Laser hair removal can be an effective and permanent way to get rid of unwanted body hair, though the process does come with its share of discomfort.
Diode lasers can be an effective option for hair removal on the face, underarms, legs, and bikini line. Although results may take multiple sessions to appear, diode laser hair removal should not be painful.
How is it Painful?
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments due to its success at permanently reducing or completely eliminating unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, however, undergoing this procedure using an old or outdated laser machine can be painful; at EPILOU salon we use a modern diode laser designed specifically to make it less uncomfortable; its high fluence and long pulse length enable it to deliver large amounts of energy in each pulse and decrease discomfort during treatment.
Heat from this treatment destroys hair follicles and prevents new hair growth, leading to permanent hair reduction in as little as four to six sessions. Individual results will depend on personal circumstances but most typically see noticeable improvements after these treatments have taken place.
Laser hair removal treatments differ significantly from traditional forms, like waxing or shaving, in that they’re non-invasive and involve only handheld device to direct a laser beam into the skin and directly target active hair follicles with pulses of laser energy that heat them so much they cannot survive and inhibit future hair growth.
This process is generally quick and efficient; therefore, it is commonly referred to as an “office hour” procedure. Additionally, it is safe for all skin types and colors; however, regular appointments must be kept to ensure all the hair follicles have been disabled by treatment.
IPL (intense pulsed light) hair removal treatment may also be used, although its focus may differ from diode laser. Blistering and other adverse reactions may occur more easily when using IPL treatment on darker skin tones.
Diode laser hair removal offers an effective alternative to traditional depilation methods in terms of pain-free body hair removal, with none of the side effects that come along with them. To learn more about how this advanced technology can help you achieve the sleek and sculpted body you have always coveted, reach out to us now.
What Can I Do to Prevent Pain?
There are a few strategies that can help ease pain during laser hair removal. Speak to your practitioner about your pain tolerance; some practices may use numbing cream prior to treatment in order to lessen discomfort, which is especially important if laser hair removal will take place on sensitive areas such as underarms or bikini lines.
A laser’s type also plays a part in how much pain you will feel during treatment, with diode lasers generally being less painful than older types such as ruby lasers. Furthermore, having an experienced practitioner provide this service will allow for quicker and more effective treatments, thus decreasing pain levels further.
Cooling gel can also help keep your skin cool during procedures, helping reduce discomfort as well as decrease risks of damage and burns. In addition, some lasers use a chill tip mechanism which keeps the surface of your skin cool throughout its treatment; this could prove even more effective while still offering similar results with reduced discomfort and pain levels.
Your treatment duration depends on the size and scope of the area being addressed. A small area such as underarms can typically be treated within 10 minutes; treating full legs could take as much as one hour. Aftercare instructions from your practitioner should also be strictly observed: this might include avoiding direct sunlight exposure and applying aloe vera gel topically on any treated areas.
Laser hair removal treatments may leave your skin red and swollen after, due to lasers vaporizing unwanted hair and producing a burning sensation. Therefore, it’s best to avoid hot showers, saunas and exercising immediately following treatment; furthermore tanning equipment could leave scarring behind and discolorations on the area treated.
How Long Will the Pain Last?
Laser hair removal works by dismantling the roots of unwanted hair, eliminating any need to shave or wax again. This method can effectively address all forms of unwanted hair. While pain experienced from laser treatments will vary based on which laser system is chosen; for instance some treatments use cooling systems which blow cold air through tubes to ease heat produced by the laser and make treatment more comfortable than ever.
Prevent the discomfort of laser hair removal by taking a numbing medication beforehand, such as Acetaminophen or Tylenol (Tylenol). You could also ask your technician about topical creams they can apply prior to beginning their procedure. Alcohol or any drugs which cause drowsiness should also be avoided before your appointment as this can reduce pain tolerance significantly and make laser hair removal even more uncomfortable.
Althea MedSpa offers some of the most advanced diode and YAG laser hair removal treatments available, using advanced diode and YAG technology for pain-free laser treatments. Instead of traditional “shots” procedures, our advanced lasers use refrigerated tips that reduce discomfort without risking burns or damage; providing our clients with maximum effectiveness with less discomfort than ever before. We pride ourselves on giving clients effective results in an enjoyable atmosphere.
Before your laser treatment, we will shave the area and recommend anti-inflammatory pain reliever if necessary. Your technician can also recommend over-the-counter or prescription creams to reduce pain before and after your session. Sun exposure after lasering should be avoided as this could make skin more sensitive; any redness after lasering should subside over time and may take multiple sessions until complete hair removal occurs.
What Should I Do After the Treatment?
Your skin may feel slightly irritated after treatment with laser energy, indicating that hair follicles have responded negatively. To ease discomfort and help manage side effects, we advise applying cold compresses for five-10 minutes multiple times throughout the day on affected areas, or taking mild pain relievers such as acetaminophen or paracetamol (Acetaminophen). Avoid rubbing or scratching treated areas – doing so may aggravate side effects further.
Your level of pain depends on a number of factors, including your individual tolerance for pain. Certain areas are more sensitive than others and the type of laser used can have an effect on how much discomfort is felt; generally speaking, newer lasers tend to be less painful than older ones and practitioner skill can also have a bearing.
Before commencing laser hair removal treatments, make sure to thoroughly cleanse the area that needs to be treated and remove all lotions, creams, oils, deodorant products, sunless tanning products and numbing cream from the skin. Such items can hinder laser light from reaching its target; in addition to this you should also refrain from shaving and using depilatory products in the days leading up to your appointment as this could cause scabs to form on the skin, increasing discomfort while delaying results from laser hair removal treatments.
After your treatment, your skin may appear red and swollen in the area being treated. To soothe any discomfort or inflammation caused by this reaction, cold compresses or an ice pack wrapped in cloth should help minimize discomfort and inflammation. We advise avoiding sun exposure for optimal healing results as prolonged sun exposure can irritate and prolong healing processes.
Your results may require multiple treatments over six sessions spaced four or six weeks apart, with sessions held four or six weeks apart. Regular appointments will help decrease new hair growth. Although some new growth may appear after treatments are complete, it should be lighter and finer in colour than your previous hair growth and less noticeable than ever.
