Laser Hair Removal

LightSheer DUET Laser Hair Removal in Chevy Chase, MD

Prior to the development of lasers, remedies for unwanted hair included plucking, shaving, waxing, electrolysis, or chemical depilatories. Some of these treatments are painful, some are messy, and all of them are temporary. Laser Hair Removal with LightSheer® DUET™ is a more efficient and effective solution.

How Does It Work?

The West Institute’s Laser Hair Removal treatment utilizes High Speed LightSheer DUET, a state-of-the-art diode laser, which produces a large beam of highly concentrated light. The light emitted is absorbed by the pigment located in the hair follicles. LightSheer is also the first painless hair removal laser that requires no numbing cream.

laser hair removal treatment

During the procedure, the laser pulses for a fraction of a second, which allows the hair to absorb the light and heat. As it heats up, the hair shaft and bulb are damaged, which significantly impedes its ability to re-grow.

At the West Institute, we ensure the fastest and most painless option is available to our patients. Our device, with its large spot size, allows the process to treat numerous hair follicles simultaneously, making the treatment much faster than traditional laser hair removal alternatives.

Is Laser Hair Removal Right For Me?

If dark, coarse hair appears in places that make you uncomfortable, it may be time to consider hair removal with LightSheer DUET. Multiple treatments are required; the number and frequency depend on the face/body area, the type of hair, and skin type.

Dr. West and team will meet with you to identify if this treatment is best to meet your needs and goals.

How Long do the Results Last?

Hair reduction is permanent following a series of treatments and depending on the treatment area, it can be comfortably completed in as little as fifteen minutes.

Let's Get Started

Dr. Tina West is a board-certified dermatologist and leading expert in cosmetic dermatology, laser surgery, and body contouring procedures. For over 20 years, Dr. West has dedicated her practice to providing natural-looking results and full patient satisfaction. Dr. West invites you to visit The West Institute for a friendly and informative consultation.

Dr. West's signature

Let's Get Started

Laser Hair Removal FAQs

LightSheer is the first pain-free hair removal laser that requires no numbing cream.

Hair removal is safe when performed by a qualified technician with expertise in targeting the hair follicle and avoiding complications.

Expert providers at the West Institute use an innovative laser technology that produces a large beam of highly concentrated light. When we target the pigment located in your hair follicles, they absorb the light and heat, which damages the hair shaft and bulb, inhibiting their growth.

The cost of your treatment will depend on how many sessions it takes to achieve your desired results. We will provide you with an accurate estimate when you come in for your consultation.

Hair reduction is permanent following a series of treatments that successfully damage or destroy the hair follicles. If your hair regrows, it will likely be much thinner, lighter, and less noticeable than before.

This procedure can be effective at almost any age. However, if you are considering getting laser hair removal for an adolescent, it’s best to wait until they have finished going through puberty.

Since laser hair removal works by targeting the roots and follicles, we ask that you stop plucking and waxing your hair at least four to six weeks before your first appointment. You can continue shaving, because that leaves the roots intact. It’s also necessary to stay out of the sun, since having burned or sun-damaged skin can interfere with your treatment.

Though laser hair removal is a safe procedure, we don’t recommend it during pregnancy because there’s no conclusive evidence that laser treatments are safe for mothers and growing babies.

Laser hair removal can safely remove hair on almost all parts of your body, including your legs, arms, and underarms. Many people have the area above their upper lip treated. You can also remove unwanted facial hair on your cheeks and chin. However, laser treatment is not safe for eyebrow hair.

Hair removal tends to work best on light-complected people with dark hair. The pigment contrast makes it easier for the laser to target the hair and destroy the follicle. People with dark skin tones or lighter hair may need more treatments than others and might find more hair grows back. Dr. West and her team will meet with you to identify if this treatment is the best way to accomplish your goals.

Hair removal via laser can cause temporary, minor irritation, redness and swelling.

The number and frequency of your laser hair removal treatments will depend on the treatment area, the type of hair, and your skin type. Dr. West will customize a plan for you based on your goals.