When we established Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan, selecting the right laser hair removal technology was the single most important decision we made. We evaluated every major platform on the market because we knew that the quality of our results, the safety of our treatments, and our ability to serve NYC's extraordinarily diverse population would all depend on the laser system at the heart of our practice. After extensive research, hands-on evaluation, and consultation with leading dermatologists and laser medicine specialists, we chose the Cynosure Elite+ dual-wavelength laser platform. Cynosure, a division of Hologic, is one of the most established and respected manufacturers of medical aesthetic lasers in the world. The company has been developing laser systems for over 30 years and has an installed base of thousands of systems across more than 100 countries. The Elite+ represents the pinnacle of Cynosure's hair removal technology, combining the two most clinically proven wavelengths for laser hair removal in a single, versatile platform that can safely and effectively treat every skin type from the fairest to the darkest. At Laser and Me, we chose Cynosure laser technology because it aligns perfectly with our mission of providing safe, effective, and inclusive laser hair removal to every New Yorker regardless of their skin tone, hair type, or background.
Cynosure laser hair removal works on the well-established scientific principle of selective photothermolysis. This principle states that specific targets within the skin, called chromophores, can be selectively destroyed by laser light at wavelengths that are preferentially absorbed by the target while sparing surrounding tissue. In laser hair removal, the target chromophore is melanin, the dark pigment that gives hair its color. The Cynosure Elite+ delivers laser light at precisely controlled wavelengths, fluences, and pulse durations that cause the melanin in the hair shaft and follicle to absorb the light energy and convert it to heat. This heat is conducted from the melanin-rich hair shaft to the surrounding follicular structures, including the dermal papilla and the bulge region where stem cells responsible for hair regeneration reside. When sufficient thermal energy is delivered, these structures are permanently damaged and can no longer produce new hair. The selective nature of this process means that the surrounding skin, which contains less melanin than the hair follicle, absorbs significantly less energy and is not damaged. The Cynosure Elite+ enhances this selectivity through its dual-wavelength capability, adjustable pulse durations, integrated cooling, and Skintel-guided parameter selection. The 755nm alexandrite wavelength has the highest melanin absorption of any commonly used hair removal wavelength, making it the most efficient option for patients with lighter skin tones where there is strong contrast between the skin and hair melanin. The 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength has lower melanin absorption, which allows it to penetrate deeper and bypass epidermal melanin, making it the safest and most effective option for patients with darker skin tones. By offering both wavelengths, the Cynosure Elite+ allows our providers at Laser and Me to select the optimal wavelength for each patient's unique skin and hair combination.
One of the most common questions we receive from patients researching Cynosure laser hair removal is about the specific settings used during treatment. While we cannot publish specific treatment parameters because the optimal settings vary for every individual patient, we can explain the key parameters that our providers adjust and how they are determined. Wavelength selection is the first decision: 755nm alexandrite for Fitzpatrick skin types I through III, and 1064nm Nd:YAG for Fitzpatrick types IV through VI. For patients who fall on the border between types III and IV, or who have moderate tans, the Skintel melanin reading helps determine which wavelength is safest. Fluence, measured in joules per square centimeter, is the energy density delivered to the skin. Higher fluence produces more effective hair follicle destruction but also increases the risk of side effects if set too high for the patient's skin type. Skintel's melanin measurement is the primary tool our providers use to determine the maximum safe fluence for each session. Pulse duration, measured in milliseconds, affects how the energy is delivered over time. Longer pulses deliver energy more gradually, which is gentler on the skin and preferred for darker skin types, while shorter pulses deliver more concentrated energy and are more effective for fine or light hair. Spot size determines the diameter of the treatment area covered by each laser pulse. Larger spot sizes allow faster treatment of large body areas and also enable the laser energy to penetrate deeper into the dermis, reaching deeply rooted follicles. The Cynosure Elite+ offers spot sizes up to 18mm for the alexandrite and 24mm for the Nd:YAG. Repetition rate determines how many pulses per second the laser fires, affecting the overall speed of the treatment session. At Laser and Me, every one of these parameters is individually adjusted for each patient at each treatment session based on the Skintel melanin reading, the treatment area, the hair characteristics, and the patient's response to previous sessions. This level of customization is what produces consistently excellent results while maintaining the highest safety standards.
