So, I have been mumbling about getting laser hair removal for about as long as I've known the…read morehusband. A few months ago, after I complained about shaving for approximately the billionth time, the husband said, "Seriously -- how much can it cost? Just do it!" Since laser hair removal is a somewhat opaque process, I'll try to lay out the essentials below.
Pricing: I have never, ever encountered one of these places that puts a price list on their website -- you usually have to make an appointment for a "free consultation," which basically amounts to "fill out a ton of paperwork, waste an hour out of your life, and we'll tell you the prices." So let me tell you, the fact that Tuscaloosa MedSpa *has a price list on their website* is amazing. You can get pretty much any body part done, with most prices running $150/$300 for smaller/larger areas. Note that the prices are per session, so do the math based on the recommended 3-6 sessions. But seriously, being able to know *in advance* how much this is going to cost -- priceless.
Specials: Also, like most medspa-ish places, they run seasonal specials and offer various discounts. There is a standing 10% off student discount, and as part of their holiday specials, I purchased a "gift card" for myself (they just credited my account) for 20% off. Just FYI, you are usually not allowed to stack discounts though, so I don't get another 10% off the list price when I'm paying with my 20% off balance, but hey, I'll still take 20% over 10% any day. So I keep an eye on my email for their special offers.
Location: They are in "Suite C," which is actually a completely separate building at the back of the parking lot of that address. Just look for the Crimson Village retirement community and then a black awning on the corner of the building with their name on it. It was confusing the first time, but no big deal once you figure it out.
Scheduling: For full results, you need 3-6 treatments on a given area. Some areas you can do every 4-6 weeks, others 10-12 -- they'll tell you what interval to wait. But nothing's carved in stone; you can schedule according to what's convenient/affordable.
Treatment: I gotta be honest, I had no clue what to expect. The laser is not as finely targeted as electrolysis (where they tweeze one hair at a time and then zap it), but it's not super broad spectrum, wave it over you and you're done, either. It's more of a steady, one little bit at a time kind of thing. Underarms have taken just a few minutes each, but I just got my upper legs done and it took about an hour (with a break for some more numbing cream to kick in). Laser treatment sounds kind of techy and futuristic, and there's a sign on the door warning about it, but pre-cautions are actually really mundane -- like, they give you sunglasses to wear during the treatment.
Pain: They will offer to call in a lidocaine (numbing) cream to your pharmacy. Take them up on that!!! It comes in generic, so it's not super expensive, and it will really make a difference in your comfort level. I am an idiot, so I tried my first treatment with just ice packs (provided) -- not the smartest idea. As far as what the actual laser feels like, apparently it depends on your sensitivity and amount of numbing cream applied. It has variously felt like pretty much nothing, to tiny zaps of static electricity, to like a needle being dragged across my skin. I don't have any tattoos, but I imagine maybe this feels similar.
Atmosphere: It's a spa, so instead of a waiting room they have a "relaxation room." They're happy to offer water, coffee, etc., and the surroundings are much less sterile than a regular medical office. But the ladies wear scrubs, so it feels reassuringly official.
Staff: They've been great! Super friendly, helpful, happy to answer questions. They've definitely made me feel comfortable, which is great, since laser hair removal isn't exactly a really fun thing, at the end of the day.
Results: I know, I know, the most important part -- does it work?! So far for me, the answer is a resounding yes. After just two treatments on my underarms, I have hardly any stubble, and I'm hoping that my legs turn out the same way. However, keep in mind that I'm pretty much the ideal candidate for laser, since I have very light skin and dark hair. Your mileage may vary, and I had to sign something that I think essentially said I don't get my money back if I'm not happy with the results.
So all (all!) that being said, I am super happy with my experience thus far, and I will coming back here until I am 100% hair-free (at least, the places where I want to be...)!
