Laser hair removal can make regular shaving less of a chore by reducing how much hair grows back. It works best on pigmented hair, needs a series of treatments and may require maintenance later. The goal is lasting hair reduction, rather than a promise of completely hair-free skin for life.
Smooth Clinic offers hair removal with primelase excellence in Asoke, Bangkok. Underarm treatment is listed at 990 THB for one session or 4,000 THB for five sessions. Before choosing a course, consider your hair colour, skin tone, treatment area and whether you can return for appropriately spaced appointments.
How laser hair removal works
Hair pigment absorbs laser light and converts it into heat, which damages the structures responsible for hair growth. Because individual hairs move through growth and resting phases at different times, one treatment cannot affect every hair equally. Repeated treatments target more hairs while they are in a responsive growth phase.
The primelase excellence U.S. clearance document uses the term permanent hair reduction: a stable decrease in regrowing hair over time. This is different from removing every hair permanently. Useful measures of progress include lower hair density, slower regrowth and less frequent shaving, rather than whether the skin looks completely smooth immediately after an appointment.
What is primelase excellence, and is it a diode or YAG laser?
Primelase excellence is a diode laser platform. The manufacturer’s handpiece range includes an 810 nm Diode option and a Blend combining 810, 940 and 1060 nm, with contact cooling to help protect the skin surface and improve comfort.
The three wavelengths refer to the Blend handpiece. They do not mean that Alexandrite, Diode and Nd:YAG laser technologies are all combined into one treatment. In particular, the platform’s 1060 nm wavelength should not be described as a conventional long-pulsed Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser.
More power or more wavelengths do not, by themselves, guarantee faster results, painless treatment or freedom from burns. The applicator, settings and cooling need to suit the person being treated. The manufacturer’s full range of handpieces also does not establish which applicator will be used at your appointment.
Which laser is best for my skin?
There is no single best choice for everyone. Darker skin contains more pigment that can absorb energy intended for the hair. For women with darker skin seeking treatment for hirsutism, the Endocrine Society recommends considering longer-wavelength systems such as Nd:YAG or diode with suitable cooling. That guidance supports careful selection; it is not a guarantee that any diode treatment is suitable for any skin tone.
Will it work on my hair?
| Hair or skin characteristic | What it means for treatment |
|---|---|
| Dark, clearly visible hair | Usually responds better because it contains pigment for the laser to target. |
| White, grey, light blonde or red hair | Often responds poorly. An alternative such as electrolysis may be more appropriate. |
| Brown or black skin | Treatment may be possible, with an experienced provider and carefully selected equipment and settings. |
| A recent tan or sunburn | Needs reassessment before treatment. Naturally darker skin and recently tanned skin are not the same situation. |
| Fine facial fuzz or sparse remaining hairs | The likely benefit may be limited. Avoid treating every visible hair without considering poor response and the possibility of increased hair growth. |
What about PCOS or new facial hair?
Laser can reduce existing hair associated with hormonal conditions such as PCOS, but it does not treat the hormonal cause. New hairs may continue to develop and maintenance may be needed. A sudden increase in facial or body hair, particularly with other hormonal symptoms, deserves medical assessment rather than simply buying more sessions.
Does it help ingrown hairs, dark underarms or body odour?
Reducing hair can help with shaving-related ingrown hairs and razor bumps. However, persistent painful bumps, pus or an inflamed rash need assessment: not every follicular bump is an ingrown hair.
This is a hair-reduction treatment, not a direct treatment for skin lightening, sweating or body odour. Less stubble and less shaving irritation may improve how the area looks, but existing pigmentation and other skin concerns may need separate care. See our underarm laser hair removal guide for a closer look at that area.
Treatment areas, bikini and Brazilian options
The price list covers facial areas, underarms, arms, chest, abdomen, back, legs, bikini and buttock areas. The full list appears below.
Bikini usually means hair around the underwear line; Brazilian usually describes more extensive intimate-area removal. These names do not define a universal package. Agree exactly what to remove and what to leave. Smooth Clinic lists the buttock cleft and buttocks separately, so neither should be assumed to be included in a Brazilian session.
Ordinary hair-removal laser treatment should not be performed over tattoos or around the eyelids and eyebrows. For intimate treatment, the clinician needs to distinguish external hair-bearing skin from mucosal tissue and check for sores or infection.
For privacy, state any preference about the practitioner or covering before booking so availability can be confirmed. Agree to each area before treatment starts, and say if you need a pause. You do not need to send intimate photographs to make an initial booking enquiry.
How many sessions will I need, and when will I see results?
A course involves several visits. Mayo Clinic’s patient guidance gives a general range of 4–8 treatments, but your area, hair, skin and response determine the plan. A five-session package is a purchasing option, not a guarantee that five treatments will finish the job.
