When people consider different hair removal methods, one of the main concerns is often pain. In addition to conventional methods like waxing and tweezing, this goes for laser hair removal. While laser hair removal can cause some discomfort during treatment, it’s much longer lasting and even permanent for many patients. This means that in the long run, laser hair removal can help you cut down on painful hair removal sessions.
What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
Patients often describe laser hair removal as feeling like a rubber band snapping on the skin. This sensation can continue for the duration of the treatment. At Laser Affair, our cutting-edge laser requires approximately 5 minutes for the underarms, 15 minutes for a Brazilian bikini treatment, and 90 minutes for the full legs. Our laser hair removal system includes a patented cooling mist that’s sprayed onto the skin milliseconds before the laser pulse is administered, which makes the treatment process more comfortable while protecting the epidermis. This cooling spray is also much more convenient and less messy than gels.
How to Make Laser Hair Removal Hurt Less
There are several ways to reduce discomfort during laser hair removal. Applying a numbing cream to the treatment area before the session can help to dull the sensation. Taking over-the-counter pain relief, such as ibuprofen, about 30 minutes before the session may also reduce discomfort. The cooling technology used at Laser Affair significantly reduces the sensation of heat on the skin, making the treatment more bearable. After the session, applying aloe vera gel can soothe the skin and reduce any lingering discomfort.
Pain Levels in Different Body Areas
Laser hair removal pain can vary depending on the area being treated:
Face: Areas like the upper lip might feel more sensitive due to the thinner skin and proximity to the bone. Areas like the chin and sideburns tend to hurt far less, where the skin is less sensitive.
Underarms: The underarms can be more sensitive due to the density of hair follicles and thinner skin. However, the small size of the area makes the discomfort short-lived.
Bikini: Bikini laser hair removal often experiences more discomfort because of the sensitive skin and higher concentration of hair. The upper mons area tends to hurt less, and the labia hurts more, being such a sensitive area.
Legs: The skin on the legs is generally less sensitive, making the pain more tolerable. The larger surface area requires longer treatment times, but the discomfort is usually mild.
Back and Chest: These areas can vary in sensitivity. Men often report that the chest and back feel more uncomfortable than the legs but less than the bikini area.
Areas Where Laser Hair Removal Hurts Less
Some areas of the body are naturally less sensitive to laser hair removal:
Arms: The skin on the arms tends to be less sensitive, and the discomfort is usually mild, similar to a light pinch.
Stomach: Depending on the individual’s pain tolerance, the stomach area can be moderately sensitive, but it’s generally more comfortable compared to areas like the bikini line.
Back: For some, the back may feel less painful than the chest or bikini area, making it a manageable treatment zone.
Long-Lasting Hair Removal
Unlike waxing and tweezing, which require regular treatment sessions, laser hair removal has the potential to permanently remove unwanted hair. When administered by an experienced technician, laser hair removal provides a 70% to 98% permanent hair reduction in the treated area. Patients typically need at least six treatment sessions to achieve this, with each session providing about a 20% permanent hair reduction. If hair does grow back, it will be finer and lighter than before.
Final Thoughts
With laser hair removal, you can achieve beauty without the pain. During your consultation at Laser Affair, we’ll demonstrate how the laser works and provide a few pulses so that you know what the treatment feels like. This can alleviate any concerns and give you confidence going into the treatment.
Contact us today for laser hair removal in Tampa!
