I have unfortunately inherited genes that exhibit much hair growth and pigmentation. If I had known about a clinic like victorian cosmetic institute earlier on, I may have been able to deal with this issue a lot earlier on. But as they say, better late than never!
I have the bane of unsightly dark underarms which have exceeded the darkest of the darkest skin tone during pregnancy. My friend had similar problems and said she went to the Luxe Body Spa for laser hair removal. The results were amazing and I was super jealous. She was adament I should have the same treatment. I admit permanent hair removal would have long ended this woe of mine, but the cost of treatment was above my means. So when Mi Cara Skin and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic offered their services at discounted prices, I knew I could not pass this chance of having baby smooth underarms again. The IPL Laser Hair Removal Treatment usually costs P3000 per session but they offered it at SaveOn Pinoy for only P399 per session. I grabbed the opportunity to try this permanent laser hair removal option and purchased 10 coupons.
Setting an appointment was fairly easy. They gave a landline and a cell phone number which made it convenient to contact them. On the other hand, it was a bit difficult to look for their clinic. I’ve never been inside the Eastwood Cybermall so I was not familiar with the area. It took me a while to find the clinic as there was nary a “Micara” signage anywhere. I finally found it after asking the two aesthetic clinics on the same floor. It turns out that they are using one of the rooms inside MD Eastwood. I should have paid more attention to the coupons which indicated MD Eastwood Cybermall. This I noticed only when I got back home and checked a coupon for the address of their other clinic.
There was still another patient in the clinic when I arrived so I had to wait for a few minutes. When it was my turn, I was cordially greeted by the dermatologist, Michelle Sacdalan. There was neither a condescending look nor a snobbish air which some service providers show to non-regular clients specially those who have availed of group discounts like us. I liked her even more when I overheard her telling her two assistants to have lunch first and that she’d be fine by herself. Care for ones employees reflect a good heart.
The procedure was quite quick. First my underarms were cleaned and marked by a pen (I think it was white eyeliner or something that looks like that). Then ultrasound gel was spread on them. While doing these, Michelle asked me if I had sensitive skin or any history of skin reactions or scarring. When I said yes, she said that she’ll be lowering the energy level to lessen any skin reaction I may experience. After which, she adjusted the settings of the machine and started the laser treatment. If I remember right, she used about 8-10 pulses per underarm. The pulses stung a little but not as much as when you’re having a wax.
I’m no advocate of this treatment as I also have yet to see the results, but comparing it with waxing makes me lean more to IPL Laser Treatment. Even without the discounted coupons, you actually save more having your hair permanently removed than having it waxed every month for your entire life.
| IPL Laser Treatment | Waxing | |
| Cost | P 3000 per session | P 200 per session |
| Lifetime Cost | P 3000 x 10 sessions = P 30,000 (It takes about 8-10 sessions for all the hair follicles to be killed for hair removal to be permanent.) | P 200 x 12 months = P 2400/year P2,400 x 30 years = P72,000 (assuming you start waxing at age 20 and stop at age 50) |
| Frequency of Session | 2 sessions a month for 5 months OR 1 session every 3 weeks for 7 ½ months | once a month for life (or until you don’t care about unsightly hair anymore) |
| Pain | Stings (depends on your pain threshold) | Stings (depends on your pain threshold) |
| Skin Reactions | some redness for those with sensitive skin | some redness for those with sensitive skin |
I’ve only had one session so there are still no visible effects. My sister and I will be coming back for several more treatments to ensure that our underarms will finally be hair free. And hopefully, smoother and lighter in color as well. I’ll let you know how the treatment works out a few months from now.
If you would like to try the IPL Hair Removal Treatment, you may call 506-3106 to set an appointment. You may also visit the Mi Cara clinics at the following locations:
MD EASTWOOD CYBERMALL
3RD Floor
Mon-Tues 11am-6pm
MICARA MEDICAL
Lot15 Blk25 JP Rizal St., New Capitol Estates 1, Commonwealth Avenue, QC
Thurs, 4 – 6pm
Fri – Sat, 11am – 4pm
Sundays, by appointment
Mi Cara Skin and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic also offers radiofrequency treatments, lipocavitation for fats, abformer, the usual facials involving diamond and chemical peels, along with other dermatological services such as acne surgery fillers, botox dermarollers and anti-aging injections.
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UPDATE (June 23, 2012)
After 5 sessions of IPL treatment at Mi Cara Skin and Aesthetic Clinic, there was still no noticeable effect on the growth of hair in our underarms. We then availed of IPL treatment at Centro Estetico which we found to be more effective. At Centro Estetico, we were given around 20-25 shots per underarm per session plus the deal we got came with whitening treatment which we availed of after we finished all 5 sessions of IPL treatment. Probably because of the number of shots we received at each session, there was already noticeable decrease in hair growth after our second treatment. They recommend a minimum of 8 IPL sessions for full permanent removal of hair.
This web site is really a walk-through for all of the info you wanted about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and you’ll definitely discover it.
alam mo gusto ko din yan kaya lang it’s very expensive….Sana maka-tyempo din ako ng coupon…
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