There will be a few parts to this review, and I'll write them as I go along with the treatment, so if you're considering having laser hair removal you'll know what to expect.
How to chose a clinic?
I did quite a bit of research before committing to anything, the last thing I wanted was to speak to a place I wasn't comfortable with and feel pressured to return, I used WhatClinic.com in my research and the place that came highly recommended was Persona Med-Aesthetic Centre(link) in Ta'Xbiex. I e-mailed them to find out about costs and they returned my e-mail with a call a few hours later to tell me about their open week was happening the following week and that I could have a free consultation.
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| Image from Persona Facebook Page |
Before you jump in with two feet for laser hair removal you'll need a consultation (Don't go anywhere that doesn't make this mandatory!). I was pleased to learn my consultation was with a doctor and not just a beautician. Personally for me, I'd rather chose a clinic with doctors than a beauty salon, it makes me feel like I'm a better hands - especially when someone is pointing a laser at you!
So anyway, I went along yesterday afternoon, the Dr was really friendly(I can't remember her name - eek!) and made me feel at ease, she explained how the procedure worked and what I should expect. She also ran through the things I should (apply aloe vera after) and shouldn't (expose the area to sun, use the gym, sauna etc) do for the days following. She asked about how my skin reacted to the sun and if I had any problems.
The next part was to do a test patch, this involved testing 3 different strengths of laser on the area where I wanted the hair removed (in my case the under arms).
I had previously read reviews of the pain this caused and some described it like a rubber band snapping against the skin so I was a little nervous as I didn't know what to expect....So we started off on the lowest setting, I lay on the couch with my arm above my head and biting down on my other hand in anticipation of the pain...and....ZAP. I barely even felt it! A few more zaps and it was time to turn it up! Level 2...you could feel it more but I wouldn't describe it as a pain in anyway, a sensation if anything. Next to level 3...now I was expecting this one to be the rubber band snapping level. I imagined the pain would be on the same level as waxing or getting a tattoo...zap zap zap I barely noticed it as I was busy chatting away, you can feel it but I wouldn't say it's painful, maybe half the "pain" of plucking is best way I could describe it...maybe I have super tough underarms but that's my experience.The test patch was over within minutes and I was on my way.
Afterwards
After the test patch I applied some aloe vera to sooth the area. For around 40mins to an hour afterwards I could feel a warm sensation, but again it wasn't uncomfortable.
Conclusion
I was happy with my experience and decided to book myself in for 2 sessions to start with. My first session is on May 4th, so I'll follow up with an update afterwards.
Have you tried laser hair removal - What was your experience?