Which Laser is the best for hair removal when diagnosed with PCOS?

Question

After a visit to the Urgent Care for the Flu...the Doctor noticed my face and recommended laser hair removal, he told me that a specific Laser would work for women diagnosed with PCOS. And to mention it and make sure the technician used the correct Laser, the doctor said using the wrong laser would stimulate the hairs to grow back faster. I don't remember the number or name of the Laser to save my life...can anyone help?? Thanks for feedback about my last question about shaving after treatment!

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

there are many options for hair removal with lasers. I suggest you see an expert and use vaniqa cream with it to enhance the outcomes.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Harold J. Kaplan, MD · Answer

Hi Senegal.  The optimal laser for PCOS patients is determined by the skin type rather than the condition.  The issue your physician was highlighting has been shown to occur in Middle Eastern patients where low energy laser hair removal treatments were provided.We have been treating excess hair related to PCOS for many years and we use multiple lasers including the Diode and Nd:Yg lasers.  The diode is for lighter skin types and the yag for darker skin.  With PCOS, the expectation is that 75%-95% hair removal can be achieved but because the hormone levels keep causing fine and light hair to become coarse and dark, patients will likely need to resting within 2-3 years to treat the hair that has recently darkened.For more information click the link below.

Marilyn R. Richardson, MD, FACOG · Answer

While PCOS occurs in all ethnicities the effects of abnormal hormone production that occurs is manifest most frequently as acne, ingrown hairs, and discolorations in darker skin, or women of color.  Often it progresses to a level of a condition known as pseudofolliculitis barbae.  Specifically the Nd Yag laser has been approved and is safe and effective in those conditions.  That is because the laser energy is attracted to the dark hair follicle pigment while sparing the skin or epidermis.  And so the skin does not get burned as it does using other laser frequencies.  As a further safety measure we test non-facial skin with various settings of the laser before actually treating the face.

Andre Aboolian, MD · Answer

there is no one good laser because all of them work well.  Find a plastic surgeon or dermatologist near you and have a consultation to see what they recommend and what machine they have.

Which Laser is the best for hair removal when diagnosed with PCOS?

Answers (4)

Answer: Many options

Answer: Many options

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Which Laser is the best for hair removal when diagnosed with PCOS?

Answers (4)

Answer: Many options

Answer: Many options

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Hair Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.