New TLC-X user

[Zeusta20]

I just recently started restoring, and I'm running into problems. When I'm tugging throughout the day, I feel pain sometimes. More so when I'm tugging for longer periods of time. Possibly because I'm starting to extend the rod already. Prior to using this, I've already had some loose skin. So I'm not starting with ground 0. But how do you know when to apply more pressure and when to leave it? If I don't extend the rod, I can wear it all day, but I don't even know if it's working or not because I'm not sure if im feeling the tug.

And advice would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[parsecskin]

Firstly, proper, even application of the device is essential. After you get the device on, make sure you Even out the skin trapped under the cone. You want it to be as flat and laid out as possible. When I do this I like to see an even gap of about 1/4" under the retaining cone at the top of the device. In order to pull excess skin out from under the cone evenly, you need to install a rubber grommet between the wire handle and the cone (see photos). This will keep the cone from loosening up an slipping off. It works so well I don't even use a safety lanyard. It never falls off. You can get one at any hardware store. If you ask me this should be standard equipment on every TLC X.
Now it's time to even up the skin on the inside of the device. When you extend the pusher, give it several quick but not too forceful extensions and retractions a little further each time. You will hear an audible low pitch squeak and feel it when the skin moves to flat inside the device. Now everthing is laid out flat. Set the pusher where it feels comfortable but tensioned.

[mjwise]

Are you just using the pusher or are you tugging too with a strap? Take it easy and increase the amount of rod you push in gradually so that you can get through 3-4 hours or so without pain. You will probably want to measure how much you're extending the pusher to get a consistent tug without pain.

[Zeusta20]

Are you just using the pusher or are you tugging too with a strap? Take it easy and increase the amount of rod you push in gradually so that you can get through 3-4 hours or so without pain. You will probably want to measure how much you're extending the pusher to get a consistent tug without pain.

I'm just using the pusher. I guess it's just going to be a trial and error situation. When I put it on and I extend the rod a little bit, I'm fine right then and there. It's the length of time that I wear it. Over time I start feeling a burning sensation and I have to take it off and wait a couple hours before putting the TLC-X back on.

[Zeusta20]

Firstly, proper, even application of the device is essential. After you get the device on, make sure you Even out the skin trapped under the cone. You want it to be as flat and laid out as possible. When I do this I like to see an even gap of about 1/4" under the retaining cone at the top of the device. In order to pull excess skin out from under the cone evenly, you need to install a rubber grommet between the wire handle and the cone (see photos). This will keep the cone from loosening up an slipping off. It works so well I don't even use a safety lanyard. It never falls off. You can get one at any hardware store. If you ask me this should be standard equipment on every TLC X.
Now it's time to even up the skin on the inside of the device. When you extend the pusher, give it several quick but not too forceful extensions and retractions a little further each time. You will hear an audible low pitch squeak and feel it when the skin moves to flat inside the device. Now everthing is laid out flat. Set the pusher where it feels comfortable but tensioned.

I like that idea! Thanks! My concern is more so about injuries. I feel pain over time. And I don't want to discontinue using the TLC-X because I really want to finish my restoring process! I've always wanted to be "intact" again and finally I found something that can fix that. But I don't want to mess anything up down there in the process.

Thanks for the feedback!

[parsecskin]

I like that idea! Thanks! My concern is more so about injuries. I feel pain over time. And I don't want to discontinue using the TLC-X because I really want to finish my restoring process! I've always wanted to be "intact" again and finally I found something that can fix that. But I don't want to mess anything up down there in the process.

Thanks for the feedback!

Your concern about injuries is well founded. I have had a couple of minor set backs due to too much force (minor skin tears and abrasions). When starting out take it easy, your skin is not used to being stretched and you need to work up to it gradually. No more than a pound of force in necessary to trigger mitosis. Fine tune your tension so that 3-4 hrs is when you need a break.
The more skin you can get in the device and laid out flat and even, the more comfortable it will be. You will get a feel of just what is the right tension. Try this: rig an over head anchor for your tugging strap over your bed (screw eye in ceiling) and affix a small digital fish scale to the end of your tugging strap, observe the reading and note how it feels. I actually do several of these tug sessions during the day for a half-hour each at 15-16 oz and just wear the device with the pusher extended comfortable for the rest of the day (8-10 hours total), 5 days a week with weekends off. Even on weekends I still tug a little, but not a lot.