Your First Motus AZ+ Session: What to Expect Step-by-Step
- Avere Beauty Insights Team
- Dec 1, 2025
- 12 min read
📌 Key Takeaways
Motus AZ+ sessions feel like gentle warmth instead of sharp zaps, with most clients experiencing minimal discomfort even in sensitive areas.
Start Sun Protection Early: Avoid sun exposure and tanning for 2–4 weeks before treatment to prevent hyperpigmentation and blistering risks.
Pause Retinoids Five Days Out: Stop prescription-strength retinoids 5–7 days before your session to ensure your skin barrier stays intact.
Expect Gradual Results: Treated hairs shed 1–3 weeks after treatment, and multiple sessions spaced weeks apart target different growth cycles.
Skip Heat Same-Day: Avoid hot showers, saunas, and intense workouts for 24–48 hours after treatment to minimize skin irritation.
Plan Around Pittsburgh Seasons: Schedule treatment series during fall and winter when sun exposure is naturally lower and covering treated areas is easier.
Prepared skin + realistic expectations = comfortable sessions and better results.
First-time laser hair removal clients in Pittsburgh will gain confidence and clarity here, preparing them for the detailed session-day walkthrough that follows.
You booked the appointment. Now what?
Picture this: you're sitting in your car outside a med spa, Googling "does laser hair removal hurt" for the third time this week. Your calendar is blocked, your legs are shaved, and your stomach is doing that nervous flutter thing. You've heard the horror stories about older lasers. The zapping. The smell. The white-knuckle grip on the treatment table.
Here's the good news. A Motus AZ+ session is a professional laser hair reduction appointment that uses a comfort-forward, continuous-motion delivery technique designed to warm the follicle gradually instead of "zapping" it all at once. Your first session will probably end with you thinking, "Wait, that was it?"
This guide walks you through every step of your first laser hair removal in Pittsburgh appointment, from what to do the night before to what's normal in the weeks after. You'll know exactly what to expect, what to bring, and how to set yourself up for the smoothest experience possible.
Motus AZ+ is an advanced laser platform that uses Moveo technology to deliver energy gradually, making hair removal virtually painless for most clients. It's like a warm stone massage compared to the "rubber band snap" of older lasers. Imagine lying back and feeling gentle warmth during your treatment instead of bracing yourself for sharp zaps. To ensure this level of comfort, you should specifically ask for the Motus AZ+ laser.
Key Terms to Know
Motus AZ+: A laser platform used for hair reduction that can be delivered with a continuous-motion technique for comfort.
Moveo technology: A delivery method that gradually warms the follicle using repeated passes rather than single "stamp" shots.
Hair growth cycle: Hair grows in phases; laser works best when hair is in an active growth phase, so sessions are spaced out.
Shedding: A normal phase after treatment where treated hairs loosen and fall out over days to weeks.
Quick Overview: What Your First Motus AZ+ Session Is Really Like
Your first session is quick, guided, and designed for comfort. Most clients describe the sensation as gentle warmth with minimal discomfort rather than the sharp zaps associated with traditional lasers. The appointment itself typically takes less time than your lunch break, and you can return to your normal routine the same day with minimal disruption.
Here's your first Motus AZ+ session in 10 steps:
Arrive at the clinic and complete a brief intake form
Meet with your provider to discuss your goals and treatment area
Your provider assesses your skin and hair type
You receive protective eyewear
A cooling gel is applied to the treatment area
The provider uses the Moveo handpiece in continuous, gliding motions
You feel gentle warmth as the laser works
The gel is removed and the area is cleaned
Your provider reviews aftercare instructions
You schedule your next session and head out
That's it. No dramatic cooling stations. No recovery room. Many clients head straight back to work or errands.
Before Your Appointment: The Simple Prep That Makes Everything Smoother
Preparation is about protecting your skin barrier and helping the laser target the follicle efficiently. A few small steps in the weeks and days before your appointment can make a noticeable difference in your comfort and results.
