Overview

ExcelLase is a full-service medical spa in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina, offering comprehensive aesthetic services including professional laser tattoo removal, CoolSculpting fat reduction, laser hair removal, skin resurfacing, and microneedling. Established in 2004, this physician-owned practice is led by owner and certified laser specialist Noushi, who brings unique technical expertise with advanced degrees in electrical engineering alongside her passion for aesthetic care. Located at 614 W Peace Street, ExcelLase has served the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill communities for over 20 years with FDA-approved technology in a relaxed, spa-like environment.

About the Clinic

ExcelLase was founded in 2004 by Noushi, whose background combines scientific expertise with entrepreneurial vision and a passion for helping clients feel confident in their appearance. Holding both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering plus an MBA, Noushi possesses rare technical understanding of laser technology—she previously designed computer chips and has literally built lasers from the ground up, giving her unparalleled knowledge of how these medical devices function at the most fundamental level. This engineering background, combined with her certification as a Laser Specialist, enables Noushi to operate FDA-approved laser equipment with exceptional precision and safety awareness that sets ExcelLase apart from typical medical spas.
The practice operates under the medical direction of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist with extensive aesthetics experience, ensuring all treatments meet rigorous medical standards. As a physician-owned medical spa, ExcelLase maintains the highest quality equipment and protocols while creating a discrete, non-judgmental environment where both men and women feel comfortable receiving aesthetic treatments. The clinic’s downtown Raleigh location provides convenient access to clients throughout the Triangle area including Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
ExcelLase specializes in laser tattoo removal using the Cynosure MedLite C6 Q-Switch laser, recognized as the industry’s gold standard for multi-colored tattoo removal. The practice is notably the premier provider of the R20 method of tattoo removal—an accelerated protocol that delivers faster fading results than traditional approaches. Beyond tattoo removal, the clinic’s comprehensive service menu includes CoolSculpting for non-surgical fat reduction, laser hair removal for permanent hair reduction, the Fraxel laser system for skin resurfacing and scar treatment, laser vein and spot removal using the Cynosure Apogee Elite Plus laser, microneedling for collagen production and anti-aging, and professional-grade skincare products. This full-service approach allows clients to address multiple aesthetic concerns at a single trusted location.
ExcelLase’s relaxed, pleasant atmosphere buzzes with FDA-approved technology and trusted products, creating a spa experience that feels both professional and welcoming. The practice has built its reputation on delivering visible results, exceptional customer service, and making clients feel valued from the moment they arrive. With over two decades serving the Triangle area, ExcelLase represents stability, expertise, and a track record of successful aesthetic treatments.

What Clients Are Saying

Clients consistently rave about their experiences at ExcelLase, with Noushi receiving particular praise for her exceptional skill, knowledge, and personable approach that sets clients at ease. Reviewers highlight Noushi’s warmth and kindness, with multiple clients noting her follow-up care including texting clients the day after laser tattoo removal to ensure they’re doing well—a level of personal attention that exceeds typical medical spa experiences. Customers describe Noushi as extremely knowledgeable about every aspect of laser procedures, providing thorough education about treatment processes, healing stages, and realistic expectations for results. Clients specifically mention being happy with their tattoo removal progress after just their second treatment, with several noting they’ve already seen significant reduction even in challenging locations like wrist tattoos on lower extremities. The atmosphere is repeatedly described as relaxed, professional, and clean, with clients feeling comfortable rather than experiencing the cold, impersonal feeling of some doctor’s offices. Reviewers emphasize that Noushi makes a point to get to know clients personally, creating genuine connections that transform treatments into pleasant experiences rather than clinical procedures. Her communication skills and informative approach regarding pre and post-laser care help clients feel confident and prepared throughout their treatment journey. Multiple clients state they would recommend ExcelLase without hesitation and describe their visits as the best office experiences they’ve had, with some even finding laser hair removal entertaining due to Noushi’s engaging personality.

Laser Type Used

Cynosure MedLite C6 Q-Switched Nd:YAG
The Cynosure MedLite C6 is the laser industry’s gold standard Q-switched Nd:YAG system renowned for its exceptional effectiveness in removing multi-colored tattoos while maintaining an excellent safety profile. This advanced platform delivers ultra-short nanosecond pulses of high-intensity light energy at dual wavelengths—1064nm for targeting black, blue, and darker inks, and 532nm for treating red, orange, yellow, and lighter colored pigments. The Q-switched technology refers to the quality-switching mechanism that allows the laser to store energy and release it in extremely brief, powerful bursts measured in billionths of a second, creating photoacoustic shock waves that shatter tattoo ink particles into microscopic fragments. When the laser’s light energy is rapidly absorbed by tattoo pigments in the dermal layer, it causes the ink to heat and break apart without damaging surrounding skin tissue, allowing the body’s lymphatic system to naturally flush away the fragmented particles over subsequent weeks. The MedLite C6 achieves greater than 95 percent fading rates for most tattoos worldwide, making complete removal very achievable across all tattoo types whether professionally rendered, homemade, traumatic, or surgical. The system’s precision and controlled energy delivery minimize risks of scarring or permanent skin changes, representing a dramatic improvement over earlier removal attempts using dermabrasion, salt abrasion, or CO2 lasers which simply replaced tattoos with unsightly scars.

Business Hours

Business hours were not publicly available at the time of research. Clients should contact ExcelLase directly at (919) 833-8484 for current hours and to schedule appointments.

Unique Features

ExcelLase’s most distinctive feature is owner Noushi’s extraordinary technical background—her advanced engineering degrees and hands-on experience actually building lasers give her a depth of understanding about the technology that virtually no other practitioner in the aesthetic industry possesses. This scientific expertise translates directly into safer, more effective treatments as Noushi operates equipment with true comprehension of the physics and mechanics involved. The clinic’s status as a physician-owned medical spa under the direction of a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and ophthalmologist elevates safety standards and medical oversight beyond typical day spas offering aesthetic services. ExcelLase’s designation as the premier provider of the R20 method for accelerated tattoo removal gives clients access to an advanced protocol that achieves faster fading than conventional treatment spacing. The practice’s longevity—serving the Triangle area since 2004 for over 20 years—demonstrates sustained success and community trust. ExcelLase’s investment in multiple premium Cynosure laser systems including the MedLite C6, Apogee Elite Plus, and Fraxel platforms shows commitment to maintaining cutting-edge FDA-approved technology. The discrete, non-judgmental environment creates a safe space for clients pursuing aesthetic treatments without stigma or discomfort. Noushi’s personal approach including post-treatment check-ins and taking time to genuinely connect with clients transforms the experience from transactional to relationship-based care. The downtown Raleigh location on Peace Street provides convenient access with the ambiance of a relaxing spa rather than a clinical medical office.