How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

Content Reviewed by AEDIT Medical Advisory Board

What is the average cost of a laser hair removal treatment?

The average price of a laser hair removal procedure is between $125 to $1,000, but there are other possible expenses (more on them below!) that should be reviewed when considering a removal.

• Average Cost of Laser Hair Removal: $287
• Price Range for Laser Hair Removal: $125 - $1,000

Candidates considering laser hair removal, which is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permanent hair reduction, may find it useful to understand the potential factors that contribute to the overall cost of this cosmetic procedure. The table below offers an outline of these factors.

Factors to Consider in the Total Cost of a Laser Hair Removal

What affects the cost of laser hair removal?

Let’s look a little closer at the variables from the first table. Friendly reminder, the guidelines provided in this article are generalized estimates. Consultations with your cosmetic provider will always create the most accurate assessment of the cost of your laser hair removal treatment.

All that said, the following can help give you an idea of the questions to ask and elements to consider when going into a consultation so you can feel informed and empowered throughout your cosmetic experience.

• Provider: A more experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, dermatologist, or specialized technician typically charges more for their expertise. This can cause higher consultation fees (this may not be a factor in laser hair removal) and a higher procedure cost.
• Treatment Area: Larger areas will cost more while smaller treatment areas will, you guessed it, cost less. Typically, the face and body hair of the arms and legs are the most expensive.
• Location: The 2020 American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) Report offers procedure occurrences broken down by region. The coasts accounted for a majority of all laser hair removals performed in 2020. More laser hair removals on the coasts typically lead to generally higher prices.
• Recovery: Laser hair removal recovery will vary by individual and are typically minimal, however, recovery time may include medications and time off from certain activities.

Before we move on, let’s look a little closer at how body area affects the price of laser hair removal. The table below offers general estimates by major body area.

Average Per Session Cost of Laser Hair Removal by Treatment Area

What does the cost of laser hair removal include?

We’ve covered the basics and now you’re probably curious about what the price of a laser hair removal actually includes? We can help. The cost of the time the dermatologist or cosmetic provider spends performing the laser hair removal procedure is usually what gets quoted as the ‘average cost’ or ‘surgeon’s fee’ (yes, we know this isn’t a surgical procedure). The following is not exact, but it’s basically the hourly rate of your provider. Remember, they need to cover their business expenses like payroll, rent, professional insurance, and office/medical supplies.

Laser hair removal costs might creep up as additional factors are added. Any other medical staff in the room during your removal (nurses or assistants), the tools and supplies used during your hair removal (the device, gauze, gloves, etc.), medications before, during, and after your procedure (anesthetics and cleaning agents), and the fee for using the facility’s procedure room.

Another thing to be mindful of: laser hair removal is a temporary treatment. Multiple initial sessions may be needed to achieve the desired results and regular maintenance will be needed for upkeep. For example, if your upper lip laser hair removal is $100 and requires maintenance monthly, your total yearly costs will be $1,200.

How much does laser hair removal cost?

All in (minus your personal expenses), you can expect a single laser hair removal treatment to cost $125 to $1,000. The total cost will be dependent on the factors we listed above, the body area you are treating, and the length and involvement of the medical procedure. The higher end of that range may represent a procedure in a larger facility with a more experienced provider on a larger body area. Additionally, the quality of the laser removal equipment used will affect the cost.

How much does laser hair removal cost across the United States?

It’s all about your location! In case we haven’t spent enough time on this, location is a major factor in the overall cost of all cosmetic procedures. As stated above, the 2020 ASPS Report shows a large percentage of all laser hair removals occurred on the coasts. More procedures equals higher costs.

The table below breaks down per session hair removal costs in major cities across the US.

Average Laser Hair Removal Cost by City and State

How much does laser hair removal cost around the world?

For those considering pursuing a laser hair removal abroad, the following table compares average cost ranges in a few countries. Don’t get too excited by the price difference though, you’ll need to factor in travel expenses and consider the reputation of the provider and facility when comparing costs. The table below reflects per session costs converted to U.S. dollars.

Average Laser Hair Removal Cost by Country in USD

Does insurance cover the cost of laser hair removal?

Are you wondering if insurance will cover your laser hair removal procedure? Let’s look these definitions from the American Medical Association (AMA):

• Cosmetic Surgery: Procedures for reshaping normal structures for improved appearance and self-esteem.
• Reconstructive Surgery: Procedures performed on abnormal body structures resulting from congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, disease, infection, or tumors.

Basically, cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance and reconstructive surgeries possibly are. Hybrid procedures with aesthetic and functional benefits are a maybe. To keep it simple: your laser hair removal will almost certainly be considered cosmetic and, therefore, not be covered.