2–4 Weeks Before: Protect Your Skin from Sun Exposure
Your skin needs to arrive calm, uncompromised, and free from UV activation. In the two to four weeks leading up to your session, take sun protection seriously.
Avoid sun exposure and tanning beds. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, tanned skin can affect how the laser interacts with melanin in the hair follicle. Even if your skin doesn't show visible sunburn, UV exposure activates melanin beneath the surface, which increases the risk of hyperpigmentation or blistering during laser treatment. If you've had recent sun exposure, let your provider know during your consultation.
Skip self-tanners and bronzing lotions during this time as well. The pigment can interfere with treatment.
5–7 Days Before: Pause Strong Retinoids and Exfoliating Actives
Hold off on prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin or adapalene for five to seven days before your session. These products work by increasing skin cell turnover, which can compromise your skin barrier if used too close to laser treatment.
You should also pause glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other exfoliating skincare actives during this time. These can make your skin more sensitive. Stick to gentle cleansers and basic moisturizers instead.
The Night Before and Morning Of: What to Do
Keep it simple. Shower and cleanse the treatment area thoroughly, but don't apply lotions, oils, deodorant, or perfume to the area being treated. These products can create a barrier between the laser and your skin.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. If you're treating your underarms, a loose tank top works well. For bikini or leg treatments, soft cotton pants or a flowy skirt will feel better than tight jeans afterward.
Shaving Guidance: What "Smooth" Means and Timing
Your provider may recommend shaving the treatment area the night before or morning of your appointment. "Smooth" means the hair should be trimmed close to the skin surface, not stubbly and not completely grown out.
Why shave? The laser targets the pigment in the hair follicle beneath the skin. If there's visible hair above the surface, the laser energy can disperse along the hair shaft rather than concentrating where it needs to work. Shaving removes surface hair while leaving the follicle intact for treatment.
Important Safety Note
Avoid using over-the-counter numbing creams unless your provider specifically approves them. According to the Cleveland Clinic, some topical anesthetic products can be risky when misused.
Quick Prep Checklist:
Avoid sun exposure and tanning 2–4 weeks before
Pause prescription retinoids 5–7 days before
Stop exfoliating acids and actives 5–7 days before
Shower and cleanse the treatment area the night before or morning of
Shave the night before (if advised by your provider)
Wear loose, comfortable clothing
Skip lotions, deodorant, and perfume on the treatment area
Avoid unapproved numbing creams
When You Arrive at Avere Beauty: Check-In, Consultation, and Getting Set Up
Walking into the Lawrenceville location on Butler Street, you'll find a welcoming environment designed to feel more like a neighborhood beauty spot than a clinical office. The team understands that first-timers often arrive a little nervous, and they're prepared for that.
Paperwork and Goals: What We'll Ask and Why
You'll complete a brief health history form covering medications, skin sensitivities, and any relevant medical conditions. This isn't just paperwork for paperwork's sake. Certain medications, like photosensitizing drugs, can affect how your skin responds to laser treatment. Your provider needs this information to customize your session safely.
You'll also discuss your goals. Which areas are you treating? What's your timeline? Are there upcoming events you're planning around? This conversation helps your provider map out a realistic treatment plan. Avere Beauty offers free consultations, so if you'd prefer to have this conversation before committing to your first treatment, that option is available.
Skin and Hair Assessment: What Your Provider Is Checking
Your provider will examine the treatment area, noting your skin tone, hair color, and hair density. The Motus AZ+ is designed to work across a range of skin types, but this assessment helps determine the optimal settings for your specific combination.
They'll also check for any areas of irritation, sunburn, or broken skin that might need to be avoided during treatment.
Comfort and Safety Steps: Eye Protection and What You Can Ask For
You'll be given protective eyewear to shield your eyes from the laser light. This is standard for all laser treatments and non-negotiable for safety.
If you have questions or concerns, this is the time to voice them. Want to know what a particular sensation means? Curious about what the provider is doing? Ask. Good providers welcome questions because informed clients tend to have better experiences.
