Monday, February 21, 2011

When Spa Trips Turn Painful?

If there's one thing that I haven't ever turned down, it's a spa day. The excitement of knowing that I'm going to go be pampered and get to relax and spend some time in a room filled with soft music and warm towels is just one that can't be matched. Doesn't everyone deserve some time to treat themselves?

For me, whether it's been a massage or a facial or anything in between, I can't think of a time that I left a spa when I didn't have a wonderful visit.

But tonight's visit is going to be something new.

A few weeks ago my husband and I noticed that the "daily deal" on one of those coupon sites was a major discount on three treatments of laser hair removal, something that has always intrigued me. Not having to shave all the time, particularly in the summer, seems like it would be worth going through a few treatments for, right?

Fast-forward to my first appointment, which is tonight. The spa recommended starting with my underarms and that I would be really pleased with the results there, so I went with their advice. But now, when I'm looking at their website, it mentions that "some clients may feel a slight discomfort with each laser pulse, sometimes described as the snapping of a rubber band on the skin."

Um... ouch?

They follow that up by saying that "a cool compress or gel pack may be applied for comfort following your treatment. Any redness or swelling should resolve within a few hours." Am I not going to be able to put my arms down?

After giving birth twice, I feel as though my pain threshold has risen quite a bit, but I'm still getting nervous that this isn't going to exactly be the same time of relaxing spa break that I've taken in the past.

So I need to know... have you (or someone you know) ever had laser hair removal treatments? And, most importantly, how much did it hurt?

(I was compensated in exchange for this post... but I really am starting to get a little jittery about tonight's appointment! Someone reassure me that this won't hurt too much!)

8 comments:

Lindsay said...

I have always wanted to get laser hair removal, but I'm kinda nervous for the pain factor as well. Please keep us updated and let us know how it goes!! :)

LeeAnn said...

I'm not going to lie to you, it hurts. But it is quick. It is just like being popped with a rubber band, but as soon as you feel it, it is over. By the time you leave, you won't even feel it anymore.

Worse than the pain, though, is the smell. And when it is your under arms, the smell will be right up there by your face. Have fun with that! hahaha

I had laser hair removal done on my under arms many years ago. Unfortunately it didn't work for me. :-( I don't usually get ingrown hairs anymore, so for that it was worth it. I had about 20 treatments and the hair still comes back - but it is definitely less and not as coarse.

Wow, this was a discouraging comment, huh? Sorry about that. It does work for MOST people, so I'm sure you will have better luck. From what I have heard, the lasers have gotten better, so I may try it again one day. I did have to warn you about the smell, though. ;-)

Dena said...

My sister did it and had no success. It lightened her hair but it's still there. And at one of her treatments, they had they laser too high and she has permanent skin damage.

Jenine said...

I've heard it's supposed to be great. Unfortunately, being a natural redhead, I'm told that I'm not a candidate for treatment. Apparently it only works for folks that have dark hair. Go figure.

But good luck with it and I hope you have great success!

dannyscotland said...

My sister in law had it done on her underarms and she is very happy about it. I have no idea if it hurt her or not. She didn't mention that. Sorry, not a helpful comment.

Sippy Cup Mom said...

I have no but can not wait to hear how it goes! Hopefully it won't be too bad!

Closer to Lucy said...

Any spa that is worth a peanut will use a numbing cream before your treatment, I'd insist on it. If not go someplace else.

Jenny said...

Eeek! I have never done had that done, so I'm no help. Good luck!