Introduction to Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a noninvasive technique that uses highly concentrated light to target hair follicles, heating and damaging them to reduce the amount of unwanted hair growth and the frequency at which it grows.

This process inhibits future hair growth by preventing the damaged follicles from producing hair.

It is one of the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States, with over 2.9 million laser skin treatments, including laser hair removal, performed in 2022 alone.

This procedure serves as an alternative to temporary hair removal methods, such as tweezing, shaving, and waxing, aiming for smoother, longer-lasting results.

While the exact cost can vary significantly, the general price for laser hair removal typically ranges from $250 to $900. Nationally, according to CareCredit’s 2023 Cost Study, the range is generally between $207 and $913.

However, it's essential to note that a full-body treatment can ultimately cost thousands of dollars, as multiple sessions are typically required to achieve the desired results.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal works by directing laser light, which is absorbed by the pigment in the hair shaft within the follicle.

This absorption generates heat, which in turn damages the follicle to prevent or significantly reduce hair growth.

While the treatment is not always guaranteed to be 100% permanent, particularly for facial hair, it can significantly reduce hair growth and the thickness of any remaining hair.

In some cases, after enough sessions, it may even be considered a permanent solution.

The procedure is most effective for individuals with light-colored skin and dark-colored hair. This is because the laser targets the pigment in the hair.

Light blonde, red, gray, or white hair may not contain enough pigment to be effectively removed by laser treatment.

Common areas most effectively treated by laser hair removal include the armpits, back, bikini area, chest, face (especially the upper lip and chin), legs, neck, and shoulders.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

The average cost of laser hair removal is approximately $697, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. CareCredit's 2023 Cost Study indicates a national average range between $207 and $913.

However, this average is only a part of the total price, as it does not include all related expenses, and full-body hair removal can reach thousands of dollars due to the need for several sessions.

Several factors significantly influence the total cost of laser hair removal:

Healthcare professional’s fee: This includes the plastic surgeon's fee, and more experienced professionals may charge more.

Geographic location of the specialist's office: Costs vary considerably by state and region, with higher prices often found in coastal areas due to higher demand. For example, laser hair removal on legs can range from an average of $305 in Colorado to $552 in Wisconsin.

Specific body part/treatment area: Smaller areas like the chin and upper lip generally cost less than larger areas such as the back or full legs.

Number of sessions required: Multiple treatment sessions are typically needed to achieve desired results, which significantly impacts the overall cost.

Skin type and hair type: Individuals with darker skin tones or dark hair may require special laser technology or potentially extra sessions, which can influence the cost.

Type of laser utilized (e.g., diode, alexandrite).

Anesthesia cream used to reduce discomfort.

Special equipment needed for the procedure or recovery.

Post-care products, such as sunscreen or soothing agents.

Time and effort the treatment requires.

Here is an average cost breakdown by treatment area in the U.S. per session, according to CareCredit’s 2023 Cost Study:

Back: $913 (cost range $285 to $1,100). Sample single session prices include $210 (Utah), $288 (NYC), and $450 (Northern Virginia).

Bikini: $458 (cost range $65 to $1,264). Sample single session prices include $95 (Pasadena, CA), $138 (NYC), and $149 (Northern Virginia).

Chin: $222 (cost range $45 to $400). Sample single session prices include $35 (Utah), $88 (NYC), and $99 (Northern Virginia).

Legs: $412 (cost range $65 to $1,264). Sample single session prices for full legs range from $200 (Chicago) to $400 (Northern Virginia). For both full legs, the cost could be $3,200 for eight sessions at $200 per session.

Underarms: $207 (cost range $89 to $415). Sample single session prices include $75 (Chicago), $125 (Northern Virginia), and $138 (NYC).

Upper Lip: Sample single session prices range from $35 (Utah) to $88 (NYC).

Is Laser Hair Removal Covered by Insurance?

In most cases, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure rather than a medical one, and therefore, it is generally not covered by most health insurance plans. This typically includes Medicare as well.

