Is Laser Hair Removal painful?

I've heard it hurts a lot. Is this true? Does it hurt more in certain areas than others?

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Answers

Celibre Medical Corporation

By: Celibre Medical Corporation | Laser Dermatology & Injections
Orange, CA
Replied on: 4/13/2010

When it comes to laser hair removal, pain is a very personal issue. Some patients feel pain and others are barely bothered. We like to describe laser hair removal as hot pin pricks or rubber bands snapping on the skin. It does hurt in some areas more than others, but normally some sort of numbing cream will be offered to lessen the discomfort.

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Rejuve

By: Rejuve | John Tang, MD.
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Saratoga, CA
Replied on: 4/14/2010

Yes and no. It is for sure uncomfortable. It depends a lot on the individual, what area is being done (genital area is more sensitive than underarms), and which machine is used. A good topical cream should make it more than tolerable.
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Esta Kronberg, M.D.

By: Esta Kronberg, M.D. | Board Certified Dermatologist
Houston, TX
Replied on: 4/13/2010

Laser hair removal can be a little uncomfortable. Most patients seem to tolerate it quite well.
If it is uncomfortable just ask the doctor to lower the settings. Within a certain range the results should still be good.


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Laser Lipo and Vein Center

By: Laser Lipo and Vein Center | Thomas Wright M.D. F.A.C.P.
O'Fallon, MO
Replied on: 6/20/2010

Yes and no. It is for sure uncomfortable. It depends a lot on the individual, what area is being done (genital area is more sensitive than underarms), and which machine is used. A good topical cream should make it more than tolerable.
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Renew Medi Spa

By: Renew Medi Spa | Dr. Lisa Hatzos, MD
Windham, NH
Replied on: 4/14/2010

The degree of discomfort really depends on the Laser used. Some do not have very good cooling at the tip, so the sensation will be more uncomfortable. Other machines have cold tip, which makes the procedure more comfortable. Most sites have the ability to offer lidocaine (numbing) cream or at least prescribe it to you for home use prior to the procedure. My clients have generally stated that waxing is more painful than laser hair removal using the two machines we have (THe Palomar Starlux and the Accelawave)- both of which have cold tips.
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