It might get tiring to remove undesirable body hair with temporary hair removal techniques like shaving, tweezing, and waxing. Consider laser hair removal if you’re tired of getting nicks from shaving or scorching pain from waxing and you want longer-lasting results.
Laser hair removal, one of the most well-liked cosmetic treatments available, is a practical solution to finally get rid of unwanted body hair. Anyone who is not acquainted with the treatment often has several queries, one of which is how much it will cost. What you should know about laser hair removal is provided here.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Using brief bursts of laser light to kill the hair follicle, laser hair removal is a permanent method of getting rid of body hair. Waxing removes hair from the root, whereas shaving removes hair from the tip of the hair follicle. In either instance, the hair will come back. Contrarily, laser light effectively destroys a hair follicle, preventing further growth
According to Anna Guanche, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of the Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas, California, “laser hair removal needs a genuine laser that targets pigment,” adding that the laser heats up and damages hair follicles. “Heating the pigment in the hair bulb gently affects the tissue around it and inhibits the growth of new hair,” says the author. In fact, studies have shown that laser hair removal is a successful method of removing extra body hair.
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According to Dr. Guanche, before beginning a laser hair removal procedure, a consultation will be held to determine your skin type, hair type, and general expectations. The expert will then decide whether you are a suitable candidate, and if you are, you will proceed with the laser procedure. To lessen any pain from the operation, it is possible to first apply a topical numbing ointment to the region. Only then will the lasering begin. If you have coarse hair, you may want to have it shaved before the procedure.
The Common Price for Laser Hair Removal
Many people see laser hair removal as a beauty investment. Although it is more expensive than shaving or waxing, you will eventually save money on body hair removal expenditures when treatments are no longer required.
The cost of this operation depends on a variety of variables. According to Birmingham, Alabama-based dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, M.D., founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, “Costs for laser hair removal vary by body region treated, geographical location, and the competence of the individual doing the operation, and time to complete the process.” Individual therapy sessions often cost between $100 and $800.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [1], the average cost of laser hair removal in 2020 was $389 without any additional costs.
We go into the typical rates for popular treatment areas below. Dr. Guanche estimates that you may need four to six treatments altogether, therefore keep in mind that the typical costs given below are per treatment.
Average Laser Hair Removal Price for Big Areas
The cost of laser hair removal on larger body parts, such as the back or legs, will probably be more than on smaller sections of the body. According to Dr. Guanche, a big region like the back or legs might cost upwards of $600 each treatment.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal for Small Areas on Average
Less costly bodily parts will be those that are smaller. This may apply to regions of the face such the chin, lips, and sideburns as well as the underarms and bikini line. According to Dr. Guanche, the cost of a bikini treatment varies depending on whether it is a Brazilian (which removes hair from the labial to the perianal regions) or a standard v-shaped bikini (which removes hair from the groyne areas and leaves a V-shaped patch of hair on the mons pubis). She continues, saying that the typical cost per session for hair removal beneath the arms and on the lower face is $250.
What Does the Price of Laser Hair Removal Include?
According to both Dr. Guanche and Dr. Hartman, the price of laser hair removal often covers the office visit, the use of a topical anaesthetic to dull the discomfort, the laser treatment, and the topical application of goods like soothing agents and sunscreen after care.
How many laser hair removal sessions are necessary?
Although laser hair removal therapy is not an instant cure, it may eventually be a more permanent hair removal option. However, you will need to have the operation four to six times in order to be fully hair-free. One laser hair removal treatment may be sufficient to make hair thinner, lighter, and finer. Depending on how your hair is developing, Dr. Guanche advises doing touch-ups every four to six weeks over the first year.
According to Dr. Guanche, “It takes a lot of treatments [to be fully successful]”. “The laser therapy may entirely remit hair growth, totally put it into remission, or have no effect on the hair at all. Multiple treatments are required at four to six week intervals because of this. After your initial operation, you could even need annual touch-ups for a while.
Does Laser Hair Removal Have Insurance?
You shouldn’t typically anticipate that your health insurance will pay for the price of laser hair removal. According to Dr. Hartman, you may be able to pay for the expenses through a flexible spending account.
Dr. Guanche notes that insurance may, in certain circumstances, cover laser hair removal. Patients with diseases like pilonidal cysts or hidradenitis suppurativa may fall under this category (which are skin conditions that can be painful and may be able to be treated with laser hair removal). However, she continues, “In my experience, convincing insurance companies to fund laser hair removal is a tough procedure.”
The Benefits of Laser Hair Removal
Although laser hair removal is pricey, there are a number of advantages, including:
Removes unwelcome body hair
One of the most long-lasting methods for getting rid of or reducing body hair is this.
Makes skin even and smooth
According to Dr. Hartman, laser hair removal may “decrease pigmentation issues linked with undesired hair” and “alleviate skin disorders connected with hair development such folliculitis and discolouration.”
Lessens the time needed to remove body hair
When your laser treatments are finished, you won’t need to spend any more time shaving or waxing. According to Dr. Guanche, there is no need for depilation, waxing, shaving, or any of the irritating treatments that go along with them.
Ingrown hairs are not a concern
Ingrown hairs, which are often a side effect of shaving and waxing, are noted by Dr. Guanche to be “a thing of the past following laser hair removal.”
The Downsides of Laser Hair Removal
There are also certain drawbacks to think about, such as the following:
Pain from the treatment for a short time
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, side effects from laser hair removal may include moderate swelling, a little skin redness, and transient irritation that can lead to blistering, crusting, scarring, or a change in the texture of the skin. However, several studies have shown that the negative effects are mild and transient.
The cost incurred personally
Compared to other hair removal procedures, laser hair removal is more expensive.
The potential for pigmentation problems
Depending on the skin type, pigmentation may result during laser hair removal. According to Dr. Guanche, “The fairest skin types with the darkest hair fair the best.” “This is because the laser can target the black hairs with more accuracy. Additionally, it enables the practitioner to exert more effort and produce greater effects. The laser may accidentally target the skin’s pigment if you have dark skin and black hair, which might result in burning or hyperpigmentation. In order to avoid these negative effects while lasering dark skin, the energy levels must be maintained lower, necessitating more treatment sessions. According to Dr. Guanche, darker skin types could need more treatments since their energy levels would need to be lowered. Since there is less pigmentation to absorb the laser energy, lighter hair types may also need more treatments.
A little inconvenience
Dr. Guanche stresses the need of avoiding the sun during the weeks leading up to and after treatment, so keep that in mind as you plan any upcoming trips and warm-weather activities.
The interval between treatments
According to Dr. Guanche, you may need to let hair grow back between treatments without waxing or plucking it away.
Possibility of inefficiency
The efficiency of the laser may be affected by genetic predisposition, drugs consumed, and dietary considerations, according to experts. For instance, testosterone users may see short-term outcomes that are less effective than desired over time.
