The "Pain-Free" Proof: Why Motus AZ+ Changes Everything
- Avere Beauty Insights Team
- Nov 6, 2025
- 7 min read
Updated: Dec 24, 2025
📌 Key Takeaways
Motus AZ+ uses gradual heating and contact cooling to make laser hair removal significantly more comfortable than traditional single-pulse devices.
Delivery Method Matters: Moveo technology builds heat through multiple passes instead of sharp single pulses, creating warmth rather than snapping sensations.
Sapphire Tip Improves Efficiency: Direct skin contact reduces energy loss and allows lower power settings without sacrificing follicle damage effectiveness.
Pain Levels Drop Significantly: Discomfort typically ranges from 1-3 on a 10-point scale compared to 4-7 with older laser technology.
Results Require Multiple Sessions: Hair grows in cycles, so six to ten treatments spaced weeks apart are needed for meaningful reduction.
Provider Choice Affects Experience: Device type, cooling methods, and technician technique create vastly different comfort levels even within laser hair removal.
Comfort without compromise: gradual heating achieves the same follicle temperature through a gentler path.
Pittsburgh professionals considering laser hair removal will understand exactly what modern treatment feels like, preparing them for the provider selection guidance that follows.
Laser hurts. That's the story, anyway.
You've probably heard the descriptions: a rubber band snapping against your skin, over and over. Maybe a friend winced through the memory. Maybe you've experienced it yourself and swore never again. The hesitation makes sense. Why trade one discomfort for another?
But here's what that story leaves out: the "rubber band snap" isn't a universal laser experience. It's a specific sensation tied to older delivery methods, certain device settings, and how energy reaches your skin. The technology has changed. The question is whether anyone has told you.
Motus AZ+ is a laser platform that uses Moveo "in-motion" delivery to heat hair follicles gradually through multiple passes over small areas, rather than delivering energy in single high-intensity pulses.[^1] Think of it as the difference between a warm stone massage and that dreaded snap. One builds heat slowly and evenly; the other hits all at once. For a Pittsburgh professional squeezing self-care into a lunch break, this distinction matters. You shouldn't need to psych yourself up for pain before walking through the door. When evaluating providers, ask what device they use and how they manage comfort. The answer reveals more than any marketing promise.
The Myth: "Laser Hair Removal Always Hurts"
Not all laser experiences feel the same. "Laser hurts" is usually a story about older delivery styles or mismatched settings, not a guarantee of what modern treatment feels like.
The sensation people describe as a rubber band snap comes from how traditional lasers deliver energy. A single pulse fires at high intensity, and that energy must pass through the upper layers of your skin to reach the hair follicle. Pain receptors sit closer to the surface, so you feel the heat before it reaches its target. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that when performed properly, laser hair removal should result in little to no discomfort and is generally less painful than waxing.[^2]
But "properly" carries significant weight. Pain varies based on several factors:
Device type: Different lasers deliver energy differently
Settings: Fluence, pulse duration, and repetition rate all affect sensation
Cooling mechanisms: Contact cooling versus air cooling versus no cooling
Treatment area: Underarms feel different than lower legs; dense hair responds differently than fine hair
Provider technique: Speed, pressure, and overlap patterns matter
Someone treating dense bikini-area hair with an older device at high settings and minimal cooling will have a vastly different experience than someone receiving gradual-heating treatment on their arms with integrated contact cooling. Both are "laser hair removal." The similarity ends there.
What Motus AZ+ Changes: Comfort by Design
The Motus AZ+ platform approaches hair removal differently at a fundamental level. Rather than relying on single high-peak pulses, the system uses Moveo technology, which involves simple, continuous movements over small areas to gradually deliver precise energy to the hair follicle.[^1]
Gradual heating instead of sudden impact
Traditional lasers work like a stamp: one intense pulse per spot. Moveo works like a massage: multiple passes that build heat progressively. The hair follicle reaches the same therapeutic temperature, but your skin experiences the journey differently. You feel warmth building rather than a sudden snap.
The sapphire tip makes contact
Most laser systems require a spacer between the energy source and your skin, delivering energy through air. This causes reflection and energy loss, which means higher power settings to compensate. The Moveo handpiece includes a cooled sapphire tip that glides directly on the skin, reducing reflected energy and improving energy transmission.[^1] More efficient delivery means lower fluence requirements. Lower fluence means less sensation.
Why lower intensity still works
This might seem counterintuitive. If comfort comes from lower power, wouldn't results suffer? The answer lies in cumulative heating. Multiple passes at moderate intensity achieve the same follicle temperature as a single high-intensity pulse. The endpoint is identical; the path is gentler.
The "Pain-Free" Proof: What It Actually Feels Like
"It's like a warm stone massage compared to the 'rubber band snap' of older lasers."
Realistic expectations matter more than marketing claims. During a Moveo treatment, most people experience:
Warmth that builds gradually across the treatment area
Occasional mild zing in areas with denser hair, which fades quickly
Smooth gliding sensation from the sapphire tip moving across skin
The "comfort stack" involves multiple factors working together: integrated contact cooling, treatment speed, area size, and provider technique. No single element creates the experience; the combination does.
