Archive for category: Blog

Considering a Facelift in Kansas City? Get to know the Monarch Mini Facelift

Considering a Facelift in the Kansas City area? Welcome to Monarch Plastic Surgery.

We have five in-house board-certified plastic surgeons ready to meet with you and discuss the best options for your goals. If you’re considering a facelift, but still have questions about the procedure and why come to us in Kansas City, keep reading!

Is a facelift right for me?

If you feel like the creams, serums, and daily maintenance aren’t producing the desired results you’re looking for, a facelift could be a good option for you. Facelifts are not one size fits all, and it’s important to choose a surgeon that you feel comfortable with and who can deliver the look you want.

Before and after image of Monarch Mini Facelift showing beautiful change in neck, chin, cheek area.

Monarch Mini Facelift performed by Dr. Bene

Are all facelifts the same?

There are different levels of facelifts. A “mini facelift” primarily deals with the jowl area and some skin tightening. A “standard facelift” typically extends that incision behind the ear and down the hairline a bit to help tighten the neck. A more advanced technique, sometimes called a “dual plane facelift” can provide even more transformation when needed. Sometimes these procedures are combined with others such as eyelid lifts, chemical peels, or fat grafting to add volume to the face. That’s why it’s important to work with a surgeon who can customize the procedure for you.

What is a Monarch Mini Facelift?

A “Monarch Mini Facelift” is an awake facelift we complete in our office in Leawood. This facelift involves incisions in front of the ear, underneath the earlobe, and just behind the scalp. We use local anesthesia, so in many cases, you’re even able to drive yourself home after the procedure! Please check with your surgeon for details about the process!

before and after of monarch mini facelift performed by Dr. Bene

Monarch Mini Facelift performed by Dr. Bene

What is recovery time like for a mini facelift?

For the first day after your facelift, you’ll wear a lightly compressing garment to help with the dressings. Typically, patients may shower the next day and do most activities that are not overly strenuous. Your surgeon will direct you on the proper aftercare. Pain is generally mild and controlled with over-the-counter medications.

See more before and after photos, and work performed by each of our five plastic surgeons here.

For questions, or to schedule a consultation, give us a call at 913-663-3838

*Information for this blog was provided by Dr. Kalila Steen and Dr. Paul Leahy.



Monarch Plastic Surgery MicroLaser Peel and BroadBand Light (BBL)

When Monarch Plastic Surgery reached out to me about partnering to blog about their MicroLaser Peel, it was an easy yes! As a 43-year-old busy working mom, I rarely devote the time and attention to myself and the self-care I need. Prior to my treatment, I noticed the age spots and sun damage to my face and was excited to see how this treatment could improve the overall look and feel of my skin.

This was my first time having a MicroLaser Peel. I’ve had microdermabrasion treatments periodically over the years which have sometimes coupled with a peel but this was so much more. The MicroLaser Peel is a treatment that precisely removes the outer layer of skin, replacing the dead skin cells with new healthy cells to improve texture and clarity. The best way I can simply describe the results is to get ready to get your glow on and truly feel that you can put your best face forward!

The most important thing to know going into the MicroLaser Peel is to be sure you schedule it when you can go without make-up afterward for 72 hours. If you have a wedding or event you are doing the treatment in advance of, I would recommend the treatment at least one week, possibly two, prior to your event. My skin was extremely red for 2-3 days after the treatment, peeled on days 3-5 and continued to flake off a small amount a full week after my appointment. The end results make this recovery seem insignificant once you have your luminous glowing skin, but be mindful of that recovery time when scheduling.

Walking into Monarch Plastic Surgery for the first time, I was immediately greeted with kindness and felt welcomed from the moment I walked in. I completed a small amount of paperwork and was in a room for my treatment within 5 minutes.

Brittan, my aesthetician, was amazing! She did a beautiful job explaining what I should expect. She also spoke from a place of experience as she has had the treatment herself. I appreciated that perspective so she could be sensitive to my questions.

