hello all, i will be starting laser treatment in about two weeks with gentleYAG (facial hair) and when i called to set up the appointment the nurse said to come in early for the numbing cream which i really didnt plan on using…but i was wondering does it affect the results or do your chances of being burnt increase? i have had the skin test patch and the hair has shedded from that area. it did hurt really bad but i dont want to take any chances…should i use the numbing cream?
It’s up to you. Effective treatments hurt, but the worst pain is on the most coarse hair. If you want the treatments to be comfortable, then do it. You can probably tell them that you want to try it without the cream your first time. I personally never needed the cream on any of my treatments.
Chances are it’ll be lidocaine, prilocaine or a mixture of both (such as EMLA cream). It doesn’t affect the results at all, and usually has to be put on 1-2 hours before treatment for maximum numbness. Some creams need to be covered with an air-tight dressing (such as seran wrap). You’ll be glad you did!
Also, using an instant ice pack right before, during and/or after treatment will reduce inflammation, pain, and chance of burn injury from the laser. Bring one along in the car just in case the numbing cream isn’t enough.