Laser Hair Removal

Nicky5282 · 03-06-2007, 08:18 PM

Anybody out there who has had laser hair removal? I am highly considering it. What has your success been down the road (like a year later)? Thanks!!

Anna L · 03-07-2007, 12:30 AM

Hello,

I see a lot of posts about laser hair removal, and I'd thought I'd give my advice about having this procedure done.

I'm an esthetician, and up until about 2 months ago, I worked in a medical spa where I performed about 1000 laser hair removal treatments. I would say that approx. 25% of the women had PCOS (including myself) - that's a lot! So, I'm pretty familiar with the pros and cons of laser and I'll share them with you. This is my opinion based on my first-hand experience.

1. Unless you have your weight, hormones, insulin, thyroid, etc... under control, you will most likely not have success with laser hair removal. Why? Because the excessive hair on your body and face is caused by elevations in testosterone and androgens, and until you get that under control, the hair will just keep returning. You may see a temporary reduction in the hair that might last for a few years, but it will most likely return if you can't get your PCOS under control.

2. The face is very difficult to treat for everyone, not just women with PCOS. Facial hair is very stubborn, and difficult to get rid of. Why? Because the face has a very large blood supply and the hair follicles are constantly being nourished, causing them to grow. Laser might temporarily get rid of the hair, but it will most likely return at a later point. This isn't true for everyone, but for most.

3. I have found the safest part of the body to achieve successful laser hair removal for PCOS to be the lower legs... I don't know why, but it just seems to work. I know, that's probably the last part of your body that you would want lasered!

4. As for the rest of the body, it's difficult to say whether it will work. You would just have to give it a try, and see how it goes. It's really a 50/50 situation. For me, my underarms are responding o.k., I had hoped they would be much better considering I've had about 10 treatments (about 50% gone). My upper legs are also at about 50% reduction. I've done my forearms, and that has not really worked well at all. Only about 20% reduction after about 10 treatments. Bikini is quite painful to have done, so I've only had about 3 treatments, and I've seen about 30% reduction, which is pretty good. Plus, I don't get razor burn on my bikini anymore - amazing! Well worth it just for that. Abdomen, only about 15% reduction. Upper lip - 0% after many, many, many treatments!

*Please keep in mind that each individual is different; some people are born with genetic predispositions that cause them to have more hair, and it has nothing to do with PCOS (i.e. Italian heritage). Some people here have responded really well to laser, and you should check in with them to find out how severe their PCOS is, what kind of laser was used, etc...

*You also have to take in mind that there are many different types of lasers on the market, some are stronger than others. I worked with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL). I liked the machine because it was very safe and less painful than others. Diode type machines tend to work a little better, but they are more painful.

*Laser hair removal can be very expensive, so do your homework before you buy.

*When you get your PCOS under control, I highly recommend Laser Hair Removal! The technology improves every year, and with more and more competition, the price seems to be going down a bit. It really is great to not have to shave or worry about hair again.

*Finally, keep in mind that almost all women, PCOS or not, have hair everywhere! I've seen tiny delicate blondes without PCOS who have hairy backs, and dark Mediterranean statuesque women with 1 little chin hair that bothers them - everyone is different.

ScaredSally · 03-07-2007, 08:52 AM

I agree totally wiht teh above .... unless you are taking an anti androgen laser hair removal is going to be temporary as other hair follciles are re-activated ....

I have had lazer on my face and tummy a few weeks ago now and I am already seeing the new hairs growing through ... Grrrrr so expensive and so cruel ..

The lady who did my laser hair removal said with PCOS its a case of staying on top of it and returning regularly .. its expensive and time consuming

I am now restartng Flutamide as I have hair loss as well and this should help to lower the androgens and stop further regrowth after laser treatment ... PCOS is truly the cruelest of things