Laser hair removal: what it is, what AAD says, what to ask

MedSpaGrades editorial teamUpdated 22 Oct 20264 sources checkedHow we write

Laser hair removal uses laser light to treat unwanted hair. This page says what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), a society of dermatologists, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS), a society of dermatologists who do surgery, and the FDA say about it. It does not say whether you should have it.

What it is

AAD says a laser removes hair by vaporizing it, which causes small plumes of smoke with a sulfur-like smell. It says the lasers designed for hair removal can be used on most parts of the body. ASDS lists unwanted hair among the conditions laser and light therapy can be used to treat.

The FDA says laser products used for medical applications must also comply with the medical device regulations, in addition to rules on laser radiation.

How many visits, and how often

The sources give a range, and AAD's own pages are not identical. AAD's overview says removing the unwanted hair can take 6 sessions or more. Its FAQ says most patients need 2 to 6 laser treatments, and that the hair removal process often needs a series. It says most patients can have laser hair removal once every 4 to 6 weeks, and that your dermatologist will tell you when it is time for another treatment. Treatment time depends on the area: AAD says an upper lip takes minutes, and a large area such as the back or legs may take more than an hour.

What results to expect, according to AAD

AAD's FAQ says the results vary from person to person. The color and thickness of your hair, the area treated, the type of laser and your skin color all affect the results. It says you can expect a 10% to 25% reduction in hair after the first treatment, and that after treatments most patients do not see hair on the treated skin for several months or even years. It says that when hair regrows there tends to be less of it, finer and lighter, and that a person may need maintenance treatments.

AAD's overview says laser hair removal is permanent on most areas of the body, and not permanent on a woman's face because of hormones. Its FAQ says laser hair removal works most effectively for people with light skin and dark hair, and that today it can also be an option for people with light hair or dark skin, but must be done very carefully for them. The "permanent" and "months or years" statements are AAD's. Ask your provider what is realistic for your hair and skin.

The visit and afterward

AAD says the area is cleansed first, and some people receive a numbing gel, which takes about 30 to 60 minutes to work. It says everyone in the room must wear protective eyewear. Many people say the pulses feel like warm pinpricks or a rubber band snapped against the skin. AAD says laser hair removal generally needs no real downtime, though the treated skin is red and swollen and can look like a mild sunburn, and most people return to normal activities.

AAD says that to avoid side effects, you need to protect the treated skin from the sun, not use a tanning bed or sun lamp, and follow your dermatologist's after-care instructions.

Risks

AAD says the most common side effects are minor, last 1 to 3 days, and include discomfort, swelling and redness. It says other side effects are rare when laser hair removal is done by a dermatologist or under a dermatologist's direct supervision, and include blistering, cold sore outbreaks, infection, scarring, and skin lightening or darkening. It says skin color usually returns to normal in time, but some changes can be permanent.

AAD also says laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands, and that burns, permanent changes to skin color, and scars can occur. It says you can greatly reduce the risk by having treatment done by a medical doctor who is skilled in using lasers, and it recommends a board-certified dermatologist. That is AAD's view as a society of dermatologists. Which licensed professionals may operate a hair removal laser depends on the state.

Insurance

AAD says insurance does not cover laser hair removal.

Who does it

See our guide to who may inject for how to check who is licensed to operate lasers in your state, and our guide to questions to ask before you book.

What it costs

We do not give prices on this page. Our cost guide covers how clinics quote laser hair removal.