucci

I had it done on my chin and upper lip 2 years ago. It was my second go around (I had it first done about 8 years ago with a different doctor and it didn't work at all.) This second try was much more successful. It did take about 6 more sessions than my original package. I had it done every 3-4 weeks from May to December in order to catch all the hair (which comes in at various cycles.) But it was well worth the extra expense and the medi spa that I used gave me pretty good deals (it helps to be really nice to the tech who is doing your treatment, they will help you with pricing if you need more sessions.)

I still have to pluck some stray hairs weekly. It's not a miracle treatment that means that you will never have hair in that area again. But the upkeep is so much easier that it was worth the expense.

I didn't need a numbing cream. The tech would wash the area being treated to make sure that it was completely free of any residue. I couldn't have any makeup or moisturizer on prior to treatment. You might want to call the office to see if you are even allowed to use numbing cream.

I wouldn't say that the treatments hurt. They were more like a series of shocks (the bit around my lip did hurt, but for only a brief second.) And any pain is extremely brief (there was absolutely no lingering pain. After the zap, it was gone.)

I did have to moisturize like crazy after the treatments because my skin would dry out (like a sun burn.) You might want to invest in some good body cream with aloe to keep your legs from chaffing.

alagirl · Kenneth Cole

I am currently undergoing treatment on my upper lip, underarms, and "down there". I do not use the numbing cream, and it is manageable, but not entirely painless. The lip and underarms are no problem for me whatsoever, but the other can get a little tough, especially if it's in the more sensitive areas. I have been for 4 treatments and so far I am very pleased with the results. I no longer have to shave my underarms at all, and before I had to shave everyday. Hope that helps.

pollyjean23 · Marc Jacobs

To the ladies who have gotten this done in the past (or are currently going): Did you go to a cosmetic surgeon's office or a med-spa or something else?

Also, if someone knows what price range I should expect, that would be helpful too. Thank you!

Yana · Dooney & Bourke

hi!

Here in LA, according to what I've done & my girls' experiences: in med spa ( I did it a few times in OB office - didn't like the job, they have it in their office as a gimmic, to get more clients), about $100 per visit, usually for bikini are you'd need about 5-6 treatments.

A girlfriend of mine & her sister get Groupons for med spa, about $90 for 3 visits, which is a great deal, she already bought a few, they do a different area every time. Works for them!

Boots · Gucci

My first attempt was 8 years ago in a derm's office. The actual treatments were done by a tech. I think the reason it didn't work on me that attempt was a combination of an untrained tech and less advanced equipment. The derm's office was in a lower income area so I just have to wonder if it had the proper resources to properly do the treatments in the first place.

My second attempt (2 years ago) was done at a medi spa close to my home. The derm I was then seeing recommended the place. I was evaluated by the doctor who ran the medi spa and then each treatment was administered by a tech. This attempt was the successful one.

-- Edited by Boots on Friday 30th of December 2011 02:30:41 PM

bex · Chanel

i haven't had it "down there" but i had my underarms done last winter. i went between 6-8 times if i remember correctly. i didn't use a numbing cream and i can best describe it as a rubber band snapping my skin. i now shave my underarms about once every 3 days or so.. hth!

greendiamond · Marc Jacobs

I too have only had it done on my underarms. The pain was tolerable, and I only did 3 sessions (used a groupon/livingsocial deal). I saw some minor improvement, but also know I need to do the full 6-8 to see real results. If I can find another deal at a reputable place, I would consider finishing it off. I bet there will be a lot on groupon coming up with the new year and resolutions.

I've been doing electrolysis on my brows and lips, and would probably go with that to finish my underarms instead, unless I found a super duper deal.