The Cynosure Elite+™ is a dual-wavelength laser (755 nm Alexandrite + 1064 nm Nd:YAG) with Skintel® real-time melanin reading and SmartCool™ cryogen cooling. It is FDA-cleared for permanent hair reduction on Fitzpatrick I–VI skin types. At Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan, every session uses a fresh Skintel reading to personalize fluence for your exact skin tone.
If you have researched laser hair removal in New York City, you have likely encountered the name Cynosure Elite+™. It appears on the websites of the most reputable medical spas in Manhattan, and for good reason. The Elite+™ is the current gold-standard dual-wavelength laser for hair removal, combining 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG in a single handpiece with Skintel® real-time melanin reading and SmartCool™ cryogen cooling. At Laser and Me, 347 5th Avenue, Suite 803A in Midtown Manhattan, the Elite+™ is the only hair removal device we use — and this guide explains exactly why.
Why the Cynosure Elite+™ Is the Device of Choice
For most of laser hair removal's history, "laser hair removal" effectively meant "laser hair removal for fair skin," because earlier devices delivered single wavelengths that confused the melanin in dark hair with the melanin in dark skin. The result was inconsistent fades on lighter Fitzpatrick types and burns on darker ones.
The Elite+™ solves that problem with three engineering decisions that, taken together, make it the device of choice for premium NYC medical spas:
Dual wavelengths in one handpiece. Most laser systems require switching devices to accommodate different skin tones. The Elite+™ delivers 755 nm Alexandrite and 1064 nm Nd:YAG from a single applicator, allowing your provider to optimize for skin tone and hair characteristics in real time, often within a single session.
Skintel® melanin reading. Before treatment, the Skintel sensor reads the precise melanin index of your skin. The reading drives the fluence (energy) settings for that session. This eliminates provider guesswork and is what makes the Elite+™ one of the only devices formally FDA-cleared for safe use on Fitzpatrick VI skin.
SmartCool™ cryogen cooling. A pulse of cryogen spray is delivered milliseconds before each laser pulse, anesthetizing the skin and protecting the epidermis. This is what makes Elite+™ treatments tolerable on sensitive areas (bikini, upper lip) where other devices feel like a rubber-band snap.
How the 755 nm + 1064 nm Combination Works
The two wavelengths target hair through different physical mechanisms:
755 nm Alexandrite. Highly absorbed by melanin in the hair shaft. Most efficient for fine-to-medium hair on Fitzpatrick I–III. Penetrates 1–2 mm deep — perfect for most facial and body hair.
1064 nm Nd:YAG. Less absorbed by surface melanin, which means it bypasses the skin's pigment and reaches the follicle without burning the epidermis. Penetrates 4–6 mm deep — perfect for coarse hair, deep follicles, and Fitzpatrick IV–VI skin.
Many areas benefit from a blended approach. For example, a Fitzpatrick IV patient with both fine and coarse leg hair might be treated with Alexandrite on the upper thigh and YAG on the lower leg in the same session. The Elite+™'s switchable handpiece makes that practical.
Skintel® Melanin Reader: Real-Time Fluence Personalization
Skintel is a small handheld device that measures the dominant melanin density of your skin tone in real time. The reading produces a recommendation for the safest, most effective fluence setting for the laser.
Three things Skintel solves:
1. Eliminates "best guess" fluence. Without Skintel, providers select fluence based on visual estimation of Fitzpatrick type — which is subjective and prone to error.
2. Adapts to seasonal changes. Your skin in summer is darker than your skin in winter. Skintel adjusts.
3. Makes treatment safe across the full Fitzpatrick scale. Skintel-guided protocols on the Elite+™ are FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick I through VI.
If you have darker skin and have been told elsewhere that laser hair removal isn't safe for you, ask us about a free Fitzpatrick consultation with a Skintel reading.
What's Different at Laser and Me Compared to Other Cynosure Studios
Owning the right device isn't the same as using it well. Here's what separates our protocol:
NP-supervised protocols. Pavel Atamas, NP, oversees every treatment plan. Conservative starting fluence on first sessions, ramped up based on your individual response.
Skintel reading at every session. Not just the initial visit — your skin changes seasonally, and we re-read each visit.
Test-spotting for Fitzpatrick V–VI. Before the first full session on darker skin tones, we run a small test patch and observe response over 24 hours.
Personalized session plans. No "standard 6-session package" mentality. Your plan is built around your specific area, hair characteristics, and skin tone.
Multilingual care. English, Russian, Spanish.
Treatment Areas
The Cynosure Elite+™ is approved for permanent hair reduction on virtually every body area:
Face: upper lip, chin, sideburns, cheeks, full face Underarms Bikini line and Brazilian Legs: full or half Arms: full or half Stomach Back, chest, shoulders (men's treatments) Neck (men's beard area) Toes, fingers, feet
See our laser hair removal service page for area-specific session counts and pricing.
How Many Sessions on the Elite+™?
Most areas: 6–8 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart.
Facial areas: 8–10 sessions spaced 4–5 weeks apart (because facial hair grows on a faster cycle and is more hormonally responsive).
Maintenance: 1–2 sessions per year for most patients.
