Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic treatment to eliminate unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, the procedure isn’t permanent so individuals will require multiple sessions in order to see optimal results.
People typically report feeling something similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin during laser treatment. Furthermore, smoke puffs generated from laser energy often emit a sulfur-like odor which makes for an uncomfortable treatment experience.
The Areas That Hurt the Most
Laser hair removal varies in its discomfort from person to person, as each has different tolerance levels for pain and discomfort. Some have described the sensation as similar to rubber bands snapping quickly against their skin, while others describe it as more comfortable than waxing. Each person will respond differently.
Bikini area laser treatments tend to be excruciating for women; however, with regular applications of numbing cream prior to each laser session this can make the sensation bearable. Arms tend to hurt less due to thicker skin that can absorb more of the heat generated from laser pulses than bikini area skin can handle; abdomen can also benefit as its thick skin provides protection from heat from laser pulses which could feel more ticklish than painful during laser pulse treatments.
Certain areas of the face, like the chin and cheeks, may be uncomfortable due to having thinner skin than other parts. Lighter-haired regions typically experience less discomfort as laser treatments have difficulty targeting pigment in their follicles.
Another element that may impact how much the process hurts is age and skin thickness. Younger people typically can better tolerate pain as their skin is usually thinner. Meanwhile, older individuals may find each session challenging as their tougher and thicker skin makes blisters more likely.
Notably, laser treatments may be made less painful by taking an antidepressant or anti-anxiety pill before each appointment. These pills contain chemicals which block certain receptors in your brain from sensing pain sensations.
People suffering from genital herpes or skin cancer should avoid laser treatments as they could result in serious injuries. People exposed to prolonged sunlight or pregnant mothers should also not undergo laser treatments as it could result in burns, blisters and discolorations of treated areas of skin.
The Areas That Hurt the Least
Laser hair removal pain levels will depend on which area is being treated and your personal pain threshold. Certain areas, like your face and neck, typically cause more discomfort due to thinner skin with darker coarser hair; legs, arms and bikini areas typically experience less discomfort as these have thicker skin; for these sensitive spots before treatment a topical numbing agent should be applied beforehand in order to help minimize discomfort.
As part of our free consultation services, the best way to determine how much it will hurt for any given body area is to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our laser technicians. They’ll be happy to answer any queries about the procedure as well as give advice for making it more comfortable – such as scheduling treatments around your periods, using over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, applying topical numbing creams/gels prior to treatment sessions, keeping hydrated throughout sessions, and applying ice packs post session.
Laser treatment could be an ideal way for you to permanently reduce unwanted hair. Laser hair removal uses high-intensity light energy to destroy hair follicles and thus inhibit future hair growth, while still being relatively painless when compared with shaving or waxing. Please keep in mind, however, that multiple sessions will likely be required in order to reach desired results.
Laser hair removal treatments on the face may feel similar to having a rubber band snap against their skin, though facial skin tends to be thinner. Therefore, initial discomfort may increase before becoming less uncomfortable over time.
Laser hair removal on arms is among the most sought-after body areas for treatment, as most people have visible arm hair during hot summer weather that makes them self-conscious. Patients typically find laser hair removal of arms relatively painless as its thicker skin allows it to absorb any sensation caused by laser heat more effectively than with facial treatments.
The Level of Discomfort
Laser hair removal uses laser beams that target pigments found within hair follicles, heating and destroying them to eliminate hair growth. Although generally considered safe, some patients may experience pain during their laser hair removal sessions – though discomfort levels will likely differ between individuals; topical anaesthetic can help minimize any sensation caused by laser pulses on the skin.
Laser pulses heat hair follicles before pin-pointing nerve endings at their bases – creating a sensation like snapping rubber bands or sunburn-like stinging. It may be more intense for thicker hairs which are harder to remove. If pain during laser procedures is an issue for you, ensure your clinic employs experienced practitioners.
Some areas of the body tend to be more sensitive during laser hair removal than others, including the upper lip and bikini area. With thinner skin and more nerve endings than other spots on your body, they are particularly prone to discomfort during treatment; however, discomfort levels can be significantly decreased with proper training of technicians who apply numbing cream effectively in treatment areas.
Before having laser treatment, it is also advisable to avoid tanning and hair epilation for at least several days prior. This is due to lasers not performing optimally when dealing with sun bleached skin or bleached hair strands. Furthermore, your practitioner must assess your individual skin and hair types to select an effective laser type and settings suitable for you.
Laser hair removal is an ideal way to quickly get rid of unwanted hair without spending an arm and a leg on waxing and plucking treatments. Although laser treatment can be uncomfortable, most patients find the results are well worth their discomfort; most clients require two to six treatments for optimal results with annual touch ups sometimes necessary.
How to Prevent Pain
There are steps that can be taken to alleviate discomfort associated with laser hair removal treatments, including scheduling your session around your menstrual cycle and avoiding caffeine, taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or Tylenol, applying numbing cream prior to sessions and staying hydrated. Applying an ice pack after each treatment session may also help reduce swelling and inflammation in your skin.
Ask your laser technician if they offer topical numbing creams such as EMLA that will be helpful in soothing your skin before your appointment begins. Most clinics carry such cream and will wipe it clean prior to starting any procedures so as to not interfere with its effectiveness.
Maintaining comfort can also help alleviate pain during laser hair removal treatments. Wear loose clothing and bring pillows or blankets for relaxation purposes; hot or cold compresses on the treated area may help alleviate discomfort; moisturize your skin after each laser hair removal session to promote skin health and ensure success of treatments.
One way you can help alleviate pain during laser treatments is to discuss it with your practitioner prior to receiving one. Many laser technicians offer cooling gel that they can apply directly onto the skin prior to beginning, or they might have dynamic cooling devices which use cold numbing technology like cryogen gas to numb it before each pulse of laser radiation hits it.
Although laser hair removal can be painful, most people find that each treatment becomes increasingly less uncomfortable over time. This is likely because the laser is targeting pigment within hair follicles to diminish pain; more treatments will remove more of its target, making the treatment less sensitive each time around.
If you are concerned about the discomfort of laser hair removal, it is a good idea to speak to your physician or laser specialist about available options for pain relief. In order to maximize a relatively pain-free laser hair removal experience, get plenty of restful sleep on the night prior to your appointment; avoid coffee and caffeinated tea; take over-the-counter pain relievers as necessary; and relax throughout treatment.
