Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt Less Each Session?

Brian Lett
By Brian Lett
11 Min Read

does laser hair removal hurt less each session

Laser hair removal works by applying heat directly to each individual follicle of hair in order to wreak its removal, thus producing pain during this process.

Treatment time may range anywhere from minutes to hours depending on the size and nature of the area being addressed.

Assuring you get treatments from an experienced practitioner is of utmost importance. Make sure they’re listed on a register to demonstrate they meet certain standards for training, skill, and insurance coverage.

The more sessions you have

Laser hair removal is significantly less painful than traditional methods such as shaving, waxing and creams; however, pain levels still vary by individual. While some people might barely feel anything during treatment while for others every pulse of laser can result in their fists tightly clenching into fists tightening around each pulse – this difference likely due to different pain thresholds but there are steps which can make the procedure more comfortable.

Example: Before beginning treatment, a technician can apply numbing gel. This may take up to 30 minutes but can reduce sensation of laser zapping to skin by as much as 1/10, making your appointment run much more smoothly and enabling you to enjoy desired results with little discomfort.

Make the treatment more comfortable by shaving before each session – this can eliminate hair that’s triggering the laser to heat and burn nearby tissue. Furthermore, after laser hair removal treatments it is advisable to stay out of direct sunlight as its UV rays may cause painful burning sensations as well as potentially leaving behind hyperpigmented patches on the skin.

Selecting a licensed and certified practitioner who specializes in laser hair removal can give you added peace of mind that they will do a superior job and minimize risks related to treatment. Registers such as these provide assurances of qualification for registration. This gives you peace of mind knowing they will perform an outstanding service and reduce the chance of any adverse reactions during their procedure.

Many people also report that each time they undergo laser hair removal, their discomfort decreases slightly – likely as their body adapts to it and their sensitivity decreases with each successive procedure.

No matter your level of comfort with laser hair removal, it remains a safe and effective method for getting rid of unwanted hair. While traditional methods might offer faster solutions, laser treatments offer smooth and hairless looks you’ve always desired.

The less target you have

Laser energy targets hair follicles to heat them up and cause them to start breaking apart, alleviating pain with each treatment session. Shaving is important before each laser session as hair will absorb its energy; additionally shaving allows it to focus more tightly on a smaller area for reduced discomfort. It is advised to avoid tanning prior to laser treatments for those with dark skin as tanning may lead to hyperpigmentation of treated areas and result in hyperpigmentation issues that might worsen treatment outcomes.

Your pain tolerance level and thickness of the area being treated will ultimately dictate how much discomfort you experience during laser treatment. Certain areas, like upper lip and bikini areas with thinner skin are particularly vulnerable; to ensure optimal results it is advised that this procedure be conducted outside your period. Having said that, laser therapy during your period may make the experience more painful for some women.

As laser clinics typically cater to people with lower pain tolerance levels, numbing cream is frequently available as an additional pain management aid. When applied directly to the treatment area and massaged into it for at least 30 minutes prior to starting their session. You can purchase this cream over-the-counter or from specialist laser clinics; either way it should help minimize any potential discomfort during sessions.

Laser hair removal pain can vary significantly depending on the quality and experience of its technician. Training hours must be spent learning how to safely use a laser on skin safely, while experienced technicians can often perform treatments with little pain during treatments. Clinics that don’t specialize in laser hair removal tend to use inferior machines and may only have minimally trained staff members available for treatments.

Overall, laser hair removal is an extremely safe and effective method of curbing unwanted hair growth over a prolonged period. While not considered permanent by dermatologists, laser hair removal offers an alternative to long-term methods like waxing and tweezing. If you would like more information about whether laser hair removal could be right for you, reach out to a specialist at your local dermatology for guidance.

The more hair you have

Laser hair removal is an efficient and painless option for hair removal, unlike shaving, waxing or other methods. The procedure entails blasting the area to be treated with laser wavelengths that absorb less melanin pigment; pulses of energy hit each pigment of a hair follicle to destroy it, effectively stopping further production from that hair follicle in future years. But be warned; laser hair removal won’t always be pain free!

Pain experienced can differ depending on an individual’s tolerance level and sensitivity of the area treated, with some people not experiencing any discomfort at all while others feeling something similar to an elastic band snapping against their skin. At Althea MedSpa, we use only top YAG lasers for optimal results while experiencing as little discomfort as possible.

Air coolers attached to our machines help reduce discomfort by blowing ice-cold air onto your skin as the laser pulses, providing an additional layer of relaxation during treatment and helping reduce sensation. Patients generally report less pain compared to waxing or tattooing procedures.

Keep in mind that timing can play a crucial role in how much your hair removal treatments hurt. For example, during menstruation it could be more painful as pain receptors become active more easily; thus it is recommended to schedule your treatments after having completed your period.

Another factor affecting how much it hurts is how much hair there is in your treatment area. Thick, dark locks will absorb more laser energy and cause additional discomfort; as sessions continue and your locks thin out gradually, you won’t experience as many sensations.

Most individuals need between six and eight sessions in order to achieve complete hair loss in their target area. It’s recommended to attend your sessions regularly without waiting too long in between, however this timeframe may vary – discuss with your therapist which treatment schedule best fits you.

The more sensitive your skin is

Laser hair removal pain can vary according to individual preferences and the sensitivity of the area being treated; however, steps can be taken to help alleviate discomfort during and post treatment if applicable for sensitive areas of the body.

One of the best ways to prepare for laser treatment is to drink plenty of water. This will keep your skin hydrated while flushing out substances that increase pain such as caffeine. Furthermore, taking over-the-counter pain relievers before your laser session may significantly lower levels of discomfort.

At laser clinics, one way to lessen discomfort is with cold gel treatments applied by them. This can help dull the sensation of laser pulses while reducing any swelling caused by treatment, and ice should also be applied afterward to the treated area to reduce inflammation or appearance of redness or swelling. Furthermore, direct sunlight should be avoided as direct exposure may cause sunburn on recently treated areas.

As with any medical procedure, it’s wise to only receive laser hair removal treatments from certified practitioners. Verification that they are registered with an appropriate body that sets standards of training, skill and insurance can ensure you receive high-quality treatments.

Most patients benefiting from laser treatments see no hair growth for months or years in the treated areas, and any regrowth tends to be fine and soft in texture. Some individuals require maintenance sessions every few months in order to keep unwanted hair at bay.

As a rule, laser treatments tend to be less painful than shaving or waxing due to targeting individual hairs and destroying them instead of cutting or plucking them from their follicles. However, some areas on the face and body may be particularly sensitive depending on their location and number of follicles present.

Share This Article