Laser Hair Removal and PCOS — What You Need to Know

Does Laser Hair Removal Work With PCOS?

Dealing with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? You’re not alone. PCOS is a common hormonal condition that affects women of reproductive age and can cause a number of health issues. Millions of women experience a range of symptoms from this hormonal disorder, like irregular periods, acne, and one of the most noticeable: unwanted hair growth. While it can be tough dealing with excessive facial and chin hair, there’s good news—laser hair removal can be a game-changer for managing this frustrating issue.

Does Laser Hair Removal Work for PCOS?

Absolutely! Laser hair removal can be a fantastic option for tackling PCOS-related hair growth. It helps reduce the amount and thickness of unwanted hair, which means smoother skin and less time spent on upkeep.

PCOS Laser Hair Removal: Before and After

Here’s what you can expect from your laser hair removal journey:

Before Treatment: Meet with one of our treatment specialists for a consultation to discuss your medical history, PCOS symptoms, and any specific concerns. This personalized approach helps tailor the treatment just for you.

During Treatment: The treatment is usually a breeze and pretty quick—think just a few minutes for smaller areas like your upper lip, and only about 10 minutes for the full face and neck area. You’ll likely feel a slight sting for a few seconds after each pulse. However, as your hair follicles become finer and the hair density thins out with subsequent treatments, this discomfort will also decrease. 

After Treatment: You’ll notice a reduction in hair growth about a week after each treatment, and new hair will be slower to grow in. It’s important to be consistent with your next treatment about 3-4 weeks later, so we can treat each active cycle as hair grows in. Post-treatment, there may be some minor redness or swelling, but this usually goes away pretty quickly. Keeping up with regular treatments is key to achieving the best results and effectively managing regrowth.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe for All Skin Types with PCOS?

Yes, it is! Thanks to modern technology, laser hair removal is safe for all skin types:

Advanced Lasers: Today’s lasers, such as the Alexandrite and Nd:YAG, are designed for safety across different skin tones and hair colors, penetrating deeper to suit darker skin tones.

Professional Consultation: We offer an in-depth consultation to ensure the treatment is tailored to your needs, enhancing safety and effectiveness.

Laser Hair Removal vs Other Hair Removal Options

When considering hair removal for PCOS, it’s important to note that common hair removal methods, like tweezing, shaving, etc, can cause irritation, texture changes, folliculitis, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This is because PCOS causes thick, dense, and rapid hair growth in visible areas, such as the face and neck. 

Why Choose Laser Hair Removal for PCOS?

Laser hair removal stands out as a highly effective way to handle unwanted facial and chin hair due to PCOS. It offers lasting results, cuts down on frequent hair removal chores, and can be customized to your specific needs, outperforming other methods like shaving or waxing in both efficiency and long-term benefits. Plus, you’ll experience up to 80% reduction in hair after a series of treatments.

For those with PCOS, laser hair removal will make your hair grow thinner and less dense, and it will be easier to maintain. However, due to hormonal imbalance associated with PCOS, we recommend occasional maintenance treatments when needed.  

Achieve Lasting Results with Laser Hair Removal for PCOS

Tired of battling PCOS-related hair growth? It’s time to take control. Contact us today to set up a consultation with our treatment experts. With cutting-edge technology and a tailored approach, we’re ready to help you achieve smoother skin. Discover why LaserAway is the national leader in aesthetic dermatology, and let us transform your skincare routine.

References

1. “Comparing Traditional and in Motion Nd:YAG Laser in Hair Removal: A Prospective Study,” Medicina, September 2, 2022.

“Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Review for Dermatologists,” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, November 2014.