I have to say something about my electrologist. In fact I have been meaning to for a long time. Her name is Karen Marlise, and she is the lovely proprietor of Tampa Bay Laser Hair Removal. She is the best and the only hair removal professional I trust.
Before Karen, I had a few other experiences with laser practitioners and electrolysists alike. For example, I had one very traumatic laser hair removal session with a Doctor Michael Sinclair at Epilution Med Spa, in Loxahatchee, FL which left me swearing off of laser hair removal for the rest of my life. It was a nightmare! The pain was excruciating! It burned with a terrible furosity I imagine you would feel if you were to take a hot skillet immediately off the stove and apply it directly and liberally to your face. The lower half of my face was burnt and swollen for two weeks after the procedure, even with proper care! If you have ever seen the show Monk, think Dale The Whale, and you'll get an idea of how bad the swelling on my face was (and yes this was after my major weightloss). Strangely enough, I have read many raving reviews about this particular doctor and his spa. All I can say is if you are trans, think twice. I still have a scar on my face from the procedure (although thankfully with care it has gone down a great deal). I called him about the results and he was unconcerned and quick to get me off the phone. The only thing I can make of it is that either those reviews you read are fakes, or he just has it out for trans people. I can say this though: That appointment--that one appointment--got rid of at least 60 percent of my hair. I would have gladly paid for more appointments to do without the trauma and scarring though. Because it was really horrifying, and if I wasn't in my 20s still that scarring probably would have been pretty perminant.
I didn't really realize it was an operator error back then. I just figured laser hair removal didn't agree with me, or at least I was really unsure of it after such an awful experience. So I tried an electrologist next.
I started getting electrolysis where I used to live, and I saw this one sweet lady for a good long time--about six months I believe. She was really so nice, incredibly trans supportive , and just wonderful to talk to--especially since I was going trough a separation and I didn't really have anyone else to talk to about it at the time. But I wasn't too impressed with the results. My facial hair always just seemed to grow back in. So unfortunately I believe I was again the victim of a poorly trained professional. The only thing I can say about her was that her brand of electrolysis didn't really hurt. I mean I was able to lay there and carry on meaningful converstions with her. She'd make a great therapist I think! Seriously though, it was relatively painless. But it was also as utterly useless. And when I finally came to this realization I was, needless to say, very upset about the hundreds of dollars lost.
Then I moved to Tampa. And I started asking around and searching the web for electrologists that were recommened by other trans ladies--something I had, by then, learned was incredibly important. The first one I spoke to was Karen, and finally, I had a winner! She came very highly recommended by many trans women who live or have lived in Tampa. In fact, some people fly down just to have her work on them. She is a beloved ally of the trans community here.
From the first time I spoke to her on the phone and told her about my previous experiences, she was not only warm and sympathetic, but I could tell that she was knowledgable and experienced in what she was doing.
So I made my first appointment for electrolysis. Her price was slightly more expensive than my prior no-results electrolysist, but she also under-cut nearly everyone else in the area. So she was very affordable, which scared me at first. But, again, upon arriving I was treated very curteously, like a firend, but yet with no small amount of professionalism. Of course, it hurt quite a bit more, but none of it was exruciating. In fact I found myself thinking, "Ok, yes--THIS is what I've heard electrolysis feels like." The truth is, I still think she has a gentler hand than what I've heard of many electrologists out there. And after the electrolysis session, she makes sure you feel comfortable with ice rollers and packs at the ready.
Seven apointments and a year later, I am ecstatic to report that the results she provides are lasting. AND I've been so impressed that, for the last six months and four appointments, she has even talked me back into trying laser again. She is an excellant, amazing, and thoughtful hair removal expert. She has given me dozens of tips on skin care and recommended products that would help protect and care for my skin. And she has the best most relaxing personality you can imagine, making her so easy to work with.
Karen doesn't just do electrolysis and laser hair removal. She started out her salon cutting and styling hair. She also does waxing, facials, nails, and permanent make-up. I'm not sure if I'm missing anything--simpler to say she does it all! She is trained and licensed in everything she does. One of these days I'll go see her for "the works," but until then I definitely recommend her to anyone in the Tampa or surrounding area who is looking for a hair removal expert. She is just simply the greatest.
