Laser hair removal at a med spa Bella Sana

I have a question about pain management. I have very low pain tolerance. I want to do my lower legs, but I'm terrified of the pain. Do numbing creams actually work? Or do the 'cold air' machines work better? I also see some places offering 'painless laser' – is that a real thing or just marketing fluff?

'Painless' is marketing fluff. It hurts less than waxing, but it feels like something. The 'cold air' machines (cryogen cooling) work by blasting -30 degree air onto the skin milliseconds before the laser fires. This is very effective for legs. Numbing creams (lidocaine) also work, but you have to apply them 45 minutes before under occlusion (plastic wrap). However, for lower legs, most people find it totally bearable without numbing. The shin hurts less than the ankle bone. The ankle bone stings. If you are really scared, ask the clinic if they offer a topical anesthetic. Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment, as it makes nerves more sensitive.

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'Painless' is marketing fluff. It hurts less than waxing, but it feels like something. The 'cold air' machines (cryogen cooling) work by blasting -30 degree air onto the skin milliseconds before the laser fires. This is very effective for legs. Numbing creams (lidocaine) also work, but you have to apply them 45 minutes before under occlusion (plastic wrap). However, for lower legs, most people find it totally bearable without numbing. The shin hurts less than the ankle bone. The ankle bone stings. If you are really scared, ask the clinic if they offer a topical anesthetic. Avoid caffeine the day of your appointment, as it makes nerves more sensitive.

I am the biggest baby when it comes to pain. I literally cry at papercuts. I did my lower legs and underarms. The underarms were a solid 5/10 pain (sharp), but it lasts only 10 seconds. The legs were a 2/10. I used a 5% lidocaine cream from the pharmacy on my underarms and it helped a lot. I went to a clinic that offered laser hair removal at a med spa Bella Sana style – very calming environment, which helped my anxiety. The technician let me hold a stress ball. Honestly, the anticipation is worse than the zap. You hear a 'pop' and a snap, and it's over. If you want to see what kind of cooling tech they use, look here: https://bellasanamedspa.com/service/laser-hair-removal. Just do it; the smooth skin is worth 10 minutes of mild discomfort.