diff --git a/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-asktransgender-comments-ewhy0b-psa_if_you_do_laser_or_elec__6c8726bdc4.html b/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-asktransgender-comments-ewhy0b-psa_if_you_do_laser_or_elec__6c8726bdc4.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3f44fc8 --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-asktransgender-comments-ewhy0b-psa_if_you_do_laser_or_elec__6c8726bdc4.html @@ -0,0 +1,119 @@ + + + + + +
+
+ đź“„ Archived: 2025-08-28 12:20:40 UTC +
+
+ đź”— Source: https://old.reddit.com/r/asktransgender/comments/ewhy0b/psa_if_you_do_laser_or_electrolysis_get/ +
+
+ +
+

PSA: if you do laser or electrolysis, get anesthetic cream

+

r/asktransgender • by u/darthemofan • 30 points

+

+I just read the thread about someone first laser session and there was no comment at all about anesthetic cream. +

+If you can get you hands on EMLA, it's the best. If you can't, Amazon has you covered with Aspercreme and the various other Lidocaine based numbing creams for tatoo. Get the highest percentage you can - it's all the same. Only the "caine" part matters when it comes to reducing pain. Put a very thick layer. As it, as thick as you can until it starts falling off. I can't remember how many tubes I did use when I was using laser, but I often used several just for my face alone. +

+Many doctors say to not cover bc it increase diffusion and you risk cardiac problems if you cover large zones (like your whole torso). But if you are as sensitive to pain as I was, and only do the face, it's safe. If you want to do more, you are a grown up, do some risk assessment and make an educated guess by trying sligthly bigger zones little by little. +

+Buy some plastic roll, the kind that's use to close cardboard box when you move with the handle on one side. If you can't find that, Saran wrap will do but it will be harder. After applying the anesthetic, wrap the whole face with the plastic. This will prevent the anesthetic cream to leak away, which it does otherwise: gravity is a force which pulls us together. But Saran wrap is stronger! Obviously you may want to cut holes for your eyes, nose and mouth with a boxcutter. Personally I only did my eyes and nose, because I found that even a small mouth hole let too much cream away. +

+You should do that at least 45 min and more like 1h before the session. Come with big scissors and paper towels and cut off the wrap (faster than unrolling, just don't cut your nose off lol) and only do it at the very last minute because the effect will only last so long. I'm shameless so I usually did that in the bathroom of a nearby cafe when I didn't have a car I could stay in. I made sure to arrive right on time because sometimes they finish earlier and would want to get me in (because time is money) and that's bad: if you haven't waited enough, you will suffer. +

+If you are shy and afraid of being seen with you face covered with plastic, say in the cafe that it's for a sexual kink with latex lol Don't suffer. Pain comes with no gain. You can top that off with painkillers if you can get that (anything will do, the stronger the better), and anything that can make you sleepy or drowsy (benadryl is OTC in the US, I took a few but no more than 4 or my mouth would be super dry for hours, and my legs resless) +

+If you sometime had to ask the technician to stop because you were suffering too much, this guide is for you! +

+
+
+

Comments

+ +
+
+ u/VioletLostGirl • 12 points +
+
+

"If you are shy and afraid of being seen with you face covered with plastic, say in the cafe that it's for a sexual kink with latex lol."

+

I'm sorry but that feels very much like "No dad, I wasn't playing minecraft I was watching porn I swear!"

+

I'd be a lot more embarrassed to say it's a sexual kink with latex then laser hair removal lol, otherwise thank you for the advice I have pretty much head to toe laser to work through so yeah hehe.

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/dremily1 • 4 points +
+
+

Some of this is good advice, but I had a different experience that I’d like to share. You can find products like Solarcaine which have benzocaine or lidocaine in them and you can use these to help minimize pain associated with laser or Electrolysis. As a physician and someone who has undergone hundreds of hours of Electrolysis and laser treatments and has used EMLA and over-the-counter products I will say that I do not think it’s necessary to slather on a thick layer and cover this with plastic wrap for 45 minutes prior to treatment. I found very little difference in applying anything more than 15 minutes prior to treatment and an hour prior. I found that Solarcaine with aloe worked as well or better than EMLA. And I found a thin layer without plastic wrap works just as well as anything else. I also found the most effective thing was probably just taking two ibuprofen an hour prior to treatment. Good luck to all who are starting your journey. This part sucks because it’s uncomfortable and also very hard to see progress, even after 100 hours sometimes. Hang in there. You’ll get there.

