Laser hair removal can be an effective alternative to waxing or shaving, yet can still cause some discomfort during treatment. Patients often report feeling itchy after having been subjected to laser therapy sessions and experiencing redness afterward.
Process duration may range from minutes to an hour, depending on the area being treated. Applying cold compresses and sunscreen will expedite recovery time.
Pain
Laser hair removal is a relatively pain-free procedure and makes for an excellent alternative for people who find waxing uncomfortable. If you are concerned about its pain levels, ask your physician if he/she offers topical anesthetic to ease the experience.
Pain associated with laser treatments will depend on which body part is being treated. Areas with dense or dark-colored hairs (face and bikini line) tend to be more sensitive, while abdominal treatments will typically cause less discomfort due to thicker skin thickness.
At first, laser treatments could cause blistering due to light wavelengths being absorbed not just by hair follicles but also pigment in the skin and creating discoloration and scarring for darker complexions. Today however, this side effect of treatment has greatly diminished provided you are receiving treatments from an accredited provider equipped with appropriate technology and experience.
An anesthetic cream is one of the best ways to ease laser hair removal pain, though beware that too much may be harmful – only allow trained medical staff to apply small doses.
Although laser hair removal sessions may cause pain, they also often leave redness and swelling of the skin after treatment, similar to sunburn. Cool compresses may provide some comfort, though it’s important not to apply moisturizers or other products directly onto this area as this could speed up recovery time.
After receiving laser treatment, it’s advisable to avoid direct sunlight as much as possible. UV rays from the sun can lead to burns and hyperpigmentation or scarring; always wear sunscreen when going outside; this is especially essential after laser treatments. If any adverse symptoms arise after receiving one of these procedures, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Swelling
Laser hair removal involves subjecting the skin to tiny high-heat beams designed to target and disable pigmented hair follicles. Unfortunately, though, your own skin also becomes an objective target and may experience irritation or mild sunburn-like discomfort; this sensation is often particularly intense on your face and around bikini areas; moreover, darker skin tones or those with more sensitive skin may find this treatment even more intense.
One of the primary reasons laser hair removal hurts when performed on face is due to thin skin in this region, making the process more painful than on other parts of body like armpits or stomach.
Are You Suffering From Laser Hair Removal Sessions? There are ways that can help to reduce discomfort during laser hair removal sessions, including asking if your practitioner offers numbing cream and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever an hour or two prior to your appointment. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally safe; NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Alieve should be avoided as these may increase blood flow to the skin causing bruising and bleeding during treatments.
After your laser hair removal treatment session, try applying a cold compress to the treated area to relieve inflammation and soothe any redness and irritation associated with laser hair removal. It is also wise to wait several days after sweating heavily before engaging in vigorous activity; sweat can increase irritation.
Although single laser treatments may produce results, multiple sessions are typically necessary. This is due to hair follicles sometimes surviving despite laser therapy being applied; these follicles could potentially produce new hair growth down the road that will be lighter and less noticeable than its original form.
Laser hair removal should not be undertaken during pregnancy due to potential risks to both mother and unborn baby. If pregnant women wish to undergo laser hair removal procedures, however, consultation with their healthcare provider or dermatologist prior to scheduling appointments for any procedure can still take place.
Redness
Laser hair removal treatments may cause reddening to the skin after treatment due to an adverse reaction in hair follicles when laser energy is absorbed, known as follicular edema. Don’t be alarmed though as this side effect should fade in several hours to days post treatment.
Your practitioner may suggest applying cooling aloe vera after laser hair removal sessions to ease redness and irritation, while some clients also find applying 1% hydrocortisone lotion helpful in relieving these symptoms and itching. Scratching should be avoided as it can lead to scarring; additionally, direct sunlight exposure increases risk for hypopigmentation (light spots).
After treatments, it’s vital to keep the area hydrated with moisturizer to reduce itching and redness, and protect it from sun damage. A broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher should be applied after each session for maximum benefit.
Your results may vary, so be prepared for multiple laser sessions over several weeks in order to achieve desired outcomes. Your skin tone, hair colour and desired areas to treat will all play an integral part of this process; accordingly it’s wise to set realistic expectations before embarking on this treatment journey.
Although laser hair removal is generally safe, it’s essential that you select an experienced practitioner. To do this, check that they’re registered on a register that demonstrates they meet set standards of training, skill and insurance coverage; check their experience using different kinds of lasers; do some online research by reading reviews – if there’s lots of positive feedback it could indicate they are indeed experienced practitioners who offer great treatments with decreased discomfort levels as well as more knowledge and improved results than their counterparts.
Irritation
Laser heat sensation can vary depending on where it is applied and can feel more intense on some parts of the face and body than others. Areas that contain thick dark hairs will likely experience greater intensity; similarly it could feel different for men and women depending on density of their facial or body hairs.
Before having laser treatment, it is vital that you stay hydrated. Water can help cleanse out your system, making you less prone to pain. In addition, caffeine should be avoided prior to an appointment as this may increase sensitivity.
Laser technicians use handheld devices that press to your skin and release pulses of light that feel similar to an elastic band snapping against it, which may last from several minutes up to several hours. You may try distracting yourself by reading a book or listening to music during treatment; for others, applying cold compresses helps ease discomfort.
After laser treatment, you may experience redness and swelling that resembles mild sunburn and should subside relatively quickly. You can reduce its effects with cool compresses and by staying out of direct sunlight; additionally, daily application of broad spectrum sunscreen should protect against further sun damage to the skin.
For optimal laser treatment results on sensitive skin, it is wise to speak to a dermatologist about how best to prepare. They may provide guidance as far as what items to avoid as well as topical numbing cream recommendations for specific areas. In addition, anti-inflammatory medication could also help with pain and swelling control.
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective solution to unwanted body hair. This procedure can leave your skin smoother than ever, while helping with ingrown hairs, folliculitis, discoloration and permanently decreasing growth of new hair follicles.
Laser treatment is much faster and safer than waxing, saving both time and money by no longer needing to shave or wax your body. When considering laser treatments, be sure to choose a clinic with experienced practitioners – be wary of clinics offering too-good-to-be true rates as these may have inferior machinery or hire inexperienced staff.
