Laser hair removal involves having a doctor press a handheld device against your skin and trigger the laser, producing small pinches or rubber band snapping sensations against it.
Pain levels will depend on your area of treatment and season of treatment, but for maximum comfort we advise shaving the day prior and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever.
What is the pain like?
Pain experienced during laser hair removal can vary according to the area being treated; legs tend to be more sensitive than facial areas and thickness and color of hair within these areas can make treatment harder – dark-colored, dense hair can absorb more laser energy which results in increased heat sensation during treatment.
Newer generations of laser machines use less heat and therefore feel much less painful than their older traditional models. This is because light pulses are gradually delivered rather than all at once; this enables your skin to adjust faster to this sensation – often described as an elastic band snapping against your skin or pinprick sensations; although certain medications or too hot clients can increase these sensations temporarily but it should soon subside on its own.
Many clients report that any discomfort they felt during their first treatment session decreases with each successive one, either because their bodies become used to the procedure or because hair in their treatment area becomes lighter and thinner over time. Some also find their discomfort decreases if treatments occur every four to six weeks.
Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, it is recommended that those seeking assistance consult a qualified professional such as a doctor, dermatologist or hair specialist with experience. They can advise on the appropriate laser type for an individual and explain how the process works. Furthermore, it’s advised that patients refrain from waxing or plucking hair in the area being treated for at least six weeks prior to an appointment so the laser can effectively target each follicle of hair that contains them and treat accordingly.
Laser hair removal treatments often lead to red and itchy skin reactions immediately following treatment, which are a normal response that will subside within 24 hours. Cold compresses can help relieve these symptoms; applying moisturizer can also be helpful post-treatment.
How long does it last?
Laser treatments work by vaporizing hair that it targets, producing small plumes of smoke with an unpleasant sulfur smell and heating up the skin to cause redness, swelling, and some pain. Treatment duration varies depending on how large an area you’re treating; treatments could take as little as a few minutes for smaller areas like upper lips or as much as an hour for large ones like legs. If you have sensitive skin then applying numbing cream prior to sessions will help minimize pain; for best results avoid alcohol, caffeine and stimulants which could decrease tolerance further while wearing loose clothing will reduce discomfort after treatments as this will allow more direct sunlight access into the treatment room.
Most people require multiple laser treatments in order to successfully rid themselves of unwanted body hair. The number of sessions may differ depending on factors like hair color and thickness, treatment area and hormonal influence; some individuals can achieve permanent results while others require ongoing treatments to keep up their desired look.
Before scheduling a laser hair removal appointment, it’s crucial that you shave the area that will be treated. While this may seem counterintuitive, this helps the laser focus its beam directly onto your follicles rather than surrounding skin, helping it become more effective at targeting hair follicles than skin cells. Furthermore, using numbing cream or other pain-relief measures may further ease discomfort during treatment.
Keep your dermatologist’s pre-treatment instructions in mind as you follow their treatment protocol. They’ll explain what needs to be done and when. Most patients require laser treatments every four to eight weeks in order to keep unwanted hair from returning.
Always bear in mind that any changes to your skin color are only temporary and will return back to normal over time. In order to receive optimal laser treatments, only consult a registered practitioner with experience; looking for one on a professional register ensures they possess all of the required skills and experience.
What are the possible side effects?
Though laser hair removal can cause discomfort, it is generally safe. After having large areas treated, use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection or higher and use sunblock that has UVA/UVB filters for best results. Following treatment, skin may feel red or swollen for several days but should return to regular activities within a day or so; any signs of infection should be reported immediately to either your practitioner or GP.
Location and type of laser used can have a dramatic effect on how much pain is experienced; for example, upper lips or underarms tend to be more sensitive than chin. Furthermore, thicker skin absorbs laser heat more readily, potentially making treatment less uncomfortable for you.
Laser hair removal may cause burns or blisters in rare instances, particularly with at-home kits or when practitioners lack appropriate training and qualifications. Furthermore, hypertrophic scarring or keloid scarring makes healing harder; thus increasing the likelihood of side effects from laser treatment.
Laser hair removal may cause skin crusting and dry skin due to laser heat drying out your surface skin and causing it to flake or crack, necessitating moisturisers for treatment, not picking at crusted skin as this could lead to infection.
Pregnant women should avoid laser treatments due to lack of scientific studies that support it being safe during gestation. Many pregnant women who had extra hair growth during their final trimesters find it goes away naturally after giving birth. It may also not be wise to undergo laser treatments prior to or following cancer treatments.
How do I avoid pain?
There are a few steps you can take to make laser hair removal more comfortable. First and foremost, speak to your laser technician ahead of time to see if they use topical numbing cream; otherwise you can purchase this cream at your local pharmacy and apply it 30 minutes prior to treatment – this should significantly decrease pain levels, particularly when covering sensitive areas such as your back.
Ask your laser technician to use a cooling system during treatment. This handy piece of technology blows ice cold air onto your skin as the laser works, providing relief and making treatment much more bearable. Some clinics even incorporate cooling devices directly into their laser machines for your convenience!
Avoid scheduling laser hair removal treatments just prior to or during menstruation as hormones present during this time can affect how sensitive you are to pain – making laser treatments feel even more unpleasant than usual. Instead, aim to schedule them a few weeks after your period has concluded if possible.
Your skin type can have an impactful impact on how much laser hair removal hurts, with those with lighter complexions usually experiencing less discomfort than those with darker tones. If you are concerned about this being painful for you, try booking an appointment with someone experienced working with all types of skin tones.
Furthermore, it’s essential to remember that laser hair removal doesn’t work instantly; multiple sessions spaced four or six weeks apart usually result in full removal of unwanted hair – this is particularly true if your unwanted locks have dark or thicker hues.
Make sure to inquire whether or not your laser technician offers package deals or flexible payment plans; this may help offset the costs associated with laser hair removal sessions and make them more affordable.
