Two pairs of sunglasses and a white device with blue handle on a white background Two pairs of sunglasses and a white device with blue handle on a white background

Laser Hair Removal in Pittsburgh, PA

Smooth Skin, Lasting Freedom

Laser hair removal uses targeted light energy to permanently reduce unwanted hair on the face and body. This proven technology destroys hair follicles at the root, delivering long-lasting smoothness and freedom from constant shaving, waxing, and plucking.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

During treatment, a handheld laser device delivers pulses of concentrated light to the treatment area. The light energy is absorbed by the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle, heating and destroying it without damaging surrounding skin. This process effectively stops hair growth at the root.

You'll wear protective eyewear during the session. Most areas take 15-30 minutes to treat, though larger areas like legs or back may take longer. You may feel a mild warming sensation or slight discomfort, but most patients tolerate it well. Hair falls out naturally over the following 1-2 weeks.

Since hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are needed to target follicles in their active growth phase. Most patients need 6-8 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart for optimal, long-lasting results.

Treatment Benefits:

  • Permanently reduces unwanted hair for long-lasting smoothness
  • Eliminates need for constant shaving, waxing, or plucking
  • Saves time and money on temporary hair removal methods
  • Prevents ingrown hairs, razor burn, and skin irritation
  • Delivers smoother, clearer skin without stubble or regrowth
  • Works on face, body, and sensitive areas effectively
  • Minimal discomfort compared to waxing or threading
  • Quick treatment sessions with no downtime required
  • Safe for most skin types and tones when performed correctly
  • Results improve with each session as hair becomes finer
  • Boosts confidence with consistently hair-free skin
  • Long-term solution that reduces lifetime hair removal costs

Skin Concerns Addressed by Laser Hair Removal:

  • Unwanted Facial Hair – Upper lip, chin, sideburns, and cheek hair
  • Ingrown Hairs – Painful bumps from hair growing back into skin
  • Razor Burn – Irritation and redness from frequent shaving
  • Stubble – Constant regrowth requiring daily maintenance
  • Coarse Hair – Thick, dark hair on face or body
  • Excessive Body Hair – Unwanted hair on legs, arms, chest, or back
  • Bikini Line Irritation – Bumps and discomfort from waxing or shaving
  • Folliculitis – Infected or inflamed hair follicles from shaving
  • Uneven Hair Growth – Patchy or irregular hair patterns
  • Time-Consuming Grooming – Constant need for temporary hair removal

Target Areas for Laser Hair Removal:

  • Upper Lip – Unwanted hair above the lip line
  • Chin – Facial hair on chin and jawline
  • Sideburns – Hair along sides of face
  • Full Face – Comprehensive facial hair removal
  • Underarms – Armpit hair for smooth, hair-free underarms
  • Bikini Line – Hair along bikini area edges
  • Brazilian/Peritoneum – Complete hair removal in intimate areas
  • Legs (Full or Half) – Smooth, hair-free legs year-round
  • Arms (Full or Half) – Hair removal on forearms or full arms
  • Back – Upper, lower, or full back hair removal
  • Chest – Chest hair removal for men or women
  • Abdomen – Hair on stomach or happy trail area
  • Shoulders – Unwanted shoulder hair removal
  • Neck – Front or back of neck hair removal
  • Hands and Fingers – Small areas of unwanted hair

Types of Laser Hair Removal Treatments

  • Woman receiving laser treatment on her face with a professional in pink gloves. Woman receiving laser treatment on her face with a professional in pink gloves.

    Face

    Removes unwanted facial hair on upper lip, chin, sideburns, and cheeks for smooth, hair-free skin always.
  • Person receiving laser hair removal on their leg with a device. Person receiving laser hair removal on their leg with a device.

    Bikini & Peritoneum

    Targets sensitive bikini and peritoneum areas for long-lasting smoothness and confidence all year round.
  • Person receiving laser hair removal treatment on their underarms Person receiving laser hair removal treatment on their underarms

    Back, Chest, or Legs

    Treats larger body areas for permanent hair reduction. Consultation required to assess size and pricing.

