Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (2024)

Laser Hair Removal

The SkinnyThe SpecificsThe Takeaway

  1. Procedures
  2. Body
  3. Laser Hair Removal

Evidence Based

Laser hair removal is a temporary hair removal solution that removes hair and then significantly delays future regrowth.

Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (1)

E

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Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C

Article History

  • Procedure Overview

  • Concerns

  • Ideal Candidate

  • Recovery

  • Side Effects

  • Results

  • Average Cost

Pros

  • Reduces Hair Growth
  • Precision

Cons

  • Multiple Sessions
  • Expensive
  • Specific Skin Tones
  • Specific Hair Colors
  • Not Permanent

Invasiveness Score

mildmoderatesevere

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

The Skinny

Average Recovery

1 days

Permanence

Temporary

Application

Laser/Light Therapy

Surgical

No

Cost

$125 - $1250

AEDITpro

Before & After Images by Provider

Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (2)Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (3)

Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (4)

Sheila Barbarino, MD, FAAO, FAACS, F.A.C.S

Laser Hair Removal

Torrance, CA

Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (5)Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (6)

Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (7)

Julie Russak, MD, FAAD

Laser Hair Removal

New York, NY

Before & After Images by Provider

Laser Hair Removal

The Specifics

What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removalis a temporary hair removal solution. Laser hair removal uses heat and light energy absorbed by the pigment cells of hair to heat the hair follicle causing significant, but temporary damage. Treated areas will see a loss of hair with a long period of time before hair grows back in.

Laser Hair Removal works most effectively on those with dark hair, coarse hair and a lighter complexion. Unlike electrolysis, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair removal, laser hair removal and IPL are considered semi-permanet hair removal solutions.

What cosmetic concerns does a laser hair removal procedure treat?

  1. Unwanted Hair: Laser hair removal temporarily damages hair follicles to cause hair to shed, and significantly delays the growth of new hair.

Who is the ideal candidate for a laser hair removal procedure?

The ideal candidate for laser hair removal has a light skin color with a dark hair color and is seeking unwanted hair removal from the face and body. Laser hair removal is not recommended for light colored or fine hair. This procedure should be used with caution in individuals with darker skin tones due to risk of scarring.

What is the average recovery associated with a laser hair removal procedure?

Most patients experience one to two days of recovery following a laser hair removal. Redness and swelling typically resolve within hours. Candidates should not use any other forms of hair removal or bleach their hair following this cosmetic procedure. Sun exposure needs to be avoided for six weeks.

What are the potential side effects of a laser hair removal procedure?

Possible side effects following a Laser Hair Removal procedure include redness, swelling, scarring, changes in skin pigmentation, and blistering.

What can someone expect from the results of a laser hair removal procedure?

The results of laser hair removal begin to develop in days to weeks. Hair will fall out in this time, although results vary significantly and are difficult to predict. Repeated treatments are usually necessary. Hair growth that is hormone dependent may not be affected by Laser Hair Removal.

What is the average cost of a laser hair removal procedure?

A laser hair removal procedure can cost anywhere from $125 to $1,250. The actual cost of laser hair removal is dependent upon location, hair loss specialist or dermatologist, and length and involvement of the cosmetic procedure. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of laser hair removal.

Pros

  • Reduces Hair Growth
  • Precision

Cons

  • Multiple Sessions
  • Expensive
  • Specific Skin Tones
  • Specific Hair Colors
  • Not Permanent

Invasiveness Score

mildmoderatesevere

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.

What to Expect

Laser hair removal is a procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light to remove unwanted hair. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after laser hair removal.

Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Avoid tanning lotions
  • Tanned skin may require a bleaching cream
  • Avoid other hair removal methods for 4 weeks
  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications
  • Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before treatment

During Treatment

  • Protective goggles worn to shield the eyes
  • Topical anesthetic applied
  • A hand-held laser instrument is pressed to the skin
  • Duration of a session will depend on the size of the area
  • Number of treatments will depend on the area, hair characteristics and pain tolerance

Immediately After Treatment

  • Redness and swelling for several hours

1-2 Days After Treatment and Beyond

  • Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks
  • Refrain from all forms of hair removal
  • Do not bleach hair

Result Notes

  • Hairs fall out over a period of days to weeks
  • Repeated treatments are usually necessary
  • Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict
  • Hormonal hair growth may not see results

Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Avoid tanning lotions
  • Tanned skin may require a bleaching cream
  • Avoid other hair removal methods for 4 weeks
  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications
  • Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before treatment

During Treatment

  • Protective goggles worn to shield the eyes
  • Topical anesthetic applied
  • A hand-held laser instrument is pressed to the skin
  • Duration of a session will depend on the size of the area
  • Number of treatments will depend on the area, hair characteristics and pain tolerance

Immediately After Treatment

  • Redness and swelling for several hours

1-2 Days After Treatment and Beyond

  • Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks
  • Refrain from all forms of hair removal
  • Do not bleach hair

Result Notes

  • Hairs fall out over a period of days to weeks
  • Repeated treatments are usually necessary
  • Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict
  • Hormonal hair growth may not see results

Before Treatment

  • Avoid sun exposure
  • Avoid tanning lotions
  • Tanned skin may require a bleaching cream
  • Avoid other hair removal methods for 4 weeks
  • Avoiding blood-thinning medications
  • Trimming and shaving is recommended the day before treatment

During Treatment

  • Protective goggles worn to shield the eyes
  • Topical anesthetic applied
  • A hand-held laser instrument is pressed to the skin
  • Duration of a session will depend on the size of the area
  • Number of treatments will depend on the area, hair characteristics and pain tolerance

Immediately After Treatment

  • Redness and swelling for several hours

1-2 Days After Treatment and Beyond

  • Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks
  • Refrain from all forms of hair removal
  • Do not bleach hair

Result Notes

  • Hairs fall out over a period of days to weeks
  • Repeated treatments are usually necessary
  • Results vary significantly and are difficult to predict
  • Hormonal hair growth may not see results

The Takeaway

Laser hair removal is a temporary hair removal solution to remove unwanted hair and significantly slow the regrowth process.

