Cosmetic Services · Burien & Bellevue, WA
Laser Hair Removal
Achieve smooth, hair-free skin with FDA-cleared laser hair removal. Our board-certified dermatologists treat patients of all skin tones at our Burien and Bellevue offices, with modern lasers for safe and effective permanent hair reduction.
Schedule a ConsultationHow Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal uses precisely calibrated beams of light to target melanin — the pigment that gives hair its color. When laser energy is absorbed by the melanin in the hair shaft, it converts to heat, which travels down to the follicle and damages the follicle's ability to produce new hair growth.
The key to selective targeting is a principle called selective photothermolysis: the laser wavelength and pulse duration are chosen so that energy is absorbed preferentially by the hair follicle rather than the surrounding skin tissue. The cooling system on the handpiece further protects the skin surface throughout treatment.
Treated follicles enter a prolonged resting state and eventually stop producing hair entirely. The result is a permanent reduction in the number of active hair follicles in the treated area.
Why Are Multiple Sessions Required?
Hair does not all grow at the same time. Every hair follicle cycles through three distinct phases:
Anagen (Active Growth)
The hair shaft is attached to the root and the follicle is actively producing hair. This is the only phase in which laser treatment is effective — the melanin in the growing hair conducts heat to the follicle.
Catagen (Transition)
The hair follicle begins to shrink and detach from the blood supply. Laser treatment is minimally effective during this phase.
Telogen (Resting)
The hair is shed and the follicle is dormant. There is no hair shaft to absorb laser energy, making treatment ineffective.
At any given time, only about 20% of your hairs are in the anagen phase. By spacing sessions 4–8 weeks apart (depending on the area), each treatment catches a new cohort of follicles entering their active growth phase. Over 6–8 sessions, the vast majority of follicles are treated and permanently reduced.
Treatment Areas
We treat virtually every area of the body where unwanted hair is a concern:
Laser Hair Removal for All Skin Tones
Earlier generations of laser hair removal technology were best suited for patients with light skin and dark hair — because there was a greater contrast between the skin and hair pigment, making selective targeting easier. Modern advances have significantly expanded safe treatment options:
Light to Medium Skin (Fitzpatrick I–III)
Alexandrite (755nm) and diode (810nm) lasers work exceptionally well, providing fast treatment with high efficacy. The contrast between light skin and dark hair is ideal.
Medium to Dark Skin (Fitzpatrick III–VI)
Nd:YAG (1064nm) lasers penetrate deeper and are less absorbed by epidermal melanin — making them the gold-standard choice for safely treating patients with brown to dark skin tones without risk of burns or hypopigmentation.
During your consultation, we assess your Fitzpatrick skin type, hair color, and hair coarseness to determine the optimal laser and settings for your treatment.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Session
Shave the treatment area 24–48 hours in advance. Arrive with clean, dry skin — no lotions, deodorant, or makeup on the area. Wear or bring clothing that allows easy access to the treatment zone. Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 4 weeks prior.
During Treatment
Protective goggles are required to shield your eyes from laser light. The handpiece is pressed against the skin, delivering pulses of laser energy with each pass. You will feel brief snapping sensations cooled by the integrated contact cooling system. Depending on the area, sessions take 15–60 minutes.
Immediately After
The treated area will appear slightly red and feel like mild sunburn — this resolves within a few hours. You can apply aloe vera gel or a cool compress for comfort. Treated hairs will shed over the following 1–3 weeks.
Between Sessions
Do not wax, pluck, or thread between sessions — shaving is fine. Avoid sun exposure and use SPF 30+ sunscreen on any treated areas exposed to sunlight. Hair regrowth between sessions is normal and expected.
Long-Term Results
After completing a full series of 6–8 sessions, most patients can expect:
- 70–90% permanent reduction in hair count in treated areas
- Remaining hair is typically finer, lighter, and slower-growing
- Results are stable for years without maintenance
- Occasional touch-up sessions (1–2 per year) may be needed for optimal long-term results
- Hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, PCOS) can stimulate new follicles — additional sessions address new growth
Book a Consultation
Find out if laser hair removal is right for your skin and hair type. We'll create a personalized treatment plan at your consultation.
Schedule NowQuick Facts
- 6–8 sessions typically needed
- 70–90% permanent hair reduction
- FDA-cleared laser technology
- Safe for a range of skin tones
- Sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart
- Treats legs, underarms, face, bikini & more
- Cooling tip reduces discomfort
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a rubber band snap against the skin — brief and tolerable. Our laser system includes a contact cooling tip that chills the skin surface immediately before and after each pulse, significantly reducing discomfort. Sensitivity varies by area: the upper lip and bikini line tend to be more sensitive than the legs or arms. Topical numbing cream can be applied before treatment if desired.
How many sessions do I need?
Most patients need 6–8 sessions to achieve optimal results. Because laser hair removal only effectively targets hair in the active growth (anagen) phase — which accounts for roughly 20% of hairs at any given time — multiple sessions spaced 4–8 weeks apart are necessary to treat all follicles across their various growth cycles. The exact number of sessions depends on the treatment area, your hair density, and your individual hair growth cycle.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal is classified as "permanent hair reduction" by the FDA — not permanent hair removal. Clinical studies show 70–90% long-term reduction in hair count after a full treatment series. A small percentage of hair follicles may regenerate over time, often producing finer, lighter hair. Occasional maintenance sessions (typically once a year or less) keep results optimal for most patients.
Can laser hair removal be performed on darker skin tones?
Yes. Modern diode and Nd:YAG lasers have made laser hair removal accessible to patients with medium and darker skin tones. The Nd:YAG 1064nm wavelength bypasses the melanin in the epidermis and targets the deeper hair follicle, making it safe and effective for Fitzpatrick skin types IV–VI when used by an experienced provider. We assess each patient individually to choose the safest and most effective laser parameters for their skin tone and hair color.
What should I do before my laser hair removal session?
Shave the treatment area 24–48 hours before your appointment — hair stubble should be present, but not longer than a few millimeters. Avoid waxing, plucking, or threading for at least 4 weeks before treatment, as these methods remove the root that the laser targets. Avoid sun exposure and tanning (including self-tanner) for 4 weeks prior, as tanned skin increases the risk of side effects. Arrive with clean, product-free skin on the treatment area.
Can all hair colors be treated?
Laser hair removal works best on dark, coarse hair because the laser energy is absorbed by melanin pigment. Blonde, red, gray, and white hair have little to no melanin and respond poorly to laser treatment — this is not a limitation that can be overcome with any current laser technology. During your consultation, we will give you an honest assessment of whether your hair and skin combination is likely to achieve good results.
Say Goodbye to Razors and Waxing
Schedule your laser hair removal consultation at our Burien or Bellevue office. Expert physicians, modern lasers, and safe treatment for all skin tones.