Cost of Laser Hair Removal

COST OF LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

“What will it cost” is the most asked question regarding laser hair removal. The cost for your own laser hair removal treatment will be unique to your situation. The total cost is based on the size of the treatment area, skin color, hair color and thickness, and how many treatment sessions are needed to reach optimal results. Costs will also vary between geographical areas and from one laser center to another. A consultation prior to treatment is necessary in order to assess your personal treatment plan.

Treatment costs can range from $75 per session for small areas up to $1000 per session for large areas. Multiple sessions are usually required. Smaller areas such as the upper lip will cost less and larger areas such as the legs will cost more. Average costs for a series of sessions to treat the bikini line or underarms is in the $900 range while a mans back is in the $5000 range.

PRICING STRUCTURES

The pricing structure for laser hair removal can vary from center to center, but most times the total cost is the same at the end. Laser centers can charge a flat fee, fee by time, or fee per pulse.

Before treatment, arrange a consultation visit. At this appointment, you will discuss the area you want treated, have the procedure explained in detail, and will receive a price quote based on your individual treatment plan. Ask if all charges are included in the price given, or if any additional costs can be expected.

FLAT FEE

Some laser hair removal centers use a flat fee basis. Treatment cost is a set amount and does not vary based on your individual body hair growth pattern. It could be a flat fee per treatment or a flat fee on a package of treatments.

TIME

Some laser hair removal centers charge per 15 minute segments. The cost of hair removal will be determined by the size of the treatment area and the amount of hair to be removed, as well as the speed of the laser technician and the speed of the laser machine. An upper lip can take only 5-10 minutes, legs can take 1 to 1-1/2 hours, while a mans chest can take 30 minutes and a mans back can take 1 hour.

FEE PER PULSE

Some laser hair removal centers charge per pulse. A pulse is one firing of the laser. The treatment cost will be based on the number of pulses to complete a treatment area. One pulse takes about one second and the area can range from the size of a dime to the size of a quarter. Different lasers have different spot sizes and will have different prices per pulse.

AFFECT OF SKIN COLOR

In order to be a candidate for laser hair removal, the hair must be darker than the surrounding skin. Light skin makes laser hair removal easier to perform, fewer treatments are needed, and the results are faster and better. Dark skin absorbs too much laser energy with most lasers, but there are now highly specialized lasers available at selected laser hair removal centers that can be used for many dark skinned and tanned skin patients. Dark skin requires more sessions, the results are slower, and treatment requires more expertise on the part of the laser technician.

HAIR COLOR AND THICKNESS

Dark hair is easier to treat than light hair as dark hair absorbs more laser energy. It is also easier to treat coarse hair than fine hair. It is difficult to treat blonde or red hair, which may require more treatment sessions.

NUMBER OF SESSIONS

Multiple sessions are needed to reach optimal results. The laser only destroys hair in the growth state, and not all hairs are in the growth stage at the same time. Most patients need from three to six sessions for each treatment area. The time between sessions is about six weeks.

DISCOUNT CENTERS

An established laser hair removal center with a good reputation will not discount their fees. As with all medical procedures, it is better to look for a center that will provide high quality treatment rather than a center with the cheapest prices.