I opted to have my underarms treated, because not only is the surface area smaller (I was thinking about the pain factor) it's also in a relatively hidden place (now I was thinking about scarring). I headed into NYC with my boyfriend in toe, 1. because the only place I know how to get to is Bryant Park and 2. because I needed moral support. Once I arrived at Beam I was greeted by Liza whose presence alone is enough to make you relax. Liza is soft spoken and just has a relaxing vibe, which was so much appreciated because I was so incredibly nervous. I'm really a nervous nelly when it comes to anything new that just might be painful. She asked me if I had any questions and then asked me to fill out some paper work (typical medical history stuff) and a consent form. The consent form put my inner nurse at ease, it showed me that not only do the sisters take the risks of laser hair removal seriously they were going to thoroughly explain the risks of the procedure. With laser hair removal the benefits are pretty obvious, but if your laser technician doesn't even bother to explain the risk - walk, no better yet, run out of there.
Once all my paperwork was completed, all my questions answered, and the risks thoroughly explained it was time to meet Andrea. Liza and Andrea are sisters, and Andrea is the only one who will ever treat you if you go to Beam. That's a point to empasize, because it means that the person who does your first treatment will be the same who does, the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. Now on to the actual, laser - it doesn't even hurt! SURPRISE! I was so relived, it's about a 1.5 of a pain scale of 0-10 with 10 being the worst pain you have ever experienced. It was such a breeze, the only downside was the scent. If you have ever been in an OR (operating room) and have smelled the scent of burning skin it's slightly reminiscent of that, but once your done (it seriously takes all of 5-7 minutes) the scent is gone.
My first treatment was Saturday the 17th and I've noticed that the hair is beginning to peek out, but that's totally normal and those hairs will eventually just fall right out. What happens is you shave/wax/or whatever you do to the area, then go in for the treatment. The hair under the skin will have to exfoliate or shed and that's what you see. One treatment is not going to stop the hair from ever growing back, usually it takes about 6 treatments but when you go in for your complimentary consultation and test patch the girls will explain everything. The cost of 6 treatments for underarms is $630, a steal if you think about how much you have already spent on waxing/razors, etc.
FYI: They are fluent in English and Portuguese and proficient in Spanish and French.
Expect more updates as I continue through with my 6 treatment sessions!
7:00 AM by Joi
February 4, 2009 4:05 PM do you know if they use a blue laser? My doctor told me that blue lasers are more effective on darker skin.
February 4, 2009 8:28 PM Yes, they do use a blue laser... which is why it's so safe and effective on us brown skinned honeys!
February 14, 2009 2:37 PM Thanks for sharing this. I really want to get it done.