Laser Hair Removal Cost

The average laser hair removal cost varies depending on several factors. Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses heat from a laser to destroy hair follicles, resulting in smooth and long-lasting hair removal. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 1 million laser hair removal surgeries were performed in 2018 and 2019, and even with the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 760,000 removal surgeries were performed in 2020.

What is Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that uses a laser to target and destroy hair follicles. It’s an alternative to traditional temporary hair removal methods such as shaving, tweezing, and waxing. The procedure involves using heat from a laser to damage the hair follicle, preventing it from growing new hair. It’s considered safe and effective, but you must consult with a specialist and consider the costs involved before deciding to undergo laser hair removal.

Cost of Laser Hair Removal

So, how much does laser hair removal cost?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser hair removal was $389 in 2020.
However, we can break down the prices according to body parts. Small areas, such as the bikini line, underarms, chin, lip, and sideburns, can cost anywhere from $75 to $275 per session. Medium areas, such as upper and lower legs, and arms, can cost anywhere from $275 to $400 per session.

It’s important to note that these prices are averages and may vary depending on the location, the provider, the body area treated, the expertise of the person performing the procedure, the time to perform the procedure, and the specific treatment package offered. It’s recommended to consult with a specialist and get a personalized quote for the treatment.

What Goes Into The Cost?

The cost for laser hair removal typically includes the office visit, the application of topical anesthetic to numb the pain, the laser treatment, and the post-care topical application of products like soothing agents and sunscreen.

It’s important to note that laser hair removal is not a quick fix and multiple treatments are needed to achieve optimal results. The number of treatments required can vary from person to person, but typically 4-6 treatments are needed, spaced out 4-6 weeks apart. During the first year, doctors recommend going every four to six weeks for touch-ups depending on how your hair is growing. Additionally, some people may require yearly touch-ups for a few years following the first procedure.

Will Your Health Insurance Cover The Cost?

In general, laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by health insurance. It may be possible to use a flexible spending account to cover the costs. However, in rare cases, insurance might cover laser hair removal for patients who have certain conditions such as pilonidal cysts or hidradenitis suppurativa. So, it’s best to consult with a specialist before undergoing the procedure. Some treatment offices also offer package options or flexible payment plans, it’s also worth asking them. There are also alternative options to pay for the treatment.

How To Pay For Laser Hair Removal?

Laser hair removal can be expensive and not covered by insurance. Therefore, it’s important to consider different payment options before undergoing the procedure, such as:

Saving cash for the procedure
Applying for a medical loan from a lender such as Prosper
Considering a medical credit card like CareCredit
Using a credit card with a 0% intro annual percentage rate (APR) for a certain period of time

Review your financial situation and make sure you can pay the entire credit card balance before interest payments kick in. C considering the geographic location of a specialist can also help you find more affordable laser hair removal options. As mentioned, some laser hair removal specialists may offer patients payment plans or financing options. It’s worth asking them and paying attention to the interest rates before moving forward. Additionally, review all your payment options and consider the long-term financial implications before making a decision.

Cost Laser Hair Removal — Laser Hair Removal

Is Laser Hair Removal Worth It?

Whether or not laser hair removal is worth it depends on the individual’s personal circumstances. You should consider the short-term costs and long-term benefits before making a decision.

It’s recommended to schedule an appointment with a certified laser hair removal specialist or dermatologist before undergoing the procedure. The doctor will examine the target body area to determine if you are a good candidate for laser hair removal. They will also discuss factors such as skin type, hair type, and goals and expectations.

It’s also important to ask the specialist questions such as their experience, how complications are handled, recovery time, expected results, the safety of the procedure, the number of treatments required, and touch-up treatments. Also, know the technologies involved in the treatment and any skin care products that should be avoided prior to the procedure.

In some cases, you may receive a complimentary consultation, otherwise, the consultation fee may be applied to the costs of the laser hair removal. Remember to ask your medical professional about the fees you should expect and to make sure you understand the entire process before proceeding.

Additionally, you should know the benefits and downsides to make an informed decision about whether or not to get the treatment.

Pros of Laser Hair Removal

The benefits of laser hair removal include:

Permanent hair reduction: laser hair removal is one of the most permanent solutions for removing or reducing unwanted body hair.
Improved skin texture: laser hair removal can improve skin texture by reducing or eliminating skin problems associated with hair growth such as folliculitis and discoloration.
Increased convenience: once you have completed laser hair removal treatments, you will not have to spend time shaving or waxing, giving you more time to do other things.
Reduced risk of ingrown hairs: laser hair removal eliminates the risk of ingrown hairs, a common problem associated with shaving and waxing.

It’s worth noting that laser hair removal is a cosmetic procedure and the results may vary from person to person. As mentioned before, consult with a specialist to understand the risks and benefits before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Cons of Laser Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure, but like any medical treatment, it also has some downsides to consider. Some of the downsides of laser hair removal may include:

Temporary discomfort during the procedure: Laser hair removal can cause side effects such as mild swelling, slight redness of the skin, and temporary irritation that results in blistering, crusting, scarring, or a change in skin texture.
Out-of-pocket expense: The out-of-pocket expense of laser hair removal costs more than other hair removal methods.
The possibility of pigmentation issues: This can be an issue, especially for people with dark skin and dark hair. The laser may also end up targeting the pigment of the skin, which can lead to burning or hyperpigmentation.
Inconvenience: Some inconveniences, sun avoidance, and protection during the pre-treatment and post-treatment weeks are very important, which can be difficult during warm weather or vacations.
In the in-between period of treatments: You may have to allow hair to grow back without waxing or plucking them away.
Potential for ineffectiveness: Experts note that the effectiveness of the laser can be influenced by genetic predisposition, medications taken, and nutritional factors. For example, people taking testosterone may not have as effective long-term results due to the medication.

Keep In Mind

Ultimately, the benefits of the treatment may justify laser hair removal costs. Laser hair removal can be a great option for those looking for a long-term solution to unwanted body hair, but you need to carefully consider the costs and weigh them against the benefits before making a decision.

References

[1] How Much Does Laser Removal Treatment Cost? “How Much Does Hair Removal Cost?” Forbes Health, October 3, 2022.

[2] Saving For Laser Hair Removal Treatment. “Average Hair Removal Costs (and How to Save)” GoodRxHealth, June 15, 2022.

[3] How Much Removal Cost. “How Much Does Hair Removal Cost?” Derma-Tech, 2022.

[4] Price List. “Laser Hair Removal Pricing” IndyLaser, 2022.

[5] Removal: What It Costs. “Hair Removal Cost” BellaMedSpa, 2022.