You will probably need at least 4 to 6 sessions, spaced about a month apart, for laser hair removal on the face, with each laser hair removal session costing between $200 and $400.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal on the Face Cost?

You’ll likely need at least 4 to 6 sessions, spaced about a month apart, for laser hair removal, which can cost anywhere between $200 and $400 per session.

Since laser hair removal is an elective cosmetic procedure, insurance will not pay for it, but you should be able to go back to work right away.

Fast Facts of Laser Hair Removal on the Face

About

• In order to stop hair growth on the face, laser light technology is beamed to the hair follicles.
• This in-office cosmetic procedure is minimally invasive.

Safety

• In general, laser hair removal is regarded as a safe procedure.
• Redness, swelling, and, in rare instances, blistering, burning, or infections, are possible side effects.
• The laser equipment has FDA approval.

Convenience

• For the face, laser hair removal takes less than 30 minutes and doesn’t require any recovery time.
• It should only be performed by a medical professional or a highly trained aesthetician.

Cost

• You will need 4 to 6 sessions of laser hair removal, in addition to an annual maintenance appointment, which costs $200 to $400 per session.

Effectiveness

• If done correctly, laser hair removal on the face will permanently get rid of hair.
• A 2003 studyTrusted Source on patient satisfaction showed the majority of patients (71 percent) are satisfied by the treatment.

What is Laser Hair Removal on the Face?

A laser is used as part of a non-invasive medical procedure called laser hair removal to remove hair from the face.

However, on the face, it is mostly used around the mouth, chin, or cheeks. It can also be done on other areas of the body, such as the armpits, legs, or bikini area.

Laser technology has advanced to the point where anyone with unwanted hair can now undergo the procedure. Previously, laser hair removal was most effective on people with dark hair and light skin.

The procedure is very typical. One of the top 5 nonsurgical procedures in the United States in 2016 according to data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery was laser hair removal.

How Does Laser Hair Removal on the Face Work?

Laser hair removal works by beaming light into the hair follicle, which is then absorbed by the pigment, or melanin, in the hair. For this reason, laser hair removal initially produced the best results on individuals with darker hair.

When the light is absorbed by the pigment, it’s converted to heat, which is what actually damages the follicle.

After the laser damages the hair follicle, the hair vaporizes, and a full round of treatments later the hair will stop growing back.

Ingrown hairs may be avoided with laser hair removal, which will also cut down on time spent shaving or waxing.

Procedure for Laser Hair Removal on the Face

Your face will be meticulously cleaned prior to the laser hair removal procedure, and the treatment area may be covered in numbing gel. You’ll be given goggles to wear, and it’s possible that your hair will be covered.

The laser will be pointed at the designated area by the practitioner. The majority of patients describe the sensation as feeling like a sunburn or like a rubber band snapping against their skin. You may smell the scent of burnt hair.

Laser hair removal on the face is typically fairly quick, taking as little as 15 to 20 minutes in some cases because the area is smaller than other parts of the body, like the chest or legs.

Targeted Areas for Treatment

You can get laser hair removal anywhere on the body, and it’s safe for most people. However, it’s advised the pregnant people don’t get laser treatments of any kind, including laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal can be done anywhere on the face including the:

• Chin
• Upper lip
• Forehead
• Temples
• Cheeks

Are There Any Risks Or Side Effects?

Face laser hair removal rarely causes severe side effects or complications. Side effects will typically resolve on their own and may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Skin irritation

In rare cases, more serious side effects of laser hair removal include:

• Infection
• Permanent changes in skin tone or color
• Blisters
• Burns
• Scarring

What to Expect After Laser Hair Removal on the Face?

You can expect to resume the majority of your regular activities in the days after laser hair removal, but you should avoid strenuous activity and direct sunlight.

Be prepared to be a little patient; it could take up to 2 to 3 weeks before you notice a difference in your hair growth, and it might take several sessions to achieve your desired results.

Although you will probably need one maintenance appointment per year, the results should be long-lasting.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal on the Face

Your doctor should tell you in advance exactly how they’d like you to prepare for your laser hair removal treatment, but here are some general guidelines to follow:

• In the days before treatment, stay out of the sun because tanned skin makes laser hair removal less effective.
• Avoid peels or other chemical treatments in the week leading up to your procedure, which may irritate skin.
• It might be suggested that you wax or shave the area first.
• If possible, arrive at your appointment with clean, makeup-free skin.
• Make an effort to arrive with a low body temperature (i.e. don’t power walk to your appointment). If you’re warm to begin with, the laser may feel more uncomfortable.
• Avoid aspirin and other inflammatory medications as well as herbal remedies that could cause more bleeding.
• If you have a cold sore or another open cut on your face, you should reschedule your appointment.

Takeaway

Laser hair removal is considered a safe procedure when done by a licensed professional. However, it’s not completely without risk, and you might experience some pain depending on which part of the body you’re getting treated.

With your provider, go over your overall pain threshold and inquire about any precautions they can take. Options include ice packs before treatment, numbing agents, and chilling laser tips.