Managing regrowth shouldn’t feel like a second job. Whether you’ve spent years shaving, waxing, or investing in home devices that never deliver, you’re probably ready for something that works and keeps working. You want smoother skin without the endless maintenance. You want fewer ingrown hairs, less irritation, and to feel confident in shorts, swimsuits, or absolutely nothing.
For Joseph A. Russo, MD, laser hair removal is not treated like a quick transaction. It’s a professional treatment that deserves real expertise. All of our sessions are performed by trained providers who understand how to tailor the energy, frequency, and treatment plan based on your skin tone, hair texture, and goals. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, and that’s the point.
We use medical-grade lasers that are selected for both safety and performance. For patients with lighter skin and dark hair, we might use Alexandrite or Diode wavelengths. For darker skin tones, we often rely on Nd:YAG technology, which bypasses melanin in the surface layer of skin to reach the follicle safely. Everything is adjusted to reduce risks like burns or hyperpigmentation while still delivering results that make you stop thinking about stubble.
Our Newton location offers discreet, boutique-level care with the backing of real clinical training. It’s the kind of place where you can ask questions, expect honest answers, and leave without wondering if you made a mistake.
Each hair follicle contains melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Laser hair removal works by directing a pulse of concentrated light energy toward that pigment, generating enough heat to damage the follicle and slow future growth. Over time, repeated treatments disable the follicle entirely. Hair grows in cycles, consisting of anagen (growth), catagen (transitional), and telogen (resting) phases. Laser treatments are only effective on follicles in the growth phase, which is why multiple sessions are needed. That’s not a flaw, it’s biology.
Unlike waxing or shaving, laser doesn’t just remove hair at the surface or pull it out by the root. It teaches your follicles to stop producing hair at all, or at least slow down dramatically. Most clients begin to notice reduced regrowth after the second or third session, with smoother, thinner patches appearing between visits.
DiolazeXL by InMode
DiolazeXL combines powerful diode laser energy with a large treatment spot size, making it one of the fastest and most efficient systems available. It’s particularly effective on coarse or dense hair and large areas like the back or legs. A built-in cooling mechanism protects your skin during treatment, reducing discomfort and the risk of irritation. DiolazeXL is suitable for a broad range of skin tones and hair types.
XEO by Cutera
The XEO platform offers exceptional versatility and customizability. It can treat lighter and finer hair, as well as a wide range of skin tones, thanks to its adjustable wavelength settings. XEO is a great choice for patients with darker skin or mixed tones that require a more personalized laser approach.
Together, these systems allow our Newton laser specialists to tailor your treatment to you, not the other way around.
Hair removal isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about making daily life easier, more comfortable, and more confident. With fewer bumps, less stubble, and no surprise razor mishaps, most clients say it’s one of the most practical treatments they’ve ever had.
Here’s what laser hair removal can offer:
Laser hair removal works best on hair with pigment (i.e., not white, red, or gray) and is safe for most healthy individuals. If you’ve had issues with ingrown hairs, folliculitis, or hyperpigmentation from other methods, it may actually be a gentler solution long-term.
During your consultation, we’ll assess your skin and hair type, medical history, and goals to ensure this is the right option for you. We also recommend avoiding sun exposure, self-tanner, or retinoids before your first treatment.
Laser hair removal can be done almost anywhere on the body: face, underarms, bikini line, legs, arms, chest, back, even fingers or toes. But treating a small, delicate area like the upper lip isn’t the same as tackling an entire back. That’s why every treatment begins with a customized plan.
During your consultation, we’ll talk through what’s bothering you, map out the areas you’d like treated, and determine which laser technology is best suited for your skin and hair type. We’ll also discuss how many sessions to expect and what kind of results are realistic.
You’ll be asked to shave the area the night before—just the surface hair, not the root. Don’t wax, pluck, or use depilatory creams for at least two weeks prior. When you arrive, your provider will cleanse the area and apply a cooling gel (or use a device with a built-in cooling tip). Most people describe the sensation as a quick snap—like a rubber band—followed by warmth. It’s not exactly relaxing, but it’s fast and tolerable.
Depending on the area being treated, the appointment may take anywhere from ten minutes (upper lip) to an hour (full legs or back). Once it’s over, you’ll be free to return to normal activities—just skip hot yoga or anything that overheats the skin for a day or two.
You may notice some redness or mild swelling immediately after, similar to a light sunburn. This usually subsides within a few hours. Over the next one to three weeks, treated hairs will start to fall out naturally. Don’t panic if some hairs appear to “grow” right after treatment. It’s the follicle pushing them out.
Most clients need a minimum of six sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. By the end of the series, many find that hair is sparse, finer, and slower-growing. Maintenance sessions once or twice a year may be needed for long-term control, depending on hormones, genetics, and how your skin responds.
Pricing for laser hair removal depends on the size of the area and the number of sessions needed. Small areas (like the upper lip or chin) might range from $125 to $200 per session. Medium zones, such as the underarms or bikini line, typically cost between $250 and $350. Larger areas, such as full legs or back, can run from $500 to $700 per visit. Most patients benefit from package pricing when committing to a full series.
We’ll give you a clear quote during your consultation—no pressure, no unexpected fees. Just a transparent plan tailored to your goals.
Laser hair removal works best for people with a high contrast between skin tone and hair color, but new-generation devices make it possible to treat a wider range of skin types safely. If you’re pregnant, taking certain medications that increase light sensitivity, or dealing with active infections or skin conditions, we may recommend postponing treatment. We’ll go through your medical history and any contraindications to make sure it’s safe.
There’s no reason to keep shaving every day or battling bumps and irritation. Laser hair removal offers a longer-term solution that puts time and confidence back on your side.
If you’re ready to talk through your options, Dr. Russo’s team in Newton is here to walk you through the details. Call (617) 964-1440 or book online to schedule your consultation. We’ll help you build a personalized treatment plan that actually works for your life, your body, and your skin.
With the full treatment series and occasional maintenance, many clients stay smooth for years.
Yes, with the right technology. We use lasers suitable for a wide range of skin tones. Light blonde or gray hairs may be less responsive.
Yes. In fact, shaving is preferred. Just avoid waxing or plucking.
Laser is more permanent, less irritating over time, and can reduce ingrowns.
You may see less regrowth after the first session, but major results build over three to six treatments.
When performed by qualified providers, yes. We follow strict protocols to protect your skin.
Fall or winter is ideal, but we treat year-round with proper sun precautions.
575 Boylston Street, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Your body is constantly changing. Gravity, age, and the elements are constantly pulling at you. But you are not alone in this fight. The doctors and aesthetic experts at Joseph A Russo, MD are also in constant motion, relentlessly innovating better ways to overcome the entropic effects of time and gravity.
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