I haven't posted a full-blown bio or summary yet, but here's me in a nutshell: 46 years old, 6'2", 255 pounds, size 22W. I'm a big guy to start with, but Zippy is a bigger part of me than anyone else has ever known.
I started laser hair removal everywhere below my neck (except for my pubis) almost a year ago. I'm scheduled for my final treatment in late March, and I've been extremely pleased with the results so far. I have pale skin, was never terribly hairy to begin with, and what was there always aggravated me. It itched, it never felt clean, it would become ingrown, it was more of a problem than anything else. I finally decided to treat myself big time, and go for it last year.
I have to say, the first two sessions were the worst, because the hairs were thickest, and there were many more ingrown hairs I didn't know about. The laser finds those, even though we can't see them. By the third treatment, it wasn't much problem at all, just five or six particularly tender spots. At no time during any treatments did I require topical anesthetic creams or lotions. After six treatments now, the only hairs left are white, grey, or blonde, and quite thin. There are so few, I can whisk them away with a razor in just a few seconds.
The system used was a
http://www.candelalaser.com/GentleLASE/gl_home.asp Candela GentleLASE Alexandrite laser, with the "Dynamic Cooling Device". That's fancy marketing talk for a shot of cool water mist with freon right after the laser fires. I can honestly say the worst part of it was the faint smell of burned hair and the hint of coolant left behind. The first several sessions took three to four hours each. The last few were just under three hours.
I can't tell you how wonderful it feels to get out of the shower these days, and smooth on a bit of lotion or body oil. It only takes one towel to dry off, and it's a lot quicker. I don't need to use nearly so much anti-perspirant anymore. I was afraid my first winter without the body hair might be chilly, but it's been no different than any other.
The worst thing so far
was the cost. I don't believe I could have had this much conventional electrolysis for anywhere near the price, about $4500. They wanted payment up front, and my credit card took the hit while I made payments for the first several months. I don't regret it one bit, and only wish my beard had more dark hairs for the laser to zap. I skipped having my face done, because it would not have been very productive
with all the grey hair in my beard. Hopefully,
I'll start electrolysis on my beard sometime in February.
I've rambled enough, now. I'll be happy to keep everyone informed of my status as 2005 progresses. I'm sure there may be some minimal regrowth at some time, but nothing I can't handle.