There are rare exceptions where insurance might provide coverage if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to a specific health condition. Examples of conditions that may allow for classification as medically necessary include:

Treating gender dysphoria.
Pilonidal sinus disease.
Hair follicle infections (folliculitis).

Certain types of cancer. It is advisable to consult directly with your healthcare professional and insurance company for specific guidance regarding coverage.

Furthermore, laser hair removal is not an HSA-eligible expense under IRS Publication 502.

Using funds from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for this procedure would be considered a nonqualified distribution and could be subject to a penalty.

How Long Does Laser Hair Removal Take and Last?

Achieving the best results from laser hair removal usually requires six or more treatments, or typically between three and six sessions.

Facial hair, being more influenced by hormones, may require additional sessions and a higher frequency of treatments.

Treatment sessions are generally spaced six to eight weeks apart, or in 4- to 6-week intervals. This spacing is crucial because it helps to target hair at all stages of its growth cycle, from the active (anagen) stage to the resting (telogen) phase, ensuring that the entire hair growth cycle is addressed effectively.

After treatment, hair in the active growth stage will start to fall out within seven to ten days.

By the end of a series of sessions, you can expect approximately 80% of the hair to be permanently removed. Any remaining hair will be thinner, finer, and will grow back much more slowly.

For the bikini area, which is a common site for treatment, laser hair removal is quite effective. Typically, six to eight sessions are needed for this area.

Patients can choose between a standard bikini line hair removal or a full Brazilian, which removes hair from the entire region.

Laser Hair Removal vs. Alternative Removal Techniques

Laser hair removal is one method among several for removing unwanted hair. Here's how it compares to other common techniques:

Electrolysis: Unlike laser hair removal, which doesn't guarantee permanent removal, electrolysis guarantees hair removal once the follicle is destroyed. In this more invasive procedure, a technician inserts a small needle into each hair follicle and uses a low-level electrical current to destroy it. While more effective in terms of permanence, electrolysis is also described as more painful and can cause swelling, redness, and irritation. Similar to laser hair removal, it requires multiple sessions for full hair removal.
Waxing: This is a temporary hair removal method where hot or cold wax is applied to the skin and then removed, pulling the hair out by the follicles. While minimally invasive, it does not permanently damage the follicles, meaning the hair will grow back. It can also temporarily irritate the skin and hair follicles.
Threading: In threading, cotton threads are wrapped and twisted around unwanted hairs to pull them out. It is about as effective as waxing and does not prevent regrowth as it removes hair from the follicle without damaging it. Threading can cause irritation and redness and is primarily effective for small areas like eyebrows.
Depilatories: These are creams, lotions, and gels that dissolve hair but do not destroy the follicles. Like waxing and threading, depilatories provide temporary hair removal. They can irritate the skin, so it's recommended to perform a patch test before widespread application.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work? (Procedure Details)

Before undergoing laser hair removal, an initial consultation with a healthcare professional, typically a dermatologist or plastic surgeon, is essential.

During this consultation, you will discuss your goals, assess your overall health, evaluate any preexisting conditions, and learn about the available options and expected outcomes.

This is also a good opportunity to inquire about the potential costs and benefits. Some consultations may even be complimentary.

Preparation for laser hair removal may begin up to six weeks before your first treatment. Your practitioner will advise you to stop waxing, tweezing, or undergoing electrolysis.

You should also discontinue using hair removal creams, bleaching creams, or other chemical products.

Approximately two weeks before your laser sessions, you should limit direct sun exposure, tanning beds, and topical self-tanners. If you are in the sun, use a sunblock with SPF 30 or higher and wear protective clothing.

The day before your treatment, you will need to shave the treatment area with a sharp razor.

During the treatment, a numbing cream or oral pain medication may be administered to manage discomfort, if necessary. A cool gel will then be applied to the treatment area.

A handheld laser will be focused on the area, and you may experience slight discomfort for a few seconds with each pulse. Your practitioner will discuss the specifics of multiple sessions to achieve your desired results.

What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal?

