Shaving every day. Waxing appointments every month. Dealing with razor burn, bumps, and those annoying ingrown hairs. If you’re over it, you’re not the only one—and laser hair removal might be the easiest way to make all that a thing of the past.
This treatment targets the root of unwanted hair to slow and eventually stop regrowth. It’s not just about convenience (though that’s a big perk). It’s about feeling more confident in your skin, without the irritation or upkeep. Whether you're dealing with stubborn facial hair, sensitive underarms, or just want smoother legs that stay that way, we can help.
Laser hair removal uses focused light energy to damage the hair follicle so that it stops growing new hair. It’s a safe, effective option that’s been around for years—and it’s come a long way. At Total Dermatology, we use the GentleMax Pro system, which allows us to treat a wide range of skin types comfortably and efficiently.
The way it works is simple: the laser looks for pigment (color) in the hair, so it locks onto each follicle without affecting the skin around it. That’s why darker hair responds best. You’ll need to shave before your appointment, but avoid waxing or plucking—those remove the follicle completely, and we need it there for the laser to do its job.
Laser hair removal can be done just about anywhere you have hair you don’t want. Some areas are more common than others, but we can tailor your treatments based on your specific needs and goals.
If you’re not sure whether your area of concern can be treated, just ask. Most people are surprised by how many options they have.
There’s a reason this treatment has become such a go-to. It’s not just about looks, although smoother skin is definitely a plus. Laser hair removal also saves time, reduces skin problems like bumps and ingrown hairs, and gives you one less thing to worry about during your daily routine.
Another big benefit? There’s no downtime. You can get treated during your lunch break and head right back to work, the gym, or wherever your day takes you.
What You Can Expect:
Laser hair removal is ideal for anyone who wants a lower-maintenance routine and smoother skin. It works best on people with darker hair because the laser needs pigment to lock onto. But newer technologies like the GentleMax Pro allow us to treat a wider range of skin tones safely and comfortably.
It's also a great option if you deal with frequent irritation from shaving or waxing, or if you simply want to invest in a solution that saves time and energy in the long run.
You're likely a good candidate if you:
We'll review your health history and skin type during your consultation to make sure it's the right fit for you. Safety always comes first.
During your first visit, we'll take the time to learn about your goals, review your skin and hair type, and walk you through how the treatment works. We'll talk through the number of sessions you'll likely need and create a plan that fits your schedule.
A few things to do before your first session:
The cost of laser hair removal depends on a few things—mostly the size of the area you're treating and how many sessions you'll need to get the results you want. Smaller areas like the upper lip are going to be less expensive than larger areas like the full back or legs.
You'll get a clear quote at your consultation, based on your goals and your treatment plan. Most patients need about six sessions for full results, and we offer package pricing to help make that more manageable. There's no pressure—just straightforward, honest guidance.
What's usually included:
We also accept major credit cards and offer financing options if you'd prefer to space out the cost.
If you're also getting medspa treatments, you might want to join Allē—the free loyalty program from Allergan. As a member, you'll earn points every time you get these treatments at Total Dermatology. Those points can be redeemed for savings on future services and products.
Bonus tip: You can now earn points even when you shop online. With the Allē Mall, you rack up points just by shopping with thousands of popular retailers.
Not signed up yet? It's easy—and free. We'll help you get started at your appointment, or you can join ahead of time at alle.com.
Most treatments are surprisingly quick. When you arrive, we'll prep the area and apply a numbing cream if requested. The laser delivers a series of quick pulses to the treatment area. You might feel a light snap or a warm pinch, but most people describe it as tolerable, especially with the GentleMax Pro's built-in cooling system.
Sessions usually last anywhere from 10 minutes (for a small area like the upper lip) to about an hour (for large areas like the legs or back). Then you're free to go. No downtime required.
There's really not much to it. Most people feel fine right after their treatment. The skin might be a little pink or feel slightly warm, kind of like a mild sunburn, but that usually fades within a few hours.
A few tips to help your skin heal smoothly:
You won't walk out hair-free after your first session, but you will start to see a difference after a few treatments. Hair will grow back more slowly and come in finer and lighter. After about six sessions, many people see up to 90% hair reduction in the area.
Maintenance touch-ups every year or so can help keep things smooth long-term, especially for areas affected by hormones (like the face or bikini line).
When it comes to laser hair removal, experience matters. At Total Dermatology, your treatment is done under the care of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nissan Pilest, who's been helping patients feel great about their skin for over 35 years.
We use the Candela GentleMax Pro, a laser that's known for being fast, effective, and comfortable. It's safe for all skin types and includes a cooling system to make treatments easier on your skin. Our team has extensive training and takes a thoughtful, personalized approach to every treatment.
This isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. We're here to make sure your results are great—and that you feel cared for every step of the way.
We love our patients at Total Dermatology! Read what our satisfied patients have to say about their experiences with Dr. Pilest and our team.
*Individual Results May Vary
Schedule your consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Nissan Pilest at Total Dermatology in Irvine, CA today by calling (949) 727-3800.
*Individual Results May Vary
It can significantly reduce hair growth in the long term, but some people need touch-ups once or twice a year.
Some redness or swelling right after. It also doesn't work well on very light-colored hair.
You'll see a little thinning, but the hair will come back. You need the full series to get long-lasting results.
Yes—hair grows in cycles, and each session targets a different stage. Skipping sessions means you'll miss some of those cycles.
Most people see about 20–30% less hair after two sessions, with continued improvement after each round.
When it comes to your skin and your health, it really is all about what’s best for you. Total Dermatology understands this, which is why we offer versatile treatments with experienced and highly trained aesthetic professionals led by Dr. Nissan Pilest. Your Total Dermatology transformation awaits.
