Laser Hair Removal

About

Laser hair removal is an outpatient cosmetic surgery procedure. It works best on light skin and dark hair and usually isn't recommended for darker skin or blond or gray hair. The procedure can't guarantee permanent hair removal, but when hair grows back it is usually a lighter color and finer texture. Additional treatments may be needed in several years.

Before treatment, your Mayo Clinic specialist will assess your hair, skin and sun exposure habits. He or she will discuss the number of treatments needed and potential risks, including loss of skin pigment, blisters and scarring. The procedure lasts from 15 minutes to four hours, depending on how many locations are treated.