Booking laser hair removal appointments away from your menstrual cycle may prove helpful, as pain receptors become more active at this time and may compound the results of laser treatments.
Staying hydrated is also key in increasing pain tolerance, and taking an OTC pain reliever before your procedure may significantly lessen any discomfort.
Ibuprofen
Laser hair removal is an efficient and fast method of eliminating unwanted body hair, but for some it may be uncomfortable due to pain and skin irritation caused by treatment. An over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen may help alleviate discomfort after laser hair removal; it is best to follow doctor instructions regarding which medications can be safely taken and in what amounts.
Over-the-counter painkillers may increase your risk of bruising from laser hair removal. To decrease this risk, it is a good idea to refrain from taking ibuprofen and similar NSAIDs at least 48 hours before your appointment with laser hair removal. If this causes concern for you, speak to your laser technician who may recommend alternative medication; alternatively you could try acetaminophen instead; it is safer than most NSAIDs.
An effective way to prepare for laser hair removal appointments is getting plenty of restful sleep the night before your treatment session. Any shortage can have detrimental effects on the body’s pain sensors and increase discomfort during treatments. You should also try to refrain from caffeine and nicotine before your procedure as these substances could decrease pain threshold.
Prevent sensitivity and side effects by shaving the area before your appointment with a laser technician and asking them if numbing cream can be applied beforehand.
Even with numbing creams to reduce pain, laser treatments still may cause discomfort during and after. An ice pack may help ease this discomfort but first check with your physician as to whether using one is safe.
At this point, it’s also wise to review any other medications you are currently taking, particularly any blood thinners as these could increase the risk of bruising after laser treatment. Finally, avoid scheduling your appointment during or shortly after menstruation as this could activate pain receptors further in your body and lead to increased discomfort after laser therapy treatment.
Acetaminophen
There are certain drugs and dietary supplements to avoid prior to laser hair removal as they could reduce its effectiveness or raise risks of side effects. Ibuprofen can thin blood and increase chances of bruising after treatment; while Tylenol (acetaminophen) can provide safe pain relief. Other options for relieving discomfort before the procedure include topical anaesthetic cream such as EMLA.
Laser hair removal treatments may cause discomfort; one way to relieve it is using an ice pack on the area for five to 10 minutes prior and post treatment, this should numb your skin and make any discomfort easier to manage. In addition, some practitioners offer cooling devices or systems which can also be used during or post laser treatments as a form of pain relief.
Avoid laser hair removal during or shortly before menstruation as hormonal fluctuations can make pain receptors more sensitive. Furthermore, try not to schedule laser treatments prior to or during an outbreak as this may make the area even more sensitive.
Pain associated with laser hair removal depends on the area being treated and its degree of sensitivity; most people find that over time the discomfort lessens with each treatment session and becomes more manageable. Before your first appointment it’s advisable to discuss any concerns with your practitioner in order to formulate a plan to ease pain relief.
Though it is best to avoid taking any over-the-counter medicines that could interfere with laser hair removal, other pain relievers such as cold sore medication or antiviral pills may be useful depending on the severity of symptoms. Your doctor will advise if taking such medications before and after laser hair removal treatment would be suitable; should this occur it’s essential that you follow all package instructions carefully.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
NSAIDs like ibuprofen should be avoided before laser hair removal as they can thin blood and increase bruising. Instead, choose over-the-counter pain relievers with acetaminophen such as Tylenol. You may also use topical anaesthetic creams before your appointment to numb the area before treatment; you’ll find many products like this online or at local pharmacies; just remember to apply these creams 30 minutes beforehand so they have time to take effect before your treatment begins!
If the pain becomes intolerable, try applying a cold compress or ice pack directly on the area in need of attention. Icing will help relieve sensations of heat to significantly lower pain levels – just remember not to keep using this remedy too frequently as overexposure could burn skin! For best results after laser hair removal treatment it is also advised that five to 10 minutes should be spent cooling this area prior to laser hair removal treatment, so the coolness helps alleviate post-treatment discomfort.
As part of their treatment, licensed medical laser technicians should also discuss any medications you are currently taking with you and could potentially interact negatively with the photosensitive compounds used in laser treatments, including any antidepressants such as Zoloft, Prozac or Vivactil containing photosensitive compounds that could trigger negative responses when receiving laser treatments.
Many over-the-counter medicines can interact negatively with laser treatments. You should inform your provider of all medications you are taking so they can customize your laser sessions to reduce any risks of skin damage and ensure a successful experience.
As well as avoiding certain medications, it’s best to get sufficient sleep the night before undergoing laser treatment. Sleep can help the body’s pain receptors adjust more effectively so you can tolerate your treatment better. Also avoid scheduling laser sessions during your menstrual cycle as hormonal fluctuations can reduce tolerance to pain.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatments, it’s wise to shave the area. Shaving makes it easier for the laser beam to penetrate skin and remove unwanted hair more effectively. A topical anaesthetic such as EMLA is readily available from pharmacies as a topical anesthetic option.
