Armpit Hair Removal

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Antonio, TX

Armpit hair removal is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) techniques to remove excess or unwanted hair from a patient’s armpits. In addition to removing hair follicles, this procedure has also been credited with having the potential to decrease armpit sweating and body odor for some patients.

Dr. Colin O’Dea and his team at Premier Hair Restoration are proud to serve patients from Texas and beyond. If you are interested in addressing unwanted armpit hair, contact Dr. O’Dea and the Premier Hair Restoration team online or by calling (210) 642-2291 to schedule a personal consultation.

All surgical procedures are performed by Dr. O’Dea, with trained technicians assisting.

About Armpit Hair Removal

FUE armpit hair removal is a procedure designed to reduce or eliminate unwanted hair from the armpits using the Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) technique. This approach targets individual hair follicles. Many people seek armpit hair removal for various reasons, such as to avoid the continuous hassle of shaving, potentially decrease armpit sweating/body odor, or achieve smoother skin for aesthetic reasons.

Increased interest in grooming and overall self-care has led many patients to explore advanced solutions that have the potential to provide lasting results, such as the FUE armpit hair removal treatments at Premier Hair Restoration. FUE hair transplant techniques have indeed seen an increase in popularity in recent years. (1) This treatment serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, as patients not only seek this treatment because they are unsatisfied with the appearance of their armpit hair, but also because the procedure might be able to treat hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, as well as bromhidrosis, or excessive body odor. (2) Results vary and are not guaranteed.

Potential Benefits

FUE armpit hair removal is associated with several potential advantages, including:

  • Long-lasting Armpit Hair Reduction: FUE is meant to provide long-lasting results. Patients often consider this procedure when they don’t want to keep shaving and waxing so often.
  • Reduction in Body Odor: FUE treatments have been shown to help reduce body odor in some patients who undergo these treatments. (2)
  • Customized Results: These treatments offered by Dr. O’Dea and trained technicians can be uniquely tailored to each individual patient.
  • Improved Confidence: For some patients, this procedure might improve confidence.

Ideal Candidates

FUE armpit hair removal treatment can appeal to many different potential candidates. Ideal candidates are usually individuals who are:

  • Frustrated with frequent shaving or waxing.
  • Seeking a long-term solution to underarm hair.
  • In good general health and have realistic expectations about what they can achieve with armpit hair removal treatments.

Whether you are an ideal candidate for the armpit hair removal treatments offered at Premier Hair Restoration will be determined by Dr. O’Dea during your personal consultation.

Personal Consultation

During your personal consultation, Dr. O’Dea will discuss your specific concerns and desired outcomes. He will thoroughly explain the FUE hair removal technique and provide details about the procedure. This consultation serves as an opportunity to address any questions you may have, so you are well-informed and comfortable proceeding with the procedure.

Dr. O’Dea will also assess your medical history to confirm your eligibility for the treatment, as certain medical conditions may affect healing or increase the risk of complications. Once he has obtained the necessary information about you and what you hope to achieve, he will work to craft a personalized treatment plan that is tailored specifically toward helping you reach your desired results.

To get started, schedule a personal consultation with Dr. O’Dea and the Premier Hair Restoration team online or by giving us a call at (210) 642-2291.

Preparation

Before your treatment, Dr. O’Dea and his team will give you a set of detailed preoperative guidelines to help facilitate a successful treatment. These guidelines will be tailored to each individual and are subject to vary, but tend to include instructions to:

  • Refrain from shaving your armpits for at least seven days before treatment.
  • Avoid taking certain medications, such as those with blood-thinning properties, as directed by Dr. O’Dea.
  • Discontinue using products that may irritate the skin in the weeks leading up to your procedure.
  • Stay hydrated before surgery to support healing afterward.
  • Coordinate transportation home from your appointment.

Procedure

The armpit hair removal procedure at Premier Hair Restoration utilizes the FUE technique, a method traditionally employed in hair transplantation surgeries. Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the armpit area to improve your comfort throughout the process. Once you are comfortable, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will then inject a fluid that will stretch and tighten the skin, facilitating easier extraction of the follicles. Using a specialized FUE machine equipped with a rotating cylindrical punch, typically less than 1mm in diameter, Dr. O’Dea, with assistance from trained technicians, will then meticulously excise each visible hair follicle along with its associated structures. After all visible hairs have been extracted, the armpit area is cleansed and bandaged to promote healing.

Recovery

The recovery phase will look different for each individual, as each patient heals differently. Dr. O’Dea will provide detailed postoperative instructions to facilitate optimal healing, and he and his staff will be available throughout your recovery process to answer any questions you might have as well as guide you through the different stages of recovery.

Following the procedure, it is normal to experience mild to moderate discomfort in the treated area, but this can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers. The small punch holes created during follicle extraction will gradually close after several days or after the first week. Patients are advised to keep the armpit area clean and dry and avoid activities that may cause excessive sweating or friction until healing is complete. While recovery from FUE hair removal is longer than alternative methods like laser hair removal, the results are typically long-lasting, making it a worthwhile procedure for many.

Results

After FUE armpit hair removal, many of Dr. O’Dea’s patients enjoy smoother underarms. By removing hair follicles and the associated sweat glands, this treatment can potentially enhance self-confidence and diminish both sweating and body odor.

Results vary by patient and are not guaranteed.

Other Procedures at Premier Hair Restoration

Some of the common treatments performed at our practice include facial hair transplants, eyebrow transplantation, and more. If you are interested in additional treatments or procedures, feel free to mention this during your personal consultation with Dr. O’Dea.

Cost of Armpit Hair Removal in San Antonio, Texas

The cost of your armpit hair removal will depend on several factors. Dr. O’Dea and his team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate during your personal consultation and discuss any questions you may have about pricing.

Schedule your consultation today to begin planning your armpit hair removal treatment. If you have any further questions, please call our office at (210) 642-2291.

FAQ

Is FUE armpit hair removal painful?

Local anesthesia makes the removal process more comfortable. Any post-operative discomfort commonly subsides within a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.

How long does it take to recover from armpit hair removal?

Many people can return to normal activities within a week; however, full healing may take several months, depending on individual factors.

Are there side effects after armpit hair removal?

Side effects such as redness, swelling, or small scabs at entry points might occur. Patient experiences may vary.

Can I return to my regular activities immediately after armpit hair removal?

While some daily routine activities can be resumed quickly, rigorous exercise should be avoided until Dr. O’Dea approves.

Will armpit hair removal help with armpit odor?

Removal of the apocrine sweat glands attached to the hair follicles has been associated with the potential to decrease sweating and body odor. The sweat produced by apocrine sweat glands is one of the primary causes of body odor.

References

  1. Savant S, Saxena K. Body to scalp: Evolving trends in body hair transplantation. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. 2017;8(3):167. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/idoj.idoj_283_16
  2. Li H, Zhang X, Wei W, et al. An innovative application of follicular unit extraction technique in the treatment of bromhidrosis. JEADV Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology/Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2021;35(11):2300-2304. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17571