Gentle, Effective Hair Reduction Treatments in Maryland
Shaving, waxing, and plucking are a routine most people would rather skip. Laser hair reduction offers a longer-lasting alternative, using targeted light energy to reduce hair growth over a series of treatments. It works best on darker, coarser hair and is one of the most popular treatments Dr. Comeau offers to both women (underarms, bikini line, legs) and men (back, neck, chest) throughout the Ellicott City and Columbia area.
Common Treatment Areas
Laser hair removal can be performed on nearly any area of the body except immediately around the eyes. The most commonly treated areas include:
For women: underarms, bikini line and Brazilian, legs (full or half), arms, upper lip, chin, and back.
For men: back, shoulders, neck, chest, and beard-line cleanup.
Treatment time and the number of sessions needed vary by area — smaller areas like the upper lip take only a few minutes per session, while larger areas like the back or full legs take longer.
Why Choose Dr. Comeau for Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is a medical procedure, and results depend heavily on who’s holding the device and how the settings are calibrated to your skin and hair type. Dr. Beth Comeau is a board-certified physician and Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and every treatment plan at her Ellicott City practice is built around your specific skin tone, hair color, and treatment area — not a one-size-fits-all setting. That physician-led oversight matters most for patients with darker skin tones or sensitive areas, where laser settings that work well on one patient can cause irritation or uneven results on another.
What to Expect
Before your appointment: Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your session (don’t wax or pluck in the weeks leading up to treatment, since the laser needs the hair root intact to target it). Avoid sun exposure and skip lotions, deodorant, or makeup on the treatment area the day of your visit.
During your session: A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area, and the laser is passed over the skin in sections. Most patients describe the sensation as a warm pinch or rubber-band snap; the integrated cooling system keeps this manageable. Session length depends on the area treated, from a few minutes for small areas to 30–45 minutes for larger ones.
After your session: Mild redness and slight swelling around the hair follicles is common for a few hours, similar to a mild sunburn. You can resume normal activities immediately, but sun exposure and heat (hot showers, saunas, intense exercise) should be limited for a day or two. Treated hair typically sheds over the following 1–3 weeks — this is normal and part of the process, not regrowth.
Full course: Most patients need about 6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart to catch hair in different growth cycles, followed by occasional touch-up sessions (often 1–2 times a year) to maintain results long-term.
Laser Hair Removal vs. Shaving and Waxing
- Shaving removes hair at the surface only, so regrowth appears within a day or two and can lead to razor bumps and ingrown hairs.
- Waxing pulls hair from the root, lasting longer than shaving, but regrowth returns in 3–6 weeks, and repeated waxing can irritate sensitive areas.
- Laser hair removal targets the follicle itself. Instead of removing existing hair, it reduces future hair growth over a series of sessions, so most patients need far less maintenance over time and see progressively finer, sparser regrowth rather than a full return to pre-treatment density.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
How does laser hair reduction work?
An infrared laser passes over the treatment area and targets melanin, the pigment in hair follicles. The light energy converts to heat, damaging the follicle enough to slow or stop future hair growth without harming the surrounding skin. A computer-guided system tracks the treatment area to ensure even coverage, while integrated cooling technology keeps the skin comfortable throughout.
Because the laser targets pigment in the hair rather than the skin, results depend on the contrast between hair color and skin tone — which is why candidacy (below) matters more for this treatment than for most.
Does my hair color affect laser hair removal results?
Yes. The laser targets melanin, the pigment in hair. Dark brown and black hair respond best; red, blonde, gray, and white hair have too little pigment for the laser to target effectively.
How many laser hair removal sessions will I need?
Most patients need about 6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, since hair grows in cycles and the laser can only affect follicles that are actively growing at the time of treatment. Occasional maintenance sessions (1–2 per year) help sustain results long-term.
Is laser hair removal permanent?
Laser hair removal causes long-term hair reduction rather than permanent removal for most patients. Hair that does regrow is typically finer and sparser than before, and periodic maintenance sessions help maintain results.
How should I prepare for a laser hair removal appointment?
Shave the treatment area 24 hours before your appointment, avoid waxing or plucking for several weeks prior (the laser needs the hair root intact), stay out of the sun, and skip lotion, deodorant, or makeup on the area the day of treatment.
Does laser hair removal hurt?
Most patients describe the sensation as a warm pinch or the snap of a rubber band. Integrated cooling technology is used throughout treatment to keep the sensation manageable, and discomfort is generally brief since each pulse lasts a fraction of a second.
What happens during treatment?
How long does a laser hair removal session take?
It depends on the area. Small areas like the upper lip take just a few minutes; larger areas like the back or full legs can take 30–45 minutes.
What shoul i expect after treatment?
Mild redness and swelling around hair follicles for a few hours, similar to a mild sunburn. Treated hair sheds gradually over 1–3 weeks — this is a normal part of the process.
Is laser hair removal safe for darker skin tones?
Laser settings need to be adjusted based on skin tone to minimize the risk of pigment changes. This is assessed individually during your consultation so your treatment plan matches your specific skin type.
Can I get laser hair removal while pregnant?
Laser hair removal is generally not performed during pregnancy. Talk with Dr. Comeau’s team about timing if you’re currently pregnant or planning to be.
Note: Individual results may vary.
Your first step is to schedule a consultation. Dr. Comeau will evaluate your skin type and your goals, and make a recommendation that is right for you. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call the office at 410-733-1877 or click below to Request a Consultation.
REQUEST A CONSULTATION
Dr. Comeau and her expert staff are here to meet with you to explore the aesthetic services that are right for you. Simply click below to complete our online consultation request and someone from our staff will respond promptly.