Question
I have been saving for 2 years in the hopes of having laser hair removal. What a disappointment to find out it wouldn't even cover the cost of 2 treatments, when I was told it would take 4-8. If there was a guarantee that 4 treatments would do it I would borrow the rest and make some sacrifices elsewhere since money is really tight. Unfortunately it seems there are no guarantees. I read on this forum about a cream called vaniqua. What is it and does it work? If it's anything like the others I've tried I don't want to waste my money. I guess I could take comfort in the fact that up here in the great white north we only have 2 months of summer. I would appreciate any input.
I so want to be hairless
Sadgirl

Answer
I have been saving for 2 years in the hopes of having laser hair removal. What a disappointment to find out it wouldn't even cover the cost of 2 treatments, when I was told it would take 4-8. If there was a guarantee that 4 treatments would do it I would borrow the rest and make some sacrifices elsewhere since money is really tight. Unfortunately it seems there are no guarantees. I read on this forum about a cream called vaniqua. What is it and does it work? If it's anything like the others I've tried I don't want to waste my money. I guess I could take comfort in the fact that up here in the great white north we only have 2 months of summer. I would appreciate any input.
I so want to be hairless
Sadgirl

Answer
Vaniqa is not cheap. depending on the area you want to cover, it can cost up to $60 per month. Results are so-so...after 6 months of use, the hair will be thinner and finer...maybe. And you have to keep using it.
I am a big fan of laser. I would go to a big, reputable center, ask if you can get a discount on 3 treatments, and a free spot test to determine the maximum energy you can handle. Even 3 really good high energy laser treatments will yield you much better results than using Vaniqa forever.

Answer
Thank you for your quick answer. I think I will start with an indepth consultation and take it from there. There are 2 places here in town. One has free consultations and the other charges $50.00. If I were to get 2 treatments and then wait a year or so would that be worse than getting 2 or 3 in a row? I really don't like the idea of using a prescription cream for the rest of my life.
Thanks again
Sad girl

Answer
Hi sad girl..
I know how you feel.. i have tried it all.. including laser.. which is very expensive depending on the area you need to get done.. I went for 3 visits..and it was great during the 6-8 weeks in between visits.. but once that 7th week rolled around the hair started coming back in.. im not going ot say it didnt lessen the hair on my face ( which i have a lot of) because it did.. but it did not permantly remove it.. I stopped after three treatments because i couldnt afford it anymore.. and six months after my last treatmet all the hair is coming back , and it has a strange texture to it.. If you can afford it I say try it.. who knows what would have happend if i did the recommended four treatments..but i only did one treatment less.. Now im trying Vaniqa, I just started two weeks ago.. I know it wont permantly remove the hair..but if it helps lessen the growth i will be happy with that for now.. the one and only treatment that i tried that truly removes the hair perm. is Electroylosis..but that is very time consuming and costly if you have a large area like myself..
Good luck.. Make sure you do research on the place you choose to get the laser done..make sure it has a good reputation.. and also, if you can speak to them about using Vaniqa while you use the laser.. it may give you double the chance of getting rid of the hair.. Vaniqa is not cheap.. I just paid 53.00 for a tube at CVS because my insurance does not cover that.. but if it helps its well worth the 53.00 ..and a tube will last me longer than a month..
Good Luck and let me know how it goes for you..