While often marketed as "permanent," the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) refers to the procedure as providing "permanent hair reduction." This means you can expect a significant and stable decrease in hair growth (often 70–90% reduction) that lasts for years. Because the body can occasionally recruit dormant hair follicles, most people require an occasional "touch-up" maintenance session every few months or years to remain completely smooth.

The average patient needs 6 to 8 treatment sessions to see optimal results. This is because hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only disable follicles that are in the active growth phase (Anagen) at the time of the treatment. The sessions are strategically spaced (typically 4 to 12 weeks apart) to ensure the laser catches all the hair as it enters this vulnerable phase.

The sensation is often described as feeling like a warm pinprick or a rubber band snapping against the skin. Most modern laser devices include a cooling system (either a chilled tip, a blast of cold air, or a cooling gel) applied to the skin simultaneously with the laser pulse. This cooling significantly minimizes discomfort, making the procedure generally tolerable, especially when compared to waxing or electrolysis.