Laser Hair Removal San Antonio

Physician-Owned

Personal Service

Laser Hair Removal

Free Consultation: Call us at 210-494-SKIN (7546)

Eliminate Unwanted Hair Once and For All!
If you are looking for a comfortable, effective way to remove unwanted facial or body hair, you owe it to yourself to consider Skin Concepts Laser Hair Removal. You can achieve permanent hair reduction on virtually any part of your body, leaving you with smooth and hair-free skin.

Hair Removal for Men & Women

Let’s face it, excess body hair can be unsightly and embarrassing. Women frequently experience this with hair on the face, especially the upper lip and side-burns or between the eyebrow area, in the bikini area, under the arms or on the legs. For men, excessive hair growth projects an unkempt look and can conceal muscular development. Unsightly hair on the back, shoulders, chest, abdomen, legs, arms, jockey line/ pubic area, ear and nose, glabella or beard can be easily treated.

Most comprehensive laser hair removal system available

Designed for all skin types

Optimized for effectiveness of facial and leg veins

Not all lasers are created equal. At Skin Concepts Laser Center, we have the newest and most technologically advanced lasers in the industry. Most lasers only have one wavelength and can only generate enough power for a small spot size. Different skin types as well as regional differences in skin color (ie, legs vs bikini area) require different laser wavelengths (YAG:1064 or Alexandrite:755). In addition, the larger the spot size on the hand piece, the more area that is covered and the better the laser energy is able to penetrate the skin. At Skin Concepts Laser Center, our lasers are dual wavelength and capable of producing large spot sizes. All this adds up to a faster, more effective and safer treatment.

Laser Hair Removal FAQ'S

1. What is laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal is the removal of unwanted hair using laser light energy. The laser light energy destroys the hair follicles causing permanent hair reduction. It is important to note that IPL (intense pulse light) is not the equivalent to laser energy and is not in any way as effective.

2. Are all laser hair treatments created equal?

Although the wavelengths used by the different lasers (and there are many) are similar, there are many differences. The peak power (wattage) of the laser machine, spot size, pulse duration and fluence are all important parameters. The superior laser machines have the better specifications. In addition, most laser machines have only one wavelength. Our lasers have TWO, giving us more flexibility to give you the most optimal treatment possible per session. The actual application is equally important. If the discomfort level is intolerable, other centers may decrease the energy output to create a less painful treatment. Obviously, this will result in a less than optimal treatment. The most significant factor being a stunned hair follicle rather than a destroyed one. At Skin Concepts, we believe that we have the finest laser equipment in the industry providing you with the most effective treatment possible - PAINLESSLY!

3. How does laser hair removal work?

Simply put, hair follicles selectively absorb the laser energy which passes through the skin. If the energy is sufficient, the hair follicle will be destroyed.

4. What does the treatment feel like?

Many sources describe the sensation as a "rubber band snap". However, we feel that this is an ambiguous description. Pain thresholds do vary from individual to individual and certain areas of the body are more sensitive than others. The sensation of the laser energy can be uncomfortable but usually tolerated by most. Again, at SCLC we have the unique ability to provide you with a PAIN-FREE experience.

5. Can discomfort or pain be alleviated?

Most laser machines (including ours) have an intrinsic mechanism to cool the skin. This serves two purposes. First, to help protect the dermis surrounding the hair follicle from the lasers thermal energy. Second, to provide some soothing comfort. Topical agents can be applied to the skin but can be messy and take significant time to work. These agents usually only penetrate the epidermis (hair follicles are in the dermis) and offer about 20% - 30% relief at best. Once again, at Skin Concepts, we have the unique ability to offer sedation for your total comfort (100%).

6. What is the cost?

At Skin Concepts, we offer very competitive rates. Prices vary based on the area to be treated. From time to time, we will offer promotions and these prices will always be offered to both new and established clients. Please call for a price quote!

7. How long will the treatment take?

This, of course, depends on on the area(s) being treated. Generally, the treatment session varies from a few minutes up to an hour. The bikini area may take 10 minutes while a full back and shoulders may take 45 minutes.

8. What can I expect after a treatment?

Immediately after a treatment, there may be some slight redness and edema (puffiness) around the hair follicles that usually lasts for a few hours. A skin moisturizer and/or a steroid cream will be applied after the treatment to reduce this effect. You can expect a hair-free interval lasting between 6-10 weeks. If the treated hair was course, there will appear to be hair "growth" for 2 or more weeks after the treatment. This is simply the dead hair being pushed out of the hair follicle. It is perfectly fine to shave during this period. After your first couple of treatments, it is not unusual to experience an increased density in hair growth following your hair free interval. This is because the laser energy can stimulate the inactive hair follicles to become active sooner. This is actually a desirable effect since the subsequent treatments will be even more effective. We recommend significant hair "regrowth" before returning for your next appointment since this will result in a better treatment & value for you. Your next appointment will be scheduled for 8 wks. You may wish to reschedule for an earlier or later date depending on your individual situation.

9. Is laser hair removal permanent?

After 4 to 6 treatments, you can generally expect a 70% to 90% reduction in long-term hair growth. Often, the remaining 10% to 30% of the hair is finer and lighter in color. This hair can also be treated but often proves to be stubborn. It may be desirable for some to receive up to 8 treatments for optimal results and possibly a maintenance treatment of once or twice a year for a couple of years. All treatments after the 6th are half-price - ALWAYS! THATS OUR GUARANTEE!

10. Are there side effects?

Moderate laser energy is required to remove hair and has to be balanced against the risk of skin damage. It is critical to use the correct laser for your skin type to get the best and safest results - most Laser centers don't have this option! As mentioned above, redness and swelling around the treated hair follicle, which is the desired clinical result, commonly resolves within a few hours. Rarely, blisters and crusting or purpura (bruising) of the treated area may occur. Treated skin may become lighter or darker than the surrounding skin. These pigmented changes commonly resolve over time. Minimizing sun exposure prior to (and after) treatments decreases the risk of complications. All clients are carefully evaluated to determine the best Laser and optimal parameter settings to be used (which may include a spot check of the skin). Our screening process helps minimize the risks of complications.

11. How do I know if I am a good candidate?

Basically, all skin types are treatable with the possible exception of extremely dark skin. The darker and coarser the hair, the better the results. Grey, very blond and light red-colored hair are not amenable to laser treatment.

12. How can I prepare for laser hair removal?

Avoid the sun for at least two weeks and use ample sun screen (SPF-30). Avoid tanning salons, spray on "tanning" ,waxing, plucking or depilatory procedures for 2 weeks prior to laser treatment. Shaving during this time is O.K. Avoid skin irritants such as retin-A and abrasive agents. We prefer that you do shave, if possible, before your Laser procedure.

13. What are the benefits of laser hair removal?

NO MORE SHAVING!

NO MORE EMBARRASSING HAIR!

VERY SMOOTH SKIN!