Cosmetic Dermatology

Laser Hair Removal in the Boston Area

Laser Hair Removal in the Boston Area

Long-pulsed Ruby, Alexandrite, Diode, and Nd:YAG lasers, as well as intense pulsed light sources, are state-of-the art devices that effectively remove unwanted facial and body hair. SkinCare Physicians has not one or two, but all of the effective FDA approved devices for our laser hair removal patients in Boston, MA. The past decade has brought tremendous advances in laser hair removal technology, and our physicians have been pioneers in the development and application of this exciting new technology. After laser hair removal, you will have less hair, finer hair and lighter colored hair in the treated site.

If you are considering laser hair removal in the Boston area, our team of medical professionals can help you look your best. Request a consultation online or contact us at (617) 731-1600 to schedule your appointment.

Before & After Photos of Laser Hair Removal

Hair growth on back Laser hair removal 5 months after 1 treatment
Hair growth on back Laser hair removal
5 months after 1 treatment

How Do These Lasers/Light Source Work?

Lasers and light source produce bright beams of light that are preferentially absorbed by melanin (the pigment in hair), and causes thermal (heat) damage to the hair shaft and follicle without damaging surrounding tissue. The hair follicle is damaged or destroyed and the dark thick (adult) hair is either permanently removed or replaced with a vellus (fine, light colored) hair.

What Are the Advantages of Laser Hair Removal?

Traditional hair removal techniques, such as waxing, shaving, and plucking provide only temporary hair removal. Electrolysis, which may damage hair permanently, involves inserting a needle into each follicle and applying electric current, making it a painful, slow, and tedious process for hair removal. Only small areas can be treated during a single visit with electrolysis, and many treatments over a period of months to years are required to achieve a satisfactory result, and pitted scarring occasionally may occur. The lasers and light sources used by our staff are safe, effective, and convenient and allow larger areas to be treated during a single visit, with noticeable improvement even after your first treatment. Repeat treatments are required to achieve the best possible result.

What Does It Feel Like?

You will experience mild to moderate discomfort similar to being snapped by a rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure without any anesthesia. However, if larger or sensitive areas are to be treated, a topical anesthesia cream is applied one hour before treatment.

How Will I Look and Care for The Treated Area?

Immediately after the procedure, the treated area may appear slightly swollen and pink in color and will feel like a mild sunburn. This reaction subsides within minutes to hours. Cool compresses and a topical corticosteroid cream (which we provide) will hasten the disappearance of these symptoms.

Is the Hair Removal Permanent?

The results our Boston area laser hair removal patients can achieve are excellent. Several factors determine the effectiveness of these lasers for hair removal including hair color, hair thickness, body site, and skin color. Almost all hair types in all skin colors attain delayed hair re-growth for periods as long as six months after a single treatment. Permanent reduction in hair growth is achieved in nearly 80% of individuals treated, and the best results are achieved after multiple treatments. Laser hair removal used to be restricted to individuals with dark hair and fair skin. Recent developments allow dark skinned individuals and even those with a tan to be treated effectively.

How Many Treatments Will I Need to Attain Satisfactory Hair Removal?

Because hair goes through different phases and these devices most effectively damage hair that is in the active growth phase, multiple treatments are usually necessary. Although a few patients will achieve satisfactory hair removal after a single treatment, most patients will require three to six treatments to a specific area (depending on the area treated). Some patients will require more than six treatments. Arm, leg, underarm and bikini area hair tend to be the easiest to remove, while facial hair, especially of the lip and chin, can be a bit more resistant to treatment. Treatments are performed approximately every four to six weeks.

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

There are rarely any permanent side effects with laser hair removal when done properly by trained staff. Skin lightening (hypopigmentation) is rare, but darkening (hyperpigmentation) may occur, especially in patients with darker skin tones and those who get significant sun exposure right after treatment. These changes in color usually tend to gradually fade away, but may be permanent. Lasers specifically designed to remove hair in dark-skinned individuals greatly diminish this risk. There is a small chance of scarring (less than one percent), appearing as either thickened or depressed areas. To minimize the chances of these possible risks, it is important to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. In extremely rare cases, lasers can actually stimulate hair growth in the treated area.

The staff at SkinCare Physicians is uniquely skilled in the art of laser hair removal. We have numerous lasers and light sources that afford our physicians the flexibility to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. The ultimate benefit is that our patients achieve longer lasting results in a safe and effective clinical setting under the direction of some of the world’s leaders in laser hair removal.


At SkinCare Physicians near Boston, our doctors and staff are highly experienced laser hair removal to achieve long-lasting smooth skin and save you the hassle of regular hair treatments. To get started, request a consultation online to come visit with us.

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    Our team of renowned physicians and experienced support staff is committed to excellence in medical skin care and cosmetic procedures with a patient-centered focus for women and men in the greater Boston area and beyond.

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      SkinCare Physicians®

      1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
      Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

      Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

      The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.

      Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.



      SkinCare Physicians®
      1244 Boylston Street (Route 9)
      Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467

      Phone: (617) 731-1600 Fax: (617) 731-1601

      Learn more about your rights and protections related to the No Surprises Act (HR133).

      Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.

      The dermatologists and other medical professionals at SkinCare Physicians specialize in a wide range of dermatology treatments and services, including laser hair removal, laser skin treatment, hair transplant, eyelid surgery, body contouring, psoriasis, skin cancer, BOTOX® Cosmetic, fillers, and Thermage®. From their offices in Chestnut Hill, they serve Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Newton and Wellesley.