Laser Hair Removal in Boston
Jump To
Laser Hair Removal Dermatologist Located in Boston
Laser hair removal, offered by our board-certified dermatologists, is an effective laser treatment to reduce the hair on the body and face. The results are long-lasting and reduce the need to do at-home hair removal methods such as shaving, waxing, threading and plucking. Most patients who undergo laser treatments can reduce hair in an area for several years. It is very important that the treatment be performed by a skilled and experienced physician to get the safest, most effective treatment. There are many different types of lasers and machines used in offices to get rid of hair but not every machine is the same. We use the highest quality equipment in order to safely treat our patients and give them long-lasting improvements. Laser hair removal is safest when done in a physician’s office, where treatments are done by a board certified dermatologist. Medspa facilities may offer laser hair removal at a reduced cost but those performing the treatments are often not physicians, rather nurses or aestheticians with less training than a physician.
There are many myths out there about laser hair removal, so it’s always best to speak to a board-certified dermatologist to get the facts about this popular treatment.
What Is the Hair-Growth Cycle?
Hair goes through four phases during its growth process: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), telogen (resting), and exogen (shedding).
Laser hair removal works by targeting the melanin pigment in the hair. For this reason, laser hair removal works best for brown, dark, or black hairs. It does not work for light colored, white or grey hairs. Because hairs that are in the anagen phase contain the most melanin and the hair root (also known as the hair bulb), laser hair removal is most effective when hair is in the anagen phase. The anagen phase lasts anywhere from weeks to years depending on where the hair is located on the body. Because not every hair is in the anagen phase at the exact same time, multiple laser hair removal treatments are needed for optimal hair reduction by the laser. Most areas of the body require at least 4 – 6 sessions, done about monthly, for best results from laser hair removal.
Common Laser Hair Removal Treatment Areas
Laser hair removal is a highly versatile and popular treatment option and can be used on almost any area of the body. Some of the most popular areas to remove hair are the underarms or armpits (also known as axillae) and bikini line. Some other commonly treated areas include the legs, chest, nipples, abdomen, back, upper lip, chin and arms. It is important to remember that we do not employ laser treatment to get rid of hair from the following areas: eyebrows, ears, and around the anus. Hair on the body or face can be reduced, thinned and removed with the help of laser treatments.
Some patients want to do laser hair removal to help ease the burden of ingrown hairs. Other patients want to do laser hair removal to reduce the hassle of shaving, threading, plucking or waxing. Some want to do laser hair removal because they believe that it gives a better appearance.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Other Hair-Removal Methods
Laser hair removal offers a number of benefits over other methods. It’s much gentler compared to plucking, waxing, and electrolysis. Plucking and electrolysis also take longer, and electrolysis requires more treatment sessions. Depilatory creams and plucking don’t have long-lasting results, and bleaches don’t really address the problem effectively. For some patients, bleaching, depilatory creams and waxing can irritate the skin. Laser hair removal reduces hair without skin irritation.
Is Laser Hair Removal Right for Me?
Laser hair removal can be safe for treating all skin tones, including darker tones, BUT, you want to make sure that your provider has the correct laser for your skin type. Using the wrong laser can result in burns or in a treatment that is not effective. With Elite+ by Cynosure, we can customize every treatment to encompass lighter or darker skin types, as well as different areas of the body. We can use a 755nm alexandrite laser on the Elite system to treat those with fairer skin tones and safely use a 1064nm Nd:Yag laser on the Elite system to treat those with darker skin tones.
At our Boston office, we have lasers and the expertise to treat patients with a wide range of needs. Laser hair removal works best on patients with dark hair (black and brown). It does not work on blonde, white or grey hair. Red hair may also be stubborn to get rid of with lasers. The lasers we have work well for both coarse and fine hairs. One of the most important things to know before going in for laser hair removal is that patients cannot undergo treatment if they have a suntan.
The best way to ensure that Elite+ laser hair removal is right for you is by visiting our Boston facility for a consultation. We’re just a 10-minute drive from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and we’re not far from convenient dining options like Sorellina, La Padrona, and Oak Long Bar.
Before and after three laser hair removal treatments
Why Choose The Dermatology Institute of Boston for Laser Hair Removal?
Laser hair removal can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Burns, permanent changes to skin color, and scars can occur. You can greatly reduce the risk of these side effects by having your treatment performed by a medical doctor at a physicians’ office such as ours rather than at a medspa or salon. Our doctors are extremely skilled when it comes to laser technology, and they have in-depth knowledge of skin health.
Our board-certified dermatologists are world-renowned industry experts. They have been honored with numerous awards and have been invited to share their knowledge on television programs, on radio programs, and in magazines. Our dermatologists have been guest speakers at international medical conventions and have published several articles in medical journals.
Our dermatologists’ vast experience enables them to effectively screen for appropriate laser hair removal candidates and avoid complications during treatment sessions. They are also adept at identifying any underlying medical conditions that could be affecting hair growth or the skin.
