Question
I'm a 29 year old woman with a pretty severe case of hirsutism. I've gone to dermatologists, endocrinologists and gynecologists for answers. They've all given me blood tests and all of my hormones are supposedly "in balance". They tell me it's either hereditary or I've got sensitive tissue. It just doesn't make sense... I'm at my wit's end because I don't want to live with this problem any more!
Last year I went to my dermatologist who specializes in LHR. They applied some type of numbing cream to my face and used the cool glide. It was THE most painful experience in my life. I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but this was extreme. The nurse did about 2 inches on my chin and I couldn't handle it any more.
After reading other users posts about laser hair removal on the face, I don't think LHR is right for me. Maybe I need to be investigating electrolysis. From what I've heard in the past, it's painful. Is this true? How long can one sit in a session? How does it actually work?
Besides the fear of pain, which I could deal with if I knew it was working, I'm TOTALLY embarrassed to go in and even get a consultation. It's something that I've tried to hide from everyone for so many years that I can't imagine going in and letting someone look at me with a magnifying glass.
Can you guys relate? How did you get past the fear?
Any advice would be much appreciated. This is the first time since this problem started that I've ever spoken openly about it. Hopefully, it's a good first step.
E

Answer
I'm a 29 year old woman with a pretty severe case of hirsutism. I've gone to dermatologists, endocrinologists and gynecologists for answers. They've all given me blood tests and all of my hormones are supposedly "in balance". They tell me it's either hereditary or I've got sensitive tissue. It just doesn't make sense... I'm at my wit's end because I don't want to live with this problem any more!
Last year I went to my dermatologist who specializes in LHR. They applied some type of numbing cream to my face and used the cool glide. It was THE most painful experience in my life. I have a pretty high threshold for pain, but this was extreme. The nurse did about 2 inches on my chin and I couldn't handle it any more.
After reading other users posts about laser hair removal on the face, I don't think LHR is right for me. Maybe I need to be investigating electrolysis. From what I've heard in the past, it's painful. Is this true? How long can one sit in a session? How does it actually work?
Besides the fear of pain, which I could deal with if I knew it was working, I'm TOTALLY embarrassed to go in and even get a consultation. It's something that I've tried to hide from everyone for so many years that I can't imagine going in and letting someone look at me with a magnifying glass.
Can you guys relate? How did you get past the fear?
Any advice would be much appreciated. This is the first time since this problem started that I've ever spoken openly about it. Hopefully, it's a good first step.
E

Answer
You say you can get over the fear of pain if you knew the procedure was working...but you had to stop LHR, which works...
Yes, electrolysis hurts. I'd be a liar if I said it didn't. The difference between LHR pain and electrolysis pain is that LHR pricks you rapidly one after another and electrolysis goes hair by hair because the technician has to manually insert the probe into each follicle, one at a time.
If you have fair skin, and lots of dark coarse hair, I'd have to personally recommend LHR. I mean if you had a stubborn patch or it was just your chin and upper lip that bothered you, electrolysis would be OK. It's the same way I PERSONALLY would never want to get electrolysis on my legs which would take FOREVER to clear and maintain, compared to the 15 mins it would take for LHR to zap it. You know what I mean? You know how big your area is, so you can judge. If you couldn't tolerate the LHR, I don't know how you'll feel about electrolysis. At least LHR is over quickly, whereas if you sit for 30 or 60 mins with an electrologist, you'll have to tolerate the poke poke poke of the probe.
You know what they say, NO PAIN, NO GAIN, but if it's really that unbearable for you, I can't force you to deal with it. But these are your 2 options when it comes to getting rid of the hair that's bothering you.
Also, some patients with conditions like PCOS must take medication to first control the situation before they get either procedure, or else the hair will just keep coming back. Is your condition like this? Electrolysis and LHR won't be permanent if you have a medical condition that causes your hair to keep on growing.
And just a word of advice...electrologists and laser techs are in the (excessive) hair business. It's their JOB to see patients with hair in annoying places. Trust me, whatever you have, they've already seen, AND WORSE!! You think it's horrifying, but an electrologist or LHR tech won't even blink, I guarantee it. In addition, these ppl are in this business to HELP you. They WANT to get rid of the hair that bothers you. They're on your team!!

Answer
You don't say what skin type you are, but if your skin is light and the hairs are coarse, the CoolGlide, or any Nd:YAG laser is going to be much more uncomfortable than a laser with a shorter wavelength like an alexandrite or a diode.
If your skin is dark you should not have felt the CoolGlide that much.
I wouldn't give up on laser yet, I would try another laser (if you are light) with a different technician.

Answer
Thanks so much for the advice. To answer your question, I have very fair skin (with freckles). I will definitely go back to my doctor and ask about different laser options for my face.