She began the treatment by applying a numbing balm to my entire face. She explained that I would rest on the treatment bed/table for one hour to allow the numbing to completely take effect. For a person who rarely stops to sit down, one hour to myself was fabulous. The numbing process felt a bit strange but it was not painful or uncomfortable in any way. I worked from my phone while the numbing took over and one hour later, we were ready to get started.

Brittan shared that what I might find most bothersome would be the noise from the laser. She was absolutely right, it sounds like a bug zapper. After the first zap sound, I quickly became used to it. The experience was a bit surreal, like visiting the dentist when they numb part of your mouth. You can see and feel what is taking place, but the numbness prevents you from feeling any pain. Brittan utilized the laser small section by small section across my face. I was extremely surprised that I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort. The entire peel took about 20 minutes. Following the treatment, Brittan applied a thick balm across my face with the consistency and feeling of a petroleum jelly. This felt very soothing. She gave me after-care instructions which I followed carefully to ensure I protected my sensitive skin. From start to finish, the entire process took one hour and 30 minutes and then I was off to pick up my kids from school.

During the drive home, the air conditioning on my face felt amazing as my face felt warm but not uncomfortably hot. My face was extremely red following the treatment and the balm made my skin look shiny and glossy. I dropped my kids off at soccer practice that evening and stayed in my car to watch as I didn’t want to be in public with my red, shiny skin and needed to stay out of the sun.

For the day of my treatment, Brittan recommended that I avoid hot showers and sun exposure. I did not want anything touching my face or skin so I decided to wait until the following morning to wash my face. The numbness lasted several hours after the treatment. They suggested that I could take a pain reliever if needed but I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort.  For sleeping, I would suggest using an old pillowcase to avoid getting the Elta Laser Balm on your bedding.

The morning after my treatment, I utilized the gentle cleanser and treatment balm they sent me home with. First thing in the morning, I splashed cold water on my face, still feeling nervous about touching my face due to my worry for the sensitivity. I used the cleanser they sent me home with me and very gently lathered it in circles around my face. The thickness of the balm did not wash off entirely but my skin felt refreshed with the splashes of water and the cleanser. After washing my face I VERY gently patted my skin with a clean, dry, soft towel. I then applied a film of the laser balm which felt like a wonderful protective shield. My skin was still red the day following the treatment.

My post-care continued with the gentle facial cleanser and application of the Elta Laser Balm both morning and night for three days after the treatment. The redness diminished over the course of each day and was gone by day 4. The team told me that I could apply makeup after 72 hours but even at that time, my skin was continuing to flake off and I was able to avoid makeup while working from home for a full 5 days. On day 4, between the balm and moisturizer, my face felt ready for a good scrub in order to feel fully clean. I knew I needed to be gentle but also felt the extreme desire to get all of the residual balm off of my face. I used a makeup removing wipe on day 4 which irritated my skin a bit and incited some flaking and peeling. I immediately applied a thick moisturizing cream which felt incredible and soothing. I continued to have flaking on days 5-7 and utilized a thick moisturizer and SPF each day and began wearing makeup again on day 7.

Now let’s talk about the exciting part. My age spots and pigmentation look remarkably improved and I have a gorgeous glow to my skin. The dark pigmentation on my cheeks and along my jawline and hairline was reduced significantly. I actually feel for the first time in more than a decade, that my skin looks luminous, and I might even choose to go without makeup or with minimal make-up. That’s how good my skin looks after one week. I’m sharing this selfie so you can see my skin right after I showered and applied a facial moisturizer. I don’t have on any makeup here because I wanted you to see the full results. I’m 43-years-old (with Dysport injections to reduce forehead wrinkles) and this peel easily takes my skin back at least 5 years, possibly 10, by reducing the pigmentation and giving my skin a fresh, dewy look.