Many patients come to The Dermatology Institute of Boston after having bad experiences with medspas. They may have experienced poor results from prior treatments. At our dermatology clinic, we help patients achieve incredible results, and our staff creates a comfortable, professional and welcoming environment.
We’re located at the corner of Dartmouth St. and Stuart St., just blocks from the Mass Pike (Interstate 90). For Boston laser hair removal patients taking the train to our institute, we’re just blocks from Back Bay Station. Patients traveling from out of state typically stay at a nearby hotel like Fairmont Copley Hotel, Raffles Hotel, the Sheraton Boston Hotel, or the Boston Marriott.
Your Consultation
Before your laser hair removal treatment, you’ll need to come to The Dermatology Institute of Boston for a consultation. Our clinic is near the Boston Common and the Boston Public Library, and it’s not far from Downtown Boston and the Charles River.
During your consultation with a board-certified dermatologist, you’ll talk about the areas you’d like to treat with laser hair removal. They will examine these areas and ask you questions about your medical history. Be sure to tell them about any pre-existing conditions, allergies, your current medications, and recent treatments.
Your dermatology expert will tell you about the laser hair removal process, going into detail about preparation, aftercare, and your potential results. Questions are encouraged at any time during the consultation process.
How Laser Hair Removal Works
Laser hair removal works on the principle of selective photothermolysis (selective light-based heat damage). This means that laser energy specifically locks onto the melanin pigment cells in the hair’s root, which is sheathed inside the follicle. The laser energy is absorbed by the hair’s root, damaging the follicle.
Pulses of laser energy are used on hair follicles to destroy them, making it so they are no longer able to grow new hairs. This is a very safe hair-removal process and can be applied to sensitive parts of the body like the face.
Laser hair removal is also quite effective. In fact, thanks to technological advances, it is so effective that a particular chromophore (such as melanin in a hair follicle) can be targeted by the laser wavelength to impair the basal stem cells inside follicles.
Laser Hair Removal Treatment Process
Laser treatment for hair removal is performed in the comfort of our Boston facility.
Patients wear protective extraocular opaque goggles during laser hair removal treatments. This prevents eye injury to the retinas and corneas, which are particularly sensitive to laser light.
Laser hair removal involves use of a specialized handpiece. Once the handpiece has been properly calibrated for the patient’s specific needs, it is held against the treatment area and triggered, emitting pulses of laser energy. The resulting heat affects the targeted follicles. Several follicles are targeted by a single energy pulse, which only lasts for less than a single second. The treated area is kept safe from injury by simultaneously deploying a forced air cooling device known as a Zimmer machine. This cooling keeps the epidermis safe from overheating and also makes the treatment more comfortable for the patients.
During laser hair removal treatment, the laser can feel sensitive on the skin, and for those patients that want more comfort beyond the forced air cooling system, a topical numbing cream can be used to minimize discomfort. This may be especially helpful when treating more sensitive areas such as the upper lip. Most patients describe the feeling as a slight snap against the skin. Treatment only takes a few minutes.
Important Things to Know About Laser Hair Removal:
- Though the process may sound painful, it is not bad. Many patients liken the feeling to a rubber band snaps.
- Elite+ 755nm and 1064nm laser hair removal uses air-cooling technology to keep the skin at a safe temperature, reducing discomfort and minimizing complications.
- Treatments also are quick, often lasting just a few minutes.
- Please keep in mind that results are not instant. Most patients will require a number of treatments before optimal results are achieved. The number of treatments will vary depending on the patient and the area of the body being treated.
- In preparation for laser hair removal, shaving within 24 hours of treatment is typically required. Patients are advised not to wax or pluck the area. Make sure the area being treated is free from creams and lotions beforehand as well.
- Treatments can often result in additional benefits, such as smoother and clearer skin because it helps to prevent ingrown hairs.
- It is very important that you not at all be tan prior to your laser hair removal appointment. Laser hair removal is done the most safely when patients are at their own palest skin tone.
After a Laser Hair Removal Treatment
After laser hair removal treatment, patients are able to go about their days as planned as they generally notice no symptoms. In some patients, there may be slight residual pinkness, but this often resolves within an hour.
For 24 hours after laser hair removal, do not apply lotion, deodorant, or makeup to treated areas. Avoid scratching or rubbing treated areas for 48 hours. Additionally, during recovery, avoid prolonged sun exposure and make sure to apply sunscreen regularly.
After the treatment session, treated hairs will gradually fall away over the course of one month. Depending on the area of the body being treated, laser hair removal on average requires at least 4-6 treatments to achieve desired results. These treatments should be spaced about a month apart to ensure a new round of hair growth. In between treatments, patients should not be waxing, threading, or plucking hairs in the areas being treated. Shaving is okay and actually recommended just prior to treatment.
