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No Pain or Sensation During Laser Hair Removal - Is It Working?

asked 1 year ago by Ciribela in Toronto, ON
Latest answer by Daniel Berg, MD
Question viewed 273 times
Tags: normal, pain, results, sensitivity, skin type II

I had my first treatment with Cutera laser and haven't feel any sensation or pain at all. I've heard I need to feel something so wondering is this normal or I am wasting my money. And how to tell practitioner that I am suppose to feel something and not to make awkward and unpleasant environment for us since this is first session and I have 6 to go. My skin type is II. What you would suggest ? Thanks

4 answers to No Pain or Sensation During Laser Hair Removal - Is It Working?

+1

No pain with hair laser

Even with numbing creams or cooling devices, it would be unusual to feel no discomfort with laser treatment.  Typically there is some mild redness or bumpiness around the lasered area at least for a short while as a clue to effect. The proof is in the pudding.  I would likely wait until your next scheduled appointment at which time you will know if you had some hair reduction at the settings used.  If you did then you will know that the laser worked.  If you have... more
Daniel Berg, MD

Seattle Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Laser hair removal

Usually there is pain with laser hair removal but with numbing cream and chilling of the skin, and if your hair is thin, not dense, and not too dark, there may be minimal discomfort especially if the energies used in the first treatment are purposely not too high to see how you respond. Many doctors will recommend test energy settings first but even with that, the entire first treatment may use a lower but effective energy that may be increased on subsequent treatments. You should always... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

No pain, no gain

It would be highly unusual to experience no discomfort during laser hair removal treatment.  Are you sure that the laser is appropriate to treat your particular skin type?  Are the settings correct?  Was numbing cream administered prior to the procedure?  Did you smell the pungent odor of hair being charred?  If not, you may consider seeking a different physician/facility.
Corey L. Hartman, MD

Birmingham Dermatologic Surgeon
+1

Should there be discomfort with laser hair removal

There is usually some discomfort during the procedure, more intense in some areas vs others. Did you have numbing cream put on before the procedure? What we look for to see if the laser is hitting its target is slight redness and swelling around the hair follicles.  There is also some minor smell of hairs burning if there is even a little stubble. You mention you are skin type II, but it's also important what you hair color is. Lasers have a hard time with blond... more
Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon

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