What Does Laser Hair Removal Feel Like?
By Neel Kanase | Published on October 6, 2010 | 0 Comments
Hair removal and discomfort unfortunately often go hand in hand. But what about laser hair removal? Does it hurt? According to Neel Kanase, MD of Corpus Christi laser hair removal center Corpus Christi Laser Clinic, laser hair removal is relatively comfortable as compared to other hair removal methods, particularly waxing or tweezing. “And when you consider that laser hair removal is permanent,” he says, “most people are more than happy to endure just a little bit of discomfort to get the results they want.”
How Does It Work?
Developed 20 years ago and widely available for about the last 10, laser hair removal uses a special kind of laser to selectively target and destroy hair follicles, leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. “The laser is attracted to hair only,” Dr. Kanase explains, “and travels down the hair shaft to the follicle, where it destroys the cells that allow new hair to grow.” Once the follicle has been destroyed, he says, it will never produce hair again.
Hair, Dr. Kanase says, grows in cycles. For this reason, multiple hair removal sessions are required several weeks apart to destroy all of the hair follicles in the desired area. The total number of sessions you’ll need and the length of time between sessions will vary based on the part of the body you want to target.
What Does It Feel Like?
Dr. Kanase says that the sensation associated with laser hair removal can best be compared to the feeling of a rubber band snapping lightly against the skin, accompanied by a feeling of warmth. There are several things, he says, that can be done in the office to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. The age and type of the equipment used also matters. “Newer lasers are definitely more comfortable than older lasers,” says Dr. Kanase.
Are There Risks?
According to Dr. Kanase, advancements in laser technology have made laser hair removal safer than ever, even for patients who may have been told just a few years ago that they were not good candidates. “Because the laser selectively targets the hair follicle,” he explains, “the surrounding skin is completely unharmed.”
For many years after laser hair removal became widely available, individuals with dark skin and dark hair were considered more at risk for damage (burns) to the surrounding skin. Today’s lasers, however, are far more sophisticated. While special precautions are usually taken with dark-skinned individuals, Dr. Kanase says, they can still get great results safely.
Choosing the Right Facility
When selecting a medical spa, Dr. Kanase says, you will want to ensure that the facility you choose is using up-to-date equipment and that the technicians are thoroughly trained. While newer lasers are appropriate for use on nearly everyone, older lasers may pose higher risks for dark-skinned individuals in particular. Be sure to ask specifically about the equipment used for individuals with your hair and skin type.
Your comfort should also be a factor in selecting a laser hair removal clinic. “At Corpus Christi Laser Clinic,” Dr. Kanase says, “the safety and comfort of our patients are our top priorities. We do everything possible to make your treatments as painless as possible.”
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.