Laser Hair Removal Pros & Cons

Many men and women struggle with unwanted body hair. One popular way to deal with unwanted hair is laser hair removal. Because of the process, the results, the potential side effects and the expense, laser hair removal may or may not be the way for you to deal with your unwanted hair.

Procedure

Laser hair removal can remove hair from almost any body part, including the face, underarms, back, legs, chest, abdomen, arms and bikini area. According to the Hair Removal Journal, laser hair removal is performed by using laser energy to produce heat in the hair, which causes the hair follicle to go into a resting phase. Though the procedure varies based on the patient and the area from which the hair is being removed, most patients must go through 4 to 7 treatments to achieve their hair removal goals. These treatments are generally performed 4 to 8 weeks apart.

Results

The resting phase of the hair follicle can lead to a long-term to permanent reduction in hair growth. It may take several sessions for patients to notice a difference in hair growth, because follicles may be at different stages. After repeated sessions, patients who have received laser hair removal should notice a lack of hair growth in the treated area. The long-term lack of hair growth is generally considered the main advantage of getting laser hair removal. However, some patients, most commonly those with light hair, may see complete regrowth, despite having had laser hair removal.

Maintenance

Electing to have laser hair removal can reduce the time, money and energy necessary to manage unwanted hair.

Scarring

Scarring is a potential side effect of laser hair removal. According to the Hair Removal Journal, the risk of scarring after laser hair removal is relatively small and depends upon the patient's ability to heal, the amount of melanin in the patient's skin, the experience level of the technician performing the procedure and the type of laser used. Anyone considering laser hair removal should speak with her doctor about the risk for scarring.

Pain

Some pain or minor discomfort is associated with laser hair removal. While some patients will avoid laser hair removal because of the pain, others find it is less painful than electrolysis and other hair removal procedures.

Cost

Laser hair removal can be costly, but many patients find the cost outweighs the hassle of dealing with unwanted hair on a regular basis. According to the Hair Removal Journal, the average cost of a single laser hair removal session is $429. However, the price of each session can vary greatly, based on the area from which the hair is being removed and the area of the country in which the procedure is being performed.