Best Laser Hair Removal Austin

Laser hair removal is a popular procedure for the removal of unwanted hair. It can be used on any part of the body, including the face, legs, armpits and bikini area. Laser hair removal Austin has become increasingly popular because it is permanent and requires no maintenance.

The laser wand used in removing unwanted hair works by emitting a beam of light that targets the pigment in your hair shafts. The heat from this laser damages the follicle, which prevents it from producing new hairs. The process takes only minutes, depending on how much hair you want removed.

Read on to learn more about Best Laser Hair Removal Austin, Laser Hair Removal Side Effects and Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Pros And Cons

Best Laser Hair Removal Austin

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

Laser hair removal is a safe alternative to remove unwanted facial or body hair while eliminating razor burn and the “shadow” effect caused by shaving.

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.

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.

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.

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

Laser Hair Removal Side Effects

If you’re tired of traditional hair removal methods, such as shaving, you may be interested in laser hair removal. Offered by a dermatologist or other qualified and trained expert, laser hair treatments work by stopping the follicles from growing new hairs. For most people, laser hair removal is safe. The procedure also isn’t linked to any long-term side effects.

Still, discussions about the side effects of laser hair removal abound. Although temporary and minor side effects can occur after the procedure, other effects are rare. Beyond that, any claims about links to your long-term health are unfounded.

Here’s what you need to know.

Minor side effects are common

Laser hair removal works by using small, high-heat lasers. The laser may cause temporary side effects immediately after the procedure. Skin irritation and pigmentation changes are the most common side effects.

Redness and irritation

Hair removal via laser can cause temporary irritation. You may also notice slight redness and swelling at the treated area. Still, these effects are minor. They are often the same effects you might notice after other types of hair removal, such as waxing.

Your dermatologist might apply a topical anesthetic before the procedure to minimize these effects.

Overall irritation should disappear within hours of the procedure. Try applying ice packs to help reduce swelling and any pain. You should call your doctor if you experience symptoms beyond slight irritation or if the side effects worsen.

Pigmentation changes

After laser treatment, you may notice slightly darker or lighter skin. If you have light skin, you’re more likely to have darker spots from laser hair removal. The opposite is true of people with dark skin, who may have lighter spots from the procedure. However, like skin irritation, these changes are temporary and aren’t usually a cause for concern.

Severe side effects are rare

Rarely, laser hair removal can lead to more severe side effects. Your risk increases if you use at-home laser kits or if you seek treatment from a provider who isn’t trained and certified.

Rare side effects of laser hair removal include:

• Excessive hair growth in the area of treatment: Sometimes this effect is mistaken for hair shedding after the procedure
• Changes to overall skin texture: You may be at an increased risk if you have tanned recently.
• Scarring: This is most common in people who tend to scar easily.
• Blisters and skin crusting: These effects may be caused by sun exposure too soon after the procedure.

Discuss these side effects with your doctor. Although they’re extremely uncommon, it’s still a good idea to be aware of them. Call your doctor if you show any of these symptoms after laser hair removal.

Can laser hair removal be used while pregnant?

This procedure isn’t recommended during pregnancy. This is primarily due to the fact that no human studies have proved the safety of laser hair treatments during pregnancy.

You may want laser hair treatments for excessive hair that has grown during your pregnancy. Common areas of increased hair growth include the breasts and stomach. However, in most cases, these hairs fall out on their own, so you may not need any medical treatments if you wait until after your pregnancy has ended.

If you’re pregnant and looking at laser hair removal, consider waiting until after delivery. Your doctor will likely recommend that you wait several weeks to be safe.

Can laser hair removal cause cancer?

It’s a myth that laser hair removal can cause cancer. In fact, according to the Skin Care Foundation, the procedure is sometimes used to treat certain forms of precancerous lesions.

Different lasers are used to treat sun damage and wrinkles. The lasers used in hair removal or other skin procedures have such a minimal amount of radiation. Plus, the minimal amount is only being exacted on the surface of the skin. So, they don’t pose a risk of cancer.

Can laser hair removal cause infertility?

It’s also a myth that laser hair removal can cause infertility. Only the skin surface is affected by the lasers, so the minimal radiation from the procedure can’t penetrate to any of your organs.

Talk to your doctor about potential risks if you’re currently trying to get pregnant.

The bottom line

Overall, laser hair removal is safe and effective for most people. As a precaution, you shouldn’t get the procedure done near your eyes or during pregnancy. See your doctor if any rare symptoms occur after laser hair treatments.