The team at Monarch Plastic Surgery can customize the depth and strength of the laser. With this being my first experience, Brittan and I talked about going a little lighter for me, which I appreciate. I love looking at my skin now both with and without makeup. My skin looks more even and youthful with a radiant, healthy glow that I am loving thanks to Monarch Plastic Surgery and Skin Rejuvenation Center.

I had such an amazing experience at Monarch Plastic Surgery that the team invited me back to further reduce and remove age spots, sun damage and broken capillaries with BroadBand Light (BBL). They recommended that I allow at least four weeks between the two treatments. The best part about this treatment is that it requires no downtime so you can go back to work or events without any recovery time. Sciton BBL Photorejuvenation can also help with rosacea and other skin imperfections.

One difference between the MicroLaser Peel and the Sciton BBL Photorejuvenation is that they numb your face for the MicroLaser Peel. The BBL is less invasive and while it’s not painful, it is not a pleasant feeling. Of course, the results make the process totally worth the mild to moderate discomfort of the treatment which lasts about 15-20 minutes. The treatment involves small zaps with the Sciton device which feels like your skin is being thumped with a rubber band. After the first minute, your mind and body begin to get used to this and it no longer feels uncomfortable. Brittan, my aesthetician, moved the device around my face, targeting the areas of imperfections. The targeted tissue responds to the heat energy.

Brittan was incredibly helpful in explaining what I could expect in the days following the treatment. With this being my first BBL, she shared that I should expect my skin to “pepper” a bit. She said this is completely normal because hyperpigmentation darkens prior to falling off. And that is exactly what happened. In the areas where I had the most skin damage and pigmentation, I had what looked like tiny pepper spots in the days following that fell off or went away in less than one week. I was able to easily apply makeup over these spots so they were not visible when wearing makeup.  Brittan recommended utilizing BBL quarterly for the most amazing results. And as always, she emphasized the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect my skin.

Within just a few days of the treatment, my skin looked smoother and noticeably younger. One week after, you could clearly see the reduction and even elimination in some areas of age spots and broken capillaries, giving me the appearance of more radiant, younger looking skin. The best part of both treatments is that I now feel comfortable going places with less makeup or even no makeup and my skin is looking better than it has in more than a decade!

Read Jana’s blog on her website at https://adventuresinmomlife.com/.

Reverse Aging with Volume: How Injectable Dermal Fillers Make Your Face Look Younger Without Plastic Surgery

You feel young and greet the world with plenty of energy – but too often, your reflection shows someone who looks much older than you feel. If that sounds familiar, or if you just have certain imperfections in your facial features you would like to fix without surgery, injectable soft tissue fillers (a.k.a. dermal fillers) may be a great option for you.

We spoke with our team of Monarch Nurse Injectors to find out what patients want to know when exploring dermal filler options. We’ve assembled their Q&As below. To learn more about what injectable dermal fillers can do for you personally, schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our Nurse Injectors today.

What is an injectable dermal filler, and how can it reduce the appearance of aging and imperfections?

The signs of aging on the face are natural – collagen, elastin, subcutaneous fat and other natural support layers in the skin break down as we get older. We all age differently due to genetics and lifestyle factors, but the natural losses of volume, elasticity, and hydration lead to ever-deepening wrinkles, lines, folds around the forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth and chin. These subcutaneous break downs lead to crow’s feet, forehead creases, frown lines, laugh lines, marionette lines and more.

Fortunately, injectable dermal fillers offer safe, effective, minimally invasive options to reduce the appearance of aging on your face. Some dermal fillers hydrate the skin with hyaluronic acid (a natural lubricant). Others add fullness and volume to areas like lips and cheeks to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, or destroy fat cells to provide contouring and reduce double chins.

What are my options for injectables at Monarch?

At the Skin Rejuvenation Center of Monarch Plastic Surgery, we provide a wide range of injectables to enhance or restore facial contours and help you look and feel younger. The table below provides a quick overview – for additional details about each product, visit our Injectable Dermal Fillers page here.

