Get Comfortable

Here's what you need to know about managing the discomfort of treatment and making it as comfortable as possible.

take something

- You may want to try taking your favorite over-the-counter pain reliever (avoid anything with caffeine as it can make you MORE sensitive).

- Take at least 30 minutes before your treatment.

- To reduce redness, you can take an antacid an hour before treatment.

realistic expectations

- Unless you have actual anesthetic injections from a doctor you are probably not going to be completely numb.

- Anything you try is a discovery period. As with any product we try, we are all different and every product works differently on us. For some clients a product works quite well, for others it just takes the edge off, and for others they get very little relief at all.

topical relief

- Look for a cream (not a gel) as these are easier to remove for treatment.

- If you see the word "anorectal" on it don't be alarmed, it just means it's safe for that area.

- Typically topical anesthetics work the best in areas near mucous membranes like the upper lip, however some clients find it does help take the edge off when used on other areas.

- If you are very sensitive you may want to ask your doctor for a lidocaine prilocaine prescription.

- Below are examples of over the counter options clients have found to be helpful:

topical application tips

Plan ahead - It is best if you apply at least 30-45 minutes prior to your appointment.

Clean first - Be sure to wash the area thoroughly to get any makeup or oil off prior to application.

Nice and thick - Apply a thick coat (imagine the "got milk?" ads from years ago). If you only smear a thin layer on it's going to evaporate and won’t be as effective.

Don’t let it dry - If needed, you can cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Hide it if you want - If you are embarrassed about driving down the road with a lip or chin full of white goo or covered in plastic wrap, you may want to put a mask on.

Don’t lick it - If you’re applying to your upper lip, avoid accidentally licking it as this can cause your tongue to get numb.

Protect yourself - If you are applying to your underarm or bikini line use plastic wrap to cover. This will prevent it from drying up and can protect your clothing.

see what works for you

Remember all we can do is suggest what works for some people. The only way to find out what works for you is to try it.

just say no

Avoid caffeine 6-10 hours, alcohol 12 hours, and smoking/vaping 2-4 hours prior to your appointment - these can dehydrate your skin, increase sensitivity, and impact healing.

Extra stress and your menstrual cycle(if applicable) can also affect your comfort during treatment.

stay hydrated

Remember to drink lots of water. Hydrated skin responds better during and after treatment.