After the treatment course is complete and desired results are achieved, the results are considered semi-permanent. This is because several years down the line, patients will report individual stray hairs in treated areas. Patients can then return to the office for 1-2 treatments to tackle these hairs that have grown back.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal in Boston Cost?
The price of laser hair removal in Boston may be impacted by a number of factors. Total price is based on factors like the number of treatment areas, the size of the targeted areas, and the number of sessions required to achieve optimal hair-reduction results.
Learn More During a Dermatologist Consultation
Laser hair removal in Boston is simple and convenient thanks to the skilled physicians at The Dermatology Institute of Boston. Many of our patients visit the Public Garden, America’s first public botanical garden, located five minutes from our institute. Established in 1837, the Public Garden features swan boats, a lagoon, fountains, monuments, and numerous types of plants and flowers. To schedule your laser hair removal appointment, contact us today!
Laser Hair Removal FAQs
Does laser hair removal really work permanently?
Laser hair removal can reduce or eliminate hair semi-permanently in the targeted area. Eventually, the hair does grow back, but most of the time it will be very fine and light compared to before treatment. The chances of obvious hair returning can come down to the type of hair you have. Thick hair may require more treatments to destroy the follicle completely. However, each treatment may make the hair lighter and less noticeable.
Many factors come into play in regard to the results of your laser hair removal treatment:
- Color and texture of hair: It may be more difficult for the laser to “see” lighter-colored hair follicles, and darker, thicker hair may require more treatments
- Melanin in skin: it may be more difficult for the laser to distinguish between skin pigmentation and hair follicle on darker skin tones
The above-mentioned considerations make it all that more important that you seek a highly trained professional to perform your laser hair removal treatment.
What are the negatives of laser hair removal?
There are no reported long-term side effects of laser hair removal. However, as with any treatment, there are some short-term side effects and considerations to keep in mind.
- You may experience redness and tenderness at the treatment site. Some people compare it to the sensation felt after a sunburn. Applying a cold compress can help reduce these symptoms.
- People may experience hyperpigmentation or skin darkening following treatment, but it usually fades over time
- Blistering, crusting, and scarring are rare, but can occur.
- Occasionally, laser hair removal may cause the treated hair to turn gray or grow back thicker
- The process is only effective during the hair’s growth cycle, so numerous treatments may be required to treat each follicle at the appropriate growth stage.
- Hormones can impact hair growth, so if you experience increased testosterone, you may need more treatments to maintain desired results. Note: it is not unusual for people to experience hormonal changes and thus hair growth during menopause or pregnancy when hormones are significantly impacted
Is laser hair removal really worth it?
When considering laser hair removal prices, you may wonder if the process is worth it. While it may take several sessions to achieve desired results, many people appreciate the reduced appearance of hair and the need for less shaving.
Busy people may wonder if laser hair removal is worth the time investment. Smaller areas, such as the chin, may only take about 5 minutes to complete, while larger areas, such as the legs, may take up to an hour. Overall, the process is fast and straightforward.
Do you shave before laser hair removal?
Yes. You should shave the night or morning before your treatment. Doing so ensures the laser’s energy isn’t focused on long hairs. You should absolutely avoid waxing at least one month before your appointment because it removes the follicle completely, making it impossible to laser.
Some other tips for prepping for laser hair removal treatment include wearing sunscreen and protecting your skin from the sun, and avoiding tanning beds, sprays, and lotions before and immediately after your treatment. Following the treatment, you should avoid putting on perfume or taking a hot shower for at least 24 hours.
How painful is laser hair removal?
Laser hair removal does involve some mild discomfort. Many people indicate that it is far less painful than waxing. However, it may be a little uncomfortable for some people because there are nerves attached to the follicle which are impacted by the laser. Following the procedure, you may experience mild irritation and discomfort in the target area, which usually subsides quickly. It is said that the first one or two treatments are usually the most uncomfortable. After that, the hair is thinner and easier to manage.
Here are a few simple tips for reducing the chances of pain during laser hair removal:
- Get enough rest the night before so that your body is not depleted. Lack of sleep can make you more irritable and even influence pain receptors.
- Try to avoid hair removal right before or during your menstrual cycle. Fluctuations in your hormones can impact your pain tolerance.
- Stay well-hydrated. Some studies suggest that being dehydrated can make you more susceptible to pain.
- Reduce caffeine. Caffeine consumption may make you more sensitive to pain.
Apply ice before the treatment. Ice may help relieve burning and redness following the treatment.
An over-the-counter pain reliever may help reduce some of the minor pain you may experience during or immediately following the treatment. Taking the medication about a half hour before your scheduled appointment is a good idea.
Please talk with your provider about their suggestions for making the treatment more comfortable for you. Sometimes, a topical numbing cream is applied prior to treatment to minimize discomfort.
At what age is laser hair removal most effective?