How much do injectables/dermal fillers cost?

Prices vary depending on the injectables/dermal fillers used. We offer high-quality care, products, and services at competitive pricing because our goal is the same as yours: natural-looking results at affordable prices. If you are new to our practice, we encourage you to schedule a free consultation with our nurse injectors. We’ll talk about your appearance goals and create personalized treatment recommendations with pricing information included.

How quickly will I see results, and how long will they last?

Results times also vary depending on your treatment plan and choice of injectable/filler. Some injectables give immediate results, while others minimize the appearance of wrinkles or folds over time. Several of our injectable products are proven to last for up to one year, 18 months and even two years with optimal treatment.

Tell me about your qualifications as a Monarch Nurse Injector.

We’re glad you asked! It is so important to choose healthcare providers you trust to deliver the care you need and the results you want. At Monarch Plastic Surgery, our Nurse Injectors are all highly rated registered nurses with extensive experience in injectable treatments and a passion for excellence in patient care. Meet our team by clicking on the names and hear from some of our patients below:

“I have gotten Botox and Juvederm lip from Ashley at Monarch Plastic Surgery and I can’t say enough good things about her! She is patient and explains everything, keeps it all pain free, and won’t let you spend money on extras if she doesn’t think you need it. I can’t recommend her highly enough! I’ll be back in 6 months!”

—Jennifer von Ende

“Knowledgeable Team: 42 units Botox. Loved my results! My next appointment is tomorrow. I look forward to being a better version of myself! The staff is friendly and welcoming. My injections were painless. Kirsten was very knowledgeable and made sure to take the time to explain everything to me.”

—Anonymous online review

Where are you located?

Proudly serving the Greater Kansas City area, our Nurse Injectors offer injectables at our two main locations in Leawood, Kansas, and North Kansas City, Missouri.

More Questions?

Call us for pricing and other details:

LED Therapy For Your Skin

Light up your skin with LED therapy — Dermatologists and doctors have been using this non-invasive treatment for 20 years! Find out how it could help you say goodbye to your acne, give your skin an extra glow and improve your skin with other benefits.

What You Need To Know 

LED Therapy uses energy to trigger your natural process of skin rejuvenation and repair. The treatment is recommended to help with acne, but also sun damage, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and other inflammatory conditions, including wound healing, scarring or irritation. When you come in for multiple treatments, LED therapy is able to penetrate your skin at different depths, which causes various reactions in your skin, like fighting acne-causing bacteria, plumping skin and reducing wrinkles! LED therapy is great for all skin types and causes no pain.

Using LED Therapy To Treat Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, and can affect up to 50 million people each year. At least 85% of Americans experience acne between the ages of 12 and 24 years. When excess oil blocks your pores, it can cause a build-up that leads to a pimple. Bacteria called propionibacterium acne are usually what causes these pimples to form. It is not just teens who suffer from breakouts, but life changes such as these can also affect your skin:

  • Moving to a new environment
  • Pregnancy
  • Hormonal changes
  • Lifestyle changes

Our LED therapy is a great treatment for acne, whether it’s something you deal with on a regular basis or only from time-to-time. The therapy increases your natural hydration levels, which will help shrink the appearance of your pores, regulate oil production and improve circulation.

More Details 

LED therapy can also be used to help with inflammation and to stimulate collagen production — sounds like a win, win to us! Each treatment session is only 25 minutes long, and treatments are scheduled about once a week. Unlike other topical treatments, blue light therapy has been shown to have minimal adverse side effects or patient discomfort following the treatment.

Trigger Finger…Monarch Surgeon Dr. Bene Explains What It Is

Have you been experiencing pain and tenderness in one of your fingers, maybe even to the point that it feels like it’s constantly catching and popping? You may have a condition called “trigger finger.” Read on to learn more about the condition and how we can help you!

