Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Review - Brazillian Bikini Laser Hair Removal & Updates

I started my laser hair removal for my underarms, however, more recently I decided to start the laser procedures on my bikini area and decided to purchase the Brazilian package. 

I have to say that this whole experience has been a learning experience for me since I really don't know much about the area 'down there'.  I am deciding to share with you my experience just in case you ever find yourself where I was and need a little clarification or reassurance.

After I made the appointment over the phone, I also received a confirmation email, which I appreciate because I have to enter everything into my Gmail calendar since I tend to forget everything these days.  I forgot to ask the lady about preparation...so I called back the next day and spoke to her about what I needed to do to prepare.  The Brazilian is everything, but I wasn't ready to do that, so she instructed me to shave the area I want lasered the day before or the day of my appointment.

So, now it was time to decide my forever future.  What did I want my 'down there' to look like in all the years to come?  Nothing? A triangle? A landing strip? A heart? (just kidding, no way)  How to decide?  I spent a little time looking up imagines online and I asked a few men what their overall preference was.  A decision was made. 

But now for the hard part...to shave that region.  I have never done this before, I only buzzed it.  It would be a lot easier if I had someone to shave that area for me.  Since I was a little worried about how long this was going to take, and since I was busy the day before my appointment, I did it 2 evenings before.  I spent a lot of time with the shaving cream and the razor.  I got it to look like what I thought, but I can't cut that straight so little by little more came off.

Unfortunately, the day of my appointment, my area was quite inflamed from the razor - and I even used a lot of shaving cream...I guess I need to replace my cartridge already.  Anyway, it didn't hurt, but it didn't look pretty.

Next was to allow some lady to become very well acquainted with my area.  When I got to the place, my aesthetician was very nice.  She went over the 'basics' and told me about their machine, possible side effects, etc. I filled out two forms then we got down to business.   She brought me into the room and gave me the option of using tiny disposable panties or not.  I figured it would be easier without and if I am doing something out of my comfort zone, might as well go all the way.  She gave me glasses to wear and applied the gel.  She started up the laser and began from the outside in.  You will feel some zapping and it may be a little uncomfortable until you get used to it.  The brazillian removed everything (or as much as you want) - the whole front area, the thigh crease, and the butt trail, as opposed to a 'high bikini/full bikini' that is the basic bikini but a little wider on the top and sides, and the regular bikini is just the very basic bikini line.  Anyway, getting back to my first session, I think the laser setting was somewhat lower because of my irritation, so it didn't zap me as much as my underarms did.  Then I flipped over and it was over before I knew it.  While exposed, I wondered why more people didn't get this done - waxing is way more painful.  It doesn't hurt just feels a little tingly at times and once you get past the being exposed thing - it isn't so bad.  Now having met my certified laser specialist and licensed aesthetician I feel a lot more comfortable for what to expect next time.

Perhaps the actual lasering took maybe 15 minutes? Maybe 10.  I didn't look to see the time before we actually started, but I was there for 30 minutes and that was a lot of talking at the beginning.

I redressed and then got my tip ready.  I am not sure how much to tip.  I had a coupon but I was not sure what their original price is for that service, many other companies have it anywhere from $180 - $400 per session to $800 - over $2,000 or more for the package (usually 6 sessions in a package).  I bought mine for significant less.  I ended up giving her $25 thinking that I was uncomfortable and that the first time is more awkward - but that was like a 50% tip on one session.  My next appointment is in 7 weeks since I am away week 6.  I just need to be really careful not to tan that area too much - and be super careful in July right before my appointment.

I look forward to seeing the progression of less and less hair.

Updates:  At each session, they raised the level of the laser. And I didn't tip that much again, usually somewhere between 5-10 each session, and a little more on the last session when I was "happy" with the results.
After session 1 I barely noticed any difference.
After session 2 I noticed some thinning. Also, shaving  became easier and my body got used to it, so I didn't have to worry about razor burn again.  I decided to start shaving more than my design to thin out that area later on - so for two -three sessions everything was being removed.
After session 3 I noticed that the hair coming through was very blotchy - a good sign.
At session 4, lady tells me I have a lot of hair follicles.  I know this, since I can still see so much hair.  Sure, it is thinning out a lot...but I am worried that it won't all be gone after session #6...and I will have to buy a few more sessions.   I've also been more undecided about my end result, and at session 3 & 4 had more hair removed to 'thin' out what will remain. 
After session 5, I noticed it is much thinner and somewhat blotchy.  At this point I am more concerned with the hair that is still on my upper thigh, I thought that should have been virtually gone by now, but it is not. Knowing I only have one more treatment is stressing me out a little because I know I will need a few more.  Remember laser hair removal is effective up to 80% of most cases, so having some hair left is normal, but I want even less hair.
After session 6, I will need more sessions.  It is a lot less, but still way too much to say it got rid of 80%.  But we are all different (my co worker is very happy after only 3 sessions).  Of course I have to wait until another Groupon because I can't afford to pay full price.

