What happens during a laser hair removal session?

A first laser session is easier when you know the order of events. Readers usually worry about three things: pain, smell and how long it takes.

The steps in the room

Cleveland Clinic lays out what your provider does. They clean the area, then give you protective eyewear. According to Cleveland Clinic, the provider "Gives you protective glasses or goggles to wear during the procedure."

Cleveland Clinic adds that "Your healthcare also wears protective eyewear." If you are not offered eye protection, speak up before the laser comes on.

How it feels and how long it lasts

Cleveland Clinic describes the sensation this way: "It might feel like a series of stings. Some people describe it as a rubber band snapping against their skin."

On timing, Cleveland Clinic says "Your procedure might take a few minutes or up to an hour. It depends on the size of the area that is being treated."

Why the hair stops growing

WebMD gives the cause and effect: "During the procedure, the pigment in your hair will absorb a light beam from a laser. The light will be converted to heat and damage that hair follicle. Because of that damage, the hair will stop growing."

The smoke smell is not a warning sign

A burning smell can alarm a first-time patient. Cleveland Clinic says "You might smell smoke and burning hair. This is normal, and is the hair burning away from the laser’s heat."

What to ask before the session

Before you commit in West Sacramento, ask:

• Is protective eyewear provided for me, and does the operator wear it too?
• About how long will my area take?
• What should I do if the stinging feels like more than I expected?

For more detail, WebMD covers laser hair removal benefits, side effects and cost, and Cleveland Clinic explains how laser hair removal works and what to expect.

What a careful provider does first

The session itself is a short, ordered routine. The best sign of a careful provider is that the eyewear and the questions come up before the laser does.