I have been getting electrolysis done on my face done since the first week of March 2011. The areas affected are my chin, underneath the chin, my whole neck, and sideburns- pretty much my whole face. Surprisingly, my upper lip has never been a problem. I’ve had a hair problem since I was 11 years old (21 now) & I’ve tried all the temporary hair removals. At one point I was using a Braun epilator for legs on my face because that was the only thing that would get all my hair. From the time I was 14 years old to 18 years old, I would pluck daily for a minimum of 2 hours. Waxing? I had to use Brazilian wax from the drug store on my sideburns and neck at one point in my life.
In addition, I had a lot of laser induced hair growth on my neck from 3 years ago. I had a 6-8 laser treatments; however, the doctor I trusted did not do correct treatments on me. My hair never fell out- $5000 down the drain. After this incident, I used to have to shave everyday, sometimes twice. I would pluck for HOURS sometimes, but I never would be able to get all the hair and I had to shave on top of that.
My first appointment with my current electrologist consisted of 2 hours on my chin and it took weeks before I was able to get a full clearance on my chin. (She uses the blend method but during those treatments she also worked on my sides). I realize I came a long way since then and I was lucky to find a good electrologist who can work with my hair structure/skin. I went 2 hours every week from March 2011 and did not achieve a full clearance until mid July. After that, my treatment time got cut in half and I was able to spend one hour on my face and one hour on my underarms. (Mid July to end of August)
I also began to take 100mg Spironolactone daily from the end of July. Everything was looking okay until a few weeks ago. I started producing more hair and my treatment time increased to 1 hour and 30 minutes. I am weaning myself off from Spironolactone because of the side effects I experienced. I do not know if Spironolactone contributed to the sudden increased hair growth or if it was just a hair cycle. I suspect it is probably the combination of both. My electrologist also told me not to worry because I will continue to have surges until the hair is completely gone.
However, I am still worried. I only shaved handful of times during the months of July and August. The hair was still noticeable but A LOT finer & I was able to deal with it. In September, I’ve had to shave every week. I have not this week because my appointment is tomorrow & I assume it’s better if I try not to shave. Thankfully, the hair growth this week isn’t as bad as the past few weeks.
I have been paying for electrolysis since I first started in March but I ran out of money 2 weeks ago. My parents are willing to pay for an 1 hour and 30 minutes this week and next week but after that I have to cut down to an hour a week. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get a full clearance each time and I hope it does not impede my progress.
I guess I am just feeling down and I am starting to wonder if I will ever receive permanent results. My doctor wants me to try birth control but I’m scared that’s going to increase my facial hair growth. I know you see a significant improvement within the 6-9 month time frame. I’ll be hitting the 9 month frame by the end of the year. I already see a significant change compared to what it used to be like before electrolysis, but it seems like every week I have a mess to deal with. And lately the messes have been worse. I’m scared my parents will stop paying before I ever achieve permanent results.
Is there anything I can do to help this process? Is this all normal? Did my past hair removal methods lengthen the process? I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this the past week and I appreciate any insight on my current situation. Thank you.