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Source List

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AEDIT uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. American Academy of Dermatology Association Hair Loss: Tips for Managing aad.org

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Laser Hair Removal Overview: Cost, Recovery, Before & After | AEDIT (2024)

FAQs

How much did you spend on laser hair removal? ›

Half-arms or half legs treatments have a low average price of $250 and a high average price of $650. You can also get a laser hair removal procedure for your face or buttocks, with average prices of $250 to $650. The whole back, being the largest area, is the most expensive at $300 to $800 on average.

What is maintenance after laser hair removal? ›

The best laser hair removal care tips include wearing at least 30 SPF at all times and making sure to reapply when necessary, avoiding makeup and other beauty products for at least 24 hours following a session, and exfoliating the treated area a few times per week in between sessions.

What is laser hair removal summary? ›

Overview. Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair. During laser hair removal, a laser emits a light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair.

How much does laser hair removal cost in the USA? ›

“Individual treatment session costs are generally in the range of $100 to $800.” In 2020, the average cost of laser hair removal with no other related expenses was $389, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Below, we dig into the average costs for common treatment areas.

Why is laser hair removal so expensive? ›

Laser hair removal is expensive due to the high acquisition cost of the machines used for the procedure. On average, one machine can cost around $70,000 – $100,000. Even a used laser machine is worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Is laser hair removal worth the money? ›

Although it can be costly initially, laser hair removal can be a great option for those who want to significantly reduce unwanted body hair and cut down on regular maintenance.

What happens if I stop laser hair removal after 4 sessions? ›

If treatment is stopped before all of the hair follicles have been destroyed, some may continue to grow. It is important to complete the recommended treatment plan to achieve the best results. Sometimes, the patient sees hairs are thicker and darker after the treatment when they have original light and fair hair.

How long do you stay smooth after laser hair removal? ›

5-19 Days Post-6th Treatment

After the course is complete, the treated area will feel smooth with a permanent reduction in hair growth. Typically we recommend a minimum of 6 laser treatments for women and 8 for men. So you can expect to complete your course after 6-9 months.

Why do I have stubble after laser hair removal? ›

Up to a few weeks after treatment, your skin will develop stubble or blackheads as a part of the shedding process that happens from hairs that were partially grown at the time of the procedure. Exfoliation during this period aids the shedding and diminishes the blackhead or stubble appearance.

What no one tells you about laser hair removal? ›

Fact — Laser hair treatments don't work as well, and sometimes not at all on very fair or blond hair. The laser hair removal treatment requires pigment in the hair, or the beam of light will not reach the hair follicle. Hair that is gray or blond has less pigment, which can make laser hair removal ineffective.

Which is better, electrolysis or laser? ›

Electrolysis is considered a more permanent solution than laser hair removal (it stops hair growth completely while laser hair removal slows and reduces hair growth), but it requires more individual sessions (closer to 14), and the sessions can take longer. You might not see full results for nearly 18 months.

Which laser is best for permanent hair removal? ›

ALEXANDRITE LASER – EFFECTIVE AND HIGH CONSCIOUS

The laser processes the hair roots with a wavelength of 755nm to permanently destroy them so that no hair can regrow.

How painful is laser hair removal? ›

Though there is some pain, it's often less than people imagine. Laser hair removal targets your hair follicles with a very hot laser, but you won't feel this heat or any burning. Instead, you might feel a sensation similar to having an elastic band snapped against your skin.

Should I laser my upper lip? ›

There are a variety of benefits to upper lip laser treatments. Unlike other hair removal methods, laser hair removal permanently removes unwanted hair. This treatment is also less painful, more precise, and doesn't damage your skin, unlike shaving and waxing. This treatment is extremely cost and time effective.

Do you shave before laser hair removal? ›

Shave Before Treatment

You should shave within 24 hours of your scheduled laser appointment. Your laser technician cannot treat areas that have hair above the skin. You cannot even receive treatment if there is rough stubble because this may create too much heat for the pigment of your skin.

Is one session of laser hair removal worth it? ›

Now, you might wonder if one session is enough for permanent hair removal. The answer is usually no. While you will notice a reduction in hair growth, achieving complete hair removal requires multiple sessions.

How much should I save for laser hair removal? ›

Specific Areas

– Back: A larger area like the back can cost $300 to $800 per session. – Bikini Area: Depending on the extent of the area, you might pay $150 to $450. – Chest: Similar to the back, treating the chest can cost $300 to $800. – Face & Neck: For smaller, precise areas, costs can be $100 to $300 per session.

Does laser hair removal save money? ›

The money-saving benefits of laser hair removal

While laser hair removal treatments are designed to be affordable, they also eliminate many long-term costs associated with staying hair-free. You no longer have to invest in razors or shaving supplies.

Does laser hair removal last forever? ›

How long will the results of laser hair removal last? Most patients remain hair free for months or even years. When some of the hair regrows, it will likely be less noticeable. To keep the area free of hair, a patient may need maintenance laser treatments.

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