Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects many women today. It is a common medical condition where androgen levels are high in the body. It is characterised by irregular periods and small ovarian cysts. The cosmetic consequence of this condition is unwanted hair growth. It is a daily struggle for women with PCOS to remove unwanted hair. Daily shaving, plucking, waxing, and stubborn ingrown hairs are part of daily management. This is where laser depilation enters the conversation.
Laser depilation cannot cure PCOS, but it can help reduce unwanted hair and make long-term management easier. Read on to understand how laser depilation works for patients with PCOS. This blog guides you through realistic expectations of the treatment and how hormonal fluctuations influence the treatment.
Understanding Why PCOS Causes Excess Hair Growth
PCOS is a hormonal disorder that affects 10-13% of women of reproductive age. It is characterised by high androgen levels and irregular periods. Small ovarian cysts may also develop and can result in infertility. Elevated androgen levels stimulate hair follicles. Dormant hair follicles start producing hair, especially on the face. Facial hair is common in patients with PCOS. This condition is called hirsutism. This condition causes hair to grow in areas where it is typically finer or less noticeable, such as the chin, upper lip, chest, abdomen, back, and neck. High androgen levels stimulate hair follicles to produce thicker, darker, and coarser hair.
Not everyone with PCOS experiences the same level of hair growth. It is influenced by genetics, ethnicity, age, and the severity of hormonal imbalance. Some people may only have a few coarse hairs on the chin, while others may notice more widespread hair growth across multiple areas of the body. PCOS is also linked to insulin resistance, which can contribute to unwanted hair growth. Traditional hair removal methods remove visible hair. Laser depilation targets the hair follicles for long-term hair reduction but does not address the underlying cause. New hairs will continue to grow as long as the hormonal imbalance continues.
How Laser Depilation Works on Hair Follicles
Laser energy targets the melanin in hair follicles. Melanin in the hair shaft and root absorbs light energy and converts it into heat that disrupts the follicle. Hair grows in cycles— anagen, catagen, and telogen. The active phase, or the anagen phase, is the phase when the hair is actively growing, and the hair shaft is attached to the root. Laser depilation uses short pulses of light so that heat does not affect the surrounding skin.
Laser depilation does not guarantee complete hair removal. Realistically speaking, it can achieve a 90% hair reduction. During treatment of a particular area, all the hair may not be in the anagen phase. That is the reason why laser depilation requires multiple sessions for good results. Dormant follicles become active in PCOS. When hair in the anagen phase is treated, the treated hair sheds. The treatment is scheduled several weeks apart to align with the hair growth cycle.
Why Laser Depilation Can Be More Challenging with PCOS (H2)
Fluctuating hormonal levels stimulate hair growth. Even after the treatment, new hair can continue appearing for PCOS patients. Laser depilation removes hair during its active growth phase. But as long as hormonal imbalance is not managed, hair continues to grow. Inactive hair follicles can become active and start producing hair. This is why maintenance sessions are necessary.
At Colibri Laser and Beauty, we guide clients about realistic expectations. A drastic laser hair reduction should be the focus rather than complete elimination. PCOS patients can enjoy better treatment results when the hormone imbalance is managed.
The treatment timeline is expected to be longer for PCOS patients. Results are not immediate. It takes patience and consistency with the sessions to see expected results.
Is Laser Depilation Still Worth It If You Have PCOS?
PCOS patients know the daily struggle of removing unwanted hair. In this age of selfies and social media posts, it is important to look presentable at all times. Daily shaving can be a hassle. It can even be a deterrent to wearing short dresses or sleeveless blouses. Laser depilation gives you freedom from this daily struggle. Patients who shave will not suffer razor burn anymore. Ingrown hair will be a thing of the past.
In between sessions, the skin feels smoother. Skin is healthier because it is not irritated from shaving, waxing or plucking. Laser depilation improves confidence in social settings. Make-up application becomes easier after laser depilation. Even if the treatment sessions are more expensive than waxing or shaving, the long-term financial savings are substantial.
Setting Realistic Expectations Before Starting Treatment
Laser depilation promises hair reduction. It does not cure PCOS or eliminate all hair permanently. Some follicles may continue to produce hair even after treatment, but the hair becomes finer. Just as hair growth patterns are different across various areas of the body, the results are different on different parts. Facial hair requires more maintenance.
Professional clinics prescribe a schedule for the sessions. Missing a few sessions or not completing the package may not deliver the expected results. The results are gradual. Consistency is important for the success of the treatment. The results have to be maintained with maintenance sessions.
The Best Time to Begin Laser Depilation with PCOS
If you are wondering what the best time to start laser depilation is, the answer is that there is no perfect age to start. If hormonal evaluation has revealed PCOS, starting treatment soon afterwards is advisable. Proper management of PCOS can improve the results of laser depilation.
Summertime is not ideal to start treatment. Sun exposure causes tanning and can affect treatment. The treatment can be planned with seasonal considerations. Pregnancy is also a time of fluctuating hormones, and treatment should be scheduled around pregnancy planning. A professional consultation before starting treatment can be helpful. Sometimes, delaying treatment may be recommended.
Preparing Properly Before Each Laser Depilation Session
Before a laser depilation session, it is recommended to shave the treatment area. Waxing and plucking should be avoided. Stay out of excessive sunlight to avoid tanning. Tanning beds and self-tanning should be avoided before treatment. Clients are advised to arrive with clean skin for treatment. Before treatment, inform the clinic about any medications you are taking.
Comfortable clothing should be worn to avoid skin irritation. Hydration is important before and after treatment.
Choosing the Right Clinic for PCOS Hair Reduction
Research experienced laser professionals in your area before deciding on a place. Enquire about their experience treating clients with PCOS and their success rates. Verify the laser technology that they use. A personalised consultation is the ideal time to ask questions and clear any doubts about the treatment.
Ensure that the clinic has safety protocols. Read online reviews and client testimonials. Enquire about the package pricing and maintenance programs.
Conclusion
Dealing with unwanted hair for people with PCOS is a daily struggle. Laser depilation is a long-term solution that drastically reduces hair growth and improves skin comfort. The treatment boosts clients’ confidence in many ways, especially in social settings. Hormonal fluctuations can cause hair regrowth even after treatment. The key is to keep realistic expectations and choose experienced practitioners.
At Colibri Laser and Beauty, our skilled staff have experience treating clients with PCOS. We assure you that with a healthy lifestyle and appropriate medical care, unwanted hair is one less thing you will have to worry about.