Question:
I hate pain of any sort and that is why I have stuck with shaving rather than waxing or electrolysis. Is there a way that the pain can be reduced or eliminated during laser hair removal?
Answer:
I certainly cannot blame you for hating pain of any sort. We have a natural adversity to it and for good reason! Laser hair removal uses laser energy in the form of heat to destroy hair cells. Heat is obviously the cause of pain. In order to reduce the pain of laser hair removal, laser manufacturers have tried many techniques, none of which is 100% successful, but, some are definitely better than others. The use of topical numbing cream prior to treatment is helpful, but is potentially dangerous if you are having large areas treated because the amount of numbing cream you will require and the time it takes for the cream to work may result in toxic levels of anesthesia in your body. Carefully monitored application of numbing agents is always best. We use the Soprano XL for hair removal. It is the most effective and comfortable laser available for hair removal. The technology applies energy to the hair follicle slowly in order to build up enough energy to destroy the hair follicle. This slow application of energy along with a special cooling tip the laser also uses, makes for a much more comfortable session of hair removal.
Posted by Dr. Philip Schoenfeld