Laser hair removal is a common cosmetic procedure for long-term hair removal. It works by temporarily preventing hair follicles from producing new hair.
Although this method of hair removal is not completely permanent, the results of laser treatment can last for several weeks. This treatment can also be ideal for areas of the body that are difficult to shave or wax.
However, the benefits of laser hair removal do not come without some inconveniences. The treatment can be painful depending on the area treated and your own pain tolerance. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.
How painful is laser hair removal?
During laser hair removal, hair follicles are treated with tiny, hot laser beams. Although you may not feel the heat, it may feel like your skin is being snapped with a rubber band.
You may also experience mild discomfort after the procedure, such as redness and irritation similar to a mild sunburn.
The procedure may also feel painful to some extent. How painful it is depends on the area of the body being treated with laser hair removal. The more sensitive the skin is by nature, the more painful it is likely to be.
To minimize pain, your doctor may apply a numbing cream to the skin before the procedure. Depending on the body part and your pain threshold, you may not need any numbing cream at all.
Does laser hair removal on the legs hurt?
Laser hair removal on the legs is moderately painful compared to other parts of the body. This is because the skin is generally thicker than in more sensitive areas, such as the face or bikini area.
However, there are areas on the legs that may be more painful during the procedure due to sensitivity, such as the inner thighs compared to the shins.
Does laser hair removal on the arms and armpits hurt?
The armpits are one of the most painful areas on the body for laser hair removal because the skin there is so thin. However, this is not necessarily true for the rest of your arms, where the pain is much milder.
Does laser hair removal on the face hurt?
The answer depends on which part of the face is undergoing laser treatment. Laser hair removal is usually more painful in the area of the thin skin of the upper lip, while pain in the cheeks and forehead is usually mild.
Does laser hair removal on the bikini line hurt?
Just like with the armpits, laser hair removal along the bikini line is usually more painful. It should feel like waxing, but the difference is that laser hair removal takes longer. However, the inconvenience can be worth the long-term results.
Is laser hair removal on your back or stomach painful?
Like the skin on your arms, the skin on your stomach is generally thicker, so laser hair removal is less painful here. However, this is not the case with your back. Laser treatment on your back can be just as painful as treatment on your bikini line or armpits due to the heavy hair growth in these areas.
Alternatives to laser hair removal
If you are uncomfortable with the potential pain or higher cost of laser treatment, you may want to consider other hair removal methods and compare them in terms of pain and potential side effects.
Shaving
Unless you accidentally cut yourself, shaving is probably the least painful method of hair removal. Be extra careful and use shaving cream or gel on wet skin to reduce the risk of shaving irritation.
When used correctly, shaving has fewer side effects, but the results are not as long-lasting because the hair is only removed from the surface of the skin.
Waxing
Waxing can be as painful as laser hair removal, but it does not last as long. This method of hair removal can last for several weeks – much longer than shaving, but not as long as laser treatment. Mild skin rashes and irritation may occur after treatment.
Depilatories
These methods are basically similar to waxing, but are applied as a cream or gel. They dissolve hair and can then be rinsed off.
Hair removal products are chemical-based and therefore have the most side effects. Blisters, rashes and burns can occur, and mild pain can occur due to the acidity of these products.
Plucking
Although time-consuming, epilating your hair can last a little longer than any of the hair removal methods listed above. It is important to epilate in the direction of hair growth and not against it. This minimizes skin irritation.
Electrolysis
Like laser hair removal, electrolysis is a medical treatment that provides more permanent results. It works by destroying hair follicles using radio frequencies. Although it is not painful, some side effects can include swelling and a rash.
Where you shouldn’t get laser hair removal
Laser hair removal is not intended for areas of skin near an open opening. This includes hair in the nose and ears, as well as in the genital area.
Most side effects of laser hair removal are mild and occur after the procedure. These include:
- redness
- swelling
- blistering
- hyperpigmentation or scarring
- increased risk of sunburn
Although numbing creams can help relieve pain, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you use them only when absolutely necessary and in the lowest possible dose.
Using too much numbing cream can cause life-threatening side effects. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of using a numbing cream, especially if you’re having multiple treatments.
Generally, a numbing cream is considered safe when used in small amounts on small areas of the body and applied by a professional.
You may also want to consider using different types of lasers for your hair removal treatments.
found that Alexandrite lasers are generally less painful, with or without anesthesia.
It’s also important to have laser hair removal performed by a licensed professional. While at-home laser kits may be less painful, there’s no guarantee that they’re safe or effective at removing hair.
Conclusion
Laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure when performed by a licensed professional. However, the treatment isn’t without its risks, and depending on the part of the body being treated, pain may occur.
Discuss your general pain threshold with your doctor and ask what methods he or she can use to reduce your risk. Options include topical anesthetics, pre-treatment ice, and cold laser tips.
