Safe and effective treatments

Houstonian Medical Associates uses the most advanced FDA cleared laser technology for permanent hair reduction, safely and effectively treating all ethnic origins and skin types including tanned skin.

Treatments that really work

Laser energy is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle while your hair in its anagen, or active phase of growth: The laser light is converted into heat, causing thermal damage to the follicle without harming the surrounding tissue. Hair re-growth is impeded in the damaged follicle.

Average treatment series

Only 30% or less of your hair may be in the active phase at any one time depending on the body area. Thus, a series of treatments will be required to achieve the long-term improvement you desire. These treatments are spaced approximately 4-12 weeks apart, based on hair growth cycles. Our extensive experience tells us that you can expect to need from 3-8 treatments (4-6 is average) to each treatment area for long lasting optimal results.

Typical treatment sessions

Sessions for an upper lip or small bikini area can take as little as 15 minutes, while larger areas on back and legs may require up to 60 minutes or more.

How permanent is Hair Removal?

The average patient in clinical studies sees a 48% reduction in hair growth after three treatments and up to an 80% lasting reduction after six to eight treatments (results vary). After you have completed a series of four to six treatments, any remaining hair will usually be finer and lighter in color. Most patients require one or two touch-up treatments per year. Blond, platinum, most red, gray and vellus hair will not respond to this treatment.

Pre-treatment Instructions:

Apply SPF30 sunblock to treatment areas that are exposed to the sun. You may improve your results by limiting exposure to the sun, tanning beds or tanning lotions for four weeks prior to treatment.

Tell us if you have taken Accutane in the past six months or are planning to begin taking Accutane.

Inform us if there has been any change in medical history since your last visit.

Call us 48 hours prior to your next appointment if no hair re-growth in area to be treated.

Shave the area to be treated within 12 hours prior to the treatment. (We can shave and prep you at the regular hourly rate. You must schedule additional time for prep with the front desk.) If treating heavy beard, shave the morning of your appointment.

Apply topical anesthetic as directed prior to coming in for your appointment.

Do Not wax, tweeze or have electrolysis for four weeks prior to treatment.

Do Not use Retin-A or glycolics for 3 days prior to treatment.

Do Not use hair removal lotions or hair bleach for 4 weeks prior to treatment.

Post treatment requirements:

Apply SPF30 sunblock on all treated areas that may be exposed to the sun.

Shaving or using clippers are the only acceptable methods of hair removal between treatments.

Treatment area should be gently washed twice per day with tepid water and mild soap.

Do Not expose the treated area to sun for prolonged periods for one week post treatment.

Do Not use Retin-A or glycolics for 5 days post treatment.

Post treatment expectations:

Hair loss will be most evident ten days to two weeks after treatment. After your treatment you may expect a mild sunburn sensation that typically lasts 2-3 hours and redness and swelling that may last 1 day.

To treat these side effects, please follow these steps:

Cold compresses may be applied to reduce redness and swelling.
Apply of 1% hydrocortisone cream or ointment in a thin layer after cold compresses.
Please call us at the first sign of persistent pain or blistering.