Download ArticleDownload ArticleThis article was co-authored by Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MD. Dr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.
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Getting rid of hair in undesirable places can be can annoying daily task. Laser hair removal provides a long-lasting solution, but you may have heard horror stories from friends or loved ones about the pain. It's important to remember that everyone is different. If you've found a qualified laser technician and are ready to schedule an appointment, there are several simple ways to prepare your mind and body for relatively painless repeated stints under the laser.
Steps
Get adequate sleep the night before. Try to go to bed early and get a full 8 hours sleep the night before your treatment. Lack of sleep can effect your mood and the systems that regulate your body -- including pain receptors.[1] Getting a good night's sleep before any medical procedure is highly recommended, so if you're under stress that is keeping you up at night, it may be a good idea to cancel or postpone your treatment.
Avoid laser hair removal immediately before or during menstruation. Changes in hormone levels during your period can affect your pain tolerance, so try not to schedule treatments for when you're most sensitive. Wait until a few weeks after your period have passed.Advertisement
Increase your water intake. Try to drink about a gallon of water on the day of your treatment. If you're scheduled for early morning, drink water before bed and when you wake up. Staying hydrated is always important -- and recent research has found that dehydration can make you more sensitive to pain.[2]
Avoid caffeine. While it may be hard to skip your morning coffee on the day of your treatment, it is said that caffeine increases pain sensitivity, so it's best to avoid it. If you drink caffeinated tea or other beverages, avoid those as well.
Shave the area. For the best results and least pain, shave the area the night before (or even two nights before) your scheduled treatment. You'll be less likely to experience irritation.
Purchase a good ice pack. You may want to ice the area immediately before and after the treatment, so pick up an ice pack that is comfortable to travel with and use. Icing the area for 5 - 10 minutes before treatment will numb it quite effectively, and you may find relief by icing the area on the way home or even the following day.
Purchase a pain reliever to use prior to your appointment. Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen are widely used to reduce pain, and may be helpful in preventing pain if taken 30 to 45 minutes before your treatment. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, and be sure to read all labels and dosage instructions.
Ask your pharmacist about antihistamines. Some people report reduced pain when taking an over-the-counter antihistamine in the hours before treatment.[3] Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, and be sure to read all labels and dosing instructions.
Buy a numbing cream. These topical creams contain ingredients like lidocaine -- and can provide significant pain relief if applied immediately before your treatment.[4] Coordinate with your laser technician on the best time to apply a topical cream - you may be able to do so at home, or you may need to wait until you have reached the facility so that it doesn't wear off before your treatment.
Remember to take it easy. If you've had treatments to your bikini line, armpits, or other highly-sensitive areas, you may want to wear loose fitting clothes or reduce your physical activity for the rest of the day. Always keep the treated area clean and sweat-free.
Apply sunscreen before heading outside. Your laser-treated skin will be sensitive and susceptible to sunburn, so depending on the area you've had worked on, you may need to apply sunscreen before spending time outdoors. If you are planning laser hair removal before a big beach trip or outdoor vacation, make sure to plan for healing time before you go, and apply sunscreen every day. Use an SPF of 30 or higher for maximum protection.
Don't scratch the area! You may experience itchiness, but scratching is a big no-no. Scratching your treated skin can lead to inflammation or irritation - so leave the area alone and let it heal. If you are experiencing itching post-treatment, use your ice packs, over-the-counter meds, or take a cool, soothing bath.
Expert Q&A
- QuestionHow should I prepare for laser hair removal?
Adarsh Vijay Mudgil, MDDr. Adarsh Vijay Mudgil is a board certified Dermatologist, Dermatopathologist, and the Owner of Mudgil Dermatology, a state-of-the-art dermatology practice based in New York, New York. As one of the few dermatologists in the area to achieve board certification in both dermatology and dermatopathology, Dr. Mudgil specializes in all aspects of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. He received his Bachelor's degree with Phi Beta Kappa honors from Emory University and earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from the Stony Brook University School of Medicine. In medical school, Dr. Mudgil was among a handful of students nationwide to receive a coveted Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and Scholarship. He then completed his residency in dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in Manhattan, where he served as chief resident. Additionally, Dr. Mudgil went on to complete a fellowship at the prestigious Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, and the American Society of Dermatopathology. Dr. Mudgil is also a member of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine teaching faculty.
Board Certified Dermatologist & DermatopathologistTalk to your doctor before the procedure to make sure you know what to expect. They'll likely have you shave your hair beforehand, which will make the hair removal more effective.
Tips
- To help ensure that you will not experience major laser hair removal pain, check out the credentials of the professional who will be performing the procedure.Thanks
- Follow the advice and instructions of the professional performing the procedure for best results.Thanks
- Bring a friend with you the day of your laser hair removal procedure to help keep you calm and focused.Thanks
References
About This Article
To reduce laser hair removal pain, take an over-the-counter pain reliever 30-45 minutes before your appointment. You can also apply a topical numbing cream to the area before your appointment. Alternatively, ice the area with an ice pack for 10-15 minutes. Wear loose clothes to your appointment and limit your physical activity for the rest of the day to avoid excessive friction that could irritate your skin. If you experience any itching, try applying an ice pack to the area or taking a cool bath. You want to avoid scratching the area so you don't make the irritation worse. For more expert laser hair removal tips, check out the full article below!
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