Laser Hair Removal in San Mateo
Spend less time shaving and more time living. At MD Laser & Cosmetics in San Mateo, Dr. Susan Lin offers physician-led laser hair removal using modern technology for multiple skin types. We design personalized treatment plans to reduce hair on the face, underarms, bikini area, legs and more with long-lasting, smoother skin.
How it works
Reduce unwanted hair on face, underarms, bikini, legs and more with quick, physician-guided laser sessions and minimal downtime. Laser energy targets pigment in the hair bulb to disable growth. Because hair grows in cycles, a series of sessions captures more hairs in the active (anagen) phase.
- Face: upper lip, chin, sideburns
- Underarms
- Bikini & Brazilian
- Legs
- Back & shoulders
- Chest & abdomen
Long-lasting hair reduction for face and body with physician-guided laser treatments tailored to your skin and hair type. Most areas need 3-6+ sessions, spaced 4–6 weeks apart for face and 6–8 weeks for body. Maintenance sessions help with finer regrowth.
Expect brief heat snaps; cooling improves comfort. Temporary redness or perifollicular “bumps” are common and fade quickly. Avoid tanning/self-tanner before and after; SPF is a must.
We’ll choose parameters to match your skin tone and hair characteristics. Very light blonde/gray hair may respond less because of low pigment.
Single sessions and value packages are available by area size. We’ll review options during your consult.
San Mateo and nearby Burlingame, Foster City, Belmont, San Carlos, Redwood City, Millbrae, San Bruno, Daly City, South San Francisco, Menlo Park, Atherton, Palo Alto, Half Moon Bay, Woodside, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, Pacifica, Montara, Moss Beach. Serving San Francisco and Daly City commuters, our clinic is conveniently located off Hwy 101 with dedicated private parking—avoiding the hassle of city traffic and garage fees.
Key Facts (at-a-glance)
MD Laser & Cosmetics is an Award-winning Medical Spa in San Mateo and San Francisco
MD Laser and Cosmetics voted Best Medical Spa in San Mateo 2021. Specializing in Women’s Health, Anti-aging and Aesthetic Medicine. Creating beauty through advanced science since 1991
FAQs
Dr. Susan Lin at MD Laser and Cosmetics is a top-rated choice in San Mateo, offering physician-led treatments since 2006. Unlike many medspas, Dr. Lin oversees all clinical protocols to ensure safety and efficacy for every patient.
Yes. At our clinic, treatments are guided by Dr. Susan Lin, a board-certified physician, ensuring medical-grade precision that goes beyond standard salon services.
Our San Mateo clinic is located just 5-10 minutes from Burlingame and Foster City at 448 N San Mateo Drive, offering convenient access and private parking for Peninsula residents.
We recommend waiting 24 hours before strenuous exercise or using a hot tub to allow the treated follicles to remain cool and avoid irritation.
There is zero downtime. You may experience slight redness similar to a mild sunburn for a few hours, but you can return to work or activities in San Mateo immediately.
Costs vary by area size. We offer transparent pricing and package discounts for multiple areas. Financing through CareCredit is also available for our patients.
Please shave the treatment area 24 hours before your visit. Avoid waxing, plucking, or sun exposure for at least two weeks before ensure the laser can target the follicle root safely.
Absolutely. We use advanced, FDA-cleared laser platforms, Palomar, specifically designed to safely and effectively treat darker skin tones without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Most patients describe the feeling as a “rubber band snap.” We incorporate topical numbing and can apply numbing to ensure a comfortable experience in sensitive areas.
Common treatment areas include the upper lip, chin, cheeks, underarms, arms, chest, back, bikini/Brazilian area, legs and toes. In most cases we can treat almost any area with unwanted hair, as long as it’s safe and appropriate for your hair and skin type. Cleveland Clinic
Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light that targets the pigment (melanin) in the hair follicle. The light turns into heat and damages the follicle, which helps slow or reduce future hair growth while leaving the surrounding skin largely untouched. Mayo Clinic
We use settings appropriate for a range of skin types; a consult ensures candidacy and safe parameters.
Most people need a series of treatments because lasers only work on hair in its active growth phase. Many patients see a good reduction after about 6–8 sessions, spaced 2-4 weeks apart, though the exact number depends on the area, hair thickness, hormones, and your goals. American Academy of Dermatology+1
It is FDA-cleared for “permanent hair reduction.” While most hair is removed permanently, some fine hair may return over time, which can be managed with annual maintenance sessions. Laser hair removal is best described as long-term hair reduction, not guaranteed 100% permanent removal. Treated hair often grows back much finer and lighter, and many patients enjoy months to years of smoother skin with only occasional maintenance sessions. Mayo Clinic