Pain Relief for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal in Tokyo,
without the fear of pain
How laughing gas and numbing cream work, what they cost, and what to expect at our clinic.
You want laser hair removal.
But you have heard that it hurts.
At our clinic in Ebisu, you do not have to simply endure it.
Why does laser hair removal hurt?
Medical lasers target melanin, the pigment in your hair. The laser energy turns into heat, which damages the tissue that produces hair. That heat is what you feel as pain. People often describe it as a quick snap of a rubber band, or a brief sensation of heat.
The thicker, darker and denser the hair, the stronger the sensation. This is why areas such as the underarms, bikini line (VIO) and men’s beard tend to be the most sensitive. How much it hurts differs from person to person.
Two ways we help with pain
For patients who are anxious about pain, we offer two types of anesthesia. You are welcome to ask about them at your consultation.
Laughing gas (nitrous oxide)
A gas that you breathe in through your nose during treatment. It eases the sensation of pain and helps you feel relaxed. You stay awake and can talk with our staff throughout. Once you stop inhaling the gas, its effect wears off quickly. More about laughing gas at our clinic (Japanese)
Numbing cream
An anesthetic cream applied to the treatment area before the laser session. It dulls the sensation on the surface of the skin.
How well anesthesia works differs from person to person, and it may not remove pain completely. Depending on your health condition, we may not be able to offer it.
Prices for anesthesia
Anesthesia fees
Laughing gas (30 minutes): ¥6,000 (tax included)
Laughing gas (60 minutes): ¥11,000 (tax included)
Numbing cream: ¥3,300 (tax included)
These fees are in addition to the cost of hair removal. Medical hair removal in Japan is not covered by health insurance, so all fees are paid by the patient.
See our full price list (Japanese)
Our laser, and other ways we reduce discomfort
We use medical lasers such as the GentleMax Pro. It combines two wavelengths, Alexandrite and Nd:YAG, which we select according to your hair type, skin condition and treatment area. It also sprays a cooling gas onto the skin just before each pulse to protect the skin surface.
Adjusting the settings
We adjust the laser output while checking your skin and how you are feeling. If the pain is strong, please tell us during the session. You do not need to endure it in silence.
Pain usually eases over time
Pain is related to the amount and thickness of hair. As hair decreases with each session, most people find the treatment becomes more comfortable.
What you can do before your session
Avoid sun exposure
Tanned skin reacts more strongly to the laser. This increases both pain and the risk of burns, and we may not be able to treat tanned skin.
Moisturize
Dry skin is more sensitive. Keep your skin moisturized every day while you are having treatment.
Shave, do not pluck
Shave the area before your appointment. Do not pluck or wax, because the laser needs the hair root in order to work.
Rest well
You may feel pain more strongly when you are tired or have been drinking alcohol. Try to get a good night’s sleep the day before.
How many sessions will I need?
Laser hair removal is not completed in one visit. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser works only on hair in the growth phase.
As a general guide, many people find that shaving becomes much easier after around 5 to 8 sessions for the body. Men’s beard often takes longer. Sessions are usually 1 to 2 months apart for the face and 2 to 3 months apart for the body, so a full course typically takes 1 to 2 years. Results and the number of sessions needed differ from person to person.
If you are staying in Japan for a limited time, please let us know how long you will be here so that we can discuss a realistic plan.
About Private Clinic Ebisu
Our clinic is a 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Ebisu Station, one stop from Shibuya. We are open every day from 10:45 to 19:30, by appointment only.
At your consultation, we will ask about the areas you would like treated, check your skin and hair, and explain the expected number of sessions, the risks, and your options for pain relief. Please tell us about any medical conditions, medications or allergies.
You can book online or message us on our official LINE account.
Laughing gas for medical hair removal (Japanese) Price list (Japanese)Book Your Consultation
Nervous about the pain?
Tell us at your consultation. We are here to help.
3-minute walk from JR Ebisu Station (West Exit)
Open daily 10:45–19:30 (by appointment only)
* This article provides general information only. Diagnosis and treatment plans are decided individually after a medical examination. Medical hair removal is an elective treatment not covered by health insurance. Results and the number of sessions required differ from person to person.
* Main risks and side effects: redness, stinging, folliculitis, burns, pigmentation, and paradoxical hypertrichosis (hair becoming thicker or increasing) may occur. We will explain these in detail at your consultation.
Supervised by Dr. Miyama, Private Clinic Ebisu
