I have black hair growing on my philtrum like a beard. Is laser hair removal really painful? ㅠㅠ

 The fine hairs around my mouth and philtrum grow super thick and dark, just like in my photo. It has been my lifelong complex that the corners of my mouth look dark and patchy whenever I apply makeup. I used to shave every day at home with an eyebrow razor, but it seems to have damaged my skin and made my pores huge, so I decided I can't go on like this anymore and am looking into laser hair removal at a dermatology clinic! However, since the skin on the philtrum is thin, I’ve heard rumors that it hurts so much that it brings tears to your eyes when the laser is used on someone with thick hair like me, so I’m totally terrified. I’m really curious if the pain is bearable if I apply numbing cream thoroughly before the procedure. If I sign up for a 5-session package and get consistent treatments, will my philtrum become clean enough that I won't need to shave every morning? Experienced hair removal veterans, please leave me some really vivid tips!