Surgery for the removal of hair using a laser is a new development. The initial equipment that came into the market for this treatment had problems that led to lawsuits. But continuous research has improved the technology and product line. Most centers for laser hair removal surgery use US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) approved processes and devices.

The procedure is to focus laser beams at the hair follicles, which absorb the heat through their dark pigmentation and die. The surrounding skin is not affected if it is of a lighter shade than the hair. As we learned in school, dark colors absorb heat and lighter ones do not. A fair-skinned person with black or brown hair would an ideal candidate for this treatment. But newly developed technologies could perhaps manage dark-skinned people also. A respectable laser hair removal clinic would accept a candidate only after carefully studying the skin condition.

Human hair has cyclical growth. Laser surgery is most effective if it is done during the growing phase. It may not be possible to cover all such hair in one session. Therefore, two to six sittings may be required for the desired effect. The sessions may be five or six weeks apart and, depending on the area to be covered, each sitting may need one to two hours.

Anesthesia is not given normally. But some clients do ask for a numbing cream. Generally, the threat of serious side effects is minimal. Reddishness or slight swelling of the treated area may show up. These can be managed with the local application of an appropriate cream

or lotion. One can resume work immediately after the surgery.

The cost differs depending on the area that is involved. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon fee was $429 per session in 2003.