Click here to see Laser Hair Removal Brochure
Laser hair removal in San Diego at MedDerm permanently reduces unwanted hair using Nd-YAG high-speed laser technology administered by board-certified dermatologists. Unlike shaving, waxing, or depilatory creams that require weekly maintenance, laser hair removal targets the hair follicle itself and disrupts its ability to regrow. Most patients see a significant reduction after five to eight sessions, and the treatment works on virtually any body area, including underarms, bikini line, legs, face, and back. At our Hillcrest office on 5th Avenue, we customize every treatment plan to your skin type, hair color, and cosmetic dermatology goals so results feel smooth and natural.
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light that passes through the skin and is absorbed by melanin, the dark pigment inside each hair follicle. The light converts to heat, which damages the follicle enough to significantly slow or prevent future hair growth while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed. MedDerm uses Nd:YAG high-speed laser technology, which operates at a 1064 nm wavelength that penetrates deeper into the skin than shorter-wavelength systems. This deeper reach makes the Nd:YAG laser effective and safe across all skin tones, including darker complexions that carry a higher risk of hyperpigmentation with other laser types.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser can only disable follicles that are in the active growth phase (anagen) at the time of treatment. Because only a portion of your hair is in that phase during any single session, a series of five to eight treatments spaced four to eight weeks apart is necessary to catch each follicle during its growth window. After completing the full series, most patients experience a 70 to 90 percent reduction in hair in the treated area, with 10 to 30 percent regrowth expected. The remaining hairs typically grow back finer and lighter than before.
Laser hair removal at MedDerm treats nearly any area of the body where unwanted hair grows. The most commonly requested treatment areas among our patients include:
Small areas like the upper lip or chin take as little as five to ten minutes per session. Larger areas like full legs or the back may take 30 to 60 minutes. Your dermatologist will map out a treatment plan based on the size, hair density, and sensitivity of your specific areas during your initial consultation.
A laser hair removal appointment at MedDerm begins with a brief consultation where your dermatologist evaluates your skin type, hair color, and medical history to confirm that laser treatment is appropriate and to calibrate the laser settings. You should shave the treatment area the day before your visit so the laser energy targets the follicle below the surface rather than the hair above the skin.
During the procedure, your dermatologist guides the laser handpiece across the treatment area in systematic passes. Each pulse of laser light takes a fraction of a second and treats multiple follicles simultaneously. A built-in cryogen cooling spray activates before each pulse to protect the outer skin and reduce discomfort. Most patients describe the sensation as a quick snap, similar to the flick of a rubber band. For sensitive areas, we can apply a topical numbing cream before treatment.
You will wear protective eyewear throughout the session. Once the treatment is complete, you can leave the office and resume your normal activities immediately. There is no sedation, no incisions, and no recovery period to plan around.
Recovery from laser hair removal is minimal, and most patients return to their daily routine immediately after leaving our office. The treated area may appear pink or slightly swollen for a few hours to a couple of days, similar to a mild sunburn. This is a normal response and resolves on its own.
To protect your results and support healing, follow these aftercare guidelines for the first week after each session:
Treated hairs will shed naturally over the one to three weeks following each session. This shedding is normal and is a sign that the treatment is working. Your dermatologist will schedule your next appointment four to eight weeks later, depending on the body area and your individual hair growth cycle.
Traditional hair removal methods address the symptom but not the cause. Shaving cuts hair at the skin surface and must be repeated every one to three days. Waxing pulls hair from the root but causes significant discomfort, risks ingrown hairs and irritation, and requires regrowth before the next session. Both methods cost time and money continuously.
Laser hair removal offers permanent hair reduction by targeting the follicle directly. After completing a full treatment series, most patients only need one to two maintenance sessions per year, if any. When you factor in the cumulative cost of razors, shaving cream, waxing appointments, and the time spent on upkeep, laser hair removal often costs less over a lifetime while delivering smoother, longer-lasting results.
Laser treatment also reduces ingrown hairs, a common frustration for patients who shave or wax the bikini area, underarms, or beard line. By disabling the follicle rather than cutting or pulling the hair, the laser removes the root cause of ingrown hairs and the bumps, redness, and scarring they create.
MedDerm provides laser hair removal performed by board-certified dermatologists who understand skin biology at a clinical level. This matters because the safety and effectiveness of laser treatment depend on accurate skin-type assessment, proper laser calibration, and the ability to manage any complications. A dermatologist brings diagnostic expertise that goes beyond what a technician at a medical spa can offer.
Our practice has served the San Diego community from our Hillcrest location at 3965 5th Avenue, Suite 200, for over two decades, treating patients from Bankers Hill, Mission Hills, North Park, University Heights, and La Jolla. We use medical-grade Nd-YAG laser technology that is safe for all skin types, including Fitzpatrick skin types IV through VI, which many other clinics cannot treat safely with their equipment.
Every treatment plan is individualized. We adjust laser settings based on your skin tone, hair thickness, treatment area, and response to previous sessions. You work with the same dermatology team throughout your treatment series, so your care stays consistent from the first session to the last. Patients who combine laser hair removal with complementary services like Botox treatment or laser skin tightening benefit from a single provider who understands their full aesthetic profile.
Most patients require five to eight sessions spaced four to eight weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only treats follicles in the active growth phase. Multiple sessions ensure each follicle is treated during its growth window for maximum permanent reduction.
Most patients compare the sensation to a quick rubber-band snap against the skin. MedDerm's Nd-YAG laser includes a built-in cryogen cooling system that chills the skin before each pulse, significantly reducing discomfort. Topical numbing cream is available for sensitive areas.
Yes. The Nd-YAG laser at MedDerm operates at 1064 nm, a wavelength specifically suited for all skin tones, including Fitzpatrick types IV, V, and VI. This longer wavelength bypasses excess melanin in the epidermis and targets the follicle directly, reducing the risk of hyperpigmentation or burns.
The cost per session varies depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of sessions in your plan. Small areas like the upper lip start at a lower per-session price, while full legs or back require more time and a higher investment. We provide transparent pricing during your consultation and offer package options that reduce the per-session cost.
Yes, shaving between sessions is perfectly fine and even recommended. Shaving removes the visible hair above the skin without disturbing the follicle below, which the laser needs to target. Do not wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams between sessions, as these methods remove the follicle and reduce the effectiveness of your next treatment.
Laser hair removal produces permanent hair reduction, not absolute permanent removal. After a full series of treatments, most patients see 70 to 90 percent fewer hairs in the treated area. Remaining hairs often grow back finer and lighter. One to two maintenance sessions per year can address any regrowth.
Ready to stop shaving and start seeing lasting results? Request an appointment with our dermatology team to discuss a laser hair removal plan tailored to your skin type, treatment areas, and goals.
Sciton Hair Removal (upper lip)
