Q. My 22-year-old daughter has hairy legs and arms. She's tried waxing and using an epilator, but she gets ingrown hair. I would like her to go for proper medical treatment by a doctor instead of a beautician that will provide permanent removal of hair. Can you tell us where she can go for such treatment and how much it costs? How long will it last and will there be any side-effects?

A. Permanent hair removal is possible with laser treatment. An example is using the GentleYag laser.

This treatment involves delivering a pulse of light energy to the hair follicles in the desired area. There is a cooling phase with each pulse delivered, to reduce the discomfort during treatment.

This is a non-invasive procedure with no down-time, so your daughter will be able to return to her usual activities soon after the treatment. She may experience some redness and discomfort in the area treated. However, this is usually transient and is expected to subside in a few hours.

Usually three treatments or more are required. Finer hairs may remain despite the full course of laser treatment.

There is a small risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, especially in darker-skinned individuals, that may last up to three months or more. During this time, cover up make-up and sunblock are advised.

The treatment costs about $500 for each session which lasts about half an hour.

Information provided by Dr Ong Wei Chen, an associate consultant at the division of plastic reconstructive & aesthetic surgery, National University Hospital. 

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on June 25, 2008.