If you are tired of endless cycles of shaving, plucking and waxing? Laser hair removal could be the solution you are searching for. However people are usually afraid of it due to pain experienced during the session and afterward. You can take certain steps to make sure that you have a minimum amount of pain. In this article we will outline how to reduce pain during laser hair removal.
If you are planning to get Toronto laser hair removal services, then you are at the right place. Laser hair removal in Toronto has also become quite popular. Toronto is home to numerous clinics, offering advanced techniques and pain management solutions.
Pre-Treatment Preparations to Reduce Pain
Pre-treatment preparation can greatly help to reduce pain after the procedure. Follow these guidelines before to minimize pain.
Shaving
It is necessary to shave your hair before your appointment. Shaving decreases the risk of burns because there is no risk for the hair on the skin to be burnt and damage the skin. By shaving you make sure that the hair follicle is damaged. Shave at least 24 hours before your session to make sure that any damage from shaving has had time to heal.
Avoiding Sun Exposure
You need to start avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun before and after the procedure. But obviously you can have work commitments and places to go to, in that case, wear at least SPF 30+ Sunscreen.
Avoid tanning beds for at least 2-3 weeks before your appointment.
Topical Anaesthetics
Any topical anaesthetic cream like topicaine can reduce the pain during the procedure. These creams make the skin loose sensation and can significantly reduce pain during the procedure.
Always consult with your tech beforehand about the creams that you can apply and how long before the procedure can be applied.
Hydration
Make sure to drink plenty of water during the days leading up to your session. So you can have a maximum amount of hydration.
Hydration improves skin elasticity and makes it more resilient. This helps to reduce pain during the process.
During the Treatment
There are some steps that you can follow during the treatment to manage pain during the procedure.
Pain Management Techniques
Different clinics offer support and help like cooling devices and numbing creams to help make the process smoother and pain free for you. Ask about pain management techniques during your consultation and make sure that you are provided with your preferred method.
Communication with Technician
Communication is key during the session. Let your technician know if you are feeling any pain or discomfort during the session. They can allow you little breaks or adjust the laser setting according to your sensitivity to pain.
Post-Treatment Care
Post treatment care is equally if not more important than the pre-treatment care. You can take the following steps to reduce pain and any discomfort after the process.
Soothing Gels
Applying soothing gels like aloe vera on the affected area to soothe the area and relieve any kind of pain. If you are sensitive to the pain, the doctor might advise you to use hydrocortisone cream to relieve redness. Communicate to your doctor if you feel any excessive pain.
Cold Compresses
You can use cold compress before the procedure to numb the skin. This can greatly reduce the initial discomfort. You can also use a cold compress after the treatment to reduce any pain and swelling after the procedure. Do not apply ice directly on your bare skin, always use a cold compress or an ice pack wrapped in a towel.
Avoiding Heat and Exercise
The laser treatment can make your skin more sensitive and exercise can exacerbate the skin. Exercise increases the body temperature and this can exacerbate sensitivity and discomfort. Sweat can also irritate the hair follicles that have just been treated with lasers. This can lead to bumps, redness and itchiness.
Understanding Pain Sensitivity
Generally, people with dark hair and light skin don’t experience as much pain as people with dark hair and darker skin. For dark-skinned people, the laser has to be adjusted to prevent skin damage that can affect the laser’s intensity.
Sensitivity can also depend on the laser used in the procedure. Newer laser systems have a built-in cooling mechanism which helps to reduce pain.
Alternative Pain Reduction Methods
You can follow alternative methods like deep breathing or meditation. Try and bring headphones and listen to calming music or an audiobook to distract yourself from the sensations. You can use alternative methods like over-the-counter pain reduction medication.
Sometimes, slight adjustments in the laser settings can be made by the technician to make the process less painful while still effective, especially if you find the treatment too uncomfortable. Always communicate about any pain or discomfort you are feeling.
Conclusion
To sum it up, laser hair removal offers long lasting results compared to other methods, but it can be a little bit painful. You can use methods like shaving and avoiding sun exposure to using topical creams. Staying hydrated can also help.
You can also use a cold compress, or a soothing gel after the process. By taking these steps you can have a pain-free session and enjoy long-lasting smooth skin.
