While laser hair removal for Tampa, Florida locals remains a top choice to get rid of unwanted hair, some patients may worry about how much discomfort the procedure causes. Although most patients experience very little discomfort during laser hair removal treatments and report they are actually less painful than salon waxing, those with more sensitive skin still have a few ways to maximize comfort.
Anesthetics
A topical anesthetic cream is one popular way to reduce the possibility of surface discomfort during laser hair removal. For most patients, applying the cream before treatment alleviates the majority of discomfort. Another option is an over-the-counter painkiller, taken long enough before the procedure to reduce any pain that the patient would normally experience.
Technique
The way the laser hair removal is performed may also have an impact on pain levels. For example, some clinics will administer ice directly to the treated area following a laser burst, which helps many patients feel better. Other clinics may incorporate a cold roller or cold air machine to keep pain-reducing cool air movement across the treated area. A third option is to ensure that smaller areas are treated at one time. Sometimes, patients who would normally be fine with the minimal pain experienced during laser hair removal find that treating larger areas is a less tolerable sensation.
Other Tips
Sometimes, having longer hair in the area to be treated can be more painful, as the laser energy may burn the hair, bringing too much heat in contact with the skin. Trimming back hair in the targeted area a day or two before treatment can alleviate this. Additionally, women may feel more pain during treatments if the appointment is close to their menstrual cycle, so something as minor as switching time slots to the following week can make a difference in comfort level.
Dr. Joseph J. Castellano is a native Floridian who grew up in the Tampa Bay area. During medical school and his 5 years of training in General Surgery, Dr. Castellano developed a strong interest in Cosmetic Surgery. He followed his residency training with an elective year of specialized training with the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. From 2010-2011, he completed a fellowship in Indiana focused entirely of cosmetic surgery of the face and body. During his fellowship, he received specialized training in facial rejuvenation, breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, and body contouring. Dr. Castellano received his board certification from the American College of Surgeons in 2010.
Dr. Castellano focuses on breast augmentation, abdominoplasty, liposuction, facelift, and eyelid rejuvenation. Additionally, he operates on numerous skin cancers, scar revisions, spider veins, and specializes in the management of aging skin with chemical peels and laser resurfacing.
Request a consultation to meet with Dr. Castellano and learn more about all his practice has to offer.
