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Laser hair removal (we prefer to refer to it as Laser Hair Reduction as “Removal” suggests a 100% effective result would be obtained- 90% is considered an achievable standard) is the best option for treating unwanted hair, offering the longest-lasting results compared to other popular options without the pain or inconvenience. This blog discusses the national average cost of laser hair removal, what goes into pricing laser hair removal treatments, which areas are commonly treated, and compares laser and waxing costs.
Unwanted hair can be a pain to remove, both literally and figuratively. Waxing hurts, shaving doesn’t last, and chemical hair removal can cause burns. Laser hair removal or reduction is today’s gold standard for unwanted hair: by using laser heat to damage hair follicles, it treats hair at the root for long-lasting smoothness with minimal pain.
While it won’t permanently remove hair, it comes close. After your first laser treatment, hair grows back thinner and sparser, eventually not at all for a period of time. Most patients will need about five to six laser hair removal sessions after their first session to reach desired results and inhibit future hair growth, with occasional biannual touch-ups. Fine hair that lacks pigment will remain, immune from laser hair treatment benefit.
The national average price for laser hair removal ranges from $200 to $900 per session, depending on if there’s multiple areas to treat.
The cost of laser hair removal varies widely from practice to practice, depending on the type of laser used, the provider’s credentials, geographic location, the size and number of treatment areas, and the number of sessions.
Small treatment areas, such as the chin or upper lip, average about $125 per session; medium areas, like the bikini line or arms, range from $200- $500; and large areas, like the back or full legs, can range from $400–$900+.
In many cases, providers offer special, transparent pricing to patients who pay for sessions in bulk, since multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results. While most health insurance plans do not cover the cost of cosmetic surgeries or procedures, the Aesthetic Centre offers flexible payment plans to help most clients achieve a budget friendly, long-term solution without sacrificing quality.
Laser hair removal is a fantastic treatment because it can be applied successfully nearly anywhere on the body. Popular treatment areas include:
The process is quick and relatively painless, unlike waxing, which can be messy and is very painful. On clean, shaved skin (one day prior), your laser provider will pass the laser head over the treatment area, treating a few inches at a time. With a short burst of light and heat, the hair follicles are instantly damaged below the skin’s surface. Most patients report a small zap, similar to a rubber band snap. The entire session takes anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the size and number of treatment areas.
While laser hair removal is more costly up front than waxing or shaving, it ends up being a much more cost-effective treatment plan in the long run.
Waxing averages about $15 to $150 per session, but to maintain perfectly smooth skin, a client would need to have the service done once every three to eight weeks indefinitely. This quickly adds up.
Laser hair removal, on the other hand, pays for itself as most patients see immediate improvement in hair regrowth and sparseness. While you will have to undergo more sessions, the results are much more impressive and offer a much more permanent solution of an overall growth reduction outcome.
Additionally, aftercare is easier with laser hair treatments than with waxing because you wont experience bumps or ingrown hairs as you would with waxing. With laser treatments you can expect subtle erythema (spot redness) to last 1-3 days and notice heat sensitivity immediately post treatment. You should wear mineral sunscreen products on treated areas to protect from the effects of the sun, to include hyperpigmentation.
Reveal smooth, hair-free skin just in time for summer with laser hair removal. Learn if you are a candidate for laser hair removal at Aesthetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa in Tacoma, WA. Our facility offers access to an experienced team and advanced laser technology that treats all skin types.
Call (253) 284-9230 or complete the contact form to schedule an initial consultation with the skilled team of plastic surgeons and hair specialists at our Medical Spa.
