BLT 20/6/4% for Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal. Is it safe?

Question

I got laser hair removal through Ideal Image in Colorado Springs. The first session was easy. The second session felt like a tattoo. They didn't tell me they increase the laser intensity every time. The last time, my 6th session, I was jumping all over the place and trying not to yell because it hurt so badly. They offered me a stress ball and told me everything was fine. My skin was beet red. Now I have BLT 20/6/4% but no instructions. Is it safe? They laser the whole area each session.

A.J. Amadi, MD · Answer

Applying topical BLT anesthetic or numbing cream prior to laser hair removal is safe. It is important you do not have an allergy to benzocaine, lidocaine, or tetracaine prior to application. Typically, this is applied 30 minutes prior to your appointment. Always let your laser technician know prior to treatment that topical numbing cream has been applied to the area. It is normal post-laser procedure for skin to be red, swollen and, on occasion, have pinpoint edema or a "chicken skin" appearance. It is normal for laser hair removal to be uncomfortable. You can always ask for breaks in your session to make the pain more manageable.

This response is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by a qualified healthcare provider.

Amy Y. Paul, DO, FAAD · Answer

That's a great question!  You are right in being careful about the topical anesthetic.  We use it daily in our practice but only apply it before treatments and my certified laser specialists know how large of an area is safe to apply it to, and how fast or slowly it works depending on type of skin and surface area.  I would either call your provider and make sure you get specific instructions, or go to a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for treatment to be sure you are in a safe, well-supervised situation.  Please see an expert, and best of luck!

Kathleen Griffin, MD · Answer

Hello, BLT is perfectly safe in that area, as long as the skin is not broken. Ideally, the numbing cream would be used for 30 minutes prior to your treatment and then taken off right before. You can ask them to lower the amount of energy they use or lengthen the pulse width as it would make it more comfortable yet still effective. Redness of the skin is normal and expected after LHR treatment, but considering you were in so much pain it seems like the amount of energy was too high. Seeing as it was your 6th treatment, your hair follicles should be finer and the quantity of hair should be significantly less. These two factors would result in a less painful experience, not a more painful one.

BLT 20/6/4% for Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal. Is it safe?

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BLT 20/6/4% for Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal. Is it safe?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.