How much does laser hair removal cost?

The average cost of laser skin treatments like laser hair removal is $697, according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This average cost is only part of the total price – it does not include other related expenses. Please consult with your plastic surgeon’s office to determine your final fee.

Laser hair removal prices may be based on the expertise and qualifications of the person performing the procedure, the type of procedure used, the time and effort the treatment requires and the geographic location of the office.

Laser hair removal costs may include:

• Procedure costs
• Prescriptions for medication

Most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery or its complications, but many plastic surgeons offer patient financing plans for laser hair removal, so be sure to ask.

What should I expect during a consultation for laser hair removal?

During your laser hair removal consultation be prepared to discuss:

• Your goals
• Medical conditions, drug allergies and medical treatments
• Current medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco and drug use
• Previous surgeries

Your surgeon, or his specialty-trained nurse, will also:

• Evaluate your general health status and any pre-existing health conditions or risk factors
• Take photographs
• Discuss your options
• Recommend a course of treatment
• Discuss likely outcomes of laser hair removal and any risks or potential complications

Be sure to ask your plastic surgeon questions. It’s very important to understand all aspects of your laser hair removal. It’s natural to feel some anxiety, whether it’s excitement for your anticipated new look or a bit of preoperative stress. Don’t be shy about discussing these feelings with your plastic surgeon.

What are the risks of laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal doesn’t guarantee permanent hair removal. Some hair could be resistant to the laser treatment or grow again after treatment – although the new hair growth might be finer and lighter in color.

Possible laser hair removal side effects include:

• Mild swelling around the hair follicles
• Pigment changes may occur, especially in those with darker skin – these changes are usually temporary
• Slight redness of the skin
• Temporary irritation resulting in blistering, crusting, scarring or other changes in skin texture

Special care must be taken for those with darker skin. A less intensive laser should be used to avoid damaging the outer skin.

Anyone who has tanned, used a spray tan or gone to a tanning booth should wait until the tan has faded as the pigment in the skin absorbs the laser light and reduces the effectiveness of the treatment.

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It’s important that you address all your questions directly with your laser hair reduction provider.

What are the steps of a laser hair removal procedure?

Your plastic surgeon may perform the laser hair removal procedure, or may delegate this to a nurse or other licensed provider.

A beam of highly focused light is absorbed by hair in disabling unwanted hair follicles. There is some mild discomfort that last a few seconds. People with white or gray hair may not have enough pigment target to be a candidate for laser hair removal.

Because hair grows in cycles, it typically takes three to four laser hair removal treatments to provide significant hair reduction.

How do I choose a plastic surgeon for laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal involves many choices. The first and most important is selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

ASPS Member Surgeons meet rigorous standards:

• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
• Complete at least six years of surgical training following medical school with a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency training
• Pass comprehensive oral and written exams
• Graduate from an accredited medical school
• Complete continuing medical education, including patient safety, each year
• Perform surgery in accredited, state-licensed or Medicare-certified surgical facilities

Do not be confused by other official-sounding boards and certifications.

The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which has approved medical specialty boards since 1934. There is no ABMS-recognized certifying board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.

By choosing a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, you can be assured that you are choosing a qualified, highly trained plastic surgeon who is board certified by the ABPS or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

ASPS Member Surgeons are your partners in cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery.

Look for the ASPS Member Surgeon logo.