Patients who are researching laser hair removal in NYC will encounter a variety of laser systems and technologies across different clinics. Understanding the differences between these systems can help you make an informed decision about where to seek treatment. The Cynosure Elite+ is a true dual-wavelength laser that allows the provider to select either the 755nm alexandrite or 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength for each treatment, optimizing for the patient's specific skin type. This is fundamentally different from multi-wavelength diode platforms like the Alma Soprano series, which blend multiple wavelengths simultaneously rather than allowing individual wavelength selection. The blended approach may provide acceptable results on many skin types but sacrifices the precision of wavelength-specific treatment. The Candela GentleMax Pro is the closest competitor to the Cynosure Elite+, also offering dual alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths. Both are excellent systems, but the Elite+ differentiates itself through its integration with the Skintel melanin reader, which the GentleMax Pro does not offer, and its wider range of available spot sizes and pulse duration settings. Single-wavelength diode lasers operating at 810nm are the most common laser hair removal devices found in NYC clinics. They perform well on light to medium skin tones but have limitations on very dark skin and lack the versatility of a dual-wavelength system. IPL (intense pulsed light) devices are frequently marketed as laser hair removal but technically are not lasers. They emit a broad spectrum of light that is less precise and less powerful than true laser systems, typically requiring significantly more treatment sessions to achieve comparable results and carrying higher risk of side effects on non-ideal skin types. At-home laser and IPL devices have become popular consumer products but operate at much lower energy levels than professional systems. They can produce modest temporary hair reduction but cannot achieve the permanent results that a professional Cynosure Elite+ treatment delivers. When evaluating clinics, always ask what specific laser system they use, whether it offers multiple wavelengths, and how they determine your treatment settings.
The Cynosure Elite+ is effective for permanent hair reduction on virtually every area of the body. At Laser and Me in NYC, we commonly treat the following areas with approximate session durations: upper lip at 5 to 10 minutes, full face including cheeks, chin, sideburns, and upper lip at 15 to 25 minutes, neck at 10 to 15 minutes, underarms at 10 to 15 minutes, standard bikini line at 10 to 15 minutes, extended bikini at 15 to 20 minutes, full Brazilian at 15 to 25 minutes, half arms at 15 to 20 minutes, full arms at 20 to 30 minutes, half legs at 25 to 35 minutes, full legs at 45 to 60 minutes, abdomen at 15 to 25 minutes, chest at 20 to 30 minutes, full back at 30 to 45 minutes, shoulders at 15 to 20 minutes, and hands, feet, ears, and other small areas at 5 to 15 minutes each. How many Cynosure Elite+ laser treatments do you need? The answer depends on several individual factors, but most patients achieve optimal results after 6 to 8 sessions for body areas and 8 to 10 sessions for facial areas, which are more hormonally influenced. Sessions are spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart for body areas and 4 weeks apart for facial areas, timed to coincide with the hair growth cycle so that each session targets a new set of follicles in the active anagen growth phase. Some patients may require additional sessions based on hair density, hair color, hormonal factors, and the specific treatment area. Hormonal conditions such as PCOS, testosterone supplementation, or certain medications can increase hair growth and may require ongoing maintenance sessions after the initial treatment course is complete. At Laser and Me, we monitor your progress at each session and adjust our recommendations as needed to ensure you achieve the best possible results.