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/strawberryfirestorm • 2 points +
+
+

I did 2 hours of electrolysis at a time when I was having it done.

+

So, that’s how I learned I was a clinical masochist. No cream for me lol.

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/Mattpilf • 2 points +
+
+

I really don't think the plastic wrap is necessary. I use Asprecrame with lidocaine almost every day for chronic pain(yes as approved by doctors) and really don't think that a thicker application really does much of anything

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/leelloo22 • 1 points +
+
+

The girl who did laser for me did not recommend putting anything on the face because it could lead to scabbing.

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/sometimes_sydney • 1 points +
+
+

Eh, I'd say do a test session before you decide because pain tolerance varies so widely. I'm 4 laser sessions in and it really doesn't hurt much even now that they're cranking the power to blast the last of my facial hair away. It helps that I'm pale with dark skin but still, while some people had a lot of pain even with cream some people also have only minor pain. It feels like getting flicked to me which is kinda more an annoying pain than an intense one.

+
+
+
diff --git a/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-vindicta30plus-comments-1blaz1l-microneedling_a_review_and__f5c33419d1.html b/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-vindicta30plus-comments-1blaz1l-microneedling_a_review_and__f5c33419d1.html new file mode 100644 index 0000000..309685d --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/sources/old-reddit-com__r-vindicta30plus-comments-1blaz1l-microneedling_a_review_and__f5c33419d1.html @@ -0,0 +1,662 @@ + + + + + +
+
+ đź“„ Archived: 2025-08-28 13:20:49 UTC +
+
+ đź”— Source: https://old.reddit.com/r/vindicta30plus/comments/1blaz1l/microneedling_a_review_and_how_do_to_that_at_home/ +
+
+ +
+

Microneedling: a review, and how do to that at home

+

r/vindicta30plus • by u/darthemofan • 0 points

+

Yesterday, someone asked about vampire facials: it's essentially PRP injections +- microneedling, but some places don't do the microneedling part (which is sad as it's very good by itself) because it takes time and it can be messy (there will be blood!)

+

Lately there's been lots of copes on the sub - and there are very valid ones, like some treatments being costly.

+

But if there's one that's not expansive, that you can do at home, that makes many promises, yet delivers on all of them, it's microneedling

+

So here's a small guide to help you get starting with looksmaxxing

+

The science behind microneedling

+

First, here is a link you should read if you haven't heard about microneedling before, or you are considering it, because it's important to check the science before doing anything: https://www.reddit.com/r/Vindicta/comments/j8ms1k/microneedlingdermapen_what_can_it_do_litterature

+

Compared to other procedures, what's good is that it's possible (and much cheaper!) to do it at home. Some people also do PRP at home, but I don't recommend that: you need experience drawing blood, with vacuum tubes, iv lines, and a centrifuge. In theory, it's possible but there are a few things that could go wrong. It's not that you can't do it well if you absolutely want to, but doing microneedling is much safer

+

The first time

+

If you have the money, get your first microneedling done by a professional, just to see what it entails.

+

If you can't get it done by a pro, you can try it at home with a patch test (ex: back of your arm) before risking it on your face

+

What you need

+ +

How to do it

+

Ideally right before a long weekend, desinfect you whole face with 70% alcohol. Apply lidocaine cream all over, and make it THICK: you face should be white. If you can see the skin through the cream, it's not enough. Add some more. You'll need at least 2 or 3 tubes. The more concentrated the lidocaine, the better: some shops sell high % lidocaine for "tatoos". I can recommend alibaba and aliexpress

+

Then apply something to "hold the lidocaine cream in place" as gravity will make it leak otherwise: I'm a big fan of saran wrap: I just run it around my face, cutting holes for my mouth, nostril and eyes. I wrap my whole head like that

+

Make sure you can breathe: if not use the scissors and try again lol

+

Then wait at least 45 minutes for top efficiency of the lidocaine (and less pain!)

