You can expect your dermatologist to cleanse the treatment area and offer a topical numbing cream to ease discomfort, says Rambhia. Then, they will use a handheld device and move it over the treatment area.
“The laser emits light energy that targets the follicles, which may feel like a quick snapping sensation or mild warmth,” says Rambhia. You may also feel some discomfort, “like a rubber band hitting the skin,” adds Eisenstein.
A cooling mechanism on the device is used to protect the skin and make you as comfortable as possible. “Most lasers used for HS are designed to minimize skin irritation,” says Rambhia.
Sessions are usually brief, depending on how large the treatment area is.
Are There Any Precautions for Darker Skin?
“For darker skin tones, specific wavelengths, such as the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, are preferred because they target the deeper hair follicles while sparing the surrounding skin,” says Rambhia.
“This wavelength is less likely to interact with melanin in the skin’s surface, reducing the risk of burns, hyperpigmentation, or hypopigmentation,” she says. “Proper laser selection and settings, combined with an experienced provider, ensure safer and more effective treatment outcomes for patients with darker skin tones.”
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