Laser Hair Removal in the South & Southwest Chicago Suburbs
Tired of the endless cycle of shaving, waxing, and ingrown hairs? At Express Med Spa, our nurse-led team uses the Candela® elōs Plus system to deliver safe, effective permanent hair reduction for nearly any area of the body, at four convenient clinics across the south and southwest Chicago suburbs.
What Is Laser Hair Removal & How Does It Work?
Laser hair removal reduces unwanted hair at its source rather than just removing it from the surface. The treatment works on a principle called selective photothermolysis: the device emits light that's absorbed by the melanin (pigment) inside your hair. That light energy converts to heat, which damages the hair follicle and disables its ability to grow new hair, while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
The reason a single visit isn't enough comes down to biology. Your hair grows in cycles, and the laser is only effective on follicles in their active growth (anagen) phase. At any given moment, only a portion of your hair is in that phase, so a series of treatments, spaced several weeks apart, gradually catches more follicles over time.
The Candela elōs Plus Difference
Not all hair-removal devices are the same. Express Med Spa performs laser hair removal with the Motif LHR applicator on the Candela® elōs Plus system, which uses elōs (Electro-Optical Synergy) technology: an 810nm diode laser paired with bipolar radiofrequency (RF). Most hair-removal lasers rely entirely on the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin. By adding radiofrequency that flows to the heat the laser has already started, the elōs Plus is effectively "color-blind," letting our providers tailor treatments to all skin types, and even finer or lighter hair, that pigment-only lasers can't treat as well. A chilled tip cools and protects your skin, and because the RF shares the work, treatments run at lower light energy for comfort.
Areas We Treat
Laser Hair Removal for the Face
Facial hair is one of our most-requested areas, and one of the most delicate, which is why it's worth doing with the right device and a licensed provider. We offer dedicated full-face treatment of the upper lip, chin, cheeks, sideburns, and jawline. For a complete walkthrough, see our full-face laser hair removal guide.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
Most clients need a series of 6 to 8 sessions to see full results, with some areas or hair types needing up to 10-12, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Each session treats only the follicles currently in their active phase, and spacing visits lets the next group cycle into a treatable phase. After your initial series, most people need only occasional maintenance, once or twice a year.
Is Laser Hair Removal Permanent?
Here's the honest answer many clinics gloss over: laser hair removal delivers permanent hair reduction, the term recognized by the FDA, not permanent hair removal. In practice, that means a 70-90% long-term reduction, with the hair that does return growing back finer, lighter, and slower. Periodic maintenance keeps results looking their best. We'll set realistic expectations at your consultation. No overpromising.
How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?
| Treatment area | Price per session |
|---|---|
| Upper lip, chin, sideburn, ear | $50 |
| Underarm, bikini, half leg, half arm, chest, stomach, neck, scalp | $75 |
| Brazilian, full leg, full arm, back, full face | $100 |
| Full body (up to 6 areas) | $399 |
Does It Hurt? Is It Safe?
Most clients describe the sensation as a quick snap, like a rubber band against the skin. It's brief and tolerable, and the system's cooling keeps treatments comfortable. Because the elōs Plus pairs light with radiofrequency, our providers can safely treat a broad range of skin tones by tailoring settings to you.
Laser works best on hair with enough pigment to absorb the light, so very light blonde, red, gray, or white hair responds less predictably. Temporary redness or mild swelling is normal and usually fades within hours. Laser hair removal isn't recommended during pregnancy, and certain medications or skin conditions can affect candidacy, which is what your free consultation is for. If you have tattoos near a treatment area, see our guide on laser hair removal over tattoos.
How to Prepare + What to Expect Afterward
Before Your Appointment
After Your Treatment
Laser vs. Waxing, Shaving, Threading & Electrolysis
| Method | How long it lasts | Cost over time | Discomfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaving | A day or two | Low per use, never-ending | Low (nicks, ingrowns) |
| Waxing / threading | 3-6 weeks | Recurring forever | Moderate to high |
| Depilatory creams | A few days | Recurring | Low (irritation) |
| Laser (Candela elōs Plus, diode + RF) | Long-term 70-90% reduction | Front-loaded, minimal upkeep | Mild, quick |
Why Express Med Spa
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Stop Shaving?
Book your free laser hair removal consultation and we'll map out a plan and pricing for the areas you want to treat.
Individual results may vary. This content is educational and is not medical advice.
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