Laser Hair Removal San Antonio

Laser Hair Removal

Traditional methods of hair removal can be painful and time-consuming, with the inevitable result of unwanted hair growing right back in the same place. Laser hair removal is a non-invasive way of targeting undesirable hair and removing it, for good. Areas that can be treated with laser hair removal include:

• Face – eyebrow area, chin, upper lip, and other areas
• Bikini area
• Arms
• Legs
• Back
• Chest
• Underarms
• Breasts

By using state-of-the-art laser technology, hairs can be eliminated virtually pain-free, leaving a smooth surface layer of skin and a high probability of them never growing back.

Laser Hair Removal Candidates

Patients considering laser hair removal should be in relatively good physical, mental, and emotional health. The natural color of your hair and skin is important in determining whether you are a good laser hair removal candidate. Typically, a combination of darker hair and lighter skin yields the best results. Those with darker skin and lighter hair can also benefit from the procedure; however, the results may not be as good. The thickness of the hair in the area targeted for laser hair removal is also important. Thick, coarse hair is often removed more easily than thin, fine hair. Candidates for the procedure should expect several treatment sessions in order to achieve the most optimal results from laser hair removal.

Contact our plastic surgery practice serving San Antonio and Austin for more information on laser hair removal candidacy.

Laser Hair Removal Procedure

Before the laser hair removal procedure begins, targeted areas will typically be shaved. The hand-held laser will be adjusted and focused for power, pulse frequency, and size so that the treatment area is precisely and accurately targeted and the patient is comfortable during the procedure. Areas of the skin will likely be tested before the actual treatment begins to ensure the laser is effectively hitting its mark. The laser is then guided along the area of unwanted hair, targeting beams of light on the hair follicles and destroying the roots. Most patients report little to no pain during laser hair removal.

Laser Hair Removal Recovery

Once the laser hair removal treatment is complete, patients can expect some swelling and redness in the targeted area, a feeling akin to mild sunburn. This is temporary, and any pain and discomfort can generally be alleviated with aloe gels, skin creams, and ice packs. When performed as a series of treatments, laser hair removal should result in at least an 80 to 90 percent reduction of hair growth. In some cases, occasional touch-up sessions are necessary to address individual hairs that may have sprung up. Patients can typically go back to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure.

Laser Hair Removal Risks

Laser hair removal is widely regarded as a safe and effective cosmetic procedure; however, there is the rare possibility of complications. Two major risks of laser hair removal are:

Skin burns

Burns can occur if the laser energy is absorbed by the skin instead of the hair follicle. Though rare, burns from laser hair removal occur more frequently on darker-skinned patients because dark skin absorbs the laser light more easily.

Change in skin pigmentation

Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) or hypopigmentation (lightening of the skin) are rare complications from laser hair removal treatment. Hyperpigmentation is a reversible side effect, but hypopigmentation is not.

Many risks involved and complications that arise from laser hair removal are due to improper handling of the equipment and poor laser technology. Our laser hair removal technician only uses state-of-the-art technology, and is exceptionally well-qualified to perform the procedure. All aspects of laser hair removal will be discussed at your initial consultation, at which time you can decide if the procedure is right for you.

Contact Our Plastic Surgeon

Serving patients in the Austin and San Antonio area, our laser hair removal expert looks forward to helping you eliminate unwanted hair so you achieve the smooth areas of skin you desire. Laser hair removal is not only an effective cosmetic procedure by itself; it can also be combined with BOTOX® Cosmetic, liposuction, transumbilical breast augmentation (TUBA), or other procedures to provide a more complete makeover. Contact Dr. Constance Barone today to set up an appointment.