Whether you like it or not, body hair naturally grows in areas where it wants to. Fortunately, it’s easy to achieve permanent hair reduction with Brazilian or bikini laser hair removal. This treatment uses laser technology to destroy the follicles and stop hair growth. Since it uses laser energy, it’s natural to be concerned about feeling pain and discomfort during and after receiving the treatment.
So is it common for the treated area to still hurt several days after a Brazilian laser hair removal treatment? Yes, your skin may be sensitive and feel a little painful when touched after a laser session. The uncomfortable sensation is similar to a mild sunburn which occurs as the skin absorbs the laser light during the treatment. It may also be a symptom of other side effects such as skin irritation, swelling, crusting, and blistering.
How Long Does Pain Last After Brazilian Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular methods of getting rid of unwanted hair in different parts of the body, such as the upper lip, neck, legs, underarms, and back. It’s also an excellent alternative to shaving, tweezing, and waxing that provides permanent pubic hair reduction, removes ingrown hair, and leaves you with smooth skin in the bikini area.
But before you head to your first laser session, it’s important to manage your expectations about the treatment, especially when it comes to what it feels like during and after the procedure. If you’ve been regularly waxing your bikini area, you might have built up your pain tolerance and find that a Brazilian laser hair removal doesn’t hurt as much. However, you can feel a little bit uncomfortable and notice pain for several days after the treatment.
As with any cosmetic procedure, Brazilian laser hair removal can leave some side effects that can take anywhere from 3 to 5 days to heal. Some patients may also feel lingering pain up to a week after the treatment. Fortunately, serious complications from laser hair removal are rare so any pain you feel shouldn’t be a cause of concern.
Why Your Skin After Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Still Hurts Days Later
During a Brazilian laser hair removal treatment, your skin is exposed to different wavelengths of laser energy which targets the pigment in the hair follicle. The heat destroys the follicle and interrupts the hair growth cycle so you won’t see new hair strands for a long period of time. It’s common to feel a mild stinging sensation as the laser passes over the skin.
However, the pain you feel after the session can be a result of the side effects of the laser treatment. Here are some of the possible causes of lingering pain after a Brazilian laser hair removal:
1) Swelling
One of the immediate side effects of Brazilian laser hair removal is swelling or soreness. It’s usually a sign that the laser light successfully penetrated the skin and has been absorbed by the hair follicles. This side effect is also known as perifollicular edema which happens after sending the laser beam to the follicles. Most swelling and inflammation should subside within several hours, but some may last for a day or two.
2) Mild Sunburn
To effectively destroy the hair follicles, providers adjust the laser settings anywhere from 70 to 100°C depending on the hair color, thickness, and skin tone. Compared to a patient with a lighter complexion, someone with a darker skin color may be prone to burns since they have more pigment that can be targeted by the laser.
Some burns may take up to 3 days to completely heal and during that period, you may feel discomfort and severe pain in your genital region. To reduce potential skin damage, you should make sure that you’re getting your Brazilian hair removal from an experienced laser technician.
3) Skin Crusting or Blistering
Lasers heat your skin to the point that it can lose its moisture and cause dryness. This can lead to flaky, cracked skin which can eventually peel or crust for several days after the Brazilian laser hair removal treatment. When your skin becomes crusty, it can also feel itchy but you shouldn’t pick or scratch it to avoid scabbing, scarring, or bleeding.
4) Irritation
Skin irritation is also a normal reaction from Brazilian laser hair removal procedures. Once the laser is absorbed by the follicles, the roots are weakened and treated hair strands are pushed out from the skin surface. This results in redness, tenderness, and minor bumps which can last for several days after the treatment.
5) Possible Skin Infection
Although Brazilian laser hair removal treatments are non-invasive, there’s still a small risk of having an infection if the procedure is done incorrectly. It’s important to look out for severe dryness, crusting, and blisters which can turn into wounds and develop into an infection.
What You Can Do About The Discomfort From The Laser Treatment
Brazilian laser hair removal treatments don’t have any downtime, but the lingering pain and discomfort you feel may distract you from doing your activities. If it’s your first time getting the procedure, there are several aftercare reminders that you need to follow to manage the side effects and minimize your discomfort:
- Apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the treated area to immediately reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Put on aloe vera cream or any moisturizer to manage dryness and irritation after the treatment.
- If necessary, take over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce the intensity of discomfort and provide temporary relief.
- Don’t scratch or remove the crusting skin, but make sure to keep the area moisturized.
- Avoid direct sun exposure in the treated area for at least 24 to 48 hours after treatment.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing and opt for loose, comfortable shirts and bottoms to minimize irritation on the treated area.
- If you notice blistering or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider immediately. They may prescribe antibiotic ointments to manage the side effects.
Is Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Painful: What Does It Actually Feel Like?
Brazilian laser hair removal is actually more tolerable than it seems. Although the use of laser energy sounds intimidating, your provider will adjust the temperature to make sure it’s comfortable for you. The treatment isn’t really painful but there’s a mild discomfort similar to a rubber band snapping against the skin as the laser penetrates the skin and damages the follicles.
If you have a low pain tolerance, you can discuss it with your provider so they can prepare and administer your treatment accordingly. They can apply a numbing cream to the treatment area beforehand to manage their pain and discomfort during the procedure.
Brazilian laser hair removal typically requires multiple treatments so you’ll eventually get used to the sensation after a few sessions. It’s not exactly a permanent hair removal method but its results are long-lasting and you won’t see any hair regrowth for months or even years.
Preparing for Your Laser Hair Removal Session: Tips to Reduce Pain During The Treatment
Not everyone experiences the same level of pain and discomfort during a Brazilian laser hair removal treatment. Individuals who have a low pain tolerance should mentally and physically prepare themselves before going for their procedure. Here are some tips to help you get ready for your laser hair removal procedure:
- Hydrate before your session but stay away from caffeine.
- Cleanse your pubic area and shave your hair to minimize the risk of side effects.
- Take pain relievers before the treatment to reduce your discomfort.
- Discontinue the use of products that have active ingredients, such as retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, on your intimate area.
Experience a Safe Brazilian Laser Hair Removal at Ethos Spa
Getting a Brazilian laser hair removal is safe but it still comes with the possibility of experiencing pain and discomfort after the treatment. If you’re due for a laser hair removal treatment soon, you should follow the steps to prepare for your session and discuss with your provider if you want to opt for a topical anesthetic during the procedure. You should also take note of the aftercare reminders so you’ll have a comfortable recovery.
Ethos Spa is one of the leading providers of safe and effective laser treatments for Brazilian laser hair removal for patients of any skin tone and skin type. We have a team of experts who are equipped with the best techniques to ensure a successful procedure for your hair removal needs. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or inquire about our other hair removal services.
