Hair Reduction

Let's face it, excess body hair can be unsightly and embarrassing. Shaving, plucking, waxing and depilatory creams provide temporary fixes that are inconvenient, irritating, messy and only temporary. Electrolysis is time consuming, sometimes painful, and is useful only in removing hair from small areas.

Excess and unwanted hair is a common problem. Women frequently experience this condition on the face, especially the upper lip or eyebrow area, in the bikini area, under the arms or on the legs. Men often wish to rid themselves of hair on their back or chest. They too may have unwanted hair between their eyebrows or on other parts of their face.

Innovative, light-based devices have revolutionized the treatment of unwanted hair, offering gentle, effective and convenient solutions for both men and women. The Intense Pulsed Light System (IPL) use targeted flashes of light to block the regrowth potential of the hair follicle. The treatment does not damage surrounding tissue and each device targets numerous hair follicles simultaneously, allowing for the treatment of large areas quickly and effectively.

The length of an individual treatment may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more, depending on the size of the area being treated. The number of treatments required depends on several factors related to specific kinds of hair and skin. It is important to understand that hairs in an active growth phase (anagen) are most affected by treatments. Since all hairs are not in this phase at the same time, several treatments are necessary to achieve the best results. Dr. Thao will design customized treatment programs, and give patients an estimate of how many sessions may be needed in order to meet expectations.

Your Hair Reduction Treatment
Laser Hair Reduction | St Paul MN | Woodbury MNThe hair reduction treatment may cause some minor discomfort — patients often describe it as a slight tingling or compare it to a pinch or the sting of a snapped rubber band. Most patients tolerate the procedure well; topical anesthesia is rarely required, but may be an option when treating more sensitive areas.

The appearance of the treated area immediately following a session will vary from patient to patient, though side effects are rare. Any swelling or redness at the treatment site typically goes away within a couple hours, and most people are able to return to normal activity immediately. The best news is that many of the unwanted hairs are gone at the end of the treatment.

Your Consultation - Hair Reduction
An initial consultation is required for all laser and IPL procedures. We invite you to schedule a private consultation with Dr. David Thao, one of Minnesota's top board certified plastic surgeon, to explore your Laser and IPL treatment options. During the consultation all aspects of your proposed treatment will be discussed including preparation, relative risks, recovery, range of fees, and financing options. Woodbury Plastic Surgery in Minnesota is committed to caring for the whole person by educating, nurturing and comforting our patients in a safe, professional environment.

« Back to Laser Procedures