Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?
Laser hair removal is a sought-after cosmetic procedure for those seeking a permanent solution to get rid of their body hair. It zaps the hair follicles and prevents the production of new hair strands.
But here’s the big question: Is laser hair removal painful? They say beauty is pain – but not necessarily as painful as you think. You might feel slight discomfort during the procedure, depending on your pain tolerance.
Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?
Yes, you will feel discomfort during a laser treatment, but not as much as other hair removal methods like waxing. Some would describe the sensation as similar to an ant bite, a sunburn, or perhaps a rubber band snapping against your skin. If anything, you don’t have to label laser hair removal as your new “greatest fear.” Pain levels vary depending on the body part being treated and your tolerance to pain.
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A little discomfort to be hair-free sounds worth it. Our laser hair removal treatments at the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center are safe and well-tolerated. Our qualified practitioners will ensure you feel as comfortable as possible and that by the time you finish all your sessions, you’ll be hair free for good.
Ways to Minimize Discomfort
A laser hair removal procedure is nothing like a massage, but there are ways for you to minimize the discomfort that you feel from the treatment:
- Prep your body: Get enough quality sleep the night before your procedure. Sleep regulates your pain threshold and makes the process a more pleasant experience. Furthermore, staying hydrated reduces the amount of pain.
- Don’t schedule your treatment before or during your period: Your body’s pain receptors are more active during your menstrual cycle.
- Take pain relievers: The over-the-counter pain reliever you choose can drastically affect your response to the treatment. If you don’t have access to a drugstore, an ice pack and some numbing cream can do wonders.
Aftercare Instructions
Here are some things to expect after having your laser hair removal session:
1) It is normal to have redness and bumps around the treated area.
These are common and may be present for 2 hours or more. If the sensitivity continues, a cold compress should be used since the treated area may feel like a sunburn for a few hours. On the other hand, the presence of any crusting would indicate that there is a need to apply an antibiotic cream. Skin with darker pigment may have more discomfort than skin with light pigment.
2) The treated area must be cleansed softly.
With the use of mild soap, the treated area should be washed gently. During the first 48 hours, the skin should not be rubbed and must be patted dry.
3) Avoid moisturizer, deodorant, lotion, and make-up for the first 24 hours.
The treated area must be kept dry and clean. Deodorant (for underarms), lotion, moisturizer, and make-up should only be used once the irritation has subsided. These products may irritate or worsen the redness.
4) 5 to 30 days after the treatment, dead hairs will start shedding.
It’s typical for stubble to be present within 5 to 30 days after being treated. This represents dead hair shedding from the hair follicle and will fall out rapidly.
5) Exfoliation can hasten hair shedding.
Hair shedding may appear as the new growth of hair and may occur within 5 to 30 days after being treated. To clarify, the dead hair strand pushes itself out of the follicle, indicating that this is not new hair growth. The hair can be assisted to coming out by using an exfoliating cloth and shaving.
Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
1) Quick Treatments
You’ll be in and out of the clinic in no time. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to perform laser hair removal on the underarms and bikini area and about an hour for larger areas like the arms and legs. After every subsequent session, your hair will take much longer to reappear.
2) Money and Time Saver
Add up all the costs of wax appointments and razors. Getting a laser treatment is a financially smarter decision in the long run – not to mention you’d have longer-lasting results.
3) Avoid Ingrown Hairs
Say goodbye to every pesky ingrown hair, razor bruise, and wax burn. Regular laser hair removal treatments provide smooth skin and eliminate unwanted body hair.
Side Effects of Laser Hair Removal
When performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the permanent side effects of laser hair removal should be rare. Although, it’s normal to feel some minor side effects, such as the following:
- Residual itchiness or redness
- Hyperpigmentation (skin darkening) and hypopigmentation (skin lightening)
- Hair shedding
- Minor regrowth
- Increased risk of skin infection
These side effects shouldn’t last longer than a few days after your treatment.
Ideal Candidate for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal treatment is most suitable for people with light skin and dark hair color. The contrast allows the concentrated laser light to fixate easily on the pigment (melanin) found within the hair.
Keep in mind that laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the body except the eye area.
Are At-Home Lasers as Effective as Professional Laser Hair Removal Treatments?
If you can’t afford professional laser removal, you might be looking at home devices that zap away your hair. Although these home laser devices and professional laser systems are virtually the same, the former uses lower intensity levels and, thus, is less effective. If ever you plan to DIY your hair removal, expect a faster hair regrowth rate.
Beauty Trends That Are More Painful Than Laser Hair Removal
Others say that beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be. You’d be relieved to know that a laser hair removal treatment is less painful compared to the following hair removal methods:
- Waxing is a painful and potentially dangerous procedure. You might have to endure mild to severe burns.
- Plucking and tweezing your hair strands is tedious. If you have sensitive skin, the process might be agonizing.
- Depilatory hair removal products (e.g., lotions, oils, and creams) create an intense burning sensation in the treated area.
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Get Rid of Unwanted Hair at Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center
Permanent hair removal might be the perfect solution if you want long-lasting freedom from your body hair. Fortunately, the Beverly Hills Rejuvenation Center offers laser hair removal, among other aesthetic services, that can save you money on regular treatments.
While it’s common to feel anxious about trying something you’ve never done before, the relaxed environment at our clinic can help calm your pre-procedure jitters. Book an appointment with us today to learn more about laser hair removal or know if you are a good candidate for the procedure.