Pain Scale Comparison: Traditional Laser vs. Motus AZ+
Factor | Older Single-Shot Delivery | Moveo In-Motion Delivery |
Typical Sensation | Sharp snap per pulse | Gradual warmth building |
Discomfort Level (0-10)* | 4-7 depending on area | 1-3 depending on area |
Recovery Sensation | Immediate sting, fading over minutes | Mild warmth, dissipates quickly |
Key comfort factors: Gradual heating • Contact sapphire tip • Multiple passes at lower fluence
*Individual sensitivity varies by person, treatment area, hair density, and skin type. These ranges represent general patterns, not guarantees.
Comfort Is Great, But Does It Actually Work?
A gentler experience means nothing if results suffer. The core mechanism remains the same: laser energy targets melanin in the hair follicle, converting light to heat through selective photothermolysis. This heat damages the follicle structures responsible for hair growth.[^2]
Results depend on several factors that no device can change:
Hair color and thickness: Darker, coarser hair absorbs more energy and responds more predictably
Growth cycle timing: Only actively growing hairs respond to treatment, which is why multiple sessions matter
Skin and hair contrast: Greater contrast generally means more efficient targeting
The 755-nm alexandrite wavelength used in Motus AZ+ has established clinical support. Research on 755-nm alexandrite laser for axillary hair removal has shown favorable efficacy and safety outcomes in clinical studies.[^3] Published literature consistently recognizes alexandrite 755-nm laser as effective for permanent hair reduction due to its tissue penetration and melanin affinity.[^4]
Most people need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and each session targets follicles in the active growth phase. Expecting complete results from one treatment sets up disappointment regardless of device.
Safety and Inclusivity: Who Is Motus AZ+ For?
Skin tone matters in laser hair removal because melanin exists in both hair follicles and skin. Shorter wavelengths target melanin more aggressively, which historically created challenges for darker skin tones. The combination of 755-nm alexandrite and 1064-nm Nd:YAG wavelengths in Motus AZ+ expands treatment options across a broader range of skin types.[^1]
Before scheduling, consider whether you should pause or consult first:
Recent sun exposure or tanning (wait at least two weeks)
Certain photosensitizing medications
Pregnancy (most providers recommend waiting)
Active skin infections or irritation in the treatment area
Common side effects include temporary redness and mild swelling, typically resolving within one to three days.[^2] These are expected responses, not complications. Red flags that warrant immediate contact with your provider include blistering, significant skin color changes, or signs of infection.
This article provides general information for educational purposes. For guidance tailored to your specific skin type, hair characteristics, and medical history, consult a qualified professional.
What to Do Next
Choosing a provider involves more than comparing prices. Consider asking:
What device will you use, and why is it right for my skin type?
How do you manage comfort during treatment (cooling method, settings, technique)?
What training have your technicians completed on this specific device?
Do you offer consultations and patch testing before full treatment?
What will you adjust if a spot feels too intense during my session?
The answers reveal whether a practice prioritizes your experience or simply offers a service.
Ready to explore your options? Learn more about permanent hair reduction at Avere Beauty, or meet the team to understand our approach. For more insights on aesthetic treatments, explore our guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Motus AZ+ truly pain-free?
"Pain-free" describes the design intent and typical experience, not a universal guarantee. Most people feel warmth and occasional mild sensation rather than the sharp snap associated with older lasers. Individual experiences vary based on treatment area, hair density, and personal sensitivity.
How many sessions do most people need?
Most people require a series of treatments, typically ranging from six to ten sessions spaced several weeks apart. Hair grows in cycles, and laser treatment only affects follicles in the active growth phase. Your provider can offer more specific guidance based on your hair type and treatment area.
Is there downtime?
Laser hair removal generally requires no real downtime. You may experience temporary redness or mild swelling that typically resolves within one to three days. Most people return to normal activities immediately.
What should I do before and after treatment?
Before: Shave the treatment area, avoid sun exposure and tanning for at least two weeks, and skip retinoids or exfoliating products for several days. After: Apply cool compresses if needed, avoid sun exposure, and follow your provider's specific aftercare instructions.
This article provides general information for educational purposes. Individual results and comfort can vary based on factors like skin type and tone, hair color and thickness, recent sun exposure or tanning, treatment area, and medications or medical history. For guidance tailored to your skin and hair goals, consult a qualified professional.
Our Editorial Process
The Avere Beauty Insights Team is dedicated to providing accurate, medically-informed content. Each article is drafted by our internal team, fact-checked for clarity, and reviewed against current aesthetic best practices. However, this content is for informational purposes and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
About the Avere Beauty Insights Team
The Avere Beauty Insights Team is our dedicated engine for synthesizing complex topics into clear, helpful guides. While our content is thoroughly reviewed for clarity and accuracy, it is for informational purposes and should not replace professional advice.
[^1]: DEKA. Motus AZ+ product information. https://dekalaser.com/products/motus-az-plus/
[^2]: American Academy of Dermatology. Laser hair removal: FAQs. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs
[^3]: Shurrab K, Nassr MA. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of 755-nm Alexandrite Laser for Axillary Hair Removal. JMIR Dermatol. 2025;8:e76523. https://derma.jmir.org/2025/1/e76523
[^4]: Nisticò SP, et al. Removal of unwanted hair: Efficacy, tolerability, and safety of long-pulsed 755-nm alexandrite laser. Lasers Med Sci. 2018.
