Laser hair removal is the process of using focused beams of light (lasers) to heat the root of unwanted body hair follicles to damage it so that it can no longer regrow. Laser hair removal can be performed almost anywhere on the body. Like other cosmetic procedures like rhinoplasty or a tummy tuck, laser hair removal isn’t covered by health insurance. In this guide we discuss the average cost of laser hair removal and how much you should expect to pay out of pocket.
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How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?$287
Generally speaking, you can expect your laser hair removal cost to be between $200 and $800 most of the time, though the average cost in 2019 was $287. Typical laser hair removal costs will depend on many factors. Larger areas will typically be priced at $600 and up while particularly small areas can be as low as $180 at $60 per session for a minimum of three sessions, though as many as six may be needed. Most people only get small areas taken care of, thus driving down the “average cost” of the procedure.
What Affects the Cost of Laser Hair Removal?
The biggest factors in your laser hair removal cost will be how much –
- Unwanted hair you have
- Where on your body it is,
- How many sessions are needed to complete the hair removal.
If there isn’t a lot of body hair in the area(s) scheduled for hair reduction it could take less time and cost less. Alternatively, if the area(s) designated for hair removal are large like the back or legs, even with minimal amounts of hair, the hair reduction process could take more time and deal with more unwanted hair than a small area with a lot of hair follicles. Other factors include the level of training of the practitioner (a doctor will be more expensive than a trained technician) and the geographic location of the office.
Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal by Body Part
Since the size of the hair removal area and the amount of time spent per session will be a substantial factor in your laser hair removal cost. Small areas such as the upper lip and bikini line will cost the least. Large areas like the back, chest or buttocks will cost a lot more since theres a lot more hair.
How Much Does Full Body Laser Hair Removal Cost?
The total full body laser hair removal cost is usually around $2,500 to $3,000. This will depend on how much unwanted hair there is combined, the amount of time it takes to target all the hair follicles, how many sessions you need to achieve significant hair reduction/hair removal, who performs the procedure, and where in the country you have it done. If there are any areas that are usually included in full body laser hair removal where you don’t feel you have enough unwanted hair to require treatment, like the back or chest, you might pay less.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost for Face?
Full face laser hair removal cost is usually between $250 and $650 per session. If you only want laser hair removal for either your upper lip or chin, both will each cost between $100 and $300 per session.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost for Legs?
This is one of the larger areas you can have treated so it tends to be more expensive. The cost for either the upper or lower legs is $250 to $650 per session.
How Much Does Bikini Laser Hair Removal Cost?
Many women worry about visible hair on their bikini line. The bikini line can be especially tricky to shave and more painful to wax. This makes bikini line treatments quite common. Laser hair removal on the bikini line is priced between $150 and $450.
Laser Hair Removal Cost by State
Laser hair removal cost varies from one state, or more specifically, one city, to another. The higher the population of the city, the more it will cost. Here are some example averages per city:
- Houston: $850
- Miami: $500
- Atlanta: $975
- Chicago: $875
- Los Angeles: $600
Is Laser Hair Removal Covered by Insurance?
In the vast majority of cases, insurance does not cover laser hair removal procedures. In very rare situations, when a medical condition is responsible for the excess hair growth or the hair negatively impacts physical or mental health, a portion of the treatment may be covered by insurance. Few insurance providers allow this so check with yours to find out if they’ll cover any of the cost.
Bottom Line
Laser hair removal is a good choice for permanently stopping hair regrowth. While it can be a little costly, it often pays for itself by eliminating the need to constantly buy temporary hair removal products. If your insurance won’t cover any portion of the procedure or the leftover amount is too high, talk to your provider about discounts, payment plans, and financing options