Frequently Asked Questions about PhotoDerm Hair Removal

  • What causes excess hair?
    Excess hair growth is caused by heredity, hormonal factors, some medications and, rarely, by other causes.
  • How does the PhotoDerm HR® treatment work?
    PhotoDerm HR® damages or destroys the hair follicles with an intense pulsed light source similar to a laser. Each pulse produces a high energy flash of light that passes through normal skin, is absorbed by the pigmented follicle bulb, converted into heat, and destroys the follicle. Lightly pigmented, untanned skin absorbs little of the light energy and is not damaged by the treatment.
  • How is the PhotoDerm HR® treatment performed?
    A gel is placed on the skin, the quartz crystal treatment head is placed over the gel, and a flash of light is triggered. Each pulse treats an area about the size of a piece of Trident chewing gum (approx. 8 x 35 mm.)
  • Who will perform the PhotoDerm HR® treatments?
    The professional staff of the Dermatology Laser Center perform the hair removal treatments.
  • How many treatments are needed?
    Optimal improvement usually takes 3 to 6 treatments, each spaced 1 to 3 months apart. Hair which regrows (usually more sparse – see below) can then be treated every six months if necessary.
  • What areas can be treated?
    The most commonly treated areas are the face and bikini-line. The neck, arms, back, underarms and other areas can be treated too.
  • When will I see results?
    Many hairs are eliminated immediately; others fall out a few days to weeks later.
  • Do these treatments hurt?
    PhotoDerm HR® treatments feel like a hot rubber band snapping against the skin. This is mildly to moderately uncomfortable, but the sting is brief and anesthesia is not usually required. If necessary topical anesthetic creams can be applied prior to the procedure to reduce discomfort.
  • What does it look like after the treatment?
    Are there any side effects? Treated areas may look red, slightly puffy, or occasionally blistered. Sometimes the treated sites heal with temporary increased or decreased pigmentation. Scarring is possible, but occurs only rarely.
  • Can all kinds of hair be treated?
    Dark hair on light skin does the best. PhotoDerm HR® hair removal treatments must proceed more slowly and cautiously on people with darkly tanned or pigmented skin, those who form keloids (thick scars) and those who heal poorly.
  • Are there any restrictions after treatment?
    Normal activities may be resumed after treatment. The treated area should not be exposed to sunlight until the skin color has returned to normal.
  • Is the hair removal permanent?
    With each treatment some hair follicles are permanently destroyed. Hair does reappear, though more sparsely, in the months following each treatment. With PhotoDerm HR® it appears that about 50 to 60% of the removed hairs are still gone after 3 months and regrown hair becomes thinner with repeated treatments over time. As for hair color, generally, removal of hair with light roots is harder to achieve than removal of hair with black roots.
  • How much does the PhotoDerm HR® treatment cost? Will my insurance plan cover it?
    There is a one-time consultation fee of $62 (which is credited toward your first treatment if you elect to proceed), plus treatment fees which start at $129 for mustache or chin for the first treatment. The average number of treatments is four. Full payment is due at the time of each treatment and can be made by cash, check, VISA or MasterCard. PhotoDerm HR® hair removal treatments are considered cosmetic and not reimbursed by insurance.
  • How do I get started?
    To see if you are a candidate for the PhotoDerm HR® treatment you may schedule a consultation with the Dermatology Laser Center of San Antonio. If you wish, treatment can be started at the initial visit. A member of our staff will be happy to give you full information

    For more information on the Hair Removal or to make an appointment please call the Dermatology Laser Center of San Antonio at (210) 614-3355 or visit our appointments page.