Pain-Free  ·  For Every Skin Tone

Laser Hair Removal

Motus AY Laser  ·  All Skin Types  ·  Newport Beach, CA

Escape the endless cycle of shaving, waxing, and tweezing. Our advanced Motus AY laser reduces unwanted hair comfortably and effectively — on every skin tone.

Approach

Our Approach to Laser Hair Removal


At the Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine in Newport Beach, we believe smooth, carefree skin should be within reach for everyone — regardless of skin tone or hair type. Laser hair removal offers a lasting escape from the endless cycle of shaving, waxing, tweezing, and epilating, along with the ingrown hairs and razor bumps that come with them.

For years, older laser technology worked well only on patients with light skin and dark hair. We've moved past those limits. Our state-of-the-art Motus AY platform is configured to treat the full spectrum of skin tones safely and effectively, so no one has to settle for a less capable device.

Our goal is simple: comfortable, efficient treatments that deliver real, long-lasting results. Every plan begins with a consultation to understand your skin, your hair, and your goals — because the best outcomes are always tailored to the individual.

The Treatment

What is Laser Hair Removal?


Laser hair removal uses a concentrated beam of light aimed at the hair. Pigment (melanin) in the hair absorbs that light, which damages the follicle and limits future growth. Because it targets the follicle itself, results can last anywhere from several months to years — far longer than shaving or waxing.

At the Zelken Institute we use the Motus AY platform, built around gold-standard Alexandrite 755nm laser technology. The Alexandrite laser is widely considered among the safest and most effective options for hair removal, and it excels at treating the fine, thin hairs that other lasers can struggle to eliminate.

Crucially, the Motus AY can be configured for every skin type and color. Its ultra-short pulse durations and integrated contact cooling deliver energy efficiently while keeping the surrounding skin unharmed — which is why treatments are precise, quick, and remarkably comfortable.

Head to Toe

Areas We Can Treat


From large zones like the legs and back to delicate spots like the upper lip, the Motus AY treats unwanted hair almost anywhere.

  • Legs Large zones are covered quickly, making full-leg sessions faster and more comfortable than older devices allowed.
  • Underarms A sensitive area where gradual heating and contact cooling make a real, noticeable difference in comfort.
  • Bikini Line Achieve the smooth results of a Brazilian wax without the recurring discomfort or the risk of ingrown hairs.
  • Arms From forearms to shoulders, arm hair responds well to the precise, targeted energy of the Alexandrite laser.
  • Face Ideal for the upper lip and fine facial hair that other lasers often miss — treated with precision and care.
  • And More We also treat the neck, back, hands, abdomen, and virtually anywhere else you'd like to be hair-free.

Benefits of the Motus AY Laser

01

Comfortable, virtually pain-free treatments.

02

Treats the full spectrum of skin tones safely.

03

Large areas covered quickly and efficiently.

04

Optimal results in fewer treatment sessions.

05

Excels at fine, fair, and hard-to-treat hairs.

06

Long-lasting to permanent hair reduction.

Is It Right For You

Is Laser Hair Removal Right for You?


Laser hair removal is a great option for almost anyone who is tired of temporary methods and self-conscious about unwanted hair. The best candidates are in good general health and have realistic expectations about what a series of treatments can achieve.

Hair color matters more than skin color. Because the laser targets pigment in the hair, darker hair responds best, while very blonde, gray, or fine light hair may see more limited results. Skin tone, however, is no longer a barrier — the Motus AY is designed to treat the full spectrum of skin colors safely, something older lasers could not reliably do.

Every patient begins with a consultation, where one of our qualified providers reviews your skin, hair, and goals, confirms you're a good candidate, and builds a treatment plan around your individual needs.

What to Expect

What Happens During Treatment


Your session takes place in one of our modern treatment rooms. You and your technician will both wear protective eyewear. After cleansing the area, your provider glides the sapphire-tipped Motus AY handpiece across your skin, delivering gentle light pulses until the full area is covered. Gradual heating and contact cooling replace the old rubber-band sting — most patients find the experience genuinely comfortable from start to finish.

Before & After

Preparation & Aftercare


Before Your Session

  • Avoid waxing and tweezing for six weeks beforehand so the follicle is intact — shaving is fine. Limit sun exposure and antibiotics in the days before your appointment.

During & Downtime

  • Treatments take minutes to an hour depending on the area, with no real downtime afterward. Most patients return to their normal activities right away.

Aftercare

  • Protect the area from the sun and wear sunscreen daily. As treated hair sheds over the following weeks, light exfoliation helps prevent ingrown hairs.

Your Treatment Plan

  • Most areas need six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Results improve over time, with softer, lighter regrowth and longer gaps between visits.

The Outcome

Results & Longevity


Results vary from person to person, but most patients enjoy months or even years of smooth, hair-free skin after completing their sessions. Because laser hair removal works on the hair's growth cycle, it becomes more effective over time: with each treatment, less hair returns, and the hair that does grow back tends to be finer, softer, and lighter.

Some regrowth is normal down the road, and occasional maintenance sessions can keep treated areas smooth long-term. Rather than a single dramatic change, think of it as a steady, lasting reduction — less shaving, fewer ingrowns, and more time spent doing what you enjoy.

Transparency

Risks & Considerations


Laser hair removal is very safe, and side effects are usually minor. The most common are temporary redness and swelling that fade within a few days. Less commonly, blistering, scarring, or changes in skin color can occur. Choosing an advanced device like the Motus AY and an experienced technician greatly reduces these risks. Your provider will review every consideration during your consultation.

Written By

Dr. Jonathan Zelken, MD

A board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Jonathan Zelken leads the Zelken Institute for Aesthetic Medicine in Newport Beach, pairing world-class surgical skill with advanced nonsurgical treatments like laser hair removal.

A Cornell graduate, he trained at Johns Hopkins and completed a microsurgery fellowship in Taiwan, and has authored more than 50 scientific articles. From his Newport Beach practice, he serves patients across Orange County and beyond.

Read More About Dr. Zelken

Begin Your Journey

Ready to Say Goodbye to Shaving?

Schedule a consultation to find out how laser hair removal with the Motus AY can work for your skin and hair. Smooth, carefree skin is within reach.

Common Questions

Laser Hair Removal FAQ


Answers to the questions we hear most about laser hair removal.

Because the laser targets pigment in the hair, it works best on darker hair. Blonde, gray, and very fine light hair may respond less effectively.

Lasers increase sun sensitivity, so the shorter, lower-UV days of winter are ideal. You'll also be smooth by the time skin-baring outfits return.

Most commonly temporary redness and swelling that fade within days. Rarely, blistering, scarring, or color changes occur — minimized by an advanced device and skilled technician.

Minimal. Protect the area from the sun, wear sunscreen daily, and lightly exfoliate as the treated hair sheds to help prevent ingrown hairs.

Results vary by person. Most stay hair-free for months or years; any regrowth is usually finer and lighter. Maintenance sessions keep areas smooth long-term.

IPL emits broad, scattered light; the Motus AY laser delivers a single, precise wavelength that targets the follicle directly — often meaning fewer sessions.

On average, six to eight sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, adjusted to your hair's growth cycle and your individual progress.