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If you’re looking for a more permanent solution to getting rid of unwanted body hair, you may want to consider laser hair removal. A safe and effective alternative to other hair removal methods like shaving and waxing, laser hair removal promises a significant reduction of unwanted hair, especially when done by a trained professional using the correct type of laser for your skin type. Once treatments are complete, other hair removal methods will likely be unnecessary, and maintenance may be minimal.
That being said, laser hair removal can come with its own risks and side effects. These can range from minimal redness and swelling to more rare complications, like skin darkening or lightening, herpes simplex, blistering and scarring. It’s important to consider all of the pros and cons before making your first appointment. Read on to find out exactly what laser hair removal entails.
Laser hair removal is a safe, effective and non-invasive method of removing body hair. “Laser hair removal uses light energy at specific wavelengths to hit pigmented hair follicles and cause termination of those cells,” explains Dr. Tracy Evans, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in San Francisco. “This results in hair reduction in the specific area that has been treated.”
Basically, laser hair removal damages the hair follicle, which prevents future hair growth, says Jaimie DeRosa, M.D.,a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder and lead plastic surgeon of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach, Florida. Laser hair removal can be done on most parts of the body and typically requires several treatments over a period of time in order to result in significant hair reduction.
People often get laser hair removal to have the growth of unwanted hairs permanently reduced in a more convenient and time-saving way. “Lasers can be used by dermatologists to safely remove unwanted facial and body hair without the daily need for shaving, tweezing, threading, waxing, etc.,” says Kunal Malik, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York.
According to Dr. Malik, laser hair removal can significantly reduce hair in approximately six sessions. It eliminates the need for regular body hair removal and has long-lasting results.
Laser hair removal can be costly, with an average price of $389 total, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. However, it does have many benefits that can make the price worth it for a lot of people. These include the below, according to both Dr. Malik and Dr. Evans.
“It is a really good treatment for those who suffer from folliculitis barbae, which is an itchy and sometimes tender swelling and infection around hair follicles that are prone to shaving, such as the beard line in men,” says Dr. DeRosa.
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While there are plenty of benefits to laser hair removal, it still comes with its fair share of risks and side effects. In order to avoid potentially uncomfortable side effects, Dr. Malik recommends doing your research before selecting a place to get the treatment done. “It is vital to see someone with an in-depth knowledge of the skin and which lasers are okay for specific skin types, as not all lasers are appropriate for laser hair removal,” he says.
Some of the most common side effects are mild discomfort in the treatment area afterward. According to Dr. Malik, this can include swelling, redness and blistering. “These are mild side effects and usually resolve in one to three days,” he says.
There are some more serious possible side effects, but Dr. Malik says these are rare in the hands of an experienced board-certified dermatologist. “These include pigment changes (skin darkening or lightening), cold sore outbreaks, blistering, scarring or infections,” he continues.
Less significant or no hair reduction is possible if the hair is too white or blonde and the laser cannot detect the hair. “The hairs need to be dark against a light background for the laser to preferentially treat the pigmented hairs,” explains Dr. Evans. Those being treated for hormonal imbalances may also have low success with instances of hair regrowth, requiring more treatment or maintenance sessions than others.
More serious side effects are more likely to happen to those with darker skin tones. “These patients need to be careful and only get treatment from a provider who has a lot of experience, preferably a dermatologist or plastic surgeon’s office,” says Dr. Evans. “People with darker skin tones are more at risk for things like burns and permanent damage from laser hair removal devices.”
A rare risk is that laser hair removal can end up having the opposite effect and cause increased hair growth. “This is most common during facial hair laser treatments in women with Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and South Asian heritage,” notes Dr. DeRosa.
It’s also worth noting that some people might not notice enough hair reduction after their first session. “It is important to realize it takes multiple treatments, ranging from five to 10,” says Dr. Evans.
Laser hair removal doesn’t require a lot of preparation, but there are some things you should do before your treatment.
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When you arrive at your treatment appointment, the area you’re targeting will be cleaned, and you’ll have the option to have numbing gel applied up to 30 minutes before the treatment, says Dr. Malik.
Once the area is ready, Dr. Malik says the skin is held taut as it is treated by the laser. “Many patients express the feeling as warm pinpricks or the snapping of a rubber band,” he says. However, Dr. Evans notes that some lasers today can be nearly pain-free. “Lasers can be painless if they are the right ones for your skin,” she says. “It is important that you choose the right practice that does a proper consultation and evaluation of your skin type and can give you the best laser for your particular skin type.”
The length of each appointment will vary depending on the size of the area being treated. “For example, the upper lip will take only a few minutes, whereas the entire back can take up to one hour,” says Dr. Malik.
You should expect several follow-up treatments. “We tell patients that it should take between five to 10 treatments done about five weeks apart, which is the amount of time hair needs to cycle through the hair growth cycle,” Dr. Evans says. Additionally, Dr. Malik notes that even after your treatments, you may find that you need an annual treatment as a touch-up.
Although it can be costly initially, laser hair removal can be a great option for those who want to significantly reduce unwanted body hair and cut down on regular maintenance.
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Jessica Booth is a New York-based freelance writer who regularly writes about health, wellness, parenting, food, travel, beauty and more for a variety of publications. She currently writes for Forbes Health, Insider, The Daily Beast, Brides, Redbook, Woman's Day, Women's Health, Scary Mommy, Romper and Life Savvy. Her byline has also appeared on Refinery 29, Cosmopolitan, Delish, Greatist, The Inventory, and Bustle. She previously worked as the editor-in-chief of Gurl.com, part of Defy Media.
Lumenis Lightsheer Duet Laser Brittany Zimmerman is a board-certified physician assistant who works in a private practice concierge dermatology office focused on cosmetic and medical dermatology. She has had extensive specialty training in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She has completed over 200 hours in specialized courses and has attended professional preceptorships in laser, neuromodulators and facial fillers. Zimmerman is also an active volunteer with Palm Beach County’s Project Access Program where she provides free medical evaluations and develops and manages treatment plans for those in need.