Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder that affects up to 15% of women of childbearing age. One of the most problematic symptoms of PCOS is hirsutism, which is excessive and unwanted hair growth. For many women with PCOS, hirsutism can significantly impact their self-esteem and quality of life.
Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular treatment option for hirsutism and PCOS-related hair growth. However, many women wonder if laser hair removal really works for PCOS and whether the results are permanent. In this article, we will explore how laser hair removal works, its effectiveness for PCOS hair growth, what you can expect from treatment, and some important things to consider before getting started.
How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?
Laser hair removal works by targeting the pigment in hair follicles. The laser emits a light beam that passes through the skin and is absorbed by the pigment in the hair follicle. By being absorbed into the hair follicle, the light is converted into heat energy which ultimately damages the hair follicle preventing future hair growth.
For laser hair removal to be effective, hair follicles must be in the active growth phase. Not all hair follicles are actively growing at the same time, so multiple treatments are required to damage all of the hair follicles in a given area. Most people require between 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve up to 90% permanent hair loss.
Laser hair removal treatments utilize targeted light beams that are absorbed by pigment in the hair follicles. By damaging the hair follicles, laser hair removal can prevent new hair growth and reduce unwanted hair. For the best results, multiple treatments are needed to target all hair follicles during their active growth phase.
Is Laser Hair Removal Effective for PCOS and Hirsutism?
Yes, laser hair removal can be very effective for reducing excessive hair growth from PCOS and hirsutism. Laser hair removal damages the hair follicles responsible for unwanted hair growth, which can help eliminate up to 90% of hair in treated areas. Although laser hair removal does not cure the underlying hormonal imbalance that causes hirsutism, it can provide significant relief from unwanted hair growth and improve quality of life.
However, laser hair removal may not eliminate hair growth permanently, especially in areas where hair follicles are more resistant to damage like the face. Hair loss may last for several months up to years following treatment, but hair can possibly regrow over time. Maintenance laser hair removal treatments may be needed to provide ongoing hair reduction.
The effectiveness of laser hair removal can vary from person to person based on hair color, skin tone, hormonal changes, and PCOS severity. Although laser hair removal is considered a safe treatment option for most people with hirsutism, multiple treatments are typically required to achieve optimal results. Patience and realistic expectations are important, as laser hair removal cannot cure PCOS or alter its hormonal course.
In summary, laser hair removal can be an effective solution for reducing PCOS-related hair growth and managing hirsutism. When performed by an experienced technician, laser hair removal can safely remove up to 90% of unwanted hair from treated areas. However, laser hair removal does not cure PCOS and regrowth is possible over time. For the best results, multiple treatments are needed and maintenance may be required. Laser hair removal can significantly improve quality of life, but patience and realistic expectations about outcomes are important.
What Can You Expect From Laser Hair Removal Treatment?
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect from a typical laser hair removal treatment:
- A consultation will first be scheduled to determine if laser hair removal is appropriate for your skin and hair type. Medical clearance may be required from your PCOS doctor.
- Laser hair removal only works on hair that is currently in the active growth phase. Multiple treatments are needed to target all hair follicles, so expect to require between 3 to 6 treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. More treatments may be needed for hair on the face.
- No hair removal method is required before starting laser hair removal treatments. In fact, shaving before treatment can improve the laser’s effectiveness by giving it direct access to hair follicles.
- The area being treated will be cleaned and a numbing cream can be applied to minimize discomfort. A handheld laser device will then be passed over the treatment area with multiple pulses of light.
- Most people experience mild discomfort such as stinging, pinching or heat during the procedure. The discomfort only lasts a fraction of a second during each pulse. Numbing creams and cooling devices can help maximize comfort.
- Immediately after treatment, the area may appear red and swollen with a sunburned sensation. This typically subsides within a few hours. Bruising may also develop in some areas and lasts around 1 to 2 weeks.
- Hair that was treated will shed 2 to 3 weeks following the procedure. Regrowth will be prevented as long as the hair follicle was successfully damaged. Remaining hair will need to be treated in subsequent sessions.
- Most people require touch-up laser hair removal treatments once a year or every couple of years to maintain hair loss and prevent regrowth. Maintenance is especially important for PCOS where hormonal changes can stimulate new hair growth.
- Expect up to a 90% reduction in unwanted hair following a full course of laser hair removal treatments. However, laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair loss and regrowth is still possible. Ongoing maintenance treatments help to maximize long-term hair reduction.
In summary, laser hair removal requires multiple treatments to target all active hair follicles. Each treatment session lasts around 30 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area. Short-term side effects like redness and irritation are common but mild. Although laser hair removal can remove up 90% of unwanted hair, ongoing maintenance treatments are often needed, especially when treating PCOS-related hair growth. Regrowth is still possible, so patients need to go in with realistic expectations about the potential for hair loss.
Important Considerations for Laser Hair Removal and PCOS
If you are considering laser hair removal for your PCOS-related hair growth, here are some important things to keep in mind:
- Laser hair removal is often expensive, especially if treating large areas of the body or face. Costs typically range from $200 to $500 per session, and at least 6 sessions are usually required for adequate hair reduction. Be sure you understand total treatment costs before getting started.
- Laser hair removal tends to work best on thicker and darker hair types. It may not be as effective for blonde, red or thin body hair. The most resistant hair tends to be on the face, especially upper lip and chin areas. More treatments are often needed for facial hair removal.
- Laser hair removal requires repeated treatments to be effective, often over many months. Patience and dedication to completing the full course of recommended treatments are important to achieve optimal hair loss. Maintenance treatments will also likely be needed to prevent regrowth.
- Although rare, side effects like irritation, redness, and swelling are possible. Laser hair removal can also cause hyperpigmentation (dark spots) or hypopigmentation (light spots) in some people, especially those with darker skin tones. Laser hair removal should only be performed by properly trained technicians under medical supervision.
- Laser hair removal does not cure the underlying hormonal imbalance causing excess hair growth. While it targets the symptom (unwanted hair), it does not alter the PCOS diagnosis or hormonal changes stimulating hair growth. PCOS treatment may still be needed to help improve other symptoms and reduce health risks.
- Hair regrowth is possible following laser hair removal, even after completing a full course of treatments. Hormonal changes, medical conditions like PCOS, and hair follicle resistance can contribute to hair regrowth. Maintenance laser hair removal treatments may be needed, especially for persistent facial hair.
- Women with PCOS may require more treatments or higher-powered laser sessions to fully damage hair follicles. PCOS-related hair growth may be more resistant to damage, although laser hair removal is still considered an effective hair reduction method for most women with hirsutism. Close follow-up and potentially more aggressive treatment may be needed.
In summary, while laser hair removal can be an effective treatment for PCOS-related hirsutism, it does not come without risks or downsides. The high cost of treatment, time required, discomfort, potential side effects and inability to cure PCOS or prevent long-term regrowth are all important considerations before starting laser hair removal. However, for many women with PCOS, the benefits of significant hair reduction and improved self-confidence can outweigh these factors. But going in with realistic expectations about results and treatment requirements is essential.
Laser hair removal requires an investment of both time and money to complete, especially when treating hormonal hair growth like in PCOS. Although laser hair removal is considered a safe and effective treatment option for hirsutism, it does not cure PCOS or permanently remove the potential for hair regrowth. Patience, diligent maintenance, and realistic expectations are needed to achieve the best results from laser hair removal when living with PCOS.