Omg - I had laser hair removal done for the first time yesterday. OUCH!!! Has anyone else had it done before?!? I had laser treatment before to remove a tattoo and it was the exact same feeling (I compare it to being hit by bacon grease from a frying pan over and over again.) When I had my tattoo removed, the doctor applied both a numbing cream and I had him inject me with something to numb the site. Yesterday I went to Kaiser (new treating facility) and she said it wouldn't be as bad as it was less intense lasers. She lied! I have given vaginal birth (one natural, without drugs) and i swear, the pain was worse. I have a really high tolerance to pain so for me to say this, it's weird. The only way I got through it was knowing it would eventually end. 176 pulses later, it did! Was my experience unique? Maybe it was the locations or size treated? The area is now red, puffy and feels like the worse sun burn ever. Any advice on how to treat it? I was told I wouldn't have to do much aftercare. Just come back in 8 weeks if needed for another treatment. When I had my tattoo done the skin severely blistered up into a 3rd degree burn. I'm glad I didn't do it in an area easily seen by others. There's no way I could cover this up by make up or would I want to! ????

I had hair removal on my lip, chin and neck. I reacted badly to the lidocain cream. I did not use it the first 3 treatments. The facility got it in as a new product so I tried it on treatment 4 & 5. Both of those times I got much more red and bumpy. Treatment 6 was much better.

The first treatment or 2 is the worst as you have the most hair follicles to explode. I could actually smell the burning hair. Ick.

I tend to have a high tolerance to pain but it was pretty uncomfortable. However the tech was very good and would give me breaks as needed. I had a lot of hair on my chin- think 5 o'clock shadow.

I originally had laser hair removal done about 7 years ago. It didn't hurt as much and didn't work as well. The facility also lied and told me that because they had a super duper laser I would only need 2-3 treatments. Then of course I actually needed more so they were trying to get me to come back. I was not a happy camper.

The new facility I bought a package through Groupon. I completed that treatment in November. I still have a few stray hairs but they are ones that the laser won't get as they are grey hairs.

I've had the veins in my nose and Chin done this week and it hurt like hell. Imagine someone flicking you with a rubber band continually. Ahhh hope it works

Hi all - I haven't been on this site forever. I thought I'd give an update. Here it is almost a year later. I'm proud to report that one PAINFUL laser treatment is all it took to get rid of the unwanted hair! It left red marks for almost 6 weeks, but didn't leave any lasting scars.

I've done two sessions for my lower legs and forearms so far and it is going great. They use a GentleMax laser that shoots a cool gel after each laser zap so you barely feel the laser. After the first session I barely had any regrowth on my legs! Yay to never shaving again. It's quite costly though, so I can only do legs and forearms this year. Next year I'll do upper legs, underarms, bikini, etc.

A considerate office/spa will have squeeze balls. They help me a lot and what I typically use for laser pain. Also I try and use the breathing techniques i learned in lamaze class 32 years ago. lol And maybe if I'm having a tense day, I will pop a Vicodin before a treatment.