General Pre-Care:

  • Shave Treatment Area
    Shave the area 24 hours before treatment. The laser targets the hair follicle beneath the skin, not surface hair.
  • Avoid Sun Exposure
    No sun exposure, tanning beds, or self-tanners for 4 weeks before treatment. Laser cannot be performed on tanned skin.
  • No Waxing or Plucking
    Do not wax, pluck, thread, or use depilatories for 4-6 weeks prior. The hair follicle must be intact for laser to work.
  • Clean Skin Required
    Arrive with clean, makeup-free skin. No lotions, deodorant, perfume, or products on treatment area.
  • Avoid Active Ingredients
    Stop using retinoids and exfoliating products on treatment area 3-5 days before your session.
  • Check Medications
    Inform provider of all medications, especially photosensitizing drugs that increase light sensitivity.

General Post-Care:

  • Expect Redness
    Mild redness and sensitivity are normal for 24-48 hours. Apply aloe vera or cool compresses for relief.
  • Avoid Sun Exposure
    Stay out of direct sun for at least 2 weeks. Wear SPF 30+ daily on treated areas to prevent hyperpigmentation.
  • No Heat for 48 Hours
    Avoid hot showers, saunas, hot tubs, steam rooms, and strenuous exercise for 48 hours after treatment.
  • Gentle Cleansing
    Use lukewarm water and gentle cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubs or exfoliating products for 3-5 days.
  • Moisturize Regularly
    Keep skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotion to soothe and support healing.
  • Don't Pick or Pull
    Hair will shed naturally over 1-2 weeks. Do not pick, pull, or pluck shedding hairs—let them fall out on their own.
  • Shaving Only
    You can shave between sessions, but never wax, pluck, or thread as this removes the hair follicle.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ'S

Most patients need 6-8 treatments spaced 4-8 weeks apart for optimal results. Hair grows in cycles, and laser only works on follicles in their active growth phase—which is why multiple sessions are necessary. The exact number depends on the treatment area, hair thickness, and your hair growth cycle. Facial hair may require more sessions than body hair. After your initial series, occasional maintenance treatments (once or twice a year) may be needed to maintain smooth, hair-free skin.

Most patients describe the sensation as a mild warming or quick snap—similar to a rubber band against the skin. While not painless, it's generally well-tolerated and much less uncomfortable than waxing. Sensitive areas like the bikini line may be slightly more uncomfortable, but numbing cream can be applied if needed. The discomfort is brief and lasts only during the treatment session. Each pulse takes just a fraction of a second.

Laser hair removal works best on individuals with light skin and dark hair because the laser targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. It's less effective on blonde, red, gray, or white hair since these lack sufficient melanin for the laser to target. However, advances in laser technology have made treatments safer and more effective for darker skin tones. During your consultation, we'll assess your skin type and hair color to determine if you're a good candidate and customize settings for safe, effective treatment.

You'll notice hair shedding naturally 1-2 weeks after your first treatment. The treated area will appear smoother with less regrowth. After 2-3 sessions, you'll see significant reduction in hair growth, with remaining hair becoming finer and lighter. Optimal results appear after completing your full series of 6-8 treatments. Results are progressive—each session builds on the last, destroying more follicles and reducing overall hair growth until you achieve long-lasting smoothness.

Two women shaking hands against a plain background. Radiance at Fluhme Medspa, Pittsburgh, PA Two women shaking hands against a plain background. Radiance at Fluhme Medspa, Pittsburgh, PA

Why Choose Radiance at Fluhme?

We make expert aesthetic care part of your everyday life.

Radiance at Fluhme is physician owned and led by a renowned board certified Plastic Surgeon and Tiffany Fluhme, Physician Associate, alongside a team of master injectors and aesthetic specialists.


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