Update:  the laser for my underarms is going very well.  I am not worried about having much hair left when I finish that treatment...I have been very very happy with those results. I had 6 treatments done and two touch ups.  Amazingly happy. {I very rarely shave my underarms...once a month? LOVE IT}

Update 2: Since I was so happy with my underarms - I decided to start the laser hair removal on my face.  I am very pleased with this as well.  Both my underarms and face were done at the same place.

Update 3 (April 2012): After the completion of the first brazillian bikini area, I purchased a 'full bikini' groupon somewhere new.  This place the machine was different - there was a cooling hose. This coupon was for the side of the bikini and the top.  They did not do the upper thigh which I was a little upset about since you still see that in a swimsuit & panties.  But I think I will be fine with the remaining inside hair, since it won't be too much and it should be fairly thin from the first treatment.

Update 4 (Nov. 2012): 
     a)  I am still very pleased with my underarms, I only had the 8 sessions, so there is still a little hair, but it isn't bad.  I will probably go in a year and get it a touch-up to clean it up a little more. 
     b)  My bikini area is kind of a mess.  I had a different package at a different place that was only $150.  They used a machine with a cooling hose, so it numbs you a little bit when you are being lasered - this would be great for beginners ..but I am not sure if the machine is better or the same as others...so hard to know which are the best ones that give you longer results.  Also, when there is a lot less hair, you will notice less zapping...another sign there are less hair follicles.  Now my bikini area is a little more uneven, but overall after the 11 sessions I've had so far, it is extremely noticeably cleaner and the hair is taking about a month to grow back, which they tell me is a good sign.  I have more hair in my leg crease then I'd like but I am still quite pleased, it makes my shaving when need be much easier; but I don't shave too often, no need.  I'll probably get a touch-up or two in the fall to get those random hairs at the place that did my underarms/face - since I am the most happiest with them.  But all in all - I am very pleased with it.
     c)  My face, I had 6 sessions.  I did not shave my face before my sessions because the hair was thin and I didn't want stubble.  After 2 months since the last session, the hair on my face is somewhat noticeable again up close, which makes me feel very uncomfortable - but nothing I am not new to.  I may need to bleach it a little until I decide what to do.  Electrolysis takes forever and is very painful, so I will probably end up with another laser package for my face, or more importantly my cheeks since I was very pleased during the treatment, I just can't stop new hair from growing in.

Update 5 (January 2013):  I decided to do another round of laser on my face, at the same location as the first time.  The lady was surprised  - she doesn't think I'll need another 6 session, but I know I'll need at least 3 (and really the groupon prices are so good, that buying the 6 is cheaper than doing 3 at regular price).  She is very understanding and allowing me to go 8-10 weeks before each session.

Update 6 (June 2013):  I am SO happy with everything.  The face is coming along really nice, and the hair coming in is so fine and sporadic.  I had her touch up my underarms...which I haven't shaved since I started!  This time of year with all the ladies wearing sleeveless shirts, I see a lot of black hair follicles that are shaved but there...and I look and I am so happy that isn't me anymore.  My armpits are nice.  Sure, I get some new hairs...but a touch up once or twice a year fixes that (or a quick shave) this was my first touch up since last year.  I started my bikini yet again....but this time at the same place that I am really happy with.  After one new treatment - I saw results and after 6 weeks such a noticeable difference - I know this time around will work :)  My next appointment is in September - so I have the summer off in case I get tan & to give the hair time to come back in.  I rave about laser hair removal...but my sisters and my mother are hesitant...and I look at them and I am so happy I don't have extra hair on my face, under my arms or my bikini area.  I really wish I had before/after pictures to show you.  The best $1,780 ($300 armpits, $300 face, $300 face, $300 brazilian bikini + $150 high bikini + $300 brazilian bikini + $130 touch-up package) + tips I've spent in a long time.