Treated hairs shed over days to weeks rather than all falling out immediately. They can appear to keep growing before they shed. Leave them to release naturally; plucking or scrubbing will not improve the result.
How far apart should appointments be?
The American Academy of Dermatology says many patients can repeat treatment every 4–6 weeks. This is general guidance, not a fixed schedule for every body area. Timing should follow regrowth and skin recovery, and may change as the course progresses. Weekly appointments are not a shortcut to completing a hair-growth cycle.
If travel or work interrupts the plan, have the current hair and skin reassessed when you return. A missed visit does not automatically mean buying a new course, and appointments should not be compressed to catch up. If there is little change after repeated treatments, review the hair type, treatment method and possible hormonal factors before committing to more.
Who needs extra assessment or should postpone treatment?
- Active skin problems: Postpone treatment over sunburn, open cuts, a significant rash, cold sores or infection until the area has been assessed and treated.
- Medicines and skincare: disclose current and recent medicines, including isotretinoin, products that irritate the skin and medicines that increase light sensitivity. Do not stop prescribed treatment on your own to keep a laser appointment.
- Previous reactions: mention laser burns, marked pigment changes, keloid scars and recurrent herpes. A test area may be appropriate, although a normal test cannot eliminate every later risk.
- Pregnancy: elective laser hair removal is generally postponed because safety evidence is insufficient. Tell the clinician if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
Breastfeeding, conditions that affect healing and recent procedures on the same area also belong in the assessment. These details help determine timing and aftercare; a machine’s advertised skin-type range does not replace a personal assessment.
How to prepare, including shaving
Shaving is generally compatible with laser treatment; waxing, plucking and threading are not. Shaving cuts the visible hair while leaving the target beneath the surface. Pulling hair out removes that target. Stop root-removal methods before starting and during the course.
Shaving instructions vary by area and skin sensitivity. Mayo Clinic commonly advises shaving the day before, but follow the timing given for your appointment. You do not need long hair for the laser to work. Avoid repeated close shaving that leaves cuts, and get preparation advice for areas you cannot safely reach.
- Avoid sunbathing, tanning beds and self-tanner. Mention recent beach trips or a change in skin colour.
- Use clothing and a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed areas.
- Keep the treatment area free of makeup, perfume and deodorant when it is prepared for treatment.
- Do not apply numbing cream yourself unless the treating clinician has advised it.
What happens at the appointment? Does it hurt?
A treatment should begin with an assessment of the skin and hair, a clear agreement on the area and a discussion of likely results and risks. The skin is cleaned, hair prepared and suitable laser eye protection worn. A small test area may be considered before treating the full zone.
Pulses can feel like brief hot pinpricks or a snapping sensation. Cooling helps, but sensitivity varies. Tell the practitioner immediately if the sensation becomes intensely burning or unusually painful; more pain does not prove a better result.
Small areas generally take less treatment time than the back or legs. The whole visit also includes assessment and preparation, so include every requested area when arranging an appointment. Several areas may be considered at one visit if appropriate; the plan and appointment length need to reflect their combined size.
Many people return to ordinary daily activities afterwards. Redness or sensitivity can still make heat, exercise or tight clothing uncomfortable, so a return to work does not mean every activity is suitable immediately.
Aftercare in Thailand’s sun and heat
- Treat the skin gently. Avoid scratching, scrubbing and fragranced or irritating products while it is sensitive.
- Use the recommended cooling and skincare measures. A cool compress may ease mild discomfort.
- Protect exposed areas from sunlight throughout the course. Sunscreen does not make deliberate tanning advisable.
- Allow the skin to settle before hot showers, saunas, strenuous exercise or swimming, following the instructions for your treatment.
- Do not wax or pluck between sessions. Resume shaving only when the skin can tolerate it and your aftercare instructions allow it.
Published hospital advice differs on exactly when to restart shaving, swimming and exercise. Avoid treating a generic “24 hours” rule as a guarantee. Plan beach holidays, outdoor sport and other heat-heavy activities around the advice for your skin.
Side effects and when to get medical help
Temporary redness, swelling around follicles and mild discomfort are common. Less common problems include burns, blisters, infection, herpes flare-ups, scarring and darker or lighter patches of skin. Some pigment changes can persist.
Contact the treating clinic promptly for blistering, worsening pain, broken or weeping skin, spreading redness, pus or marked pigment changes. Do not burst blisters or pick scabs. Fever or feeling unwell alongside worsening skin inflammation needs urgent medical assessment. Eye pain or a change in vision after treatment also needs urgent assessment; do not wait for the next laser appointment.
Can hair become thicker instead?
