I hear laser hair removal is painful. Can I get it done at a doctor with local anesthesia? I need it due to ingrowns.

Some machines hurt more than others and a topical numbing cream can be used. Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best. It will take a series of treatments to get improvement and some people need treatments to maintain. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

You can have topical anesthetic cream applied before your treatment to make it less painful.  It adds about 20 to 30 minutes to the procedure but well worth it if you are sensitive.  A dermatologist can inject local anesthetic, but this is rarely necessary.

There are many ways to manage the pain associated with laser hair removal, although in this day & age, most people tolerate the treatment very well and without any help. Options such as NSAID anti-inflammatories or icing or cool air (Zimmer), or topical anesthetics can be used. We use the light sheer duet diode laser which causes minimal discomfort because of the distracting vacuum aspect of the device which pulls the skin up to the laser. Best to speak with a highly trained and experienced laser physician such as a dermatologist about the best & safest & least painful treatment options for you.