Update 7 (June 2014):  I had my last bikini session this month.  There were 6 in the package and it took a year to use them...that is averaging going once every other month, which gave the area time for the hair to grow before it was lasered, which is a good sign since I had quite a bit of treatments before.  I don't have to worry about a last minute trip to the beach or an impromptu sleepover...it really looks great.  When I look in the mirror it looks great, but I still trim the hair I left to make it cleaner.  I had my last face treatment about two months ago - and I did have her touch up one spot in June.  Hair will continue to grow, but for the most part the face looks terrific.  And I heard that stress causes facial hair growth...and I have been amazingly stressed since December.  As for the underarms...in the last year I had touch ups once or twice and only shaved twice when I had a work meeting that would have revealed my armpits and a few hairs.  I think out of all three body parts I had done, the underarm was the fastest and longest lasting.  After three years, I've gotten to know the two ladies really well, and it was hard to say goodbye (I am moving, but I will probably still go back there for my touch ups since I have minutes left).

Update 8 (January 2015):  I had a touch-up in November for my underarms and my face. My underarms are still really amazing; I barely shave.  There hasn't been much new growth, but there was some hair and I needed to use up my last few minutes because I moved out of the area.  My face....will that ever be hairless?  I doubt it.  The little new hair growth seems like dark thick hair, but it is in a few sporadic places, so I've shaved it before dates or interviews.  My bikini area hasn't had treatment since June 2014.  I am happy to report that it made a difference.  New hair growth is there, but it is thin and spread out; a quick shave fixes that if needed...but for the most part, I barely notice it.  Eventually, once I get a job and my finances stabilize, I will look into future touch-ups.  But I am still really happy.

I can't tell you how wonderful this has been.  I never had any weird side effects.  I never stayed to ice any areas.  It was easy and addicting (as you can tell by the three year process).

Would I go again? Get more lasered?  Yes, absolutely.  I'd love to have my legs done at some point, and of course I'll need a few touch-ups here and there.

For those of you in Westchester, my FAVORITE laser place is Dare to be Bare.

43 comments:

  1. Thanks for this, I've been wanting to get laser since wax looks too painful, I'm sick of shaving, & I want something permanent. Glad to know the worst part is having your hoo-hah exposed!

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  2. Waxing is painful, electrolysis the same....that was the reason why I chose to do a laser hair removal Toronto treatment, together with the fact that this was the only treatment promising long lasting results. And now I can say it does, so this remains the best hair removal choice available.

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  3. Great article . I've been following your posts regularly. Tanks for sharing useful posts.

    Bikini Laser Hair Removal

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  4. Hi from South Africa. Just read your blog and it has definitely given me an understanding on wha I can expect. Going tomorrow for underarms and brazillian and am fliiping nervous!! Can't say I'm looking forward to the whole exposure thing, but I suppose us ladies are used to exposing to our gynaes, so why not another woman. Hopefully I won;t need as many as 6, as only bought two Groupons, and then wil also have to wait for another special to come up somewhere!! Thanks for the advice!!

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  5. hi, mine is a groupon question :)

    you say you used a groupon coupon for this. i just found a groupon coupon for the same thing and i'm a bit sceptical buying it because groupong doesn't have a good rep with me. the rules said

    "After selecting their area of treatment by throwing a javelin at a tarp painted with the Vitruvian Man, clients begin a series of six sessions"

    which to me sounds like you can't choose your own treatment which is not cool cos i still have to shell out $360 for something i may not want.

    anyway, did you have to do something like that when you went or was it more user friendly?

    deo

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  6. deo, Yes, I love groupon. There should be a link to the treatment areas so you know what areas are small, medium or large. Never purchase anything if you are not 100% sure what you are getting. There is always a 'ask a question' with each deal and Groupon will respond to you.

    I hope the others that read this will have a little bit of a better understanding. I recently purchased another six sessions for my bikini area, but really , I think 3 more would have been perfect, but 6 was cheaper with the Groupon.

    So far I have been thrilled with all the laser hair removal I've had.

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  7. I'm having a full Brazilian laser hair removal from ideal image. They say that most of the groupons are using Intense Pulse Light (IPL) instead of true laser hair removal. They also do 9 sessions instead of 6, have discounted touchups for life and I think most important, all of their treatment providers have a medical degree, either MD, nurse practitioner or physicians assistant at the place I'm going. I'm going to start soon, so I have no actual results to compare, but there is a lot of talk about this IPL vs. Laser issue.

    I started doing groupon in another area, but quit when I worked out a deal with Ideal Image. My groupon was the IPL, so I wanted to see if anything happened with t. As best I can tell, everything came back, plus they expect a tip based on the actual price. When I calculated out what it would cost me for 9 instead of 6 sessions, plus at least 20% of the full price ( which is almost double my groupon price), I'm paying fairly close to the ideal Image price, and I get the real laser.

    Ideal image has payment plans that are zero percent, and they have been having a 50% off deal lately. I negotiated a little more discount because I'm getting everything I wanted to have done all a once, and I'm paying directly in a few payments, which cuts their fees and try can pass on the savings to you.

