I would like to know about the perceived effectiveness of laser hair removal and how long the results last.

Although summer is over, I am considering a procedure because constantly relying on hair removal creams and DIY devices for my body hair is too much of a hassle. A friend highly recommended getting it done at a dermatology clinic using laser equipment like Apogee or GentleMax, saying that hair barely grows back. However, I am curious about the honest effectiveness of laser hair removal: does it stop hair growth completely, or do a few thin strands continue to grow back? I have heard that large areas like arms or legs require many sessions, so does the effect tend to last for over a year after completing a 5-session package? Some people say that after a few years, the hair grows back thin and requires touch-ups, so I would appreciate it if you could let me know the level of effectiveness of laser hair removal.