Topical Anesthesia for Laser Hair Removal: Comparison of Spot Sizes and 755 nm versus 800 nm Wavelengths

Abstract

Topical 5% lidocaine cream is a simple and effective method for reducing patient discomfort during laser hair removal procedures, even when a skin cooling device is being used. A larger spot size causes more pain than a smaller spot size at identical fluences. The 800 nm diode laser causes greater discomfort than the 755 nm alexandrite laser.