It's not really a surgery, it's a laser. For me I felt quite a bit of pain. I had my whole face done, 8 treatments, and it hurt quite a bit. My hair is very dark and I am fair so I was a perfect candidate. The darker and thicker the hair, the more it hurts. Felt like a little sewing needle going into my chin one at a time. However, my doctor was incredible and did her job magnificently. I'd be red but be at work 20 minutes later! Unfortunately, the results were not permanent. It's been 2 years and I'm almost the same as then. I need to go back. And just as someone said before, yes it hurts, but for that full year I was hair free which was completely worth it. Plus there are so many deals on laser hair removal now that I personally think it's great if being hairy is a big struggle in life as it is for me.