Cosmetic Treatment Specialists Located in National Harbor, MD
Removing unwanted hair can be a hassle. Grooming options such as tweezing, shaving and waxing can be both time consuming and painful. In addition, you need to repeat these tasks regularly as your hair grows back. If you’ve grown tired of tending to unwanted hair on a regular basis, laser hair removal may be right for you.
At Bella Cosmetic Surgery, we offer laser hair removal as part of our med spa services. Our highly experienced team of aestheticians uses the most advanced laser hair removal technology available to ensure excellent results that are delivered safely and comfortably.
You can find out whether you’re a good candidate for laser hair removal and receive individualized treatment recommendations by speaking with our aestheticians in person. Please call  301-567-6767 today to schedule a consultation. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia.
Why Should I Consider Laser Hair Removal?
There are a variety of reasons why you may want to consider laser hair removal. Shaving daily isn’t an ideal solution if you have a busy schedule. In addition, this process often results in skin irritations or ingrown hairs. You may also find that your skin becomes bumpy or blotchy from shaving on a regular basis.
While waxing provides smoother, longer lasting results than shaving, this process isn’t permanent. As a result, you will still need to wax on a somewhat regular basis to maintain your results. In addition, waxing can be painful. Over time, this can become a tiresome.
With our laser hair removal treatments, painful waxing sessions or skin irritations from shaving will no longer be part of your regular grooming experience. Most importantly, you’ll enjoy long lasting results that will allow you to remove this chore from your busy schedule.
Laser hair removal is a versatile procedure that can be used on just about any area of the body, including your:
- Face
- Neck
- Legs
- Back
- Arms
- Bikini line
- Underarms
Benefits Of Laser Hair Removal
Laser hair removal is one of the most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatments performed every year, and for good reason. This minimally invasive procedure provides you with a variety of benefits, including:
- Precise results – The concentrated laser light energy can effectively target unwanted hairs without damaging surrounding skin.
- Fast – The state-of-the-art lasers used for your treatment can address an area the size of a quarter in one second. As a result, removing unwanted hair from a small area such as your upper lip can be completed in a matter of minutes, and a larger area such as the legs or back can be completed within an hour.
- Safe – We use FDA-approved lasers that adhere to the highest safety standards.=
- Permanent hair removal – Your unwanted hair can be eliminated in roughly 4-8 treatments. Once this hair is removed, it won’t grow back.
Am I A Candidate For Laser Hair Removal?
Our laser hair removal treatments target the pigment in your hair follicle. Therefore, the most effective results are typically achieved with individuals who have light skin and dark hair. If you have white or gray hair, laser hair removal may not be as effective.
However, you may still be a good candidate for the procedure if you have darker skin tone. The Light Sheer diode laser system is effective with all skin types, including darker skin. For darker skin types, treatment will typically involve a lower intensity of laser energy and a longer duration in order to ensure optimal levels of safety.
In order to achieve the best results, we recommend that you take the following steps prior to treatment:
- Avoid tanning (sun exposure and tanning beds) for at least two weeks prior to treatment to ensure you maintain the greatest difference in pigmentation between your skin tone and hair follicles
- Avoid using spray-on tanning products or bronzers for at least a week prior to treatment since the metallic ingredients in these sprays can potentially intensify the laser’s heat, resulting in burns
Your Laser Hair Removal Procedure
Laser hair removal is an outpatient procedure performed at our office with no downtime. However, several treatments are needed because hair grows in three distinct cycles:
- The active or growth cycle (anagen)
- The dormant cycle (catagen)
- The fall-out or shedding cycle (telogen)
Laser hair removal is most effective during the anagen (growth) cycle. Your hair is at different stages all the time, so the procedure must be repeated to ensure all hairs are treated while they are in the growth phase. In general, it takes between 4-8 treatments to achieve your desired results.
The pigment in the hair follicle absorbs the laser light and converts the light to heat. The heat, in turn, damages the follicle and destroys its ability to re-grow. With our laser, your skin is compressed and cooled with a patented contact-cooling hand piece, the ChillTip, in order to protect the skin.
Laser Hair Removal Aftercare
We recommend following these dos and don’ts after your laser hair removal treatment:
What to Do:
- Keep skin cool:Â Apply a cold compress or aloe vera for irritation.
- Use sunscreen:Â SPF 30+ protects against hyperpigmentation.
- Stay hydrated:Â Drinking water supports skin recovery.
- Moisturize gently:Â Use fragrance-free lotion to prevent dryness.
- Exfoliate after a few days:Â Light exfoliation (four to five days) helps shed treated hairs.
- Wait 24 hours for makeup:Â Avoid clogging pores after facial treatment.
What to Avoid:
- Sun exposure/tanning:Â Avoid for at least two weeks.
- Hot showers/saunas:Â Stick to lukewarm water for 24-48 hours.
- Exercise:Â Wait 24-48 hours to prevent irritation.
- Waxing/plucking:Â Only shave between sessions to preserve results.
- Harsh skincare products:Â Avoid retinoids, exfoliants, and acids for a few days.
Why Choose Bella Cosmetic Surgery?
Bella Cosmetic Surgery has been helping patients in the Washington DC area for over 20 years. Board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Michael Chiaramonte and Dr. Anya Costeloe lead the practice with a shared goal of giving our clients the best possible experience and results. Whether you're considering surgery or a non-surgical treatment, your plan will be built with your goals, safety, and comfort in mind.
Located in National Harbor, the office has a fully accredited surgical facility for convenience and top-quality care. We strongly value honesty and ethical treatment, and we’ll always make sure you have all the information you need before you begin treatment. Bella Cosmetic Surgery is a trusted choice for those looking to improve their appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Shave Between Laser Hair Removal Sessions?
Yes, shaving is allowed and recommended between sessions. However, avoid waxing, plucking, or threading, as these methods remove the hair follicle and make the laser less effective.
Does Laser Hair Removal Work on Blonde, Red, or Grey Hair?
Laser hair removal doesn’t work as well for light-colored hair because the laser targets pigment in the follicle. Individuals with blonde, red, or grey hair may not see the results they hope for and may need alternative treatments.
Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for Sensitive Skin?
Yes, but mild redness or irritation may occur. Using cooling techniques and following aftercare recommendations can help minimize discomfort.
Can You Get Laser Hair Removal While Pregnant?
There is no conclusive evidence that laser hair removal is harmful during pregnancy, but most providers recommend waiting until after childbirth due to hormonal changes and skin sensitivity.
How Are In-Clinic Laser Devices Different From At-Home Devices?
In-clinic lasers are more powerful. Under professional supervision, they provide faster results that last longer. At-home devices are weaker and require more frequent use, with less predictable outcomes.
Why Do Some Hairs Grow Back After Laser Hair Removal?
Hair grows in cycles, and only follicles in the active growth phase respond to the laser. Some follicles may not be fully treated, leading to minor regrowth that typically decreases with additional sessions.
Schedule Your Laser Hair Removal Treatment
Please contact Bella Cosmetic Surgery using the form on this page or call 301-567-6767 today to schedule a consultation for laser hair removal. We serve patients in Maryland, Washington DC, and Northern Virginia.
