Laser Hair Removal and PCOS: Everything You Need To Know

Are you tired of wasting time plucking, shaving, or waxing your unwanted hair every week just for it to seemingly return in days? While at-home hair removal is a fairly easy process for most, it can be frustrating and never-ending if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But you’re not out of luck – laser hair removal may be a great solution for those suffering from unwanted hair caused by PCOS.

What is PCOS?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects approximately 1 in 10 people—usually during their reproductive years. Symptoms of PCOS usually include weight gain, ovarian cysts, irregular periods, and unwanted weight gain. For many, PCOS is also characterized by higher levels of a hormone called androgen. Having higher androgen levels can lead to acne, male-pattern baldness, and unwanted hair growth. This hair growth is most commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and back.

Will laser hair removal work for PCOS?

The short answer: YES! Because laser hair removal helps reduce and weaken hair regrowth, it can be a very effective treatment option for those experiencing increased hair growth due to PCOS. At DermacareHR, we’ve used laser hair removal on many patients with PCOS, and the results—not in our words, but theirs—have been “life-changing.”

Imagine not having to shave your facial hair every day or step out in public covered up because you didn’t have time to wax your back? With laser hair removal, you can take back your time and increase your confidence.

How many laser hair removal treatments will I need?

For anyone looking to get laser hair removal, the number of sessions needed to see a significant reduction in hair growth varies depending on the location, hair thickness, hair color, and other factors. No two cases are alike, and this is especially true for patients with PCOS.

While everyone’s situation will differ, most people without PCOS can expect to see results in 5-8 treatments. For those with PCOS, the necessary treatment number is typically higher. There may also be discrepancies between body hair and facial hair (with one responding more quickly to the laser than the other). With hormonal differences—such as PCOS—driving hair growth, it may take more treatments in a series and/or more frequent touch-up sessions after the original treatment series for maintenance.

Is laser hair removal a permanent solution for hair growth caused by PCOS?

Laser hair removal is not a permanent solution for anyone. The expectation is that patients will see long-term hair reduction following a full series of laser treatments, with the need for periodic touch-up or maintenance treatments to keep the follicles under control. Some people can go years before they feel the need for a touch-up treatment, while others may desire to return once a year or so for maintenance treatments. However, for most people with or without PCOS, it is an effective treatment option to help reduce unwanted hair.

If you have PCOS, you may need more frequent “maintenance treatments” after your initial treatment series. But again, this varies from patient to patient. Typically after a completed laser hair removal series, the hair that does come back is finer, lighter, and tends to grow significantly slower than before treatment. This means you can spend more time out with your family or friends and less time worrying about unwanted chin hair. We call that a win-win!

If you have PCOS and constantly worry about shaving, plucking, or waxing the excess hair on your face, back, chest—or wherever!—it may be time to try laser hair removal. Feel free to call 757-317-3748 or book your free consultation with a Dermacare Expert to find out if laser hair removal is the right option for you! If this is a sensitive subject for you, we promise our providers are professional, discrete, and safe to discuss topics such as these.