Has anyone tried laser hair removal around their ostomy site? I have a colostomy and am tired of shaving. I'd like to hear about anyone's experience.
Thanks very much.
andyd
May 25, 2016 12:00 am
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Bill
May 25, 2016 5:35 am
Hello andyd. Good question! I have no experience of this but I will be following this thread as would be very interested in replies from people who have.
best wishes
Bill
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Past Member
May 31, 2016 1:10 pm
I don't know of anyone who has, but I think it would be something to consider before the surgery as it takes many sessions, and might be impractical if you already have an appliance.
If it were possible, I would totally consider doing it!
Speaking of shaving, how are you guys doing it? I found an electric razor works best, and I can get even better results with a "shaving powder" that goes on the skin and makes it easier to shave with the electric razor - you do have to wash the area around your stoma after using it, but you should be anyway.
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bukowski
May 31, 2016 9:14 pm
I just use a regular (or disposable) razor around the stoma. Obviously, be careful of the stoma. I try to shave as close as I can to the stoma, usually stopping about 1/2 inch away. Then I use a small scissors/trimmer around the stoma and clip the hairs the best that I can. It takes a few minutes, but it works the best for me.
TomFTW
May 31, 2016 9:24 pm
I just yank it out! It gets easier with time and doesn't hurt so much. The hair follicles become looser. I haven't tried laser. I bet it would be tedious and expensive.
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GraphX12
Jun 01, 2016 2:34 am
I am very interested in this also. The two things I hate most about changing my appliance are dealing with my hernia and the hair removal. I asked my doctor once about trying laser removal and his reply was, "Good luck in finding someone to do it." (I use an electric razor)
U K Mutt
Jun 01, 2016 4:27 pm
Hi, yes I did! Prior to surgery. I plan on going every 6 weeks and for several visits. I had 6 or 7 treatments with 70% improvement. I plan on using aloe and drying with a hairdryer immediately afterwards in the office to ease mild burning sensation that lasts about 24 hours. I just use a trimmer as shaving created follicle issues. Then I apply a very thin layer of aloe and hairdryer at each bag change as a barrier. Works great! Good luck!