Unexpected increased growth, called paradoxical hypertrichosis, can occur after light-based hair removal. This is particularly relevant when assessing facial hair; the Endocrine Society specifically highlights increased risk in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern women with facial hirsutism. Fine facial fuzz should therefore not be treated automatically. If growth becomes denser or spreads, have the plan reassessed rather than increasing treatment frequency yourself.
Laser, IPL, shaving, waxing or electrolysis?
| Option | When it may make sense | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Laser hair reduction | You have suitable pigmented hair and want less regrowth over time. | A series of visits, skin-related risks and possible maintenance. |
| IPL | A light-based alternative that can reduce hair with an appropriate device. | It uses a broad range of light wavelengths, rather than a laser. Results depend on the system and settings. |
| Shaving | You want a quick, inexpensive way to remove visible hair. | Frequent upkeep; possible cuts, irritation or ingrown hairs. |
| Waxing or plucking | You want temporary removal from the root. | Discomfort and irritation; unsuitable during a laser course because it removes the laser target. |
| Electrolysis | You want permanent removal, including light-coloured hairs that laser targets poorly. | Follicles are treated individually over multiple visits; operator skill and hygiene matter. |
For occasional smooth skin, shaving may be enough. For recurring shaving problems, compare the likely reduction in upkeep with the total course cost. Electrolysis is included here as an alternative, not as a statement that Smooth Clinic offers it.
Smooth Clinic laser hair removal prices
These amounts match the clinic’s official price list (Thai), checked on 15 October 2026, Thailand time. Prices are in Thai baht (THB); the five-session column is the total package price.
| Treatment area | 1 session (THB) | 5 sessions (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Upper lip (moustache) or chin | 990 | 4,000 |
| Upper lip (moustache) and chin | 1,450 | 6,000 |
| Lower half of the face | 1,999 | 7,500 |
| Underarms | 990 | 4,000 |
| Upper arms | 1,999 | 7,500 |
| Lower arms | 1,999 | 7,500 |
| Arms | 2,599 | 11,000 |
| Chest | 2,599 | 11,000 |
| Abdomen | 2,999 | 12,500 |
| Back | 5,999 | 25,000 |
| Upper legs | 2,599 | 11,000 |
| Lower legs | 2,599 | 11,000 |
| Legs | 4,500 | 20,000 |
| Bikini | 1,499 | 6,000 |
| Buttock cleft | 1,499 | 6,000 |
| Brazilian | 2,599 | 11,000 |
| Buttocks | 2,000 | 7,500 |
“Upper lip or chin” means one of those areas; “upper lip and chin” is a separate option. Confirm the boundaries of arm, leg and intimate-area treatment before paying.
The public price list does not specify all package conditions, including expiry, transfer or refund terms, or whether assessment, shaving, numbing cream and tax are included. Obtain the final total and applicable terms before purchasing. No extra sessions or inclusions should be assumed.
Is a package better value?
For underarms, five sessions at 4,000 THB average 800 THB per session. Five separately purchased 990 THB sessions would total 4,950 THB, a difference of 950 THB. The saving is useful only if the treatment suits your hair and you can use the package under its terms. Include possible maintenance in the longer-term budget.
Choosing a provider and booking in Bangkok
Look for experience treating your skin tone, a clear explanation of the chosen device and settings, appropriate eye protection and a route to medical help if a reaction occurs. Check the actual device model and relevant Thai medical-device documentation; U.S. FDA clearance does not establish Thai authorisation.
When comparing before-and-after photographs, look for the same body area, similar hair and skin, stated treatment numbers and follow-up timing. A freshly shaved photograph alone cannot demonstrate lasting reduction. The clinic’s doctor information is available separately; confirm who will assess you and who will perform your treatment for the appointment you book.
To arrange an assessment at Smooth Clinic, message LINE @smoothclinic or call +66 88 121 8888 (within Thailand: 088-121-8888). State the area, your main concern and when you can return. If you need communication in English, make that clear when arranging the visit.
See contact details and directions for the clinic at Times Square, Asoke.
Sources
- Primelase Excellence: handpieces and wavelengths
- U.S. FDA: Primelase Excellence 510(k) summary, K201594
- Mayo Clinic: laser hair removal
- American Academy of Dermatology: laser hair removal FAQs and preparation
- American Academy of Dermatology: hair-removal alternatives
- American Society for Dermatologic Surgery: hair removal
- Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust: hair removal
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust: laser hair reduction
- Endocrine Society: hirsutism guideline
- Trivedi, Kroumpouzos and Murase: cosmetic procedures during pregnancy and lactation
- South West Burns Clinical Network: burn care and signs of infection
- NHS: eye injuries and urgent symptoms