"I had my first ever laser hair removal treatment … and it was extremely comfortable for me as a first time client!" — Real client review
During the Session: Step-by-Step
This is the part most first-timers wonder about. What will it actually feel like? How long does it take? Here's what happens once you're on the treatment table.
Gel and Contact Cooling: Why It Matters for Comfort
Your provider applies a cool gel to the treatment area. This gel serves two purposes: it helps the laser handpiece glide smoothly, and it provides an additional layer of cooling between the device and your skin.
The Motus AZ+ also features a Cool Touch sapphire tip that stays cool during treatment. This built-in cooling works alongside the gel to keep the skin surface comfortable while the laser energy reaches the follicle beneath.
Continuous Movement Technique: What It Feels Like
Unlike older lasers that deliver energy in single "stamp" shots, the Moveo technology uses continuous, gliding movements. The provider moves the handpiece in overlapping passes across the treatment area, delivering energy gradually rather than all at once.
What does this feel like? Most clients describe gentle warmth, similar to a warm stone being moved across the skin. The sensation is notably different from the "rubber band snap" associated with traditional laser hair removal. While some areas with dense, coarse hair—like the bikini line—or bony areas may present mild discomfort or a slightly prickly sensation, the experience is significantly more comfortable than older laser technologies.
The continuous motion is key. Because the energy is delivered gradually and dispersed under the skin, it bypasses the superficial pain receptors that make older laser technologies uncomfortable.
How Long It Takes
Treatment time depends on the area. A small area like the upper lip might take just a few minutes. Larger areas like full legs can take longer, though the Motus AZ+ is known for efficient treatment times.
Your provider can give you a more specific estimate based on your treatment plan. Generally, most people find their sessions fit comfortably into a lunch break or between other errands.
If you want a plan tailored to your skin and goals, book your free consultation.
Right After: What's Normal, What's Not, and What to Do That Day
You're done. The gel is wiped away, and you're ready to go. But what should you expect in the hours immediately following treatment?
Normal Immediate Reactions
Some redness and mild swelling around the hair follicles is common and typically resolves within a few hours. The area might feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. This is your skin responding normally to the treatment.
Some clients notice a slight "peppery" look to the treated area, where the hair follicles appear more visible. This is also normal and temporary.
Same-Day Do's and Don'ts
For the rest of the day, treat your skin gently:
Do:
Keep the area clean and gentle
Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if the area feels dry
Wear loose clothing to minimize friction
Stay out of direct sun and apply SPF if the treated area will be exposed
Avoid:
Hot showers, saunas, steam rooms, and hot tubs
The gym and intense workouts that cause sweating (learn more about sweating after laser hair removal)
Harsh products, fragrances, or exfoliants on the treated area
Tight clothing that creates friction
When to Contact the Clinic
Most post-treatment reactions are mild and resolve on their own. However, contact Avere Beauty if you experience:
Blistering or open sores
Severe pain that doesn't subside
Signs of infection (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge)
Any reaction that seems to be getting worse rather than better
If you experience a severe reaction, seek medical care promptly.
The Next 1–3 Weeks: Shedding, Results, and Your Next Session Timing
The real results unfold over the weeks following your treatment. Understanding what to expect helps you recognize progress and plan your schedule accordingly.
What "Shedding" Looks Like and Why It's a Good Sign
Treated hairs fall out about one to three weeks after treatment. This shedding process is exactly what should happen.
The hairs aren't growing back and falling out. They're being pushed out by your skin as the damaged follicles release them. You might notice hairs on your towel after showering or find them rubbing off easily. Some people mistake this for regrowth, but it's actually a sign the treatment worked.
Why Multiple Sessions Are Needed
Hair grows in cycles. At any given time, only a portion of your hair follicles are in the active growth phase where laser treatment is most effective. According to the Cleveland Clinic, most people need multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart to catch hair in different growth cycles.
