Laser Hair Removal in Mt. Vernon, Bellingham & Everett, WA

Laser hair removal is an extremely effective way to decrease the density of hair growth leaving your skin with a smoother, sleeker appearance. To achieve this, we use the Elite + Cynosure.

Frequently Treated Areas

The Elite+ laser can remove unwanted hair from virtually any area of the body and face, including sensitive areas. We frequently treat the following areas:

• Legs
• Underarms
• Bikini area
• Face
• Chest
• Back

How Laser Hair Removal Treatment Works

Laser hair reduction works by using a concentrated beam of light that is absorbed by the pigment in the hair. The light energy is disrupts hair follicle growth to slow down hair production for actively growing follicles. This damage hinders or suspense future hair growth as well.

Although laser hair removal efficiently interrupts hair growth for extended periods, it usually doesn’t result in permanent hair removal. Several laser hair removal sessions are required for initial hair removal, and maintenance sessions may be required as well. Laser hair removal is best effective for individuals who have light skin and dark hair.

Preparing for Laser Hair Removal

To prepare for laser hair removal, avoid tweezing, waxing, sugaring or electrolysis for at least two weeks prior to treatment. Discontinue Retin-A and any skin care products containing glycolic acid for about a week prior to treatment. Limit sun exposure and do not use tanning booths in the days leading up to treatment — the laser needs to be able to discern the difference in the color of the skin and hair follicle to target the hair.

On the day of your treatment session, shave the treatment area and avoid applying any creams, oils, cosmetics or other products.

Treatment Details

A treatment session can take a few minutes up to an hour, depending on the specific area or areas treated. You will relax on the treatment table and our provider will pass a small hand piece over the target area. The hand piece delivers intense pulses of energy that heat and destroy unwanted hair follicles. The Elite+ platform has a patented cooling device to minimize the sensation of discomfort or heat from the laser. If you are sensitive to pain, you may request the application of a topical numbing cream prior to your treatment.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ

Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?

Most patients say it feels like a rubber band snap when the laser hits the skin, but there is minimal discomfort afterwards.

How many hair removal treatments are needed?

We recommend 4-6 treatments, however more may be needed depending on the area being treated and the density of the hair.

How often are the treatments performed?

Treatments are done 4-6 weeks apart.

How long does a laser hair removal treatment take?

It can vary depending on the area being treated, but typically anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

What is laser hair removal recovery like?

You may notice some redness and/or inflammation for the first few hours, and possibly milia or pimples for a day or two after, but these typically resolve quickly.

Why should I consider laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal can save you time and effort you would otherwise spend on shaving, tweezing or waxing unwanted body or facial hair. With our advanced technology, we can effectively treat large and small areas on many different skin types.

Will I need maintenance treatments?

Yes, we usually recommend undergoing a maintenance treatment approximately every six to 12 months, although some patients don’t need to start maintenance treatments for two or three years. Maintenance regimens vary quite a bit and we tailor every individual’s treatment and maintenance care plan based on his or her unique needs.

What are the possible side effects?

Serious side effects are very rare. Some patients notice redness and mild swelling in the treated skin after a session. These side effects are temporary and usually resolve within a few hours.

Blistering can occur in some patients with extremely sensitive skin. If this occurs, contact our office so we can make a note to lower the laser power settings for your next appointments; also, we may need to allow more time for recovery in between sessions.

Discoloration of treated skin can also occur, though this is very rare and typically occurs only in patients with a history of irregular skin pigmentation and/or sun exposure to the treatment area as the laser-treated skin reacts more erratically to UV damage for several weeks to a few months after treatment.

How does laser hair removal differ from electrolysis?

Electrolysis works by sending an electrical current through each individual hair follicle to damage the follicle and prevent new hairs from growing. Laser hair removal is a much faster method of hair removal and it is more focused on regrowth suppression.

Is laser hair removal safe?

When performed by a qualified, experienced provider, laser hair removal is safe and very well tolerated.

Can I have tan skin at the time of treatment?

No, we recommend avoiding the sun, tanning beds and sunless tanning products prior to your treatment. Tanned skin is more difficult to treat, since the laser has a harder time delineating the pigment in the skin from the pigment in the hair follicles. Tanned skin has a risk of getting lighter or splotchy with laser hair removal treatment as well.

Where can I find information about laser hair removal pricing?

Our staff would be happy to speak with you about the cost of laser hair removal. We can provide accurate pricing information once we have an idea of the area or areas you want to treat. We can also discuss buying a bundle of sessions to save money on your overall costs.