One of the most common concerns patients have about laser hair removal is pain. At Laser and Me, we are pleased to report that the Cynosure Elite+ makes laser hair removal more comfortable than most patients expect, thanks primarily to its integrated SmartCool cooling technology. SmartCool is a patented air-cooling system built into the Elite+ handpiece that delivers a continuous stream of precisely temperature-controlled chilled air directly to the skin surface before, during, and after each laser pulse. This constant cooling serves two important purposes. First, it keeps the epidermis at a comfortable temperature during treatment, dramatically reducing the sensation of heat and discomfort associated with each laser pulse. Most patients describe the treatment sensation as a warm snap or mild rubber band flick, and many patients find it significantly less painful than waxing. Second, the cooling protects the epidermis from thermal damage by maintaining the skin surface temperature well below the threshold for injury, even as the laser energy heats the deeper hair follicles. This is particularly important for patients with darker skin tones, where minimizing epidermal thermal stress is essential for safe treatment. Unlike some competing systems that use contact cooling tips or cryogen spray, SmartCool's air-based cooling provides continuous, consistent protection without the need for consumable cryogen cartridges and without the brief, intense cold sensation that cryogen spray produces. The cooling is gentle, consistent, and effective throughout the entire treatment session. At Laser and Me, the majority of our patients do not require any topical numbing cream for their laser hair removal treatments, although we are happy to apply numbing cream upon request for patients who are particularly sensitive or for treatments in especially sensitive areas like the Brazilian zone. We want every patient to feel comfortable and relaxed during their treatments.
The Cynosure Elite+ has one of the strongest clinical evidence bases of any laser hair removal system, with multiple peer-reviewed studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy across all skin types. At Laser and Me, our own patient outcomes are consistent with the published clinical data. Patients completing a full treatment series of 6 to 8 sessions can expect 80 to 95 percent permanent hair reduction in the treated areas. The remaining 5 to 20 percent of hair that may regrow is typically much finer, lighter, and sparser than the original hair, making it far less noticeable and much easier to manage. Clinical studies specifically evaluating the Cynosure Elite+ have demonstrated permanent hair reduction rates of greater than 90 percent across Fitzpatrick skin types I through VI when optimal treatment parameters are used. The dual-wavelength capability ensures that these results are achievable regardless of the patient's skin tone, which is not the case with single-wavelength systems. In addition to permanent hair reduction, our patients commonly report several secondary benefits after completing their Cynosure laser hair removal series. These include complete elimination of ingrown hairs and razor bumps in the treated areas, smoother skin texture compared to areas maintained by shaving or waxing, reduction in post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation caused by chronic shaving, elimination of the time and expense associated with other hair removal methods, improved confidence and comfort in personal and professional situations, and for patients who suffered from pseudofolliculitis barbae, significant improvement in the appearance and comfort of the affected areas.
Whether you search for cynosure laser hair removal, cynosure hair removal laser, or cynosure laser hair, all three phrases describe the same treatment: medical-grade permanent hair reduction using the Cynosure Elite+ dual-wavelength laser at Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan. The Cynosure Elite+ uses the 755nm Alexandrite wavelength for Fitzpatrick I-III skin types and the 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength for Fitzpatrick IV-VI skin types. The Skintel melanin reader calibrates every session to your skin. Most clients achieve 80 to 95 percent permanent reduction after 6 to 8 sessions.
The 755nm Alexandrite wavelength penetrates 1-2mm into the superficial dermis and is highly absorbed by melanin, making it the fastest and most precise option for lighter skin tones. The 1064nm Nd:YAG wavelength penetrates 4-6mm into the deep dermis with lower melanin absorption, bypassing the epidermis safely to target the follicle in darker skin tones. The two wavelengths together cover the full Fitzpatrick spectrum that no single-wavelength device can match.
Experience the gold standard in Cynosure laser hair removal technology at Laser and Me in Midtown Manhattan. Our clinic is built around the Cynosure Elite+ platform because we believe every patient deserves access to the most advanced, most versatile, and most clinically proven laser hair removal technology available. Combined with our Skintel melanin reader for precision-guided settings and our expert nurse practitioner providers who specialize in laser hair removal for all skin types, Laser and Me delivers a treatment experience and clinical outcomes that set us apart from the competition. We offer complimentary consultations where you can see the Cynosure Elite+ firsthand, experience a Skintel melanin measurement, and receive a customized treatment plan with transparent pricing. Our Midtown Manhattan location is conveniently accessible from anywhere in NYC, and we offer flexible scheduling including early morning and evening appointments. We accept all major credit cards, HSA and FSA cards, and offer financing options through Cherry and PatientFi. Contact Laser and Me today to schedule your complimentary Cynosure laser hair removal consultation and take the first step toward permanent, smooth, beautiful skin.