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Is Laser Facial Hair Removal Painful?

Ladies, we all know that facial hair is a bummer—but it doesn’t have to be. You might be content with all the waxing, plucking, threading, and even shaving you have to do to get rid of the hair on your chin or upper lip, but wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t have to do anything?

That’s where permanent facial hair removal comes in. Imagine putting on your makeup without worrying that it will stick to your facial hairs and make them more prominent. Instead, your skin can be smooth and practically flawless. Or, better yet, think of what life would be like without insecurities around people touching your face, or the fear of obvious stubble while you’re making out. If fear of pain is the only thing standing in your way, then you’ve likely been misinformed. Our free consultation for laser hair removal is just a phone call away!

Facial Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Burn the Skin

Using a fractional laser, your licensed medical laser technician is able to target the hair follicles without damaging your skin at all during laser hair removal treatments. Some people experience a slight stinging sensation, similar to a mild sunburn, but this lasts no longer than a few hours. As long as the most modern laser technology is being used, you can rest easy knowing that you won’t experience burns.

Facial Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Blister the Skin

When laser hair removal first became popular, it wasn’t uncommon for people to experience blistering. Now that laser technology has become far more advanced, this is rarely an issue. If your skin is extremely sensitive, then you might experience more irritation than others. Like with waxing, blisters tend only to occur when the wrong equipment is being used, or the laser technician has little experience.

Facial Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Leave the Skin Scarred

As with blistering, scarring was also a common occurrence with earlier laser technology, especially when laser hair removal was performed on people with darker skin. This was because the wavelengths weren’t just being absorbed by the hair’s pigment, but by the skin’s pigment as well. People were left with hyperpigmentation or discoloration of the skin. Fortunately, this is no longer an issue and today’s laser technology is far better.

Facial Laser Hair Removal Doesn’t Feel Like Stabbing

While it’s likely that everyone experiences pain differently, the sensation of laser hair removal is far from being as painful as being stabbed. Most people compare the feeling to being snapped with a rubber band repeatedly. If you’ve gotten a tattoo or a bikini wax in the past, then you’ll certainly be able to handle laser hair removal. The thought of getting laser treatments on your face might be intimidating, but there are several ways you can numb the area before your session so that you feel nothing at all.

Still Nervous? Numb the Skin Before Your Laser Treatment!

If you’re still leery of getting your first facial laser hair removal treatment, there are several things you can do to reduce or eliminate the pain. Most laser clinics use a cryogenic coolant spray simultaneously with the laser, which helps to reduce discomfort and numbs the skin. Additionally, they might offer a numbing spray or cream that you can use before each laser session. Similar products are sold over the counter at your local pharmacy, but it’s best to speak to a licensed medical laser technician before applying it to your skin.

Average Recovery Time

Complete recovery after facial laser hair removal takes an average of two days. While many people experience no side effects at all, if your skin is on the sensitive side you may notice some swelling and redness. Using a cool compress can help to alleviate this feeling, but it should fade fairly quickly. Over the next few weeks, your hair will shed as the follicles are destroyed, which can lead to itching. Exfoliating can help to speed up the process, and ultimately eliminate the itchy feeling. You may experience sensitivity after your laser hair removal treatments, and it’s recommended to apply sunscreen to the area regularly for several weeks after your laser session.

If you’re still hesitant about the possibility of experiencing pain, watch this video of Ya Chica Ivy of the Night Show on Power 96 getting facial laser hair removal on her chin.

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Paul A. Boulos
Dr. Paul A. Boulos is an excellent and versatile cosmetic surgeon, passionate about his vocation and helping others. Dr. Boulos is an alumni of Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his General Surgery training at Inspira Medical in Southern New Jersey. He studied and learn under Dr. Joseph Castellano, one of the premier breast and body Cosmetic Surgeons in South Florida. He currently works as a Cosmetic Surgeon at Jolie Plastic Surgery in Miami, FL.