Laser hair removal is one of the most popular aesthetic treatments today-and for good reason. It offers a long-term solution to unwanted hair, eliminating the need for constant shaving, waxing, or plucking. If you’re considering laser hair removal, Palo Alto Laser & Skin care will be sure to provide you with all of the answers you have been searching for..
At our clinic, we use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, widely regarded as one of the most effective and safest laser systems on the market. Treatments are performed by highly trained professionals: Carina, a registered nurse who became an aesthetic specialist after earning her degree from San Francisco State University in 2017, and Anupreet (“Preet”), a certified Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Clinical Medical Sciences from Barry University, following her undergraduate education at UC Davis.
Let’s get into your most asked questions:
1. HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL I NEED?
Laser hair removal requires a series of sessions to be truly effective. That’s because hair grows in cycles, and laser energy only targets hairs in the active growth (anagen) phase.
- On average, 8-15 treatments are needed per area.
- Sessions are spaced 4–6 weeks apart to match your natural hair cycle.
- Some areas (like the bikini or underarms) may respond faster, while areas like the face or back may require additional treatments for optimal results.
2. HOW MUCH DOES LASER HAIR REMOVAL COST?
Pricing varies depending on the area being treated. At Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care, we offer laser hair removal memberships which allows for 30% OFF all laser hair removal sessions and 50% OFF laser hair removal treatments during your birthday month!
We’re always transparent with pricing and offer consultations to help you understand your personalized plan.
3. IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL PAINFUL?
Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap, like a rubber band lightly snapping against the skin. The Candela GentleMax Pro Plus features an integrated Dynamic Cooling Device (DCD) that sprays a burst of cooling mist milliseconds before the laser pulse, making the experience much more comfortable.
For more sensitive areas or pain concerns, we recommend an over the counter numbing cream which we can wipe off for you in the office prior to treatment.
4. WILL IT WORK FOR MY SKIN TONE AND HAIR TYPE?
Thanks to the dual wavelengths of the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, we can safely and effectively treat a wide range of skin tones, from very fair to deeper complexions.
The laser works best on dark, coarse hair, but we’ve seen great results on various hair types. During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin and hair to make sure you’re an ideal candidate and develop a personalized plan to meet your goals.
5. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OR DOWNTIME?
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive treatment with minimal to no downtime. Common, temporary side effects include:
- Mild redness or swelling (similar to a light sunburn)
- Slight sensitivity in the treated area for a few hours
6. WHAT SHOULD I DO BEFORE AND AFTER MY TREATMENT?
Before your appointment:
- Shave the treatment area a maximum of 24 hours prior (do not wax or pluck) This allows us to treat the hair follicle instead of just zapping the hair. For hard to reach areas such as backs or shoulders, we offer in office shaving for a small fee as an option.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds for a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Skip any exfoliating treatments or retinoids for a few days in the treatment areas.
After treatment:
- Avoid hot showers, steam rooms, and saunas for 24 hours
- Avoid excessive sun exposure in the treatment area(s) for 2 weeks post treatment.
- Wear sunscreen daily, especially on exposed treated areas
- Avoid workouts or anything that causes excessive sweating on the day of treatment
7. WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
We can safely treat almost any part of the body, including:
- Face (upper lip, chin, sideburns, forehead)
- Underarms
- Legs
- Bikini/Brazilian
- Back, chest, shoulders, neck, abdomen
- Arms and hands
- Fingers, toes
If you have a specific area in mind, we can tailor your treatment to match your preferences.
8. WHAT TYPE OF LASER DO YOU USE?
We proudly use the Candela GentleMax Pro Plus, a top-tier dual-wavelength system that combines the Alexandrite (755nm) and Nd:YAG (1064nm) lasers. This technology allows us to treat all skin types effectively and safely. Its precision, speed, and built-in cooling system make it a gold standard in laser hair removal.
9. WHO PERFORMS THE TREATMENT?
Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Laser hair removal treatments are performed by:
- Carina, a Registered Nurse who earned her degree from San Francisco State University in 2017 and quickly developed a passion for aesthetic medicine.
- Anupreet, “Preet”, a certified Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Clinical Medical Sciences from Barry University and an undergraduate degree from UC Davis.
Both providers bring extensive training and experience in aesthetic laser treatments and are known for delivering exceptional results. Both providers often treat an average of 4 laser hair removal patients every single day.
10. WHAT HAPPENS IF I MISS A SESSION OR STOP EARLY?
Consistency is key to getting the best results from laser hair removal. Missing a session may delay progress, but we’ll work with you to get back on track. If you decide to pause or stop, results may be incomplete—but any reduction you achieved will still be permanent for those treated hairs.
We offer flexible scheduling to help keep your treatment plan manageable and effective.
READY TO SAY GOODBYE TO UNWANTED HAIR?
Laser hair removal is an investment in convenience, confidence, and smooth skin. Whether it’s your first treatment or you’re ready to resume, at Palo Alto Laser & Skin Care, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Book your consultation today and let Carina or Preet help you design a laser hair removal plan that fits your lifestyle, goals, and skin type—with results you’ll love.