For a complete walk-through of session counts by area, see our How Many Sessions guide.
Cynosure Elite+™ vs. Other Cynosure Devices
Cynosure makes several laser hair removal devices, and the differences matter:
Apogee Elite. The Elite+™'s predecessor. Same dual-wavelength concept but lacks Skintel and uses an older cooling system. Still effective; less personalized.
Vectus. Diode laser (810 nm). Faster treatment for large areas; less effective on Fitzpatrick V–VI.
Synergy / Cynosure Smart-Lipo. Different applications (body contouring, fractional resurfacing).
The Elite+™ is the current flagship for hair removal, with the most up-to-date Skintel and SmartCool technology.
Cynosure Elite+™ vs. Other Brands
Lumenis Splendor X. Combination 755 + 1064 with simultaneous emission. Good results; less established Skintel-equivalent.
Candela GentleMax Pro. Strong competitor — also dual-wavelength 755 + 1064. Slightly different cooling (DCD spray). Comparable clinical results in head-to-head studies.
Soprano ICE / Titanium. Diode lasers using SHR (super hair removal) protocols. More comfortable but historically less efficient — typically requires more sessions.
IPL devices. Not lasers. Use broad-spectrum light. Less effective and not safe for Fitzpatrick V–VI.
The Elite+™ is one of the most clinically validated dual-wavelength systems in the U.S. market.
Safety, Side Effects, and Contraindications
The Cynosure Elite+™ is FDA-cleared as a Class IV medical laser. Side effects are typically limited to mild erythema (redness) for 1–4 hours, follicular swelling around treated hairs, and possible mild crusting at the treated follicle (resolves within days).
Rare side effects with proper protocol use: burns or blisters (almost exclusively from incorrect fluence on darker skin), hyper- or hypopigmentation (uncommon with Skintel-guided protocols).
Contraindications include: pregnancy or breastfeeding, active skin infection in the treatment area, recent (within 6 months) Accutane use, tattooed skin (we treat around, not over, tattoos), photosensitizing medications, and recent significant sun exposure or tan.
Cost of Cynosure Elite+™ Treatment in NYC
Pricing varies by treatment area. Per-session rates at Laser and Me typically range from $50 (small areas like upper lip) to $600+ (full legs). Multi-session packages save 15–25% versus per-session pricing.
We accept cash, all major credit cards, CareCredit, and Affirm financing. See the pricing page for current per-treatment rates.
What to Expect at Your Cynosure Elite+™ Session
Before: Avoid sun and tanning for two weeks. Stop retinoids 3 days prior. Shave the area 12–24 hours before. Arrive with clean skin.
During: Skintel reading, protective eyewear, topical numbing if requested, treatment with the Elite+™ handpiece — each pulse takes a fraction of a second, with the SmartCool cryogen pulse preceding the laser. Total session time: 10–60 minutes depending on area.
After: Mild redness and warmth for 1–4 hours. Apply cool compresses if needed. Daily SPF 50+ on treated facial areas. Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense exercise for 24 hours.
Book Your Free Cynosure Elite+™ Consultation
Laser and Me is located at 347 5th Avenue, Suite 803A, in Midtown Manhattan, New York, near the Empire State Building. We offer free consultations for all laser hair removal treatments. During your appointment, Pavel Atamas will perform a Skintel reading, discuss your goals, and design a personalized treatment plan. Book online through Booksy or call us at (929) 755-2071.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Cynosure Elite+™ better than other lasers?
Three things: dual-wavelength (755 + 1064) in one handpiece, Skintel real-time melanin reading, and SmartCool cryogen cooling. Together they deliver the safest, most personalized laser hair removal across all skin types.
Is the Cynosure Elite+™ safe for dark skin?
Yes — FDA-cleared for Fitzpatrick I–VI when used with Skintel-guided protocols. The 1064 nm Nd:YAG wavelength bypasses surface melanin to reach the follicle safely. At Laser and Me, we perform a test patch on Fitzpatrick V–VI skin before the first full session.
How many Cynosure Elite+™ sessions will I need?
Most areas: 6–8 sessions spaced 6–8 weeks apart. Facial areas: 8–10 sessions spaced 4–5 weeks apart. See our sessions guide for area-specific counts.
Does the Elite+™ hurt?
The SmartCool cryogen cooling makes most treatments very tolerable. Most patients describe a warm pinch — much less painful than waxing.
Is the Cynosure Elite+™ permanent?
Yes — it produces permanent hair reduction (the FDA term) of 80–95% in treated areas after a full course of sessions. Maintenance sessions of 1–2 per year are recommended for most patients.
What's the difference between Alexandrite and YAG?
Alexandrite (755 nm) is most efficient on Fitzpatrick I–III with fine-to-medium hair. YAG (1064 nm) is the safe choice for Fitzpatrick IV–VI and coarse hair. The Elite+™ has both in one handpiece, allowing your provider to optimize for your specific skin tone and hair type.
Why is Skintel important?
Skintel measures your skin's melanin density in real time and prescribes safe, effective fluence. Without it, providers guess based on visual Fitzpatrick estimation — and that guess is the most common source of laser injury on darker skin.