+

Another way is to use a k-beauty mask (because it has premade holes) instead of the saran wrap, but it leaks more, I don't like that

+

Set your pen

+

There are different protocols depending on what you want to do: use 1.5mm for scars, 0.5mm for wrinkles. There are many other protocols: if you've read the links, you will know what to use!

+

You should also use different depths for different parts of your face - but I won't tell you precisely what, bc if you don't know, that means you haven't read the links, and I don't want to encourage anyone to take too many risks

+

Remove the cream and desinfect again

+

Cut out the saran wrap (or unroll it), remove the lidocaine with paper towels, desinfect again, then let the alcohol dry out a bit. Don't feel rushed: you have between 30min to 1hour during which you won't feel pain

+

The actual microneedling

+

Use alcohol on your gloves, then microneedle your face with the right settings (!)

+

It's best to be in front of a mirror to avoid forgetting zones. You can do multiple passes on problematic areas like scars

+

And if you have specific problems, now is the time to use your actives and make them go deeper:

+ +

Wrapping it up

+

Your face will be bleeding. That's when I usually use almost half a tube of tretinoin gel 0.1%: both because it's greasy and limits the bleeding, and because it's tret and it's good for the skin

+

I put a towel on my pillow, pop some sleeping pills, and sleep it out. The next day, there will be crusts, but don't touch them. Let you face heal.

+

When you have to go back to work on monday, wash your face gently with a soap like cerave. Don't dry it out with a towel, but with an hair drier, to limit the risks of infections (towels are full of microbes)

+

You may look red, but nobody will be able to guess you looked like the main character of an horror movie a few days before :)

+
+
+

Comments

+ +
+
+ u/[deleted] • 54 points +
+
+

suggesting ali express lidocaine and saran wrap to do a procedure at home that can result in infection or scarring even when performed by a professional is 🥴

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 3 points +
+
+
+

suggesting ali express lidocaine and saran wrap to do a procedure at home that can result in infection or scarring even when performed by a professional is 🥴

+
+

a professional is not magical: it's just someone who gets paid for their services. it doesn't mean they perform good services.

+

have you ever had microneedling done by a pro?

+

have you noticed them do anything different that what I suggested here?

+

I have been to a few pros, and a few times I've noticed differences:

+
    +

  • they don't care as much ab the hygiene, in almost every case forgetting the 2nd disinfection

    • +

  • they don't care as much ab your pain either: by using no lidocaine and telling you to take a tylenol, not applying it the lidocaine for long enough, or not using proper occlusion to avoid evaporation or leakage

    • +

  • they forget to change their gloves or at least to disinfect again when taking a phonecall

    • +

  • once done, they put a weird cheap cream on your face to stop the bleeding, often from a tube that's not brand new, and containing no active

    • +
+

However, you raise 1 valid concern: the risk of infection.

+

If after desinfecting your face twice you are still afraid ab infection, go to a pet store or order from a prepper website: get yourself amoxicillin (like the fishmox brand) at 500mg 2 pills 3 times a day for 5 days it will nip in the bud most infections

+

You will see if you need amox on the day when you wash out all the crust, but your "professional" at a spa wont tell you ab that, and if they messed up, they will just tell you to go to see a doc (at your own expense, and it'll cost you way more than a bottle of fishmox)

+

just FYI, after doing microneedling at home more than a few times for the last 3 years (look at the date when I first posted the guide on Vindicta) I can't remember needing amoxicillin even once

+

BTW may I ask you why you bash ali express lidocaine? It's more concentrated (so more efficient, so you need less) and cheaper that what's sold OTC in the US.

+

Maybe I'm reading too much between the lines, but your comment makes me think ab classism.

+

There was a time I was poor, like rly poor. I certainly couldn't have afforded a professional. I didn't even have health insurance lol.

+

I haven't forgotten that time. there are ppl on this sub who may not have the hundreds of dollars it would take to go to a pro, but they can afford to spend less than $100 to get all the things and do microneedling at home, as often as they want to (but I suggest not overdoing it: check the scientific litterature, and follow their protocol)

+

Now that I can offer the service of pros. I'd rather keep doing my microneedling at home, bc I think that's better too: I won't cheap out on the lidocaine, the actives, or take shortcuts in the desinfection protocols

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/[deleted] • 20 points +
+
+

girl be so for real, it’s not classist to advise that people proceed with caution when performing a procedure on themselves that trained professionals can sometimes botch. if it’s worked for you, awesome, live your best life. personally i think suggesting people buy random odds and ends from amazon and ali express to poke holes in their own skin, and take fish medication if there’s an infection, is bootleg as fuck.

