Does laser hair removal on the lips hurt?

Mar 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 23 years old this year, and I feel that the area around my mouth is dark and unattractive. I would like to undergo laser hair removal to address this issue. I want to know whether laser hair removal on the upper lip is painful.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Chen Lu

In general, the process of laser hair removal for the upper lip does not cause significant pain, although there may be mild discomfort or pain following the treatment. Laser hair removal technology selectively destroys the melanin in hair follicles using light energy of specific wavelengths, thereby achieving the effect of hair removal. Patients may experience some degree of discomfort during laser hair removal.

The sensation of pain during laser hair removal on the upper lip varies from person to person and is mainly influenced by individual pain thresholds, skin type, and the treatment area. Under normal circumstances, most patients describe the sensation as similar to a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin or a mild prickling feeling. For individuals with sensitive skin or heightened sensitivity to pain, the sensation may be more pronounced.

Prior to laser hair removal on the upper lip, doctors typically apply a topical anesthetic to ensure the patient does not experience pain during the procedure. Laser hair removal uses pulses of light and focused heat energy to target and damage the hair follicles of the lip hair. Due to the effects of the anesthetic, patients generally feel little to no pain throughout the procedure. After the treatment, as the anesthetic wears off, patients may experience mild pain or discomfort, primarily due to minor damage to the skin from the laser. However, this sensation is usually mild and can be relieved through methods such as cold compresses.

It is recommended that individuals considering laser hair removal for the upper lip first consult with a professional medical aesthetician to fully understand whether their skin type is suitable for laser hair removal and to learn how to minimize discomfort during the procedure.