What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is the use of laser energy to eliminate or diminish the body’s ability to produce hair in unwanted areas. This is accomplished by using a laser to apply heat to the hair follicle which signals the hair follicle to go into a resting (telogen) phase.

What is the definition of a laser?

A laser is a device that produces light of a single color and heat intensity called a wavelength. In a dermatological environment such as for the treatment of hair removal, the target is the melanin pigment contained within the hair shaft.

Who is qualified to perform Laser Hair Removal?

A qualified cosmetic surgeon is able to perform laser hair removal. The procedure of laser hair removal requires that the laser targets only the melanin of the hair shaft without damaging the melanin pigment in the surface of the skin.

How many treatments are required for successful Laser Hair Removal?

The number of treatments required will vary depending on the hair type and color being treated.  Each treatment is usually administered at four to eight week intervals depending on the region of the body that is treated.

The initial series of treatments are generally followed by a subsequent set of treatments at intervals that are set farther and farther apart. After the maximum results of laser hair removal have been achieved, annual maintenance treatments are nearly always required.

Who is considered a poor candidate for Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal can be challenging to perform on patients who are extremely tan or who have a naturally dark complexion. Melanin pigment, which is found in both the hair and the skin, absorbs the light from the laser which may cause 1) the melanin of the skin to steal the laser light away from the area that is intended to be treated; and 2) may make it possible for the laser to injure the epidermal layer (top layer) of the skin causing hyperpigmentation. 

Certain lasers with the longest wavelength may better accommodate performing laser hair removal on patients with darker complexions.  Also, patients with very light hair may not see the same results as patients with darker hair and fair complexions.

There are a number of different lasers used however, some of which work better on lighter hair or darker complexions. A consultation with a cosmetic dermatologist may answer questions regarding which lasers work best for certain skin or hair types.

What are the disadvantages of Laser Hair Removal?

Some patients may experience hair re-growth.  The re-growth of hair is typically finer and lighter in color than the original growth, however. Additionally, some of the side effects may include damage to healthy skin tissue, burning, redness and swelling.

What areas can be treated with Laser Hair Removal?

All areas of the body can be treated with laser hair removal with the exception of the eye and the areas adjacent to the eye. The most common areas for treatment are the face, upper lip, neck, chest, around the nipples, underarms, back abdomen, bikini line and legs.

What are the pre-treatment instructions for Laser Hair Removal?

Pre-treatment instructions may include:

• Avoid the sun for 4-6 weeks prior to treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation; a deep suntan or sunburn may prevent treatments
• Limit shaving of the affected area prior to treatment to make tracking the problem area easier to the cosmetic dermatologist
• Avoid removing any hair down to the root in the affected area for at least 4-6 weeks prior to treatment
• Patients who suffer from the herpes virus may wish to take medication prior to treatment to prevent an outbreak triggered by the laser

What are the post treatment instructions for Laser Hair Removal?

It is common for patients to experience redness or bumps post treatment. Using aloe vera or other soothing skin care ointment may assist with redness. Patients should use a sun block of SPF 25 or greater for at least two weeks post treatment and indefinitely ideally.

Makeup and moisturizer may be worn, but no harsh chemicals or scrubbing should be performed. Hair shedding will gradually occur for up to three weeks post treatment and at this time gentle facial exfoliation may be used to facilitate the process.

 What is the cost of Laser Hair Removal?

The cost of laser hair removal is variable depending on location, skill of the physician and what region of the body is to be treated. A consultation with a cosmetic surgeon, who will customize a treatment program designed specifically for the patient, is the most reliable method of determining the cost of laser hair removal.

The national average cost of this treatment is $400-$450, with additional costs applied based on the difficulty of the region of the body that is to be treated. For example, a bikini line may be an additional cost of $350-$500, while leg treatments may cost an additional $600-$850.

Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.

By Anti-Aging.org Staff
Updated: November 28, 2008