+

i’m not here to gatekeep, i understand different people have different income levels. but it’s not always practical to cut corners for certain things because you often get what you paid for, like inexpensive tattoos, and can result in spending more money to correct the cheaper procedure.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • -1 points +
+
+
+

buy random odds and ends from amazon and ali express to poke holes in their own skin

+
+

that's super loaded words. its not random, it's precise

+
+

take fish medication if there’s an infection

+
+

if you have a friendly doctor willing to prescribe you amox, go for it

+

then do a nice experiment: compare the shape, color and writing on the pills you got from your doctor to fishmox.

+

it's the same... bc it comes from the same factory.

+
+

is bootleg as fuck.

+
+

yes it's bootleg, but since my previous advice was met with criticism of being too expansive, I've tried to suggest something far less expansive, that almost anyone can do (you need 2 hands, and to be able to see yourself in the mirror without wearing glasses)

+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/Electrical_Juice8629 • 24 points +
+
+

Do not use Tretinoin or other actives at the end

+

The Saran Wrap is overkill

+

Do use sunscreen

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

Do not use Tretinoin or other actives at the end

+
+

some ppl prefer natural healing, that's fine - I've had some free bleeding sessions, where I just let the blood crust

+
+

The Saran Wrap is overkill

+
+

I'd say it depends on your pain tolerance. I don't like pain so I default to it

+
+

Do use sunscreen

+
+

I'd recommend not going outside while healing. No sunscreen, no nothing on the skin. Let it heal until you've got to go back to work

+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/pullupgirl__ • 12 points +
+
+

I microneedle at home and have been for years without issue and have had wonderful results. That being said, your advice goes counter to what I've read in research as well as what I have been told professionally (I had my face microneedled in office before I started doing it at home myself). Your face is so sensitive right after microneedling, why would you put harsh actives on your skin during the most delicate phase of the healing process?

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

That being said, your advice goes counter to what I've read in research as well as what I have been told professionally

+
+

fair enough - it's something I incorporated after a few tries, little by little, and after checking refs, but rn I can swear it works just fine (at least with transparent tret gels).. and I've been doing that for over 3 years

+

but be careful don't microneedle everything and anything in (only exception: stuff that can be injected or put into your eyes, like latisse eyedrops), if you want to do that, at least do a patchtest

+

but once the microneedling is done, you can apply things

+
+

Your face is so sensitive right after microneedling, why would you put harsh actives on your skin during the most delicate phase of the healing process

+
+

It's not just for the active: the gel limits the bleeding. but it's also the opportunity to have a higher penetration that usual. it won't be sky high (bc of the bleeding) and the #1 consequence (peeling/"purging") won't be noticeable bc you'll leave your skin as-is for the next few days

+

Also, it's a way to not stop my normal daily tret: I won't be able to do it every day until I wash the crusts away, but I will have applied a large dose so I will not have a rebound effect with extra peeling when I resume tret

+

Check the references I posted: it's not necessary to stop tret for microneedling: + https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4924407/

+
+

The present established standard preoperative surgical care, so far advises the stoppage of oral isotretinoin 6–12 months before any dermatosurgery.[7] This was based on the early reports of keloids or delayed wound healing, in patients on isotretinoin during surgery documented in 1980's.[8,9] Surprisingly, this recommendation stemmed from 9 cases reported from different authors

+

However in 1985, Roenigk et al. had performed dermabrasion in nine patients on isotretinoin and reported normal “initial” skin healing.[10] However, despite this observation, for nearly two decades, stopping oral isotretinoin before dermatosurgery was the medico-legal standard practice, unchallenged.

+

The only microneedling case enrolled and subjected to 7 sessions of therapy had pigmentation which resolved.

