Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that can cause excess hair growth, known as hirsutism, in many women. This excess hair is a distressing symptom for numerous PCOS patients seeking ways to reduce unwanted hair. Laser treatment combined with prescription hormonal therapy from a doctor tends to yield better results. Typically, multiple laser sessions, usually 6+ sessions, are often necessary to achieve long-lasting and satisfactory hair removal outcomes.
This article aims to provide information on laser effectiveness but should not be considered medical advice. Patients should always consult their physician for any health issues or treatment decisions related to their PCOS. The sole purpose here is to discuss laser hair removal and not recommend medical protocols, which remains the domain of licensed healthcare providers.
How PCOS affects hair growth?
Have you noticed excess hair growth in places like your face, chest, or back? You may have polycystic ovary syndrome, also known as PCOS. It is a hormonal disorder that affects women of reproductive age.
Common symptoms include irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, and weight gain. One of the main ways PCOS affects the body is through increased androgen levels, which are male hormones like testosterone.
High androgen levels can stimulate hair follicles, leading to more rapid or excess hair growth, especially on the face, chest, and back. This excess hair growth, known as hirsutism, is the one symptom that can be frustrating and affect confidence and self-esteem.
Laser hair removal for PCOS patients
One of the most problematic symptoms of PCOS is excess hair growth known as hirsutism. Most health care providers recommend laser hair removal as an effective treatment option to combat excess hair growth due to PCOS.
Laser hair removal is a popular cosmetic procedure that uses concentrated beams of light, called lasers, to permanently reduce hair growth. The laser delivers selective light pulses that target the pigment, or darker color, in the hair follicle. This heat energy damages the hair root or follicle without harming the surrounding skin.
In the case of PCOS, laser treatment is effective as it helps stop excess hair regrowth, providing relief to many women with PCOS. Multiple laser sessions, typically six or more treatments over several weeks, are often necessary to achieve long-lasting and satisfactory hair removal results for PCOS patients.
Effectiveness of laser hair removal for PCOS
How laser hair removal treats excessive hair growth?
Laser hair removal works especially well for PCOS patients because the increased hair growth is caused by high androgen levels stimulating follicles, not changes to the follicles themselves.
By targeting and destroying hair follicles with laser treatments, it can help reduce excess body and facial hair long term. Multiple treatments are usually required as the hair has to be in the growth phase for the laser to work. But sticking with a series of treatments spaced can yield fantastic results.
Success rates of laser hair removal for PCOS patients?
Several personal factors influence laser's effectiveness for a person with PCOS.
The degree of hormonal imbalance and hair presentation impact results.
Darker, coarser hair typically yields better outcomes than lighter, finer hair.
Skin tone also plays a role, as laser sees greater success on lighter complexions.
When examining success rates, studies show laser hair removal for PCOS often leads to notable hair reduction around 38% on average after a full initial course of treatments. Patients generally report happier hair-free periods and satisfaction with outcomes.
So for reducing unwanted hair due to PCOS, laser can prove a worthwhile treatment option when performed by a laser hair removal specialist. Maintenance sessions may sustain longer-term hair management.
Benefits of laser hair removal for PCOS patients
Laser hair removal offers several advantages that make it a highly effective treatment option specifically for women dealing with excess hair growth due to PCOS. Some key benefits are:
Reduce hormonal hair growth over time
While laser hair removal alone will not lower androgen levels or directly treat PCOS, reducing hair follicles makes managing symptoms much more manageable. Over time, this decrease in hair growth may even help reduce the psychological stress often associated with PCOS.
Long-term hair removal solutions
While it may require several sessions, laser hair removal offers long-lasting results that provide freedom from excessive hair for months or even years (for non pcos patient) at a time. Most patients experience only minimal hair regrowth after the recommended course of laser hair removal treatments comparing to shaving, plucking or waxing.
Minimizing skin irritation and inflammation
Modern lasers like Elite IQ+ utilize advanced cooling systems to keep your skin from overheating during the treatment. Topical anesthetics may also be applied to reduce discomfort. This minimizes risks of redness, swelling or irritation that can sometimes occur with other hair removal methods like electrolysis.
Confidence booster
The psychological impact of PCOS hair growth can create deep feelings of self-consciousness. Reducing or eliminating unwanted hair through laser treatments provides both immediate and long-term self-esteem benefits. You'll feel more confident letting your true beauty shine through.
Targeting specific areas with precision
While PCOS may cause hair growth all over, laser hair removal allows you to focus treatments on priority areas that cause the most distress, like the face, neck or chest. The technician has full control over targeting exact spots with laser precision.
Customizing treatment for different skin and hair types
Modern lasers like Nd: YAG offer a wide range of settings and safety features to customize treatment for your unique characteristics, whether you have dark or light skin. The technician can evaluate what laser and settings are safest based on a consultation and skin test treatment. Your comfort and results are the priority.
Consult laser hair removal specialist in Fredericton
If you are a PCOS patient looking to reduce excess hair growth with laser hair removal treatments, consult with our experienced professionals here at Vibrant Salon and Spa. Located in Fredericton, New Brunswick, our team of cosmetologists and dermatologists have successfully helped many women manage hirsutism using laser techniques.
When you visit our medical spa, we will carefully examine your skin and hair to develop a customized treatment plan. We utilize advanced laser equipment like the Venus Velocity and Elite IQ+ which effectively target follicles across all skin tones, from fair to dark.
As dealing with many happy clients with PCOS, we can ensure you receive safe, effective laser care designed to help you achieve the hair-free confidence you desire. Contact us to schedule your initial consultation and get started on your path to smooth, hair-free skin.
Summary
PCOS can cause excess hair growth due to elevated androgen levels in the body.
Laser hair removal works by using precise light energy to damage hair follicles, preventing future hair regrowth.
It is an effective, long-lasting treatment option for reducing excess facial and body hair growth caused by PCOS.
The best results require multiple treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, with 6 to 8 total sessions usually needed.
Success rates are high, with most PCOS patients seeing up to 38% reduction in unwanted hair.
FAQ about laser hair removal for women with PCOS
Which laser technology is best for PCOS patient?
Research shows the alexandrite laser provides highly effective results for darker hairs associated with PCOS. It targets the pigment for long-lasting reduction. Vibrant Salon uses the Elite iQ+ which features both alexandrite and Nd:YAG lasers for customized treatments.
Is laser hair removal or electrolysis better for women with PCOS?
Both laser hair removal and electrolysis can effectively treat excess hair growth from PCOS. Laser provides faster treatments but requires multiple sessions while electrolysis treats hair one by one on a longer timeline. For most PCOS patients, laser hair removal provides excellent long-term suppression and is more comfortable than electrolysis.
How many laser hair removal sessions for PCOS patients?
The recommended course of laser hair removal treatments for PCOS patients ranges usually from 6-8 sessions. Treatments should be spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to allow time for the hair cycle to begin a new growth phase. This is when the laser is most effective. Sticking with the full recommended course will provide the best long-term control of excess hair growth caused by PCOS.
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