Laser Hair Removal
Unwanted hair can be a nuisance, but painful waxing or daily shaving can be a bigger one! Laser hair removal offers a semi-permanent solution to unwanted hair without the constant need for shaving, waxing, or plucking. And because it targets the follicles that produce hair, laser hair removal significantly reduces hair growth, offering far superior and longer-lasting results than traditional methods.
- Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
- 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
- Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy
- National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
- Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews
Safe, effective laser hair removal for light, medium, and deep skin tones
If you have been told that your skin is too dark for laser hair removal, or you haven’t gotten the results you want in the past, our experienced laser professionals can likely help you where others cannot.
Our Elite MPX laser boasts multiple laser wavelengths, which we can adjust and blend to safely and effectively treat a variety of skin types in as little as 30 minutes per treatment!
*Individual results may vary on a case-by-case basis
With multiple wavelength options—an Alexandrite laser with 755nm wavelength that is ideal for lighter skin, a Nd:YAG with 1064nm wavelength that can safely and effectively treat darker skin, or even IPL to treat fine peach fuzz (vellus hair)—we can customize your laser hair removal treatment to ensure thorough hair reduction with minimal risk of discoloration.
These customizable wavelengths allow us to fine-tune treatment according to the difference in the pigment in the hair shaft and the skin, giving our patients safe and excellent results.
This superior adjustability offers additional benefits for you:
- Faster, more comfortable treatment
- Targets more follicles per treatment, meaning you may need fewer sessions to achieve your desired results
- Little-to-no downtime
Our promise to you…
At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, we want you to be happy with the experience and outcome of your treatments with us. We offer a full satisfaction guarantee on laser hair removal packages of 6 or more treatments with the Elite MPX laser as follows:
- If you aren’t fully satisfied after completing your 6+ treatment series as recommended, we will provide additional treatments for the same area at 50% off the regular per-treatment price for up to one year after the last treatment in your series.
- If you love your results after your 6+ treatment series, any future treatments in the same area will still be 50% off the regular per-treatment price for up to one year.
Please reach out to us for details on this promise.
How laser hair removal works
Laser hair removal works by emitting a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in hair. The heat from this light energy damages the hair follicles that produce hairs, preventing or delaying future hair growth without harming the surrounding tissue.
Preparing for your laser hair removal
You will need to shave the area within 24 hours before your appointment. Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for at least six weeks before treatment, as this is crucial to see the best results and to limit possible side effects. Patients should also refrain from plucking or waxing for four to six weeks before treatment—the laser targets the roots of the hair, which are temporarily removed by these methods.
What to expect during the procedure
We provide protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser and apply a topical numbing cream to keep you comfortable. Once you are ready, we place the hand-held laser device against your skin to deliver the laser energy across the treatment area. Each session may last from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the treated area.
Post-treatment care and recovery
Treated skin may be red for the first few hours before gradually returning to its normal color. Avoid sun exposure if possible or use a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen to protect the treated area and prevent unnecessary skin sensitivity or damage when going outdoors.
Soon after your treatment, some hair may look like it’s growing back; this is actually called hair shedding, where damaged hair is expelled by your body.
Expected results and number of treatments needed
Laser hair removal typically requires multiple sessions to achieve the best results, usually between 3 to 8 treatments, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. There are a few factors that influence the number of sessions you’ll need to achieve optimal hair removal such as:
- Hair color
- Hair thickness
- Treatment area
- Individual physiology
Some patients see significant hair reduction after just a few sessions, while others may require more treatments to achieve a hairless appearance. During your consultation, we’ll assess the areas you want to treat and provide the estimated number of treatments you may need.
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Long-Term Results: Most people experience a significant reduction in hair growth after the recommended number of sessions.
- Safety & Precision: Lasers selectively target hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin undamaged.
- Minimal Side Effects: There are few side effects after laser hair removal. Those that do occur, such as minor redness or swelling, are typically temporary and mild.
- Convenience: Laser hair removal can significantly reduce the need for daily shaving or monthly waxing, saving you time and hassle.
- Acne Keloidalis: A condition involving inflamed hair follicles that can be exacerbated by shaving, making laser hair removal a beneficial alternative for those affected.
- Anagen: The active growth phase of hair follicles, during which laser hair removal is most effective because the hair is directly connected to the follicle.
- Brazilian Wax: A method of hair removal that extends beyond the bikini line to remove most or all pubic hair.
- Cold Sores: Also known as fever blisters, these are small, fluid-filled blisters that form near the lips due to the herpes simplex virus. They are a potential side effect of laser hair removal if performed near the mouth on individuals with a history of the virus.
- Depilatory: Chemical creams used to remove hair that can be replaced by laser hair removal for longer-lasting results.
- Dermatologist: A medical professional specializing in dermatology (conditions of the skin).
- Hair Follicle: The skin organ that produces hair, which is the target of the laser during laser hair removal to inhibit growth.
- IPL Hair Removal: Stands for Intense Pulsed Light, a technology used for hair removal that is similar to laser but uses a broad spectrum of light.
- Laser Hair Removal: A cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove unwanted hair by targeting the melanin in hair follicles.
- Photothermolysis: The principle behind laser hair removal, where specific wavelengths of light are used to generate heat in and destroy hair follicles.
- Razor Burn / Razor Bumps: A common skin irritation from shaving that can be avoided by using laser hair removal.
- Skin Tone: Refers to the varying colors of skin, which is an important factor in determining the most effective type of laser for hair removal to minimize the risk of hyperpigmentation and maximize efficacy.
- Skin Type: A classification of skin based on its reaction to sun exposure and features, which affects the choice of laser settings for hair removal to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Jul 9, 2024