+

Of interest, in this prospective interventional study – “102 Fractional Er: YAG laser resurfacing, 19 conventional full face CO2 laser resurfacing, 19 Fractional CO2 laser resurfacing, 8 skin biopsies;” had no keloid/hypertrophic scar formation or delayed healing. All the above were collagen-specific interventions

+

However, there were minor reversible outcomes such as pigmentation, erythema, and acne. If one compares our study and literature, which could serve like control data, the occurrence of reversible events in isotretinoin group is comparable

+

This study with 504 interventions done in patients taking oral isotretinoin with – glycolic/salicylic/combination acid peels, fractional Er: YAG laser resurfacing/fractional CO2 laser and conventional CO2 laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion had a single documented keloid in glycolic peel group. This was probably idiosyncratic. The second case of keloid following radiofrequency ablation of compound nevi however could not be explained.

+

The results of this study, further enhance the already accumulating evidence, about the safety of procedures in patients receiving isotretinoin and further provide additional evidence that the current recommendations for avoiding procedures may not be valid and need revision.

+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/little_traveler • 15 points +
+
+

While this may work for you personally, microneedling at home is such a dangerous idea. While you may be doing it at home successfully, posting instructions for other inexperienced people to recreate this in their home feels irresponsible and dangerous. I know you have good intentions but this is really not safe advice. Microneedling can send you to the hospital if not done by someone who is properly trained and ensuring everything is sterile.

+

I’ve had microneedling done 3x by a cosmetic dermatologist and had great results. It’s great for treating acne scars and stimulating collagen. But after hearing about horror stories from my doctor and the internet, this is not something you want to cut corners on. At best your results won’t be nearly as good as what a doctor can provide, and at worst you’ll end up in the hospital.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/SmallsUndercover • 1 points +
+
+

Do you have bleeding after your professional sessions? I do it at home and I’ve never experienced bleeding the way OP does. Am I supposed to be bleeding? I get some redness, that’s about it

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 0 points +
+
+
+

ensuring everything is sterile

+
+

only needle cartridges are. for everything else, you've got to apply good hygiene precautions, like disinfecting

+
+

At best your results won’t be nearly as good as what a doctor can provide, and at worst you’ll end up in the hospital.

+
+

I disagree with that take, because I've build up experience, and I'm not tied by a clock, while a pro has to finish you in the scheduled time to take the next client, and sometimes may cut corners. I've noticed that (mostly for electro)

+

as for the fear mongering about hospitals, I've got antibiotics

+

if you don't feel confortable doing that at home, don't. but lots of ppl are doing it just fine - thanks to youtube and reddit, knowledge has never been so accessible!

+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/aemilli • 13 points +
+
+

Is this a troll? You use half a tube of tret after?

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/caitlikekate • 12 points +
+
+

Ok so I wasn’t the only to be like …. What???

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/teamdaenerys • 9 points +
+
+

That was the wildest part of the post…and it had a lot of competition lol

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • -5 points +
+
+

to cover the whole face, yes!

+

peeling etc will be the least of your worries in the next days after microneedling

+

you might as well use the opportunity to deliver tret to your skin

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/kayleeeeebop • 2 points +
+
+

Tret is so irritating though- won’t it make healing worse? Also I am with you on your information about agency. I think it’s absolutely BONKERS and we are having to pay bukus of $ for things like PRP (my own damn blood) 🤦‍♀️ I haven’t tried microneedling yet but I’m interested

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 0 points +
+
+
+

Tret is so irritating though- won’t it make healing worse?

+
+

not in my experience, it didn't change anything for the worse. I was mostly worried ab having to stop tret for a few days (bc I don't apply anything to my face while it's healing)

+

it may have extra benefits for the collagen, idk but it doesn't seem to hurt

+
+

Also I am with you on your information about agency. I think it’s absolutely BONKERS and we are having to pay bukus of $ for things like PRP (my own damn blood)

+
+

absolutely this! it's just a scam to frighten ppl to then make bank with the large amount they pay to have something as microneedling done!

+
+

I haven’t tried microneedling yet but I’m interested

+
+

watch yt videos and read other tutorials, but for like $200 you'll get a top of the line dermapen. add another $100 and you'll have all the consumables to last you at least 1 to 2 years. lidocaine and fishmox are the most expansive, if you can get them prescribed by your doc you may save money

+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/theeverglowing • 3 points +
+
+

I personally wouldn't microneedle products into skin, nor apply anything onto the skin straight afterwards, as it increases your chances of getting granulomas. I use sterile saline for slip.

