Laser Hair Removal

How It Works

Each pulse of the laser sends light energy into the hair follicle, where it turns to heat and stops the follicle from producing hair, without damaging the skin around it. Hair grows in cycles and the laser only catches follicles in their active phase, so treating an area fully takes a series of sessions.

We use the GentleMax Pro, a laser dermatologists have trusted for more than two decades. Before every pulse it sprays a quick burst of coolant onto the skin, which takes most of the sting out of the treatment and helps the skin settle faster afterward.

What to Expect

Most clients describe each pulse as a rubber band snapped lightly against the skin, with the cooling spray softening it right away. Sensitive areas can be tougher; tell us if it is too much and we will adjust.

Afterward we apply a cool compress, and any redness or swelling usually settles within a few hours. You can get back to your day right away. Just keep the treated area out of the sun and skip abrasive cleansers for a few days.

Beyond the usual redness and swelling, laser treatment can occasionally cause temporary pigment changes or blistering. These are uncommon and usually short-lived, and matching the laser settings to your skin at your first visit is how we keep them rare.

Your First Visit

We start by looking at your skin and hair, since both affect how the laser is set and how many sessions you are likely to need. Hair color, skin tone, and the area being treated all change the math, so we will give you an estimate in person rather than quote a number here.

Hair Removal as Part of Gender Transition

Permanent hair removal is often an important part of gender-affirming care. We have written about how we approach it on our transgender care page.