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Laser Hair Removal

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Westlake Dermatology was voted “Best Laser Hair Removal in Austin” by the readers of Austin Monthly Magazine.

Shaving and waxing are common hair removal options but they often irritate the skin and are counterproductive as they actually trigger additional hair growth. There are other hair removal creams, lotions, or as seen on TV products on the market as well; most of which are ineffective, or worse, dangerous to the skin. The safest and most effective hair removal option today is laser hair removal.

Laser hair removal is relatively painless and is a permanent solution for getting rid of unwanted or embarrassing body hair. Additionally, because the hair is completely removed from the follicle, laser hair removal prevents the “shadow” effect some people experience with shaving or waxing.

How does laser hair removal work?

Infrared light targets the pigment in the hair follicles and converts it into heat, which causes follicular destruction. Hair grows in three cycles. Follicular destruction takes place during the anagen phase, where it causes the most impact. The computer-guided system gently disables hundreds of hair follicles in less than one second.

How effective is laser hair removal?

Laser-based hair removal is very effective, with many patients enjoying significant hair reduction after only a few treatments. Laser hair removal is most effective for people who have a combination of darker hair and lighter skin as the laser light will not be significantly absorbed by the surrounding skin. However, newer lasers can effectively treat patients with darker skin and/or lighter hair. As with any procedure, results vary per patient.

From what areas of the body can hair be removed?

Laser hair removal can be performed on all parts of the body including the cheeks, lip, legs, arms, underarms, and back, as well as sensitive areas like the bikini line, ears, nose, chest, and nipples.

Our variety of lasers – including the Lumenis Lightsheer and Candela GentleMax – allow us to treat all skin types. We are able to treat darker skin types (including Fitzpatrick Skin Type 3 and higher) at our Round Rock and Westlake locations. Learn more about safely treating darker skin tones in this article.

How many laser hair removal treatments are necessary?

Laser hair removal systems can only treat active hair follicles. For optimal results, we recommend 6 treatments varying between six and ten weeks apart.

Most patients require six to eight treatments spaced six weeks apart to enjoy the full effect followed by occasional maintenance treatments. However each individual is different, some people require more or less treatments. Hormones and other factors can play a part in the number of treatments required.

Is laser hair removal painful?

Laser hair removal is very tolerable for most patients without any need for numbing prior to the procedure. Many patients describe the feeling of the laser as similar to a rubber band snap on the skin. If the treatment does make the patient too uncomfortable a skin numbing agent can be utilized, however it is typically not needed. There is no pain or downtime once the laser is taken off the skin.

Is it a permanent solution?

Laser hair removal patients enjoy permanent hair reduction. Many people do require occasional maintenance treatments (sometimes once a year or so) after their series of treatments to maintain the results.

How Much Does Laser Hair Removal Cost?

The price of laser hair removal is primarily determined by the size of the treatment area, with smaller areas like the bikini area being less expensive than larger areas like the back or legs. See average pricing in Austin

Additional Laser Hair Removal Information