Today I came with a few questions, and tried to absorb them all for you. It's not like I'm lying on my back, scribbling notes on a pad of paper. So, here were my questions:
I've left my thigh - that has been through 5 appointments - unshaved. Can you compare it with my calf, which has had no appointments with the laser, and tell me if you can see or feel a difference?
The esthetician felt my thigh and calf to check for a difference. But most importantly, she said, she could see the difference in the hair follicles. She looks at follicles all day, so I'm taking her word for it. She said that if I were to let it grow out and skip a hair cycle (which is when the appointments are made), it would look batchy. I guess my thigh does look smoother, and it does feel smooth...Someone commented on my blog that she heard that American Laser Centers do not, in fact, use lasers. Is this true? Isn't that thing over there connected to an electrical box on wheels next to my head that you grab and shoot into my leg a laser?
The esthetician look stunned, and assured me that is in fact a laser. It is called an AmeriLite, the same laser that all American Laser Centers use. She says that she needs to spread the cold jelly on my skin to act as a "conductor" (meaning a conductor of laser electricity) for the laser beam. The laser head itself is about 1" long by .5" wide, and it is cold as well. I had never noticed that it was cold, but she put it on my arm without lasering me, and sure enough, it was very cold. She says it needs to be cold because the laser light is so hot, that it has to be cold.Are you sure you're getting everything? How do you know if you miss a spot? That little laser head is kind of small.
The esthetician said that the cool ultrasound jelly stuff that acts as a conductor also leaves track marks, like lines in the sand. So she can see exactly where she's been.
I have one more appointment to go. Then I'll be in the 2-years zone of getting touchups for hair that has is on a weird growth cycle and missed the laser, or what. Meanwhile, I finally paid attention to my CreditCare bill for when I financed this expedition, and sure enough, it did remind me that if I did not pay the full amount by the time the year was up, I would have to pay the deferred APR amount, which is about $400-$550 when it's through! So I made a giant payment to complete it, but saw that I did miss 2 minimum payments. This also disqualifies me from the deferred payment plan!! Ack! So we will see if that deferred payment shows up on my bill come July. Geeze.
Laser Progress Reports
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #6
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5.5 for Bikini
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #5
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #4
Laser Hair Removal :: Appointment #3.5
Laser Hair Removal :: The Second Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Followup
Laser Hair Removal :: The First Zap
Laser Hair Removal :: War of My Legs Part 1
Disclaimer: FashionMista, nor its author, are qualified to give medical advice and cannot be held responsible for anything that may occur. Should you have a medical concern, please consult your physician.
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9 comments:
Hello there...I was researching American Laser and came upon your blog. I actually have started my process today with American Laser and was wondering if you do see results approaching your 6th appt? Considering you are close to your last appt, I would expect that you have minimal hair growth. Thanks for writing about your experience!
Julie
Hi Julie,
I am seeing results. I took a close look at my folicles today, and they are much lighter on my thigh then on my calf, where I am not lasering. The results are more apparent on my bikini, but I think that is because it is a smaller area where most of the hair grows in the same direction or grows along the same cycle.
My friend went to her dermatoligist for 4 appts and she still had her hair. I think the amount of hair was less, but was still there. Not sure on price, but I think hers was expensive.
Hope that helps. Thanks for checking in, and keep us posted!
Hi Mista,
Thanx for the info. I will keep you updated. Im happy that they have this 2 year guarentee. so if by chance I do see any stragglers I can still get touchups. Unfortunately my hair is courser and doesnt grow in one direction, so I think I will need the extra appts. My first appt was not that bad in terms of pain. I asked my technician if the treatment will be more effective depending on the level of laser intensity. She said yes with the higher intensity, it will be more effective. She said she was starting me out somewhere in the middle because they want to see how much it will effect me in terms of a reaction (e.g. pain, redness). Thanks once again for the info. Ill keep you posted on my treatments.
Julie
Hey Julie,
After my first appointment, I did take a hot shower, and I did see the red dots on my skin. I freaked out and called the office, and they just told me to put the after-laser lotion on, which of course worked. I then went to a lake-house (this was during 4th of July) and applied their 65 sun block stuff, and it totally blocked all sun! So I was not affected then.
I'm on the highest setting now, but either I'm used to it, or the feeling didn't change too much. I do feel it of course, but...
And my friend who got her thighs and bikini, and now pits, done says that she often tells them to go to the highest setting, and they usually are. She's not with American Laser Centers, but she just gets a simular urge to wipe out all hair with as much intensity as possible! But she's already at the highest level.
I'm researching American Laser and came across your blog. Thank you for posting your progress. So far I've read several negative reviews on the company (in particular their customer service) so I'm trying to get a balanced look at the company. They quoted me at 10-12 applications for the areas I want done (privates and pubic region), so before I spend money on ALC I want to know just how good they are. Thanks again.
I'd say 10-12 is good. Did they offer you the 2 year extension? I am very thankful for the 2 years of appointments. 6 appointments has taken me 1 year. My bikini is almost gone, but my thigh hair is taking longer.
You should check out the hair removal Houston Texas website, they've got a bunch of awesome before and afters that actually show the entire process through a course of flash pictures. The procedure is pretty interesting.
based on my research a lot of people discussing the needs safe in the knowledge of
laser hair removal industry.
Regards,
jason
Great review! I have gotten laser hair removal, but haven't had the cash to go in to get other body parts zapped. I have tried the no-no to mixed results, so maybe this is what I'm looking for. Thank you for sharing these detais. More power to you and to your site!
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