Can you have Laser Hair Removal with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

For those in the know the acronym PCOS is all too recognisable. With 1 in 5 women affected by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (according to Endometriosis UK) it’s a really hot topic right now. Research shows that women who suspect they may have PCOS have a long and emotional road with many visiting numerous clinicians before being diagnosed. The University of Oulu, Finland conducted a fifteen year long study on 5889 women and found that the women with PCOS had a ‘poorer quality of life’ than those without the condition. They cited mental health issues as a result of the physical symptoms being the most common reason for this. Shockingly, that’s nearly 30% of the UK female population who are dealing with the condition and are seeking out ways to manage both internal and external side effects.

WHAT IS POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)?

The female body is naturally in a constant state of fluctuation and produces differing levels of both female hormones and male hormones (androgens). These androgens include testosterone which play a role in triggering puberty and stimulating associated hair growth. PCOS is a medically recognised condition which causes extra androgen production which can result in virilisation. This is where more masculine features can develop physically, such as excessive facial and body hair and benign cysts (can) begin to grow on the ovaries over time. Women with PCOS may discover that this excessive hair is in fact thicker and darker due to the extra levels of hormones. To put it simply, it’s a complex condition where a women’s hormones are not performing correctly and can even be accompanied by further symptoms such as irregular (or no) periods, reduced fertility, acne, and weight gain.

Most commonly, women have reported that the excessive hair growth often seen on the face, nipple area, chest, lower abdomen and back can be a particularly distressing symptom having an immensely negative impact on their lives. The ongoing burden of shaving, plucking, or waxing this unwanted hair can be a self-esteem plummeting and time-consuming burden. Not to mention expensive, if the excessive hair growth isn’t managed effectively. For many women suffering with PCOS, finding a permanent solution to this one common (and most visible) side effect is nothing short of an absolute must.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be this way and here at Body Lipo Lincoln we are able to offer our clients laser hair removal for PCOS, which is one great option. If you suffer with PCOS you need not remain in the endless cycle of traditional hair removal. Many of our clients with PCOS find that laser hair removal is an effective long-term solution for treating unwanted hair rather than just endlessly removing visible hair without tackling the root of the issue (if you’ll pardon the pun). In our experience, achieving excellent and often permanent results from laser hair removal significantly improves the self-confidence of our clients and has often been called life changing.  

WHAT IS LASER HAIR REMOVAL?

Laser hair removal works by using concentrated light at specific wavelengths to target the hair follicles in your skin. The melanin pigment in the hair attracts the light emitted by the laser, which is then absorbed by the hair follicle, heating and disabling it causing the hair to fall out at the root. As you progress through your course of treatments your hair will become softer and finer over time and growth will gradually slow down. With continued treatment this eventually results in the permanent reduction of follicle hair growth. As your hair grows in 6 cycles, you typically need a minimum of 6 sessions ensuring you are targeting every cycle of hair growth to see the best results.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?

Laser hair removal can be used almost anywhere on the face and body. The most common areas we treat at Body Lipo Lincoln for PCOS sufferers are the face (including chin, cheeks, and upper lip), underarms, stomach, and legs. At Body Lipo Lincoln you have the opportunity to tailor make a bespoke treatment plan that is as individual as you and your concerns are.  

DOES IT SOUND TO GOOD TO BE TRUE?

The fact that PCOS actively promotes the growth of new hair, is particularly challenging for ‘traditional’ laser hair removal devices on the market. Often more treatments are required which can prove to be expensive and lengthy and if you’re going to a cheap clinic who is not using a medical grade laser, then you simply aren’t going to see long term results. Believe us, if it sounds too cheap to be true, it most likely is!

LASER HAIR REMOVAL WITH Body Lipo Lincoln

During our bespoke sessions at Body Lipo Lincoln, we harness all the power of professional laser hair removal and combine it with the with one of the most powerful, pain free technologies on the market. Our Trilogy Ice  Laser Hair Removal system has three laser lengths in one machine to enable us to treat all skin types and most possible hair types by emitting twice the power of most other leading high-quality lasers. You typically will need to start with a course of 6 sessions to really target every growth cycle. We advise our PCOS clients that they are likely to need a couple of extra ‘maintenance’ treatments due to the condition actively promoting fresh hair growth. However, this is still significantly less sessions than other ‘standard’ treatments using less effective technology. Meaning quicker and more permanent results for our PCOS clients, with less of the hefty price tag.

High power combined with the optimum wavelength means significantly greater heat is transferred to the hair follicle. The Trilogy Ice is a faster treatment with session completed in as little as 15 minutes (depending on the size of the treatment areas). That’s nearly twice as fast as other leading laser systems…

Scared that extra power and extra heat sounds uncomfortable? The best bit about the Trilogy Ice Laser is it has an integrated ‘Cyro cooling’ technology device meaning you it’s a lot more comfortable. This helps us to keep the surface of the skin and your nerve endings constantly cool, so extraordinarily fast results can be achieved with minimal discomfort.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I NEED TO KNOW?

Not only will you see a permanent hair reduction of up to 90%, with laser hair removal you will also avoid ingrown hairs, shaving rash and stubble. With many other forms of hair removal, including waxing, plucking, shaving and hair removal cream, the hair will return quickly, often within a matter of days. Laser hair removal will give you long-lasting results, saving both time and money in the long term. Laser hair removal can also improve skin tone and texture, as it does not cause pigmentation or uneven skin which you can experience with shaving or waxing.

Like with any laser hair removal treatment there is a minimal amount of ‘downtime’, but certain activities should be avoided temporarily. It is important to avoid any sun exposure to the treated area for 10 days pre and post treatment. Exercise should be avoided for up to 48 hours post treatment as well as any activities that encourage sweating. Think hot showers, swimming pools and saunas. Finally, as the skin may be more sensitive avoid using exfoliating body lotions immediately before and after your sessions.  

THE BEST BIT?!

Shorter treatment times allow us to offer incredibly competitive pricing for medical grade laser hair removal starting from just £55 for a small area. What counts as a small area? This is generally classified as areas of the face for example: lips, sideburns, hairline, eyebrows, chin.

You will need to come in for a patch test 7 days prior to your treatment, even if you have had laser hair removal elsewhere. This is because each laser is different and we need to make sure you won’t react with ours. We will ask you to visit the clinic to examine your hair and skin for suitability and perform a patch test with the laser light to ensure that we select the correct light energy setting for you and your treatment.

Ready to take the next step…

Should you wish to book a consultation & patch test, the cost is £25 which is redeemable against your treatment plan. To Book your consultation you can click the link below or call 01522 523777 in office hours.

BOOK CONSULTATION HERE