Laser Hair Removal is a very popular option for many people who want to avoid the pain of waxing and want a more permanent solution to unwanted hair growth. But to some people, the thought of a laser aimed at their skin can be daunting and might have some reservations about it. One of the most common questions asked is how painful it is. This article has some laser hair removal information that will help you get a better understanding of what is involved and help you make the whole procedure more comfortable.
Laser Types
Different lasers are used depending on the skin and hair colour. They have evolved over the years to cause very little tissue damage and deliver better results. In a nutshell, they work by disabling the hair follicles and preventing the hair from growing back. It normally takes between 5 - 10 treatments to finish the whole process completely. People with darker skin tones tend to have more sensitive skin, so talking to your laser technician about what laser to use is a must. The long pulse ND: Yag laser works best on individuals with coarser hair or dark skin tones. It can be a bit painful.
The Alexandrite long pulse laser had become very popular, in part because it has a customisable range and could cover a large area quickly. It works best on individuals with light to olive coloured complexions. Depending on your pain threshold, the sensation can vary from uncomfortable to quite painful.
There are other hair removal lasers such as the Ruby and Argon lasers, but the newer technologies have largely rendered these obsolete.
The Soprano Diode laser is one of the newest lasers, and considered the industry's "gold standard." It is the most comfortable of all the lasers on the market. Because it uses a continuous motion, rather than the pulse method of other lasers, it heats the hair follicles gently and gradually, rather than "blasting" them. Hair removal with the Soprano is both effective and pleasant; two words you would never expect to see together when describing laser hair removal!
Patch Testing
Of course, you can also ask your laser technician to perform a quick patch test. This involves targeting a very small part of the area you wish to remove hair from and seeing if the procedure causes any reactions to your skin. You will also see what the process feels like and you can talk to your laser technician about how to make the actual procedure as comfortable as possible.
Numbing Cream
Numbing is also quite effective as well. Laser hair removal can be as uncomfortable as waxing to some people, albeit with a different sensation. You can ask your laser technician to use some numbing cream on the area before the procedure. This is a topical anaesthesia that only works on the surface of the skin but it has proven to be very effective in relieving some of the discomfort.
Cooling Tip
For very sensitive skin, the laser technician can use a cooling tip. This goes on the tip of the laser and reduces the heat the patient feels during the procedure, reducing pain. It also prevents any skin damage forming as a result.
These are the main ways you can make the whole process more relaxing on yourself and protect your skin from damage. For more laser hair removal information, talking to your laser technician in detail is recommended as she will work with you to get the best results possible. Any existing skin conditions should be discussed as well so the necessary steps taken to get the best results.
Sue Woodall is the Patient Advisor at Dundrum Medical Cosmetic Clinic in Dundrum, Dublin in Ireland. If you are considering laser hair removal, download a free copy of a comprehensive report called 'The Facts About Laser Hair Removal and What You Need to Know' from LaserHairRemoving.ie LaserHairRemoving.ie
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