I want to thin out my chest hair but not get rid of it?

Yes, it is possible to thin out the hair without full removal. Diode, alexandrite and yag lasers work best for hair removal. It will take a series of treatments and some people need treatments to maintain. I recommend getting a formal evaluation with a laser hair removal expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Great question!  The specific answer is yes but. . . it is difficult to do a few sessions, even if done by an expert with the right device, and get an even reduction.  You could have patchiness in areas (if you only get a few treatments) because you do not simply get an even distribution of damaged (killed) hair follicles with each treatment.  In my experience (and my entire practice is laser and injections and I have personally performed a large number of laser hair removal treatments), I do not usually suggest men trying to "thin out" an area because it can leave them patchy.  However, if the patient really wants to try it, we use a laser with a large spot size and if patchiness occurs and they don't want anymore thinning then you can do "spot" treatments to help with the patchiness (but you can spend money doing that).  Therefore, I usually discourage men from trying that.  Sorry this is probably not the answer you wanted but I am an honest physician!

Yes. We do this a lot especially for men.  It would likely need a few treatments with some touch up treatments over time.  I would speak to an experienced physician regarding treatment plan.  Good luck with your treatment.

The answer is yes . You should be able to thin out the hair without removing all of the hair.  With each session of hair removal a percentage of the hair is treated. Only the hair in the active growing phase is targeted. If you limit the number of treatment sessions you should obtain the results you want.

Each hair on your body grows to a predetermined length and then falls off and starts to grow again. . .hopefully!  All of your hairs go through this cycle at different rates in different places. This is why hair removal with a laser takes so many treatments. We have to catch the hair follicle with a dark hair in it so the laser light can see it and destroy the follicle. In your case, you have the option of doing a single treatment and then waiting to see if the reduction is enough. If not, go back for another treatment and then wait again. It's not perfect but will likely provide a thinning out of the area without it looking "odd".

we have lots of men who have done exactly that. Women usually want all the hair gone for good, whereas men want the hair reduced forever but not necessarily removing all of it. the advantage of seeing a board certified plastic surgeon is that we have permanent laser hair removal machines. they are more expensive than the temporary, rather ineffective lasers that many spas have. In particular, we have the Cynosure Elite laser which is extremely effective and permanent. you will probably want about 3 treatments, spaced 6 weeks apart. shave the hair the night before and apply a numbing cream one hour before and cover with Saran wrap. Dont be tanned in the area getting laser hair removal. We have a cooler which sprays constant cold area while you get lasered which makes it much more pleasant. you should definitely look for this feature too. i would also take a few Motrin or Advil before hand. david berman md