Laser hair removal in Makati is highly effective for Filipino skin tones — but permanent does not mean forever. Here is what Nd:YAG and diode lasers actually deliver long-term.
The question every patient asks about laser hair removal in Makati is the same: is it permanent? The honest answer is nuanced. Laser hair removal provides permanent hair reduction — meaning the majority of treated follicles are permanently disabled. However, hormonal fluctuations, certain medications, and previously dormant follicles can cause regrowth over time. Maintenance sessions every one to two years typically address this.
Filipino skin presents a unique challenge for laser hair removal. Our melanin-rich skin (Fitzpatrick IV to V) absorbs laser energy at the surface, increasing burn risk if the wrong device is used. The Nd:YAG laser at 1064nm wavelength is the safest and most effective choice for Filipino skin because its longer wavelength bypasses surface melanin to target the follicle directly. Alexandrite lasers (755nm) work on lighter Filipino skin tones but are riskier for darker complexions.
Diode lasers (808nm) offer a middle ground and are widely available in Makati medspas. They are effective for most Filipino skin tones but require more sessions than Nd:YAG for equivalent results. The best Makati dermatology clinics own multiple devices and select the optimal wavelength based on your skin tone and hair color combination.
Session requirements vary by body area and hair characteristics. Underarms and bikini areas typically need six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Legs and arms need eight to twelve sessions due to finer hair and larger surface area. Facial hair, particularly upper lip and chin, may need ten to fifteen sessions because of hormonal influences.
Pricing in Makati in 2026: underarms range from ₱3,500 to ₱6,000 per session. Brazilian bikini costs ₱6,000 to ₱12,000. Full legs cost ₱15,000 to ₱25,000 per session. Full arms cost ₱10,000 to ₱18,000. Upper lip is ₱1,500 to ₱3,000. Package deals offering six to eight sessions typically reduce per-session costs by twenty to thirty percent.
Pre-treatment preparation is essential. Shave the treatment area twenty-four hours before your appointment — never wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams as these remove the follicle target. Avoid sun exposure and self-tanners for two weeks before and after treatment. Inform your dermatologist of any medications, particularly photosensitizing drugs like doxycycline or isotretinoin.
Post-treatment care is simple but important. Apply soothing aloe vera or prescribed post-laser cream for forty-eight hours. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and exercise for twenty-four hours. Use SPF 30+ on exposed treated areas. Shedding begins at one to two weeks post-treatment — this is the destroyed hair being pushed out, not regrowth.
