Bikinis and Emla

Hair Removal Methods Laser hair removal
#1

I don’t use any pain control when I get laser on my legs (GentleLase 20J 18mm spot size, currently). But I’m getting my bikini done soon (Brazilian, 100% gone) and I am wondering if that’s going to be worse than the legs.

For the record, waxing my legs always hurt TONS more than waxing my bikini area, so I was assuming the laser would hurt less in that area too. But I’m starting to get nervous and I may invest in some Emla.

How would I apply it to such a uniquely shaped area? I hear you have to layer it thickly, wrap it in saran wrap, and leave it on for hours. Do I drive to my appt with a saran wrap diaper, or can I wash it off before I leave the house? Do I cover EVERYTHING with it, or is it dangerous to get too close to the actual vaginal opening? They said they laser right up to the inside of the labia, so is that okay for Emla too?

#2

I have no idea in terms of your question a girl would know more :slight_smile: But I used EMLA for the first time on my face yesterday and aside from making my face feel numb, I didn’t notice any reduction in pain on my face. Felt just as unpleasant as without! I only had it on 30 minutes though, they put it on and covered in in saran wrap.

#3

Emla will only reduce the sensation in the best of cases. You will still feel something. Only injectable anesthetic could leave you so numb that you feel nothing during L.A.S.E.R. and electrolysis.

#4

Oh, I didn’t know.

I can take the pain I think, but it would be great to have it reduced on such an area. However, if it doesn’t at least take some of the edge off, then I can’t afford to spend money on it. That tube of Emla is as much as an electrolysis appt!

So, to anyone who’s had laser done: Is the Emla worth it, even a little? Injectable anesthetic is not an option for me. :frowning:

#5

I use emla on my face, and only leave it on for an hour max. Some people I know say it peaks for them in 30 minutes. You might be able to numb up with the cream in their office 30 minutes before your appointment, I would ask them.

But even better, ask your operator about pain management solutions first. I had laser on my face, and they offered something similar to EMLA (only a bit stronger, had some other *caines in it) and it was included in the price. I really needed it (it was brief but very painful!). The pain may be bearable without anesthetic, since your leg hair is not nearly as thick, dense and deep rooted as a male beard.

#6

I never used it on this area. It will hurt, but this area is very small compared to legs. So it will be over relatively quickly. Pain depends on how dense and coarse the hair is. If there are a lot of coarse follicles close together, it will hurt more.

You leave it on for an hour. Most people do it at the office before the appt.

#7

UPDATE:

Had my bikini done today, and the people were really nice, but the story is sort of funny. I got there an hour early for numbing cream, but they were all at lunch :frowning: So I only was able to apply the cream a half hour in advance (no saran wrap). Of course, the cream didn’t work at ALL. I had no change in sensitivity anywhere in the area. So I drank a mini-shot of some liquor (not much, but it was worth a try), and popped a few advil, and hoped for the best. Ouch! No fun.

But the funny thing is, just as I was leaving the building to go home, the numbing cream kicked in!!! About five minutes AFTER I was finished! The entire ride home I could barely even feel the seat under me, I went sooooo numb.

Figures it would start working the moment I leave the office! grumble

#8

Haha. That’s a fun story :slight_smile: But now you know it works. hehe.

You should also take a painkiller at least 30 mins ahead since it takes a while to kick in as well.

#9

My wife and I just got our first treatments. She had a Brazilian and I got my back, shoulders, chest, abs and arms done. We used EMLA applied one hour prior to starting covered W/ plastic and,
IT WORKED AWESOME!!! I only applied it to my abs and chest and wish I had put it everywhere. You could tell when she drifted outside the line of EMLA HOLY MOTHER did it hurt!!! The stomach and abs (belly) are very sensitive. WE GIVE EMLA FOUR THUMBS UP!!!

hoy yah!!!

AARON

#10

BTW. IF YOU REMOVE GUM IN YOUR MOUTH WITH YOUR FINGERS AND THEN REPLACE IT AND LICK OFF YOUR FINGERS W/ EMLA ON THEM. WELL, YOU COULD PROBABLY GET A FILLING DONE. MOST LIKELY GREAT FOR A TOOTH ACHE?

GOOD TIMES’

AARON

#11

You shouldn’t have it in your mouth. It’s not safe to digest. Topical only for this numbing cream. All numbing medicine is not the same. What they use at the dentist is safe for internal use.

#12

How long does EMLA last for? As in, if it is recommended to put on an hour in advance, then when does it wear off? Thanks.

#13

It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes for it to set up perfectly, and then one has 30 to 60 minutes to work through the area.

The EMLA won’t start wearing off until the plastic is removed, if you utilize plastic to occlude the area. After that, it lasts for as long as 4 hours, but most people find that it only lasts about 30 to 60 minutes after the plastic wears off.

#14

Thank you for your reply.

#15

You are welcome, good lady. Please do keep us informed of your jouney, and keep in touch. There are many who read, but never post around here.