What Is Trigger Finger? 

Trigger finger is a type of tenosynovitis that happens in your fingers and causes pain, stiffness and sensations of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger. The condition commonly occurs in your ring finger or your thumb (then called trigger thumb) but can happen in any of your fingers. In severe cases, your finger locks and becomes stuck in a bent position and you have to use your other hand to straighten it.

Causes 

Though the exact causes are unclear, trigger finger is more common in women and people who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. If you frequently participate in forceful hand activities, such as gripping and squeezing, you are also more likely to notice symptoms.

How We Can Help 

If you are worried you might have trigger fingers, our doctors are here to help! We’ll first set up a consultation to discuss your symptoms and answer any questions you have. If needed, we can also schedule a simple in-office procedure that will help you get back to using your fingers without any pain. Check out the video above to hear more from Dr. Bene, one of our surgeons, about how we can help.

To set up a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons, simply call 913-663-3838 (Leawood) or 816-436-3262 (North KC). Learn more about our hand surgery procedure here.

Behind-the-Scenes Video Interview with Dr. Bene & Dr. Hodge – 25 Year Anniversary Celebration!

MonarchLogo-1

This year marks our 25th anniversary, and we are excited to celebrate with you! Please join us on Thursday, March 26, 2020, from 5 – 7:30 p.m. at our Leawood location. Mingle with doctors and staff; ask our skincare representatives questions about the latest trending new products; take advantage of incredible skincare promotions; and enjoy champagne,  hors d’ouevres and music!

RSVP by calling skincare at 913-317-9386 or online here.

Our History

Our practice started with a dream of a better work environment — we wanted a thriving culture that would entice other talented surgeons to join us and one that would be welcoming to new patients. One of our founding surgeons, Dr. Bene, explains how he and the other founding partners had a vision of opening a plastic surgery center where patients felt comfortable and safe and where the whole staff felt accepted and equal. In 1995, they did just that! From the beginning, the people were always their main priority.

Today, Monarch still fosters that same culture of equality, which has led to some amazing collaborations that allowed the practice to focus on what is most important, you.

Why We Love Monarch

Dr. Hodge says it best, “There is nothing better than putting a smile on someone’s face.” We love being able to help people in all different stages of their lives — be it after they have beaten breast cancer, recovered from an injury or finally feel like they look the way they’ve always imagined. We find it extremely important that we are all able to give our patients the highest quality of service. We are always learning and training to ensure we are able to do what we love, making sure you’re happy after a service or procedure!

25 Years – Time To Celebrate!

Thank you to all of our patients who have grown the practice with us and our fellow co-workers, past and present, who have shared the same passion for patient care with us!

What’s A Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon VS. Cosmetic Surgeon?

If you’re considering a plastic surgery procedure ✨, it’s important to do your homework first — research doctors, procedures, read reviews and more. One question you should ask is whether or not the doctor is a cosmetic surgeon or board certified. At Monarch, all of our surgeons are board-certified. In this blog, we will walk you through the differences between a cosmetic surgeon versus a board-certified surgeon, and why it’s important to know the difference!

Cosmetic Surgeon 

“Cosmetic surgeon” sounds exactly what a plastic surgeon would call themselves, right? Well, actually, out of the two, they have had less specialty training within the field of plastic surgery. Cosmetic surgeons are still technically doctors but they never completed a residency in the plastic surgery realm.

So What Exactly Does This Mean  

Cosmetic surgeons attended medical school, but plastic surgery was not the area of specialty they pursued after earning their degree. They can still call themselves plastic or cosmetic surgeons because states do not have laws that dictate which surgeries a doctor can perform or regulate how they advertise themselves. Therefore, any licensed doctor can legally call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of their training or education.