Your provider will recommend a treatment schedule based on the area being treated and your individual hair growth patterns. Consistency with your appointments helps achieve the best long-term results.
Planning Around Pittsburgh Life
Balancing treatments with your regular routine takes a bit of planning. If you're active, you'll want to schedule sessions on days when you can skip intense workouts. Wondering about your swim schedule? Check out guidelines for how long after laser hair removal you can swim.
Summer months require extra attention to sun protection. Many Pittsburgh clients prefer scheduling treatment series during fall and winter when sun exposure is naturally lower and covering treated areas is easier. Learn more about timing treatments around Pittsburgh's seasons.
Session Day Checklist: Before, During, After
Save this checklist for quick reference on treatment day.
Before Your Session
[ ] Avoid sun exposure 2–4 weeks before treatment
[ ] Stop prescription retinoids 5–7 days before
[ ] Pause exfoliating acids and actives 5–7 days before
[ ] Shave the treatment area the night before (if advised)
[ ] Shower and cleanse the area thoroughly
[ ] Skip lotions, deodorant, and perfume on the treatment area
[ ] Wear loose, comfortable clothing
[ ] Bring your ID and any intake forms if it's your first visit
[ ] Arrive a few minutes early to complete paperwork
During Your Session
[ ] Wear the protective eyewear provided
[ ] Communicate with your provider about comfort level
[ ] Ask questions if anything is unclear
[ ] Relax and breathe normally
After Your Session
[ ] Avoid heat (hot showers, saunas, workouts) for 24–48 hours
[ ] Wear loose clothing over the treated area
[ ] Apply gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer as needed
[ ] Protect the area from sun exposure with SPF
[ ] Watch for normal shedding in 1–3 weeks
[ ] Schedule your next session before leaving
FAQ: Fast Answers
Does a Motus AZ+ session hurt?
Most clients describe the sensation as gentle warmth with minimal discomfort. The Moveo technology delivers energy gradually through continuous motion, bypassing the superficial pain receptors that make traditional laser treatments uncomfortable. While areas with dense, coarse hair or bony regions may present mild discomfort or a slightly prickly sensation, many people find it significantly more comfortable than waxing.
How long does a Motus AZ+ appointment take?
Treatment time varies by area. Small areas like the upper lip may take just minutes, while larger areas take longer. Your total appointment time, including check-in and aftercare review, typically fits within a lunch break for most treatment areas.
Do I need to shave before my session?
Your provider may recommend shaving the treatment area the night before or morning of your appointment. This allows the laser to focus energy on the follicle beneath the skin rather than dispersing it along visible hair above the surface.
What should I wear to my first session?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that won't rub against the treatment area. Soft cotton fabrics work well. Avoid tight jeans or restrictive clothing, especially if you're treating areas like the bikini line or legs.
Can I work out after laser hair removal?
It's best to skip intense workouts for 24–48 hours after treatment. Sweating can irritate freshly treated skin and increase the risk of discomfort. Light activity is typically fine, but give your skin time to calm down before hitting the gym.
When will I see results and when is my next session?
You'll notice treated hairs shedding about one to three weeks after your session. Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are typically needed to achieve lasting results. Your provider will recommend a schedule based on your treatment area and goals.
Ready to get started? Book your appointment today or contact Avere Beauty with any questions.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Laser hair removal results and side effects can vary based on factors like your skin tone, hair color, medical history, sun exposure, and the treatment area. If you are pregnant, have a history of skin sensitivity, are taking prescription medications, or have any concerns, schedule a consultation with a licensed provider before treatment.
Our Editorial Process: Our expert team uses AI tools to help draft and organize our content. Every article is reviewed, edited, and finalized by the Avere Beauty editorial team to ensure clarity, accuracy, and alignment with our brand values.
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.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. Laser Hair Removal FAQs. https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/hair-removal/laser-hair-removal-faqs
Mayo Clinic. Laser Hair Removal. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/laser-hair-removal/about/pac-20394555
Cleveland Clinic. Laser Hair Removal. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21757-laser-hair-removal
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