First published: 2026-05-17 / Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This is a guide to Apogee Elite Plus hair removal compiled by Dr. Choi Byeong-geun of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk (3 minutes' walk from Konkuk Univ. Station, Exit 1).
The most frequent questions we receive in the laser hair removal consultation room are "Will all the hair be gone in one session?" and "Where should I start?" While these two questions may seem similar, their meanings are different. In the consultation room, we first explain that laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure but a cumulative treatment tailored to the hair follicle cycle, and that the approach differs depending on the area due to variations in hair follicle distribution, hair thickness, and skin thickness.
1. How Apogee Elite Plus Differs from Other Lasers
Apogee Elite Plus is a dual-wavelength diode laser (Alexandrite 755nm + Nd:YAG 1064nm).
- 755nm Alexandrite: High melanin affinity, effective for common hair and hair follicles.
- 1064nm Nd:YAG: Reaches deeper, relatively lower melanin affinity. Provides added safety for darker skin tones or thicker hair.
Since the two wavelengths are combined and applied according to the patient's skin tone and area, it is a platform that easily secures a safety margin for patients with various skin tones.
2. Area-Specific Comparison at a Glance
| Area | Hair Follicle Cycle | Recommended Sessions | Pain | Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underarms | Short | 5~7 sessions | Mild | Avoid deodorant after treatment |
| Upper lip/Chin | Medium | 7~10 sessions | Irritating | Additional sessions may be needed if hormonal influence |
| Legs | Long | 5~8 sessions | Mild | Large area, longer treatment time |
| Arms | Medium | 5~8 sessions | Mild | - |
| Bikini/VIO | Medium | 6~10 sessions | Irritating | Anesthetic cream recommended |
| Men's Beard | Long | 8~12 sessions | Strong irritation | Anesthetic cream essential |
| Back/Chest | Long | 6~10 sessions | Medium | Large area |
Recommended sessions are general guidelines, and there may be differences depending on individual hair follicle distribution, hormonal status, and treatment intervals.
3. Hair Follicle Cycle and Recommended Intervals
The reason laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure is due to the hair growth cycle. Hair follicles cycle through three stages: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). Lasers work best on anagen hair follicles. Hair follicles in the telogen phase at the time of one treatment are largely unaffected by that treatment, so multiple treatments with time intervals are necessary to target all hair follicles during their anagen phase.
The recommended intervals by area are as follows:
- Underarms/Upper lip: 4~6 week intervals
- Face/Chin: 4~6 week intervals
- Legs/Arms: 6~8 week intervals
- Bikini/VIO/Beard: 4~8 week intervals
In the consultation room, we fine-tune the next treatment interval after observing the hair follicle response from the first treatment.
4. Common Area-Specific Standards in the Consultation Room
Underarms
This is the most frequently treated area. Hair follicle distribution is homogeneous, so the effects are usually clear, and 5-7 sessions are often enough to reach a level where daily care is no longer a frequent concern. It is best to avoid deodorants or alcohol-based products for a few days immediately after the procedure.
Women's Upper Lip/Chin
This area is influenced by hormones, so generally, more sessions are recommended. 7-10 sessions are average, and even after initial clearance, some hair follicles may reactivate due to hormonal changes, often requiring maintenance treatments.
Bikini/VIO
This procedure is performed after applying anesthetic cream. Due to the nature of the area, many people have a low pain threshold and feel strong irritation, so the first session starts with a low intensity and gradually increases. It is generally recommended to start in late autumn to winter and accumulate sessions until spring, rather than right before the summer season.
Men's Beard
This is one of the most challenging areas. It is an area with dense, thick, and dark hair, so the pain threshold is generally high, and 8-12 sessions are needed. Reducing shaving frequency is often a more realistic goal than permanent freedom from shaving.
Consult by chat about specific areas now
5. Common Confusions We Address in the Consultation Room
"Does laser hair removal permanently remove hair?" Not all hair follicles disappear permanently. After a sufficient number of sessions, thick, dark hair changes into fine, light vellus hair, significantly reducing the frequency of shaving or waxing. The phrase "to a level where daily care is no longer a concern" is closer to our clinical experience than the word "permanent."
Another frequent question is, "Can I receive treatment if I'm tanned?" Since the laser has melanin affinity, the risk of skin irritation increases with tanning. Please avoid strong sun exposure and tanning 2-4 weeks before and after the procedure.
6. Pre- and Post-Procedure Care
Before the procedure:
- No waxing or plucking for one week prior (hair follicles must be present for the laser to work).
- Shave cleanly 1-2 days before the procedure.
- Avoid strong sun exposure and tanning for 2-4 weeks.
- Avoid self-exfoliation or peeling treatments for one week prior to the procedure.
After the procedure:
- Avoid irritating the treated area (rubbing, strong soaps).
- Use sunscreen diligently.
- Avoid saunas, swimming, and strenuous exercise on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid strong exfoliation or peeling for 2 weeks.
- Temporary stinging or redness is a natural reaction.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How painful is the procedure? It varies depending on the area and individual pain threshold. For underarms, legs, and arms, a mild stinging sensation is common, while bikini, VIO, and men's beard areas tend to have stronger irritation. For areas with strong irritation, anesthetic cream is applied before proceeding.
Q. If I complete all recommended sessions, do I never need to receive treatment again? Most hair follicles reach a thinned state, but some may reactivate due to hormonal changes, pregnancy, or weight changes. Many people receive 1-2 maintenance treatments per year.
Q. Is there any effect if I receive fewer sessions? For lighter areas (underarms), a reduction in shaving frequency is reported even after about 3 sessions. However, if the recommended number of sessions is not completed, hair follicles may reactivate and return to their original state. Therefore, it is better for the stability of the results to accumulate up to the recommended number of sessions once you start.
Q. Can I receive single sessions instead of a 5-session package? You can receive single sessions. However, a 5-session package is more cost-effective per session and also advantageous for accumulating treatments at regular intervals according to the hair follicle cycle.
Laser hair removal is not a one-time procedure but a cumulative treatment tailored to the hair follicle cycle. We will decide together in front of the mirror where to start and what intensity to use. You can inquire directly via chat for non-face-to-face consultation.
Authored by: Dr. Choi Byeong-geun (Chief Director of SHINE U Clinic Konkuk / Member of the Korean Laser Dermatology and Hair Society) Last reviewed: 2026-05-17
This article provides general treatment information and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. Treatment suitability and results may vary by individual.