GenderLife Forum: The Information Exchange

It gets less painful with each session :P
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I had ten sessions of laser and it did me wonders, now I just pluck every second day. I no longer need concealer to hide shadow. But I do plan on stating electrolysis after surgery, but I'm kinda scared of it.

Well that's good to know. I found myself tensing up all rigid like at the dentist. Tech told me to relax and after the doing relaxation/breathing thing a bit found it didn't hurt quite as much.

OK I'm a tad confused..
The laser place recommended two topical cream that can help numb the feeling slightly. Emla and Anistat (sp?) They say it does not reduce the effectiveness of the laser in any way. I can either do it myself or go in an hour early and they will do it for a nomiminal charge

I have heard some stories, like online, that it can reduce effectiveness somewhat. Does anyone know the real story? For now I'm inclined to believe the laser centre, which although expensive is ultra state of the art modern. If there is any question I'll just tough it out though.

I'd go with what the laser centre tells you. You don't mention that the centre told you the Emla must be anerobic to work. That is, you need to block out the air after you put it on, and it needs to set for about 20 minutes to be really effective.

I used it for a while prior to electro., but got tired of leaving home and driving to my appointment with a piece of plastic (Saran) wrap stretched across my face for the 20 drive to my treatment. I used to poke a hole through it for my mouth, being careful not to uncover my upper lip. Also, if the receptionist said there'd be a few minutes wait, I'd end up sittig the the lobby wrappped in plastic wrap for all to stare at. If the centre does it for you, I think you'll be guaranteed the 20-30 minute sit in the lobby while the stuff kicked in.

Once exposed to air the Emla begins losing effectiveness fairly quickly, so it would be no help after the first 30-45 minutes of a 1 or 2 hours appointment. Quickly I decided it was a PITA that totally outweighed the benefits. I hiked up my big girl panties and took it like a woman without medication.

There is a prescription topical cream that has to be made by a compounding pharmacy, that I use for my electro appointments. The pharmacy who makes it calls it "laser cream" so I suspect it would not interfere with the laser.

It is called BLT, or Benzo Lido Tetra 10% 8% 8%. You will need a prescription from your doctor for it, but it has made the clearing of my upper lip (with electro) possible, such that there is nothing there any more.

It works much better than Elma, does not need Saran Wrap to keep it active, and is very effective. I usually put some on upper lip before I go to the electrologist to get the few small weak hairs that sometimes still pop up there. I got the upper lip cleared first, that is the most painful area.

The rest of my face is getting very clear, but it is all gray and electrolysis takes such a long time!

Thanks Diana, Lauren.

I'll have them do it next time. Seems I can sit and read in a room away from reception while it kicks in so it should be fine.