Also, know that the procedure doesn’t guarantee permanent removal. You might need follow-up treatments.

Brazilian Laser Hair Removal Pros And Cons

These days it’s not just about whether or not a hair removal treatment is effective; it’s also about the speed, longevity, comfort, and cost-efficiency of the hair removal procedures that potential patients consider. One of the most popular treatments these days is Brazilian laser hair removal. While some may rave about it, others may see it differently.

So what are the pros and cons of a full Brazilian laser hair removal? This procedure is fast, precise, long-lasting, and relatively painless. Meanwhile, some cons include getting dry skin or skin burns, needing multiple expensive sessions, and achieving temporary results but in long intervals. While there are no proven medical benefits to any hair removal procedure, getting a Brazilian is one of the ways many people can improve their look and ultimately, how they see themselves. 

Pros and Cons of Full Brazilian Laser Hair Removal

Getting a Brazilian is a matter of preference, but choosing the way to get rid of unwanted hair growth should be based on what’s practical for you. Take a look at the pros and cons of going completely bare down there with the help of laser treatment.

Pros

Cons

Long-term hair removal. Laser hair removal isn’t permanent. After completing the recommended number of treatments, you’ll need maintenance treatments at least once every 2 years.  Thinner, less dense hair. During your treatments, you may notice that pubic hair that sprouts (if any) are thinner and less dense than they normally are. Should you decide not to get maintenance sessions after completing your treatment plan, hair will eventually grow back, but much sparser than before.  Cost-effective hair removal. Although the sessions are more expensive than other methods, laser hair removal treatment may be more cost-effective in the long run. Brazilian waxing is cheaper, but the cost of waxing twice a month can eventually add up to be more expensive than a long-term solution like laser hair removal.  No ingrown hairs, razor burn, and rashes. Unlike shaving or waxing, laser hair removal doesn’t result in painful ingrown hairs or irritating razor burn and rashes.  Minimal maintenance. After your treatments, you’ll only have to worry about maintenance sessions once every two years. In comparison to waxing and shaving which should be done frequently to maintain a hairless pubic region, laser hair removal is the more practical solution.  Precision and speed. Lasers cover a lot of ground quickly while only affecting the hairs attached to follicles. Although there may be some redness and irritation after the treatment, lasers don’t damage your skin.  Less painful than waxing. Laser hair removal is less painful and has the same pain level as a rubber band hitting your skin. Prior to your session, a laser technician will apply a cooling gel and a topical anesthetic to make the process more comfortable. Given that you’re dealing with a sensitive area,  this can be a much more comfortable option.

Multiple treatments. You’ll need around 5 to 12 treatments before achieving the results you need for long-term hair reduction. These treatments are spread apart between 4 to 6 weeks.  Not permanent. After completing your treatments, it’s possible for hair to grow back. To keep your follicles too damaged to grow hair, you’ll need to schedule maintenance treatments at least once every two years. It’s more convenient than waxing or shaving multiple times per month, but you might prefer a more permanent alternative.    Expensive sessions. Compared to Brazilian waxing services and other hair removal devices and products you can use at home, laser hair removal can be more expensive. One session can cost around $300 to $550. Since you’ll need around 5 to 12 sessions, expect to spend at least $1,500 up to $6,600 – on top of the maintenance sessions.  Older laser hair removal devices can be risky for patients with a darker skin tone. Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment, so patients with light skin and dark hair can receive treatment effectively. However, darker skin can also absorb laser heat, which can result in discoloration. To avoid this, make sure your provider has high-quality equipment.  May be less effective on patients with light-colored hair. Dark hair color can absorb laser light, convert it to heat, and destroy hair follicles by the root. Less powerful laser machines may provide patients with light-colored hair effective results.  Risk of skin burns. Patients need to shave their pubic hair the night before their treatment. Any hair beyond the skin can heat and cause burns on the skin. Don’t get a Brazilian wax at least two weeks before your treatment, since this removes hair from the root.  Dry skin side effects. One of the possible side effects of laser hair removal is your skin drying out. Moisturizing the treated area can reduce the effects of it.

Alternative Hair Removal Options

Aside from getting laser hair removal, you have a number of DIY products and services from spas and aesthetic centers to choose from. To help you decide whether or not Brazilian laser hair removal is best for you, take a look at the alternative hair removal method types to remove pubic hair and weigh in their own pros and cons.