Laser Hair Removal
Serving Danville, Oakland, Walnut Creek, Dublin, Livermore, and across the East Bay metro area
We offer the Cutera CoolGlide laser for permanent hair reduction in men and women. Common treatment areas include the face, legs, bikini area, underarms, back, chest, and more. Unwanted hair can be treated on nearly any area of the body.
The typical patient will need about 3-5 treatments at 6-week intervals, though your provider may recommend more treatments depending on the size of the treatment area and desired hair reduction.
The normal hair cycle involves an active growth phase (anagen), a rest preparation phase (catagen), and a quiet resting phase (telogen). The laser targets hair follicles in the active growth phase, inactivating many permanently. Since not all of the follicles are in the active phase all of the time, multiple treatments are necessary.
1 of 1
*Individual results may vary
Laser hair removal uses a specialized device to emit a specific wavelength of light.
The pigment inside the hair follicle absorbs this light, which then converts to heat. This targeted warmth prevents the follicle from growing new hair.
At our practice, we utilize the Cutera CoolGlide system. This specific device features a built-in cooling mechanism to protect your skin and keep you comfortable throughout the entire session.
Your provider will gently glide the handpiece over the targeted skin. As the device pulses, you may feel a brief sensation similar to a light rubber band snap.
The CoolGlide system actively cools the surface of your skin before, during, and after each pulse. This ensures the surrounding tissue remains safe and your experience is as pleasant as possible.
Beyond simply removing unwanted hair, this treatment is an excellent solution for chronic skin irritation from shaving. If you struggle with painful ingrown hairs, razor burn, or bumps after shaving, destroying the hair follicle addresses the root cause of these issues. Your skin will look clearer and feel much softer without the daily friction of a razor.
The versatility of the CoolGlide system allows us to treat almost any part of the body safely. Popular areas for women include the upper lip, underarms, bikini line, and legs. Men frequently visit us to reduce thick hair on their backs, chests, and the back of the neck. Whether the area is small and delicate or large and broad, we can tailor the session to your exact needs.
The CoolGlide device is unique because its longer wavelength makes it safe and highly effective for patients of all skin types, including darker skin tones. The ideal candidate has hair that is darker than their skin, as the laser specifically targets pigment. Very light blonde, red, or gray hairs do not absorb the light effectively. We will assess your skin and hair type during your consultation to confirm this is the best approach for you.
The most significant advantage is the freedom from daily grooming. You will no longer have to worry about missing a spot while shaving or dealing with the discomfort of waxing appointments. Following your treatment, any hair that does return will be much finer and lighter. This long-term reduction provides a sleek, clean feel and a boost in confidence, whether you are heading to the gym or getting ready for a day at the office.
There is no downtime required after your visit. You might experience a slight pinkness or a feeling similar to a very mild sunburn in the treated area, but this typically fades within a few hours. We recommend applying a gentle moisturizer and a broad-spectrum sunscreen. You should avoid excessive heat (like saunas or hot tubs) and direct sun exposure for the first few days to protect your skin.
Hair grows in cycles, and the laser only affects follicles in the active growth phase. Because of this, you will need multiple sessions to see complete results. After each visit, you will notice a gradual decrease in hair density. Once you complete your initial series of treatments, you can expect a significant, long-lasting reduction in hair growth. Many patients simply return for a brief touch-up session once a year.
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. Led by Stephen J. Ronan, MD, FACS, our practice blends high-end service with honest, direct communication. We invest in top-tier technology like the Cutera CoolGlide because it delivers reliable, comfortable results for a wide range of patients. When you visit our Danville facility, you can expect an elevated standard of care that respects your time and delivers on its promises.
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. While you will feel a mild snapping sensation, the CoolGlide device has a built-in cooling tip that continuously soothes the skin. This makes the process much more comfortable than older generations of hair removal lasers.
Yes, you can and should shave between your appointments. In fact, we ask that you shave the treatment area the day before your visit. However, you must avoid waxing, threading, or plucking, as those methods remove the hair root that the laser needs to target.
Hair follicles go through resting and active growth phases. The laser is only effective on hair that is currently actively growing. Scheduling multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart ensures we can treat every follicle as it enters the correct phase of the growth cycle.
The technology relies on finding the dark pigment within the hair follicle to convert light into heat. Because very light blonde, red, or gray hairs lack this pigment, the laser cannot effectively target them.
It provides a permanent reduction in hair growth. While the disabled follicles will not grow back, hormonal changes in your body can occasionally cause new follicles to develop over time. A quick maintenance session once a year is usually enough to keep your skin entirely smooth, depending on what your provider recommends.
The length of your visit depends entirely on the area being treated. A small area, such as the upper lip or chin, may only take 10 to 15 minutes. Larger areas, such as the full legs or the back, can take up to an hour to treat thoroughly.
Absolutely. We have many male patients who visit our Danville office to thin out or remove thick hair on their backs, chests, shoulders, and necks. It is a highly effective way to reduce sweating, ease grooming routines, and achieve a cleaner look.
When it comes to plastic surgery, proper care happens before, during, and after surgery day. That’s why we’ve created blueprints outlining what patients and providers need to consider to ensure success. Our pre-care and post-care guides are here to help our patients and all patients take the necessary steps to maximize their chances of safe surgery and beautiful results.
Located in Danville’s Blackhawk Plaza, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa is Northern California’s largest, most advanced plastic surgery and medspa center.
Patients choose our state-of-the-art facility for leading-edge surgical and non-surgical treatments—all in a luxurious, private setting. We are conveniently located in the San Francisco Bay Area to serve patients from the following locations:
PatientFi puts the patient’s best interest at the center of everything. Designed by the nation’s leading plastic surgeons, PatientFi allows you to pay for your treatment through flexible monthly payment plans, customized to fit your budget. Apply today to see which payment plan you qualify for with zero impact to your credit score!
Discover CareCredit, your health and beauty credit card. Benefit from easy monthly payments, zero upfront costs, and flexible usage for various services or follow-up visits. Take control of your well-being today.
