Laser hair removal experiences.

What is IPL?

My facial hair is threaded and it last a long time for me.

Hey guys,

I'm getting IPL tomorrow (not sure how this is different from an actual laser?) done on my chin/under chin, and wondered what kind of experiences you guys have had? I got a groupon I couldn't pass up, and I'm both nervous/excited! The gal at the office said they put a cooling gel on first, and most people experience very little discomfort.

I have a tendency to freak myself out, and all this is really just nerves, since I've never had it done before. I struggled with PCOS and my hormones seem to be kind of back to normal, and to be honest, I'm tired of shaving the *kitten* every day. :P

Just wanted to get your two cents on what your experience was like!

Hi! I'm having laser done with the gentleLASE which, I think, IS different from an IPL, but, cannot say for sure. I am having my underarms, arms, full legs, and abdomen done (something I've always wanted to get done and finally saved up for). I have had great results so far. I'm about 5 treatments in all over and, as of now, I don't shave my underarms between treatments at all. I can shave my legs approx once a week (was daily, or twice daily, previously). The hair on my arms is so fine that it's not noticeable, and there's absolutely nothing on the abdomen. As far as facialy hair, I can't speak to that with the laser, tho I've heard positive stories. I have had electrolysis done on facial hair with extremely excellent results. As far as the pain of the laser, that depends on the area. The bony areas seem to hurt the most. Fleshier areas are only slightly uncomfortable. It feels like a pinch or a rubber band snap and is over quickly. Applying pressure to the area right after helps (the girls do this on the bony areas - could ask if you find it hurts). The good thing about the facial area is that it's small and should not require much time. I experience red bumpy areas right after treatment but typically subsides within a few hours or a day. The reaction has improved so far with each treatment.

Hope this helps. If you want to know more, or have any specific questions, feel free to PM me! GOOD LUCK!

My girlfriend has had two laser treatments on her facial hair. She actually said it's the worst pain she ever experienced in her life. However, she had full and thick male facial hair. The darker and thicker the hair the more painful supposedly. I don't think you'll have as hard of a time with it.

I'm actually considering that.
Would love to read about others experiences... so bump.

I'm currently on my 4th out of 7 sessions. Doin' my under arms and bikini. Hurts like hell. The darker and thicker your hair is the better your results BUT the more it hurts. This is because the laser targets pigment. Darker hair=more pigment. Thicker hair=more surface area for the laser. I am loving the results but wish it didn't hurt so bad. I tried lidocaine cream prior and it did absolutely nothing for the pain. My lady that does it says "Yeah, I don't know why they advertise this stuff as pain free". Good luck!

I had 6 laser treatments on my underarms (also a Groupon!). It hurt - a lot - but the pain is so temporary and SO worth it. Felt like rubber bands snapping against my skin. (like others have said.) The cooling gel helps, and it also helps if you take a pain reliever shortly beforehand.

I had great results. I still have to shave a couple stray hairs once in a while (I think personally I needed one or two more sessions but wasn't willing to pay for it), but for the most part it's wonderful!!! I just bought another Groupon to get my bikini line done.

Good luck, and enjoy!

I did laser on my bikini line- i agree witht eh above poster- does feel like a snapping rubber band- BEST THING I EVER DID!!!

^^^ Me too!! Not painful, slight discomfort but that's about it - did use emla creamwhich is lidocaine I believe.

I had full face and armpits done at one place. I don't think the lady had it turned up enough because it didn't hurt at all for the first 4 of 5 treatments. Then she told me I should buy another package. It should hurt since it's killing cells! I went to a different place for full legs (5 times), bikini (5 times), and 2 more rounds of armpits (10 times) and had limited success.. the hair is finer and there is less of it but it is by no means fully gone. I usually shave once a week in the winter and twice in the summer. I started getting electrolysis done on my face about a year ago. It is more expensive and takes a while (I usually go every three weeks) but I am extremely satisfied with the results. When we are done with my face I am going to have her finish the hair that is left in my arm pits but probably stop there as it is cost prohibitive after that..

actual laser for me .. hurt like hell but was TOTALLY worth it. Only downside is that it doesn't get rid of white hairs. Wish I'd done it 20 years ago.