Quick question for anyone who's done this - does the laser treatment hurt much? I have a pretty low pain tolerance and I'm worried it's going to be unbearable, especially on sensitive areas. Also, how long does each session actually take? I work pretty long hours so I'm trying to figure out if I can squeeze appointments in during lunch breaks or if I need to take time off.

The discomfort level really depends on the area being treated and your personal pain threshold. Most people describe it as feeling like a rubber band snapping against your skin, with some warmth. It's definitely not unbearable though. For sensitive areas like the face or neck, they can apply numbing cream beforehand if you're really concerned about it. As for timing, smaller areas like your neck or underarms take maybe ten to fifteen minutes, while larger areas like your full back could take thirty to sixty minutes. Most places are pretty flexible with scheduling and can work around your availability.

I had similar concerns before I started, but it turned out to be way less painful than I expected. The newer laser systems have cooling mechanisms built in that make it much more comfortable than older technology. For my chest and stomach, each session took about forty-five minutes including prep time. The actual discomfort only lasts for a few seconds at a time as they move the laser across different sections. What really helped me was going to a place that specialized in treating men because they understood which areas are more sensitive and adjusted the settings accordingly. I found a great clinic through hair removal for men in Chicago and they were excellent at making the whole experience as comfortable as possible. The staff knew exactly what they were doing and made sure I felt at ease throughout every session.