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

Question

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

Steven H. Williams, MD · Answer

Usually with laser hair removal, you should feel some degree of a sensation similar to a rubber band snap. You will feel less pain with finer, lighter hairs and more pain with dark, coarse hairs. Also, if there is a chiller blowing cold air or if you have applied numbing cream or an ice pack, that can lessen the pain that you feel as well. If you do not see any reduction in hair in 4-6 weeks, you should mention it to the person operating the laser so they may adjust the settings accordingly.

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

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 feel free to ask your doctor any question you have about the treatment you are about to undergo or especially, if you are being treated at the moment and have a concern. Usually after laser hair removal there is a slight singe of the hair shaft and there may be slight redness and swelling around the follicle's opening.

Daniel Berg, MD · Answer

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 no response I'd make sure your provider knows you felt no reaction so they can help figure out any issues and  adjust the laser as needed for any subsequent treatment.

Corey L. Hartman, MD, FAAD · Answer

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.

Emily Altman, MD · Answer

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, red or gray hair.  They can't see the target.

	All that said, usually the first treatment is as much diagnostic as therapeutic, meaning it is necessary to establish what the right treatment parameters are for you.  I would see how you do after 2-3 weeks.  The treated hairs should be falling out at that point.  If there is no decrease in hair growth, I would discuss it with your treating doctor.

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

Answers (5)