Laser hair removal is a medical procedure that uses a concentrated beam of light (laser) to remove unwanted hair.
During laser hair removal, a laser emits light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair. The light energy is converted to heat, which damages the tube-shaped sacs within the skin (hair follicles) that produce hairs. This damage inhibits or retards future hair growth.
Although laser hair removal effectively slows down hair growth for long periods, it usually does not result in permanent hair removal. Multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for initial hair removal and maintenance treatments may also be needed.
Common treatment sites include the legs, underarms, upper lip, chin, and bikini line. However, it is possible to treat unwanted hair in almost any area except the eyelid or intermittent area.