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  8. I am happy that your laser hair removal treatment is successful. This is getting popular nowadays so most women are trying this hair removal treatment.

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  9. I'm a little nervous because I just bought a groupon for a full brazilian and the thought of being so exposed freaks me out. I've never gotten waxed and I'm still a virgin, so no one's really been down there... The thought of a total stranger being down there is really making me nervous!

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    1. you know I am in the same situation. I haven't purchased the deal yet but I have talked to the doctor who will consult me for the procedure. He seems very nice. I am also a virgin and have asked for a female to do the laser hair removal procedure. I am not sure if full bikini is the best option though. I heard it is better to leave some hair to not look like a pre-pubescent girl.. still thinking. not sure.

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    2. It sounds like you are being smart and doing things that will make you more comfortable. Once you get through the first session, you will probably be less nervous. I agree, I didn't want to look like a pre-pubescent girl...but that package will do as much as you want, you can tell them to leave some, whereas the other options I had for the bikini left more than I wanted. Good luck!

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    3. It always surprises me when women say they don't want to look like a pre-pubescent girl. Women have full hips and breasts, and our bodies do NOT look like 10 year old girls anymore. Just because you choose to go bare down south, does not mean that a man can't look at you as a grown woman anymore.

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    4. Honestly I have been waxing for year and if you are nervous about being exposed just remind yourself how hot you are and think about the people this lady has probably seen!! Men get waxed to and that has to be a lot more awkward! Imagine those things flopping around! lol

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  10. Thanks, this is very comforting since i just purchased packages for underarm and brazilian bikini! It is so cheap now at Lifebookers ($69 for 3 sessions for underarm and $99 for bikini) that i can't let it pass.

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  11. Many men love the all bare brazilian.... Thanks for the info. I was just looking at a group on deal last night and considering it....

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  13. are they supposed to wear gloves when doing a brazilian laser hair removal?? and how do you know if the machine is clean? Can you get germs from that??

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    1. Hmm, you raise some interesting questions. I am trying to remember if any of the places wore gloves...One place definitely did not. The other two....I honestly don't remember. I wouldn't know if the machine is clean. They might wipe it down with a disinfectant between clients? or maybe the case the laser is held in self cleans as it is warming up? There is goo that is applied to your skin before the laser, from a squirt bottle - and then use a wooden stick to smear it around. It wouldn't hurt to call an establishment you are looking into to ask these questions...and than share with us your answers!

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    2. The place I go to has always have worn gloves!! I won't have let them touch me and the machines end had a clean new cover over it, so I know everything was nice and clean for me!!

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  14. I recently had a full brazilian. I don't feel comfortable; it doesn't feel the same as when I shaved it all off.

    After only 1 treatment I am considering either a hiatus from lasering the pubic area until as much hair grows back.

    Has this happened to anyone or have you heard of someone who had only 1 laser treatment but was fortunate enough to loose only a very small amount of hair ... ?

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  15. Hi Denise, you might have mentioned it earlier and I may have missed it, but can I ask why you're getting so many treatments done? I'm getting my underarms done currently and the salon lady (and also some online blogs) have said that the hair stays off for a couple of years. Also, I'm thinking of getting a Brazilian as well and wanted to know if they get ALL the hair off? Will it be completely bare down there? And does that cover the butt ahem, orifice? Sorry if it's TMI but I'm not able to get answers anywhere else :D

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    1. I guess I am getting a lot done because it is a personal preference....and I have a lot of hair follicles. I love it...I know other people haven't needed as many treatments as me, but...once I started, I wanted to see it through. The hair does stay off for years...but don't forget new hair grows, so you'll need touch ups once in a while. As for the Brazilian, the places I went to asked what you wanted done, they were willing to do it all....or as much as I wanted. And it did include the butt crack - but not the cheeks, that is separate.
      let me know if you have other questions.

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  16. This was very helpful! I'm going for my lip/chin/neck tomorrow and was just thinking about my list of laser priorities; face, underarms, bikini that has now become a full brazilian and maybe one day my legs. But I've now moved the brazilian up to done next after my face. Thanks so much!

