Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that causes hormonal imbalance in women, making them produce more male hormones than usual. One of its most evident symptoms is hirsutism, an increased hair growth in the face or body. An increasing number of women try to treat this condition with laser hair removal. But a common question we get is, “Will laser hair removal work if I have PCOS?”
So, is laser hair removal really the most effective treatment against excessive hair growth from PCOS? Yes! Many women with PCOS go through consecutive procedures every year and most have experienced around 90% of reduction in hair growth. The sessions are also more affordable and take less time to complete compared to other treatments like electrolysis.
How exactly does the laser hair removal treatment work to efficiently treat the hair growth from polycystic ovary syndrome? Laser sessions use highly concentrated beams to destroy hair follicles underneath the skin. To truly reduce hair growth in any part of the body, doctors usually recommend around 10-12 sessions of laser procedures, and 12 or more if the hair being removed is on the face.
It is important to note that laser removal does not result in permanent removal in the treated area. The damaged hair follicles will stop allowing hair to grow for several months (and in some cases, a few years), but eventually the body repairs damaged hair follicles, leading to a return of hair growth.
However, any hair that grows is usually softer and finer than before, and these follicles can be treated with maintenance laser sessions. Maintenance sessions every 12-15 weeks are necessary to yield longer lasting results from laser procedures.
Here are some of the other common treatments that may work for PCOS:
NECESSARY MAINTENANCE | LASTING RESULTS | PAIN | |
Shaving | Daily/Weekly | No | Low |
Waxing | Monthly | No | Mild to High |
Vaniqa | Twice a day for 6 months | No | None |
Spinorolactone | Once or twice a day for 6-12 months | No | None |
Electrolysis | 15-40 treatments | Yes | High |
Laser Hair Removal | 10-12 treatments (with follow-up sessions every 12-15 weeks) | Yes | Mild |
Out of all the procedures listed above, the two with the clearest lasting results are electrolysis and laser hair removal. However, laser treatment is the preferred option for most patients due to its convenience, as it requires fewer sessions than electrolysis. It is also a less painful treatment than electrolysis, and each session takes less time to do as well.
With less maintenance, lower levels of pain, and longer lasting results, the laser procedure is clearly the ideal treatment option for women experiencing PCOS.
So what can patients with PCOS expect during their laser procedure experience? Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
You must consult with a medical professional to determine if you are a proper candidate for the procedure. Once the medical professional clears you for the procedure, take note of the following reminders:
3-5 sessions will be done at short intervals over the course of 4 weeks. Follow-up sessions will be determined with the practitioner in charge of your treatment. For the face, at least 12 or more sessions are required. For any other area in the body, at least 10-12 sessions are needed.
Patients who undergo hair removal will have extremely sensitive skin for the next few days, and the treated area will continue being slightly sensitive for 3-4 weeks after the procedure. Patients should:
If you have questions about laser hair removal or would like to know more about treating PCOS, book your free consultation at Ethos Spa today. We are the premier destination for laser hair treatments in New Jersey and we have helped countless women with PCOS for years.