Does The Laser Hair Removal Treatment Hurt

About LightSheer Laser Treatment
A laser produces a beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted by the LightSheer diode laser is well absorbed by the pigment located in hair follicles. During the procedure, the laser pulses for a fraction of a second, long enough to heat up the hair and significantly impede the follicle's ability to re-grow. This process also treats numerous hair follicles simultaneously. Therefore, LightSheer is appropriate for treating even the largest areas of the body both quickly and effectively.

An important part of the procedure is the cooling of the skin. A special contact-cooling hand-piece allows your physician to treat even the most sensitive skin. It protects and cools the upper layer of the skin before, during and after each laser pulse while directing the laser energy to the hair root.

Does The Laser Hair Removal Treatment Hurt

Some people find the first treatment more uncomfortable than subsequent treatments. This is because there are more hair roots which are destroyed during the first treatment; and perhaps because some people are more apprehensive during the first treatment, because they are not sure of what to expect. Some areas of the body are also more sensitive than others, such as upper lip and bikini area, however your technician is well trained in discomfort techniques and will prepare your treatment accordingly.

Everyone's pain threshold is different. As treatment settings vary according to individual skin and hair types, so do the levels of discomfort. Factors depend on the sensitivity of your skin, the area being treated, amount of melanin in your skin, and whether a numbing anesthetic is being used. The most commonly treated areas only take a few minutes to treat and it's over before you know it. Those with darker skin types may experience more pain during laser hair removal, and should use a topical anesthetic. We always provide the option of a topical anesthetic, such as EMLA, and this will be discussed at your initial consultation. You can schedule to have your topical anesthetic applied, if it is an area that may be hard to reach, or do by yourself, such as a back. Some people find it helpful to take two plain Tylenol a couple of hours before coming in for treatment, and some women find that they are more sensitive during their menstrual cycles, however, this would not preclude treatment.

The LightSheer only emits infrared light, and is equipped with a cooling hand piece which helps conduct heat away from the skin. The laser pulse is often described as a wave of heat with a pinprick or rubber band snapping sensation. Some areas of the body are more sensitive than others, so you may elect to have a topical anesthetic (EMLA) applied in order to increase the comfort during the procedure. EMLA is available over the counter at most pharmacies for approximately $45 for a 30gm tube. EMLA needs to be applied 1/8 inch thick (like icing a cake) and covered with saran wrap, 1 ½-2 hours before treatment.