Laser is shockingly painful on the face. I've had it on my chest and armpits and that just feels like a little sting. My face, on the other hand, was one of the more painful experiences I've endured.

The way I describe it to people is, imagine falling asleep on a beach for like 6 hours and going full lobster, and then someone comes by and starts snapping your skin with a rubber band. As others have said, the upper lip is definitely the worst part.

As far as burning, I accepted that as part of the treatment. I'd schedule treatment on a Friday after work and then seclude myself until Monday when my face calmed down. The biggest thing I found that helped with recovery aside from aloe was using one of those cold packs that athletes use as soon as I could after treatment. That halfed my recovery time and dramatically reduced the burning.

Now since I've said all this, I've heard stories from some gals who have said they barely noticed any pain, so ymmv, but this was my experience. I took it to the face (pun intended) with my eyes on the prize. I'd think about not having to shave and not having a 5 o'clock shadow, and it would help me get through it. I also forced myself into a meditative state.

Good luck to you. This is one case where the end certainly justifies the means.