Question:
hair removal

I am 6 months out from gastric bypass and wanted to know if anyone has had laser hair removal & electroloysis for unwanted facial hair? My dermatologist said I would need electolysis for the white hair that is growing on my face and laser for the black hair, and then a chemical peel a week later. Can this be harmful to my skin with malabsorption and weight loss. I am shaving every other day and the hair is very upsetting coming in white on my face. It's very obvious. Any advice would be helpful, due to see my surgeon next week, so will ask also about the laser and any side effects that I should be worried about.    — faunemarie (posted on May 22, 2008)

May 22, 2008
I used to have problem with facial hair. I saw a comercial for something called tweezie. It's kinda like a small epilady. I purchased it and love it. I used to have to do it quite often at first. Now I only have to do it about once every six weeks. Don't shave. It makes it come in thicker and faster. Here is a link to it online: http://www.buytweeze.com/?gclid=CIWuibSuupMCFQrVsgodGBCHCw
   — DianeMarie

May 22, 2008
As a matter of fact, I'm having some hair removal (laser) this afternoon. I am 2 1/2 weeks post op. I did call the dr and they said that was fine. Arden
   — bikermama

May 22, 2008
I'm having laser hair removal in a couple of weeks ... If you're hesitant about doing it, check with your doctor about Vaniqua ... I have heard good things about it. I have a friend who shaves, and her hair is blonde as well but doesn't show. My hair is dark and I am scared to death to shave before the laser treatment, because I don't want to have to carry around an electric razor with me and do it three times a day so no one notices!
   — lauren_marie

May 22, 2008
Faune, I had IPL (Intermittent Pulse Laser) for my black facial and neck hair- 5 treatments and I'm thrilled with the results. My dermatologist (who is very highly regarded) said the only thing for light/blonde facial hair is Vaniqua. It is a prescription cream that I use twice per day. As far as side effects go, it was a little redness and irritation day one and itching day 2. I don't know about the chemical peel as I didn't need one. I am so happy for you, getting rid of all this hair is such an important and wonderful step in our process. Dawn Vickers, RN, BLC, CLC
   — DawnVic

May 22, 2008
Maybe in between the laser treatments instead of shaving you could go to a salon that does "threading". It's an ancient Indian technique for removing hair. Most people who have threading done, go for eyebrows. But they can also do upper and lower lip, anywhere on the face. It lasts a long time and is NOT very painful.
   — [Deactivated Member]

May 22, 2008
I have had laser hair removal done 5 times on my face and had some considerable hair growth. This was done about 2 years ago. The hair went away completely (my hair was black) for some time but many times laser hair removal is not permanent. In my case some of the hair has grown back. I will need to go in for another treatment (I spent over $1000 for the 5 treatments I received). The first treatment was quite painful, I won't lie. In face I had a reaction and had edema in my chin where fluid filled the area. The best way to describe the pain is like someone is pulling a rubber band against your skin and snapping it over and over again, moving slowly about your face. It gets easier with each treatment, however as there are fewer hairs. The lip was probably the worst for me. Some places will allow you to use lidocaine which helps in numbing the skin. Best of luck
   — Michelle A.

May 22, 2008
I had a bad problem with hair growth on my upper lip and chin. About five years ago, my doctor prescribed Aldactone and it did wonders, now I just use an epilady (electronic tweezer) about every six weeks and the problem is solved. I had RNY about 6 months ago and have seen no change in the hair growth or the way I handle it.
   — Roxy_

May 24, 2008
I had electrolysis. My skin is extremely sensitive since surgery. Not sure why but it just feels more fragile and thinner. If the dermatologist is recommending it, then he would be the one to tell you if your skin would be resilient enough. Not sure why he recommends the peel. By the way I had no problems at all with the electrolysis and had laser hair removal on my underarms.
   — bariatricdivalatina