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  17. Glad to hear you all are getting/considering brazilian bikini. Results feel amazing not only for yourself but for a significant other!^_^ I do prefer the female have a hair-free vulva but it's her choice. I believe in reciprocation so finally for the past two years I've been doing a combo of electrolysis and IPL for a full male brazilian bikini. I still have patches of hair appearing on the base of my penis & scrotum but hope that the treatments of electrolysis will fix that. My electrolysis technician says that she's fighting against my testosterone production in making the hair go away. It's taking a long time & many sessions. You girls have it a little easier in that regard. Electrolysis IS more painful & takes more sessions than IPL but is the only permanent form of hair removal. It does take more than just one session for either type of treatments to see good results. A plus for IPL is it actually induces your body to produce more collagen where applied. The more collagen; the more youthful feeling your skin becomes.

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  18. This is the same thing I am going through. I just did my 3rd session and I am seeing some results but not what I was expecting. I am too hoping that by my 6th session I will have better results. I have very thick coarse hairs on my legs,I am having my entire legs and bikini areas done. I am thinking I will need to purchase more sessions after this but I also purchased a groupon for this procedure to be done so I will have to wait for when it comes out again. This procedure to me does sting a little but it something that I can tolerate.

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  19. I would also motivate just about every person to save this web page for any favorite assistance to assist posted the appearance.
    transvestite hair removal

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  20. Great information. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

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  22. I'm considering getting the male 'brozillian' version. Anyone done this or know anyone who has done this? Can seem to find much info on it.

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  23. This was a great review!! I'm so excited for my next appt!!!

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  24. My understanding is that the scarring is the result of improper use of the laser -- on too high a setting, or on the same spot too long. I think it's pretty rare.

    I already have some scarring from ingrown hairs and waxing, actually, so I'm not sure I'd notice if it was a small scar. But I really didn't have any last irritation at all from laser so I doubt it.

    Laser Hair Removal

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  25. Just wondering is it safe to take risk of using laser treatment on ur face. If something goes wrong it can be devastating. should be done by experienced professionals

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    1. The first time I had my face lasered by a dermatologist back in 1999-2000 and it was a horrible experience. My face did not react well to the treatment and I spent 3 years with a new dermatologist to try to correct the problems...and you are right on the face is a bit more 'scary' of a place to have it done. When I became comfortable with the laser place, I explained what happened to me years earlier and we tested it out and it worked well...but now I will only get it done by that person. Ask for a test location first and if you see or feel anything wrong, don't keep having treatments.

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  26. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I have been receiving laser treatments on my face and just recently started doing my arms-which worked extremely well, but as I sit here the day before my full legs and a Brazillian, I realize that I do not know exactly what a Brazillian is. So now thanks to your documentation of your experience I will go into tomorrow knowing exactly what to expect.

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  27. I was wondering, when you used the Goupon voucher, did you purchase it before the consultation?

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    1. Yes, I purchased the Groupon before the consultation. These days since there are so many deals, you can call an establishment to see if they will honor the groupon price after you meet them if you are uncomfortable. The worst they will say is no.

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  28. My Groupon did not cover the butt crack. They are making me pay an extra $100 per treatment. I am getting ripped off! Thank you!

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  29. I'm new to laser hair removal and I'm a little nervous because the thought of being so exposed freaks me out. I'm planning to have a baltimore laser hair removal next month for summer.

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  30. I'm a man getting full brazilian laser hair removal. I had my second session today with 8 weeks between. I'm amazed how well the result has been and how little hair has grown back in. As far as the comfort level, this is always kept in the tech's mind and she helps me feel at ease. I have no regrets in my decision for full brazilian and look forward to the end result.

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  31. Could you please tell me how long does each of your Brazilian session take? I went to my first session yesterday and the tech took less than 5 mins for my treatment (about 10 zaps). I wonder if that would be enough to complete remove hair after I complete my package, or it is something the tech does to make me buy more sessions after. I remember having my underarm a few years ago and the tech took 20-25 mins for my treatments.

    Thanks

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    1. A few years ago the technology was different, 20-25 minutes for underarms seems excessive for such a small area, my underarms were done in like 5 minutes for both sides each session. There are many different machines that work a little different...but I'd say I averaged 5-8 minutes. Then again, I didn't do FULL brazilian, I left a little there, so you can add a few minutes for the more sensitive area. I went to three different companies for the bikini area - and I'd say they were all under 10 minutes.

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  32. If my question is posted twice, forgive me. I think the original was lost in Internet space. Can you be more specific about what part of the pubic area you didn't remove, the shape, what the final result is of the hair you left and how you got to your final result. By final result, I just mean for the area you left hair. I read I whole blog but I was confused about this. Sounded like sometimes you did laster it and sometimes you didn't. Also any advice or recommendations about leaving or not leaving some hair.

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    1. I did sometimes laser everything and that was to thin out the hair. I guess you can say what I left was a 'landing strip'. The final result has been great. I love not having to worry about shaving the bikini line on a regular basis.

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