What it is

→ Underarm laser hair removal (LHR) is a targeted cosmetic dermatology procedure that uses concentrated laser light to permanently reduce or eliminate hair growth in the armpit area.

→ The laser works by directing energy into the pigment (melanin) of the hair, which then heats and damages the follicle, preventing or slowing regrowth.

→ The underarms are one of the most popular areas for LHR due to the sensitivity of the skin, the inconvenience of shaving or waxing, and the desire for long-lasting smoothness.

→ In Korea, underarm LHR is highly advanced, offering precision, minimal discomfort, and long-term results, often combined with skin whitening or rejuvenation treatments for even-toned underarms.

Why it’s done

→ Underarm LHR is performed for both cosmetic and medical reasons:

• Cosmetic benefits → smoother, hair-free skin with reduced shadowing or stubble.
• Hygiene benefits → less sweat trapping and odor compared to shaving or waxing.
• Medical benefits → reduces ingrown hairs, razor burns, and folliculitis.
• Convenience → eliminates the need for frequent shaving or painful waxing.
• Confidence → many patients feel more comfortable in sleeveless clothing.

→ It is especially popular among patients who want a clean, fresh, and long-term grooming solution.

Alternatives

→ Alternatives to underarm LHR include:

• Shaving → quick but regrowth occurs within 1–2 days.
• Waxing or sugaring → results last 3–4 weeks, but it is painful and may cause ingrown hairs.
• Depilatory creams → dissolve hair on the surface but may irritate sensitive underarm skin.
• Electrolysis → permanent removal but more painful, time-consuming, and less commonly done.
• Threading or plucking → impractical for underarms.

→ While effective short-term, these alternatives cannot match the long-lasting and efficient results of laser hair removal.

Preparation

→ Before an underarm LHR session, patients should:

• Shave the underarm area 24–48 hours before treatment (hair should be short but visible at the root).
• Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for at least 4 weeks, since the laser targets the follicle.
• No deodorant, antiperspirant, or lotions on treatment day.
• Avoid sun exposure or tanning in the weeks before treatment.
• Pause harsh skincare (like acids, retinoids, or exfoliants) 3–5 days before.
• Disclose medications that may increase light sensitivity (antibiotics, isotretinoin).

How it’s Done

→ A typical underarm LHR session includes:

• Cleansing → underarm area is cleaned, and protective eyewear is provided.
• Cooling/numbing → a cooling gel or device may be applied for comfort.
• Laser pulses → the dermatologist uses a handheld device to deliver quick pulses of light to the underarm area.
• Duration → usually 5–10 minutes per session, making it one of the fastest laser treatments.
• Aftercare application → soothing cream or cooling pads are applied to reduce redness.

→ 6–8 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart are typically required for best results, as hair grows in cycles.

Recovery

→ Recovery after underarm LHR is short and mild:

• Immediate effects → slight redness, swelling, or warmth in the area, similar to mild sunburn.
• 24–48 hours → skin usually calms completely.
• After a few weeks → hair sheds naturally, leaving smoother skin.

→ Patients are advised to:

• Avoid deodorants, perfumes, and harsh products for 24–48 hours.
• Skip saunas, hot yoga, and heavy exercise for 1–2 days to prevent irritation.
• Use gentle cleansers and fragrance-free moisturizers.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen if the underarms will be exposed (e.g., at the beach).

→ Most people resume normal activities immediately.

Complications

→ Underarm LHR is safe, but potential side effects include:

• Temporary redness, itching, or swelling.
• Pigmentation changes → hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation, more common in darker skin tones.
• Mild burns or blisters (rare, usually with unskilled providers).
• Ingrown hairs or folliculitis → rare, usually improve after multiple sessions.
• Paradoxical hair growth → extremely rare condition where fine nearby hairs grow thicker.

→ These risks are minimized when treatment is done by a qualified dermatologist using modern devices.

Treatment options in Korea

→ Korea is one of the leading countries for underarm laser hair removal, combining medical expertise with beauty culture.

• Cutting-edge devices → Alexandrite, diode, and Nd:YAG lasers used for different skin/hair types.
• Pain-minimized procedures → many clinics use advanced cooling systems or SHR (Super Hair Removal) for comfort.
• Combination treatments → Korean clinics often pair LHR with skin whitening, brightening, or rejuvenation treatments to improve underarm tone.
• Quick and efficient → entire underarm sessions take less than 10 minutes, with minimal downtime.
• Aesthetic focus → emphasis on smoothness, brightness, and even-toned skin in addition to hair reduction.
• International access → Seoul and Busan clinics cater to foreign patients with English-speaking staff and medical tourism packages.

→ With world-class laser systems, highly trained dermatologists, and aesthetic integration, Korea offers some of the best underarm laser hair removal results globally.