How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

For many individuals, laser hair removal costs are the primary consideration for choosing a laser hair removal clinic or center. That can be good and bad because, while, in general, you typically get what you pay for, paying a premium price doesn't always mean receiving premium service. Having said that, here's what you need to know to get the best value for your money.

First, you should know, it's usually not an insurable item, as it's considered a cosmetic procedure. However, for those individuals who suffer from excessive body hair due to PCOS or hypertrichiosis, it wouldn't hurt to consult with your insurance representative. But generally, it's an out-of-pocket expense; however, many laser hair removal centers have financing options.

Second, you need to compare prices, like with like. Visit all of the websites with a specific mile radius of where you want to go, and compare the prices for similar treatments - full leg, bikini, eyebrow, etc. Specified prices should be for a course of treatments since one treatment is not enough to successfully and permanently rid yourself of unwanted hair.

Three, find out about their fee structure. Some centers want a flat fee, based on the individual or package of sessions, regardless of the amount of hair or the affected area. Other centers will bill you based on time, usually in quarter-hour increments, again, regardless of the amount of hair or affected area. Still other centers will charge you a "per pulse" fee; you pay each time the trigger is depressed. This can vary, depending on the size of the area to be covered (or uncovered, as it were), as well as the size of the laser head since some laser heads are the size of a dime, while others are the size of a quarter. The money can add up.

Finally, you should be offered a free consultation. Don't make your choice based solely on an attractive website. Take advantage of the free consultation — go in, look around and ask plenty of questions. Is the center clean and sterile? Is the staff friendly and welcoming? Does the counselor take the time to explain the procedure to you? Do they have more than one type of laser? Is a doctor on staff (their answer should be an emphatic "YES," by the way)? How long has the aesthetician been doing this for and what is her specialty?

To minimize the cost of laser hair removal treatment, be an informed consumer and do your homework first. Time - your own — is your first best investment, when choosing a laser hair removal center.