Temporary methods like shaving, tweezing and waxing are not always the best options. If you’re tired of the pain and nicks associated with shaving or the burning sensation when waxing, laser hair removal may be an option.
Laser hair removal is one the most popular cosmetic procedures. This is a great way of getting rid of unwanted hair. Many people are curious about the cost of laser hair removal. Here are the facts about laser hair removal.
What is Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal is permanent. It uses pulses of laser light to destroy the hair follicle. Waxing or shaving will remove the hair follicle from the tip. Both can cause hair growth. However, the permanent body hair removal treatment damages the hair follicle and will not grow back.
Anna Guanche M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Bella Skin Institute in Calabasas. According to her, the laser heats hair follicles and damages them. Zocdoc makes it easy for you to locate top-rated doctors, and book appointments. You can either visit their offices or chat online with them.
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Dr. Guanche states that consultations are required in order to assess your skin and hair. Once you have been assessed by a specialist, you will be able to proceed with the laser treatment. You can use a topical numbing cream to reduce discomfort. After that, the lasering will take place. You can shave coarse hair prior to treatment.
Dr. Guanche states that a topical calming lotion will be applied to the treated areas after the laser treatment is complete. If the treated areas are exposed to sunlight, SPF can also be applied.
The Average Cost for Laser Hair Treatment
Laser hair removal can be considered an investment in beauty. Laser hair removal is more expensive than shaving or waxing, but it can be a good investment. You will eventually save money on body hair removal costs.
There are many factors that affect the cost of this procedure. Corey L. Hartman M.D. is the founder and CEO at Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. “The cost for laser hair removal depends upon the body area being treated, geographical location, the expertise of the person performing it, and the time required to complete the procedure.” Individual treatment sessions generally cost between $100-$800.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons [1], laser hair removal costs in 2020 averaged $389 without any related expenses.
Now we will look at the average price of common treatments. These average prices are per treatment. You might require up to six treatments according to Dr. Guanche.
Large areas of laser hair removal cost average
Large areas such as the legs or back will require laser hair removal. This can be more expensive. Dr. Guanche estimates that treatment for large areas, such as the legs or back, could cost up to $600.
For small areas, the average cost of laser hair removal is around $800
The less expensive parts of your body will be cheaper. These include the underarms and bikini line as well as facial areas like chins and lips. Dr. Guanche estimates that bikini costs can vary from $250 to $350 depending upon whether the Bikini is a Brazilian (removing hairs from the labial, perineal, and underarm areas), or a normal V-shaped Bikini. (Removing hairs from the groyne and leaving a patch or V on the mons pubis). Dr. Guanche states that the cost of treatment for the lower face and chin, as well as the underarm, can reach $250.
What are the costs of laser hair removal?
Dr. Guanche and Dr. Hartman say that laser hair removal typically involves a visit to the office, application of topical pain relief in order to numb the pain, as well as laser treatment. You can also apply soothing agents and sunscreen to your skin after treatment.
What are the best treatments for laser hair removal
Laser hair removal can be permanent, but it is not an easy solution. Laser hair removal can make your hair appear thinner, lighter and finer. However, you should repeat the process at least four to six more times to avoid hair loss. Dr. Guanche recommends you visit once every four to six weeks for touch-ups depending on how your hair grows.
Dr. Guanche states that many treatments are needed to make a significant difference. Dr. Guanche states that laser treatments can reduce hair’s size, or make it go into remission. At 4- to 6 week intervals, multiple treatments might be necessary. After your initial treatment, you may need to return for yearly visits.
Does Insurance Cover Laser Hair Removal?
Your insurance should not cover laser hair removal costs. Dr. Hartman suggests you might be able use a flexible spending account to cover the cost of laser hair reduction.
Dr. Guanche states that insurance may pay for laser hair removal in certain cases. Laser hair removal may be available for patients with severe skin conditions such as pilonidal cysts or hidradenitis. It can be hard to convince insurance companies that laser hair removal is covered.
Ask your receptionist if flexible payment options are available or if you can get a package.
Laser Hair Removal: The Advantages
Laser hair removal is expensive, but there are many advantages.
- Get rid of unwanted body hair.
- Smoothens and evens skin. Dr. Hartman states that laser hair removal can be used to “alleviate skin problems such as discoloration or folliculitis” and “reduce the pigmentation problems associated unwanted hair.”
- Laser treatments are quick and easy. It doesn’t take as much time to shave or wax. Dr. Guanche states that you don’t need to waxe, depilate or shave more than necessary, and that this will not cause irritation.
- After laser hair removal, ingrown hairs will not be a problem.
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Zocdoc makes it easy for you to locate top-rated doctors, and book appointments. Visit them in their offices, or chat with them online. Locate the closest dermatologist.
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Laser Hair Removal: The Downsides
There are also some cons.
- The procedure may cause temporary discomfort. Side effects can include slight swelling, reddening of skin and temporary irritation, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This could cause skin changes such as blistering, crusting, or change in texture. Research shows that side effects are not always severe.
- Out-of-pocket cost. Laser hair treatment can be more costly than other options.
- You may experience pigmentation issues. Laser hair removal can cause pigmentation depending on your skin type. Dr. Guanche states that those with darker skin tone and the most pigmented hairs perform best. Because the laser can be more precise in targeting dark hairs, this is why it is so effective. To achieve better results, the laser can be used with more energy. Lasers can also be used to target darker skin and hair. Hyperpigmentation or burning can result. To minimize side effects, lasering dark skin needs to be performed at low energy levels. This means that you will need to do more sessions in order to achieve the desired results. Dr. Guanche states that darker skin might need more treatment as the energy levels will need to be decreased. Lighter hair might need more treatment because it doesn’t have as much pigmentation to absorb the laser energy.
- Some inconvenience. Dr. Guanche states that it is important to protect the skin and avoid sunburns during treatment and recovery. This is important to remember in light of vacations and hot weather.
- This is the time in between treatments. Dr. Guanche recommends that hair be allowed to grow back without needing to trim or wax it.
- Ineffectiveness potential: Experts note that factors such as genetic predisposition, medication and nutrition can all impact the effectiveness of lasers. Some people who take testosterone may not reap the same long-term benefits.