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/peachsqueeze66 • 7 points +
+
+

Some of this made me laugh. I do my own at home. Easy peasy!! I don’t push anything in and I don’t use tret at the end. I use an arnica cream that is very soothing. But I am open to using the tret. I have some that is too weak and I am trying to rid myself of it-this may be a good way to do that.

+

I think you were smart not to discuss the depth of the needles OR how many needles per cartridge really. I also agree with the getting it done professionally first. Good advice!

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • -3 points +
+
+
+

Some of this made me laugh.

+
+

I like to write in a funny tone to help reflax, also bc there's a lot of fear ab diy procedure, but this is the one with the best cost/efficiency, and the fewer risks

+
+

I do my own at home. Easy peasy!

+
+

ofc, but it's important we let other ppl know!

+
+

But I am open to using the tret. I have some that is too weak and I am trying to rid myself of it-this may be a good way to do that.

+
+

I'd suggest to use the gel tret if you have some. if it's a cream make sure your skin tolerates it well, do a patch test, as open skin is not like intact skin

+
+

arnica cream that is very soothing

+
+

I'm a bit afraid of creams than can contain allergens: like a lot of ppl think aloe vera is good, but it's actually bad: there're risks of allergy, and it's even a carcinogen: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26986231/

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/peachsqueeze66 • -3 points +
+
+

Good advice of course. Tret .025 that I have been using for a while and is not doing anything…yeah, I can test it on a spot next time. I do NOT want to cause a problem. My skin is beyond amazing for a lady my age. Strangers stop me all the time and comment/ask me what I use, etc. I need to mess it up like…no.

+

I have never liked aloe vera.

+

I have VERY little in my little drawer of “tricks”, but they serve me well. I don’t think people realize that it doesn’t take much. I keep it very simple. Simple and consistent. Have a terrific weekend!

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

Tret .025 that I have been using for a while and is not doing anything

+
+

it's too weak. if it's in gel form, maybe you could apply it thick? I use 0.1 personally, about 2/3 of the volume of a peanut every day

+
+

yeah, I can test it on a spot next time.

+
+

if you use it on the bleeding skin in the end, it's unlikely to go into the skin, but I like to play it safe: the only things I microneedle into my skin is what I've patch tested before, or things that are made to go in the eyes or into the veins (ex: latisse eyedrops, peptides)

+
+

I need to mess it up like…no.

+
+

100% this! as I often say, don't change a winning team

+
+

I have never liked aloe vera.

+
+

same, I don't understand why ppl have not learned how dangerous it can be. we know it's bad, I don't want that in my cosmetics!

+

it's like if Nivea was selling a cream with asbestos lol

+
+

I have VERY little in my little drawer of “tricks”, but they serve me well. I don’t think people realize that it doesn’t take much. I keep it very simple. Simple and consistent.

+
+

same. I wanted to share one of my tricks (like microneedling at home, bc I think it's the one that makes the most difference (along with daily tret) on my skin quality

+
+

Have a terrific weekend!

+
+

you too!

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/peachsqueeze66 • 1 points +
+
+

Latisse (when I did it YEARS AGO) gave me permanent darkening around my entire eye. Like purple eyeliner. Ugh!!! Which sucks because I lost my lashes to cancer (in 2021). They still periodically just fall out-2.5 years later. But, you know, I’m alive.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+

here it's for doing latisse on white scars with lower hair density

+

darkening around the eye is seen if you are from an ethnicity with "fake dark circles", due to pigmentation (most seen in India and Middle East) instead of vascular and when using latisse as eyedrops

+

the issue can be mitigated if using latisse for lash grow by using a tiny brush and applying it just on the lash line

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/peachsqueeze66 • 1 points +
+
+

Yeah, I am Irish. Green eyes. Red hair (well, before I lost it). I was trying, several years ago to add density (no) and length (sorta). But I also got that darkness. So unfortunate. HOWEVER, I did stop using Latisse before it could change my eye color (which could happen, as a rare side effect when used for glaucoma-but it is still notes). The darkness around my eyes was bad enough, a change of green eyes? Oh, no no no no.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

I was trying, several years ago to add density (no) and length (sorta). But I also got that darkness. So unfortunate.