Board-Certified Surgeon 

Board-certified surgeons have completed a full-time residence that consists of working over 3,000 hours a year under the direct training and supervision of a more senior and fully-qualified plastic surgeon. During this time, they learn how to plan different procedures, perform surgery and then how to follow up with their patients. They have practiced and perfected procedures such as rhinoplasties, facelifts, breast augmentations, breast reconstructions, tummy tucks and accident reconstructions.

Our Practice 

At Monarch, all of our surgeons are board-certified and ready to help you with any of your plastic or reconstructive needs. It is important to us that you feel comfortable, safe and at ease when you decide you want a procedure, which is why we are only staffed with qualified, personable surgeons!

Call 913-663-3838 (Leawood) or  816-436-3262 (North KC), or schedule a consultation with one of our surgeons today!

Today’s Top Injectables Trends: Botox & Dermal Fillers

Zapping fresh energy and youth into your appearance may sound like magic — really, it’s technology. Yet with amazing results, little downtime and no surgery, it’s no small wonder that injectables are one of the hottest plastic surgery trends today. Botox and dermal fillers are at the top of the list and are rapidly becoming the most common aesthetic procedures worldwide. When it comes to injectables trends and preferences in the U.S., it turns out there are notable differences between the East and West Coast. That said, there are a few trends everyone should keep on their radars.

Injectables as the plastic surgery of the day

First of all, injectables are taking off at rocket speed. Seventy-three percent of consumers say they’re planning on getting physician-administered aesthetic treatment, such as injectables, in the next year, according to Allergan’s 360° Aesthetics Report. A few key factors play into this trend, per a study on the worldwide facial injectables market. Modern society is increasingly moving toward a beauty consciousness and focus on facial appearance, fueling the beauty market — case in point: women spend an average of $300-500 billion per year on beauty products. In addition, minimally invasive and non-surgical is the name of the game for plastic surgery these days, and advances in technology mean injectable techniques and materials are safer, simpler and more affordable than ever.

Subtle tweaks over exaggerated results

Gone are the days of extreme treatments and overstated features. Today, more patients are looking for subtle tweaks that preserve yet perfect their own unique facial traits.

“Now, people want to look more like their own filtered photos or a Photoshop version of themselves,” says New York City plastic surgeon Lara Devgan.

This is one area where the coasts differ, Allergan’s survey discovered. The West coast, especially LA, tends to gear more toward volume and a “bombshell” look — more units of filler, plumper lips, extra volume in the cheekbones — inspired by a standardized celebrity model (think Kim Kardashian and Olivia Culpo), while New Yorkers favor a more natural look. Still, the popularity of injectables as a minimally invasive and preventative measure, and the experience of many cosmetic surgeons, suggests that overall a more understated look is de rigueur these days.

“The most common comment that I hear is, ‘I want to look like myself, but better,’” says plastic surgeon Dr. Melissa Doft. “The ideal East Coast aesthetic is looking like you have never had anything done.”

Unorthodox use of fillers

Fillers are no longer only for the face. Increasingly, injectables are being used in a variety of areas and for specific goals. This may mean a shot to resolve saggy skin around the knees, under the superficial layers of the skin for a “boost” or even in the buttocks for an extra lift. According to celebrity cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, 50 percent of injectables practice is in use in “nontraditional” ways and locations.

The rise of preventative treatments

Though fillers may be thought of as a procedure to restore a youthful look, the treatments are increasingly sought after at a younger age — not to cure aging but to prevent it. In fact, 72 percent of facial plastic surgeons reported an increase in cosmetic surgery and injectables in those under 30, according to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery annual survey. Many are turning to more regular and less drastic treatments starting at a younger age in order to maintain and protect youthful skin, rather than waiting for more invasive processes later.

If you’re interested in trying injectables for yourself, there are several great options. Botox, a purified protein toxin, relaxes facial muscles to help smooth and eliminate wrinkles and lines. Another possibility is Juvéderm, an injectable gel containing hyaluronic acid that restores skin to replenish volume and reduce wrinkles. If volume is your main focus, Voluma XC, also a hyaluronic acid filler, adds volume to the cheek area to smooth skin and revive a youthful look.

