Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

With words like "laser" and "removal" in its name, it's easy to understand why some people worry that this procedure could cause pain.  If a fear of pain is all that's preventing you from trying laser hair removal, then it's time for you to change your perspective. 

In truth, the vast majority of common laser hair removal procedures are relatively pain-free.  At best, they may produce a tingling sensation or feelings of mild discomfort during the treatment.  At worst, you may have skin irritation after each session, but most of these side effects can be prevented with proper preparation and laser selection and with a skilled administration of the procedure.

With few exceptions, laser hair removal is a treatment that is safe for everyone.  Those few exceptions include but are not limited to: patients who have especially sensitive skin, patients with a skin condition, patients with Herpes, patients with specific allergies, and patients with a pacemaker.  All of these conditions can complicate an otherwise simple procedure and increase a patient's chances not only of experiencing pain during the procedure but of experiencing negative side effects after the procedure.

Where patients are more likely to experience pain is after the procedure, and even then the pain is typically very mild.  Depending on the strength of the laser used and how many passes your clinician had to make with the laser, most patients can expect some mild skin irritation including redness and slight inflammation of the skin.  Usually a couple Tylenol or aspirin will resolve any pain associated with these side effects.  If however the pain is significant and enduring, all patients are advised to call their doctors.

We can comfortably say that laser hair removal treatments are low on the pain scale in comparison to other cosmetic procedures, but no medical procedure is 100% fool-proof.  To reduce the risk of experiencing pain or negative side effects, always speak with your dermatologist first.  Ask them about the laser treatments available in their clinic, their personal experience administering those treatments, and any concerns you might have about your suitability as a potential laser hair removal patient.

Because we have mentioned electrolysis on other portions of our site, we would like to mention it in this context as well.  When it comes to other available long-term hair removal alternatives, electrolysis is one of the most effective options but it is also one of the most painful.  Electrolysis patients experience significantly more pain during and after the procedure than laser hair removal patients do.  They also submit themselves to an increased risk of infection and/or scarring.

If pain's been holding you back from having the smooth skin you've always wanted, then worry no more!  For many laser hair removal patients, the process is less painful than a routine visit to the dentist.