+
+

were you using the small brush/pencil?

+
+

The darkness around my eyes was bad enough, a change of green eyes? Oh, no no no no.

+
+

ABSOLUTELY! A change in eye color would freak me out! I've spent good money to get blue eyes instead of the brown eyes I was born with (it's a long story...), so even if I'd like longer lashes I'm very weary of latisse now! I won't even use castor oil!

+

But the darkness around your eyes puzzles me. TBH it's the first time I've ever heard that on a while person not from the middle east - and with red hair, your body can't produce eumelanin on the skin, only pheomelanin, so it's very weird.

+

I don't think it's pigmentary: it's more likely to be vascular, by reduction of the fat pad around the eye (especially if you've had cancer + treatment) another possible side effect of latisse

+

Do you still have the darkness? Are you looking for solutions?

+

If it's due to fat loss, you may need nanofat transplant + PRP. In fact, that's what I'd try by default bc there're lots of easy solution for pigmentary (I'm into skin whitening... I know a few), but not so many for fat loss

+

In any case, lmk if there's anything I can do to help

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/peachsqueeze66 • 1 points +
+
+

Yes. I used the brush. But I used all of that BEFORE cancer. Years before. Such an ugly little side effect.

+

I am in remission now. However, the chemo caused me to have a pulmonary embolism and a DVT (right at the end of six rounds). THAT was a nightmare! I had to be in the hospital for that, I am now on blood thinners for life-because chemo, well, it is the gift that keeps giving. I remained on a form of intravenous chemo for another 15 months after that. But that is okay!! I mention that because the thinners make nanofat transplant + PRP dicey at best.

+

The discoloration is honestly like purple eyeshadow lining my upper and lower lash lines. I’m fine most of the time because I don’t out a lot. If I go out, I wear some eye makeup that covers it and it is fine. But truthfully, I go about my life in the world without anything on my face 75% of the time (well, you know, I do wear sunscreen) because I do not care if people look at me strangely. I went out without any hair, no wigs. I clearly care and don’t care all at the same time. I was very vain and remain vain. But I know my limitations and what I feel is necessary for me in life. IF I were a young person I would probably look for solutions to this issue. I am not.

+

Funny thing about my hair (the good “Irish” hair-auburn, curly, long and beautiful), it fell out, so did my brows, lashes, body hair. When it came back it is not the same color at all-it is brown and silver in the front. The density and curl pattern are not the same. I have, at least for now, chosen not to grow it back out. It is short. I don’t love it. But it will never be as it was. I do not have the patience to wait it out. I tried already and failed. I am 31 months in remission. If it was going to get better, it would have by now. I’m not going to cry over it. I’m just going to live my life and pray that the cancer doesn’t return. (Good luck to me-this is a rare ovarian cancer. Most do not survive this. So I am doing fantastic!!). Well, that was a long answer for no reason to a stranger. Mainly just for clarity. You are kind to make suggestions. Thank you.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

mention that because the thinners make nanofat transplant + PRP dicey at best.

+
+

yes, you could get extra bleeding there and that'd be bad (like just diplopia: I had double vison for month after browbone FFS surgery, I had to close an eye if I wanted to read anything, and I wasn't even on thinners...)

+

also if you do some fat transplant, you'd need to wear compressive stockings in the donor area to limit the risk of hematoma, which is increased by blood thinners.

+

you're in a tough situation. it's rare that I say smtg like that, but I would suggest doing nothing surgically beyond at best PRP - maybe just Zhi Mu or Volufiline topicals (bc I can't see how stimulating local fat gains could have negative side effects even now that I have the full picture of the situation!) but nothing more

+
+

because I do not care if people look at me strangely

+
+

I used to be like that. It wasn't exactly my choice (being trans and all that, it's a long story)

+

Now I care about strangers looking at me with lust or jealousy in their eye. I'm vain, so I could my blessings of looking perfectly normal, not standing out in any way, and being able to just "live".

+

That's also why I stick around on beauty and pinkpill subs- bc cosmetic changes have done for my mental happiness more than anything else could. lots of ppl have helped me, so I want to help back ppl.

+
+

I clearly care and don’t care all at the same time

+
+

ik exactly what you mean

+
+

IF I were a young person I would probably look for solutions to this issue. I am not.