To learn more or start your own injectables treatment, schedule a consultation with us today by calling (913) 663-3838 (Leawood) or (816) 436-3262 (North KC) or submitting a consultation request form.

Renuvion — The Answer to Tightening Skin

Say goodbye to loose skin with Renuvion! This innovative technology — new to Monarch Plastic Surgery — allows our clients to tighten skin in those areas that need a little love. Read on to learn about how Renuvion can deliver proven results and give you the skin you’ve always wanted. Watch the video with Dr. Keith Hodge as he explains the benefits of this new technology.

How Does it Work?

The Renuvion technology combines the unique properties of helium plasma with radiofrequency (RF) energy to create heat underneath the skin. This provides a Dual Thermal Effect on the tissue — providing a gentle yet effective result. The Dual Thermal Effect uses a waveform to convert the helium gas into a cold plasma. This is possible because helium can convert into plasma using minimal energy. The heat from the radiofrequency tightens the skin while the helium gas cools it.

Is it Safe?

The Renuvion treatment has been proven to be safe during the numerous surgical procedures already performed. This procedure is minimally-invasive, but provides a surgical impact on the tissue. With little downtime and risk, this treatment is a great alternative to invasive surgery.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Both men and women who are frustrated with loose skin could benefit from this new treatment. With Renuvion being minimally-invasive, this procedure is a great alternative to invasive surgery. This gives patients the opportunity to still get the results of an invasive procedure, but avoid the downtime and scarring.

This procedure is successful on multiple parts of the body such as the neck, arms, legs, back, abdomen and more. Have questions for our surgeons? Schedule a consultation with us today by calling 913-663-3838 (Leawood) or 816-436-3262 (North KC), or submitting a consultation request form.

What You Need to Know About Laser Hair Reduction

Now that summer is winding down, it’s the perfect time to think about receiving laser hair reduction! Shaving, waxing, tweezing and depilatory creams are typically the methods people use to get rid of unwanted hair — but these are temporary solutions. Laser hair reduction is a safe, noninvasive treatment that can permanently reduce hair growth in a specific area. If you’re tired of constantly having to remove unwanted hair on your arms, back, legs, upper lip, underarm or elsewhere, laser hair reduction may be the right option for you! Read on to discover how our laser treatment can help you achieve long-lasting results.

How Does it Work?

The laser generates a beam of light, which then gets absorbed by the pigment of the hair. As the light is absorbed, the energy transfers to the hair follicle — causing permanent damage. Each light pulse takes a fraction of a second and can treat multiple hairs at a time. Since hair grows in cycles, multiple treatments will often be needed to ensure permanent hair reduction. Hair color must be dark in color — not red, gray or blonde.

How Should I Prepare?

Properly preparing for this treatment is essential to your health, safety and success of the procedure. Before the treatment, make sure you do not wax, tweeze or do electrolysis. This method of removing hair temporarily removes the hair’s root, which is what the laser is targeting during laser hair reduction.

Another necessary preparation is to avoid sun exposure for six weeks before and after the procedure. Sun exposure can cause the treatment to be less effective as well as making complications likely.

Recovery and Downtime

Typically, there is no downtime after undergoing this procedure. You may experience irritated and swollen hair follicles on the treated area; however, this is only temporary. Most patients can return to their everyday activities right away.

You will likely see results immediately after treatment. Depending on the type of hair, as everyone’s hair is different, you can expect a 10% to 25% reduction after the first session. To completely remove unwanted hair, patients typically need to complete an average of six sessions. After the necessary amount of sessions, the patient will likely need touch-up treatments over time.

Book a complimentary consult or schedule an appointment by calling (913) 317-9386 (Leawood) or (816) 436-3262 (North KC), or submitting a request form online.