In the first 24 hours after your treatment, it's crucial to give your hair follicles and skin time to heal. You should avoid exercise and activities that cause sweating, as well as anything that heats the skin, such as saunas, hot tubs, or hot baths.

Keep the treated area clean using gentle cleansing products, take cool showers, and pat your skin dry instead of rubbing it.

Common side effects after laser hair removal include mild swelling, redness, and itching. Mild hydrocortisone cream and other soothing ointments can be used to alleviate irritation.

Other potential symptoms you might experience include temporary pigment changes, particularly in darker skin, temporary irritation, and possibly blistering, crusting, or changes in skin texture.

It is important to note that individuals with darker skin tones require a less intensive laser to prevent skin damage.

Additionally, if you have a tan from tanning beds or spray tanner, you should wait until the tan fades, as darker pigment on the skin can absorb the laser light, potentially leading to adverse effects.

Financing Laser Hair Removal

Since laser hair removal can be expensive and is generally not covered by insurance, it's important to consider various payment options. These include:

Saving cash for the procedure.
Applying for a medical loan, such as from Prosper.

Considering a medical credit card, such as CareCredit, which can help pay for costs not covered by insurance.

Using a general credit card with a 0% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR), provided you can pay the entire balance before the interest payments kick in.

You should also ask your laser hair removal specialist if they offer patient payment plans or financing options, and pay close attention to any interest rates involved.

It is also recommended to shop around for the best specialist and consider the geographic location, as prices can vary significantly between regions.

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It? (Pros and Cons)

Deciding if laser hair removal is worth it depends on weighing the short-term costs against the long-term benefits for your individual situation.

Pros of Laser Hair Removal:

Reduces hair growth.
Maintenance treatments are typically infrequent, sometimes only once every two years.
Eliminates razor burns or ingrown hairs.
Generally less painful compared to other hair removal options.

May prove to be less expensive over the long term compared to the lifetime spending on other hair removal methods like waxing (some studies suggest women may spend as much as $23,000 on hair removal during their lifetime).

Cons of Laser Hair Removal:

Results are not guaranteed to be 100% permanent.
Requires multiple treatment sessions (possibly every 4-6 weeks) to achieve desired results.
Patients with darker skin tones may need to avoid older laser hair removal devices to protect their skin.
You may endure side effects if your skin becomes dry.
The upfront costs can be high.

Conclusion

Laser hair removal can be a quick and convenient way to achieve smoother, hair-free skin. However, it is crucial to carefully consider the costs, as it is generally regarded as a cosmetic procedure and thus not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most private health insurance plans.

It is essential to determine your payment strategy, whether through saving cash, medical loans, or credit cards, to avoid incurring debt.

Before proceeding, always meet with a certified laser hair removal specialist or a board-certified dermatologist.

This consultation is vital to discuss your options, ensure the procedure is safe and effective for your chosen body area and your specific skin and hair type, and understand what fees to expect throughout the process.

What is the cost of laser hair removal?

The cost of laser hair removal can vary significantly based on several factors, including the specific body part being treated, the healthcare professional's fee, the geographic location of the specialist, and the number of sessions required.

The national average cost for laser hair removal can range between $207 and $913, according to CareCredit’s 2023 Cost Study. Other sources indicate a general range of $250 to $900. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons states that the average cost of laser skin treatments, including laser hair removal, is $697.

It's important to remember that these averages are only part of the total price and do not include all related expenses.

How much does laser hair removal cost in TN?

For laser hair removal on legs, the average cost in Tennessee (TN) is $416

How much is laser hair removal in MA?

For laser hair removal on legs, the average cost in Massachusetts (MA) is $424

How permanent is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is not guaranteed to be 100% permanent, particularly for facial hair, and does not always prevent future growth. However, it can significantly reduce the amount of hair growth and the thickness of hair that remains.

In some cases, after enough sessions, it is considered a permanent solution. By the end of a series of sessions, you can expect about 80% of the hair to be permanently removed. Any remaining hair will be thinner, finer, and grow back much more slowly.

Maintenance treatments are typically infrequent, sometimes only once every two years.