Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Laser hair removal provides a more permanent solution to hair removal than some of the other popular removal methods.

Almost everyone is a candidate for this type of hair removal, and the exceptions are pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and women trying to conceive. Men actively trying to create with their partners should also not have the treatments on their groin or testicles.

The Pain Associated with Laser Hair Removal 

There is going to be some discomfort caused by this procedure. Whether or not you classify the discomfort as out and out, the pain will be dependent on your pain tolerance levels. Some people say laser hair removal is slightly painful, while others say that on a scale of 1 to 10, with ten being the most painful, they rate laser hair removal as an 8 or 9.

Which areas of the body have the greatest amount of pain with laser treatments

Some of the body areas are more sensitive because the nerve endings are closer to the first layer of the epidermis.

The most sensitive areas for this treatment will be:

• Your upper lip
• Under your arms
• Your pubic area
• Your upper lip
• Your eyebrows
• Your back

The least sensitive areas include:

• Your arms
• Your legs
• Your toes
• Your fingers
• Your stomach
• Your cheeks

Minimizing the Pain

You can do several things to make your treatment more successful and less painful.

1. Choose a qualified technician with experience to apply the laser treatment.
2. Shave the area as close as you can the day before your appointment. Leave a very tiny patch of hair so the professional applying the treatment can see precisely how coarse your hair is and how dark the hairs are. Be sure that you do not shave any of the bikini areas where you would like the hair to remain.
3. Do not apply any types of lotion, deodorant, or makeup on the area treated the day of the appointment.
4. Do not sit in direct sunlight three days before the appointment or expose the skin to direct sunlight.
5. Do not apply any spray-on tan or self-tanning lotions.
6. Drink no more than two alcoholic beverages the day before the treatment
7. Do not bleach the area before going to your treatment.
8. Do not pluck your eyebrows before or after your appointment.
9. Do not wax the area in the week leading up to the appointment.

Inform the technician if:

• You are taking antibiotics
• You are taking birth control pills
• If you have a vitamin D deficiency
• You are taking acne medications or using acne creams
• You are taking photosensitizing medications

Possible side Effects

There are a few side effects that other people have experienced after doing this type of removal. Knowing what side effects you may experience will help you be prepared to watch for the side effects and treat them properly.

1. Redness and irritation on the treated skin
2. Lightening or darkening of the skin
3. Injury to the eyes if you do not wear protective glasses over your eyes while you are getting the treatment.
4. Possible skin infections will occur in some people if they have damaged hair follicles due to the laser. If you see any signs of infection, you should immediately tell your health care professional. You will probably have to treat the skin with antibiotic creams or ointments if a condition occurs.
5. Burns will only be a possible side effect if the procedure is not done correctly. As long as you see a qualified practitioner, you will not have to worry about this side effect.
6. Blisters are like burns, and they should not be possible if you use a licensed and qualified professional.
7. Scars result from severe burns or blisters, and Sometimes, scars can form if the skin crusts over or develops scabs after the treatment.

Aftercare

When the removal process is complete, you will need to care for the area properly to reduce or eliminate the possibility of bad reactions or side effects.

1. Use a mild soap to cleanse the area. When drying the skin, pat it dry, and do not rub with a towel. You should continue the patting dry for at least two days, but more extended if you are experiencing pain or tenderness in the area.
2. Avoid extensive sun exposure for 60 days. When you go out in the sun, use an SPF of 45 or greater.
3. Wait a whole day to apply any makeup or skin lotions. If the area is tender, red, or irritated after 24 hours, wait until the redness subsides before using deodorant, cream, or makeup on the affected skin.
4. When the hair starts to push out of the follicles, in 5 to 30 days, you can help remove it by exfoliating with a washcloth. Gently rub the skin using a washcloth to apply friction that will help you shed the hair.
5. If you get a scab on any section, do not pick at the scab. Let it fall off naturally.
6. Do not apply any other hair removal lotions or creams or perform any other hair removal methods while you get treatments and for 30 days after your final treatment.

What are the cons of doing this type of hair removal?

Everything has positive and negative factors. The main negatives associated with laser hair removal are:

• It usually takes more than one treatment before you see results
• It can be expensive
• Different hair colors and types respond differently to the treatment process

Final Thoughts

Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method of dealing with unwanted body hair. Make sure the person giving your treatments is qualified, and take care of yourself properly before and after your appointment.