Isn't laser hair removal supposed to hurt?

Question

I've had laser hair removal in the past. The technician used a machine where she aimed and a light appeared. It was painful. Today, I went to a different place and the gal used ultra sound gel on me and it barely hurt. Is this as effective?

Joseph J. Castellano, MD · Answer

Without knowing what kind of laser was used in your
treatment, it’s difficult to say. However, the “pain” people sometimes refer to
with laser hair removal is caused by the heating of the hair follicle. This
heating process is essentially what prevents future hair growth. Different
people respond to and tolerate laser treatments differently, so if you didn’t
experience any discomfort, that’s great news. In the future, you might ask the
technician what specific type of laser he or she is using and discuss this
question with them.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Some machines hurt more than others and some use gel and some dont. i suggest you see an expert and go to someoen experienced.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Richard Ort, MD · Answer

Traditional laser hair removal is somewhat uncomfortable because the laser heats up the hair and this is felt as a hot sensation by the patient.  We offer topical numbing cream beforehand to make treatment comfortable.  If there is no pain, then it might indicate that the laser settings were too low.  It is possible to use some newer laser techniques which hurt less.  It's not clear what laser was used on you or what type of technique.  In general, you should feel the laser treatment as the laser heats the hair follicle. We have been performing laser hair removal successfully in Lone Tree for 15 years.Regards,Dr. Ort

Robert G. Aycock, MD, FACS · Answer

There are a couple signs that providers look for when it comes to laser hair removal. That there's the smell of success. If you can smell the burnt hair then you know it's targeting the hair  follicle.  The follicle has a red ring around it, right after the treatment. With each treatment you should see a reduction in the hair growth. You need to do a series of 4-6 treatments that are spaced every 6-8 weeks apart. Some areas are more sensitive than others. If you don't see a reduction than you should contact your provider.

Isn't laser hair removal supposed to hurt?

Answers (4)

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