+
+

we live in the stone age, and some things are beyond our scientific possibilities.

+

it sucks, but we have to do the best we can with it in the world we live in.

+
+

Well, that was a long answer for no reason to a stranger. Mainly just for clarity. You are kind to make suggestions. Thank you.

+
+

I'm sorry if I made you share more details than what you may have wanted by my insistence of trying to help

+

I wanted to offer help if I could have, but the options are very limited so I can't offer much, but at least I can offer my friendship.

+

I sometimes spend months offline but I always eventually come back.

+

Feel free to send a message at any time, to talk about whatever

+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/theressomuchtime • 2 points +
+
+

OP are you still here?

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

OP are you still here?

+
+

Yes, I'm back, I'm just unpopular with certain ppl who love to get me banned time to time.

+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/kensingtonreds • 3 points +
+
+

I absolutely agree that micro needling is something you can do at home. This I good preliminary advice but with everyone people have to use caution, do their research, and make sure it’s something they are willing to. There’s a whole diy community out there. Hell, people are injecting filler into their own face. Not saying it’s right but people do it.

+

I think getting microbeedling done at an office is a waste of money. I also agree that just because someone is educated to do something doesn’t mean they do it right. I got microbeedling done once but someone who was an aesthetician for 20 years and she not only double booked me knowing this was my first time getting it done but left the numbing on too long that by the time I sat in her chair it wore off and it was extremely painful. I will never let a so called professional do that ever again. It’s not dangerous advice just because you are too afraid to do it.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 2 points +
+
+
+

I absolutely agree that micro needling is something you can do at home

+
+

unfortunately, that seems to be the minority opinion on the sub, given how downvoted it was. It may have frightened the normies lol

+
+

good preliminary advice but with everyone people have to use caution, do their research

+
+

I left out some details about the needles and the depth to incite people to read the links and do their research

+
+

There’s a whole diy community out there.

+
+

oh yes, I forgot to mention: if it's your first time, plz watch youtube videos first!

+
+

Hell, people are injecting filler into their own face. Not saying it’s right but people do it.

+
+

Personally, that's were I draw the line. I wouldn't recommend self injections, because it's hard to control the angle, the depth and the amount injected at the same time.

+

Even if it's say on my leg, I'm not a big fan of self injections

+
+

by the time I sat in her chair it wore off and it was extremely painful.

+
+

I'm very sorry it happened to you :-(

+

My rules of thumb with a professional:

+
    +
  • I will apply my lidocaine myself, in the amount I think is appropriate
    • +
  • I will never let it dry out, and always use saran wrap. If I look like a freak with saran wrap around my head, so be it. I'm paying for the service.
    • +
  • I will cut out the saran wrap when I'm in the actual room, with the professional present and ready, and not in the waiting room in case they run late
    • +
+

The last one is the most important: they want the saran wrap to be cut earlier to save time and be able to take more patients or breaks between patients? it's a nice concern to have, but I care about my pain more than I care about their profits or their coffee break. They are free to charge me extra if they want

+
+

I will never let a so called professional do that ever again.

+
+

ABSOLUTELY

+

I go to a pro for PRP, but I still apply my basic rules bc I don't want to suffer

+
+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/_Underwold_9781 • 1 points +
+
+

Do not do this. I tried this on stretch marks and permanently damaged my skin there

+
+
+
+ +
+
+ u/Ready_Exit3500 • 1 points +
+
+

I mostly agree but not the saran wrap for lidocaine, and DEFINITELY not applying actives right after. Especially tret, holy shit.

+
+
+ +
+
+ u/darthemofan • 1 points +
+
+
+

but not the saran wrap for lidocaine

+
+

some ppl are afraid of arrythmia, while this has only been noticed on large areas (ex: the full back) of damaged skin (tatoo sessions) of people with preexisting heart problems IIRC.

+

the face is a small surface, the skin is intact - I go for it bc I dont like pain

+
+

DEFINITELY not applying actives right after. Especially tret, holy shit.

+
+

ok, so what's the worst that can happen from too much tret? peeling a lot, bc it increases turnover.

+

consider how my face looks like for the next 2 days it's a non issue

+
+
+
+