People experiencing laser hair removal often report some level of discomfort; however, there are ways to minimize that experience. One such method is taking mild pain reliever prior to treatment. Another strategy would be getting plenty of rest the night before as this helps regulate body’s pain sensors.
Before having laser hair removal done, it is recommended to avoid taking ibuprofen as this will thin your blood and increase your risk of bruising after treatment. Instead, try taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Ibuprofen
Laser hair removal can be an effective and safe way to reduce unwanted hair growth, but some may find the experience uncomfortable. Luckily, there are ways you can ease any pain or discomfort during treatment: for instance taking an ibuprofen pill before an appointment may reduce inflammation and lower its intensity as a laser treatment option.
Apply a topical numbing cream before your laser treatment for best results. This ice pack-like substance will help minimize the sensation of laser pulses while simultaneously relieving swelling and inflammation. In addition, try Benadryl or another topical antihistamine medication for additional pain relief due to heat or light of laser treatment.
Before beginning laser treatments, it is a good idea to shave the area being treated. This will ensure that the laser targets only hair follicles rather than nearby skin, and an aloe vera gel should be applied afterward for soothing the area – this will reduce red and swollen spots as it heals while providing moisture.
Keep in mind that laser treatments are far less painful than waxing or electrolysis and shaving or trimming unwanted hair, with some patients even describing the sensation as being similar to having a rubber band snap against their skin. If you feel anxious or nervous about receiving laser therapy treatments, enlist the aid of trusted friends and family members in helping to ease anxiety or discomfort during the session itself. They may provide invaluable tips for preparation as well as ways to mitigate discomfort.
Drink plenty of water during the days leading up to your laser hair removal treatment and avoid caffeine, as this may increase pain sensitivity. Finally, be sure to follow any instructions from your laser provider regarding medications or painkillers – they will have more accurate information regarding what is safe than others.
Acetaminophen
Laser hair removal is an effective solution to unwanted hair, but it may cause discomfort. To reduce discomfort during laser hair removal treatments, take medication and apply numbing cream before your procedure; tanning and shaving on the day of treatment should also be avoided to decrease discomfort levels. In addition, different laser types have different levels of discomfort: for instance YAG lasers tend to be less painful than Nd:YAG ones whereas darker skin with coarser hair is often more sensitive to discomfort than lighter skin and finer locks.
Before laser hair removal, it is a good idea to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen works differently from Ibuprofen in that it doesn’t thin out your blood or increase the risk of bruising, making it an excellent choice. Take one dose an hour before your appointment for optimal results.
As well as taking acetaminophen, numbing creams may also help provide additional pain relief. You can purchase or apply these creams prior to visiting a cosmetic surgery or dermatology office for purchase or application on your own before the session. In addition, try getting some rest the night before as sleep may help regulate body’s pain sensors.
Numbing creams should not be seen as an alternative to prescription or over-the-counter pain medications; they do however provide some relief. They work by blocking nerve endings to decrease sensation of pain. They should be applied prior to your treatment session or ask a professional to apply them during their appointment.
Utilizing an ice pack after laser hair removal treatment can also help alleviate pain and swelling in the treated area. You could also apply aloe vera gel as additional moisture protection after your treatment session has concluded.
Laser hair removal can be somewhat uncomfortable, yet far less painful than waxing or shaving. Most people describe the sensation as feeling similar to being flicked with a rubber band during treatment and having mild sunburn afterward; though discomfort should diminish over time.
Numbing creams
Laser hair removal is an effective solution to unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, however, the treatment can be painful; most individuals find the discomfort tolerable; for others however it may become overwhelming. There are ways of alleviating pain with treatments like using numbing creams and applying ice packs; taking painkillers may also provide some relief; it’s best to consult your practitioner regarding your pain tolerance level before beginning treatments.
Numbing cream is a topical anesthetic designed to ease pain during procedures and treatments. This form of medication should be applied at least 30 minutes before your appointment to take full effect, then remove before cleansing with rubbing alcohol before beginning procedures.
Outside of numbing creams, there are other over-the-counter medications that may provide some relief from laser hair removal treatments. One such solution is Tylenol’s acetaminophen, unlike ibuprofen it does not thin blood or increase bruising. Keep in mind, however, that some individuals are photosensitive, making laser treatment even more uncomfortable for them.
If you are taking medication that is photosensitive, such as antihistamines taken for allergy season, you should not take them before laser treatments. Doing so could result in unwanted side effects like rash, swelling and redness on the skin – as well as making your skin more susceptible to burns. A licensed medical technician will be able to determine whether your drugs are photosensitive and tailor your laser treatments accordingly.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol prior to receiving laser treatments as these may reduce your pain threshold. Shave the area prior to treatment in order to prevent ingrown hairs and irritation; tanning/fake tanning as this could make laser treatments harder; waxing or plucking should also be avoided prior to treatments as this makes treatment harder with laser.
Ice packs
Ice packs may help alleviate redness and swelling after laser hair removal, soothing your skin while helping prevent itching. If itchy areas occur, refrain from scratching as this could lead to inflammation or irritation – instead use ice packs, over-the-counter antihistamines, or cool baths to relieve itching instead.
Moisturizing treated skin prior to laser hair removal appointments may also help ease its pain and discomfort, by keeping it hydrated and less vulnerable to heat and light from the laser. Also, caffeine and nicotine consumption before treatments could heighten sensitivity levels further.
If you tend to bruise easily, it is wise to steer clear of over-the-counter pain medications containing ibuprofen as this will thin the blood and increase the likelihood of bruising. Acetaminophen (Tylenol’s active ingredient) is an ideal choice as it does not thin blood or cause bruising; an alternative would be using topical numbing cream with lidocaine that will quickly reduce discomfort at the site where laser therapy is being applied.
On the day of your appointment, it is also essential that no lotions or cosmetic products be applied; otherwise, the cream could wash off before the numbing effect wears off in an hour’s time! Furthermore, it would be beneficial if you wore loose, comfortable clothes in the days leading up to it and avoided sweating in the treated area as this can make treatment uncomfortable.
If your skin tends to be photosensitive, it is wise to inform a certified laser technician prior to beginning any treatments. They will be able to tailor them specifically and avoid potential side effects or allergic reactions that could arise from treatments. If unsure, your licensed laser technician can conduct a skin test that can determine your likelihood of an allergic response.
