What is the medication used to numb the skin prior to laser hair removal? Is it prescription only medication?

You should not need numbing cream for hair removal.  If you are doing an IPL, it feels like a rubber band snap only momentarily.  A practitioner would want to know if it was painful as then that means the settings are too high.  Good luck.

Thanks for your question.  If LHR hurts that badly, you are in the wrong place.  We don't use or allow numbing cream for LHR.  Patients need the ability to say that's getting a little stingy so we can turn it down.  LHR should be only mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  If it is painful, you are probably getting a burn.To be safe, you should seek out a laser vs. IPL to help avoid complications.  Almost all newer lasers are safe for all skin types and have features built in (such as sapphire cooling tips) to make them more comfortable.  Some of the newer technology is also more efficient, allowing for lower energy settings to be used with better results and less discomfort.  With modern equipment, your treatment should only be mildly uncomfortable, but not painful.  We never use numbing cream for LHR.  We want our patients to be able to tell us if they feel pain or an unusual level of discomfort.We recommend finding an experienced and reputable provider in your area with updated equipment.  A consistent overlapping technique is the key to avoiding patchiness in LHR.   Calibration and power of the laser is important for a safe, comfortable and effective treatment.  Find out what laser they will use and if it is under a maintenance contract.  If their laser isn’t calibrated on a regular basis or is underpowered, your treatment may be painful or inefficient. After a series of 6-8 initial treatments, you may need a touch up every 3-5 years.