What can I do about embarrassing female facial hair?

Question

I'm 22, over the past few years the hairs around my jaw/chin area have been getting worse. There's way more, they're coarser, darker & noticeable. I'm constantly plucking them daily but then get acne/ingrown hair bumps all over the area. Someone recommend I shave which I did and they grew in 10 times worse! I've tried at home IPL which didn't work I've also heard people say they've spent thousands on professional laser hair removal and it didn't even work? What can I do? Help!

Deborah M. Longwill, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I would recommend that you look into any possible  hormonal imbalance that may be contributing to the facial hairs, which is treatable with medications. In some patients with hormonal imbalances, laser hair treatments may reduce/remove the existing hair, but the excess male hormones will stimulate regrowth quickly. If it is not hormonal, you may then schedule a consultation with an experienced, certified laser technician to treat the area. You will need a series of treatments. Best of luck.

Hamid Bimesl, MD · Answer

Hi there,Our clinic uses Gentle Max Pro - Alexandrite and GentleYag. This type of laser is more effective than IPL, safer, and requires fewer treatments. Usually, at least 6 sessions are required to complete your treatment every 4-6 weeks. This type of laser will work best on dark coarse hair so it should be effective for you. Perhaps you can begin with a few sessions to see the proof yourself! Getting routine bloodwork to rule out other potential underlying causes of excessive hair growth may also give you some answers on where to start.Remember, finding a professional who specializes in laser hair removal is important. Although the pricing for this type of laser may be higher than IPL, it is more effective in the long run.
Best of luck!

Danielle Shanley, MD · Answer

Hello! Laser hair removal seems like it would be a great option for you. Lasers work by emitting light energy that is absorbed by the melanin (color) in your hair. The light energy then converts to heat, which damages the follicle, therefore inhibiting hair growth. This level of treatment and the results that follow are not something you can obtain through at home IPL. Laser hair removal typically takes 6-8 sessions, spaced anywhere from 4-10 weeks apart. As always, it is important to see a professional who will tailor your treatment settings and intervals for you, as no treatment plan is one size fits all. Good luck!

Susan Fox, DO, RPVI · Answer

Hello, laser hair removal would be a good solution for you.  You should also get your hormones checked as this growth could be hormone related.  IPL is not an approved method of hair removal and anything over the counter for at home use would especially not be strong enough to make a difference.  Remember that laser is a process and be patient.  You will start to notice a reduction in hair with the first session but you will need to continue treatments.  Touch ups will be needed after finishing your series as well.  Make sure you go somewhere that has a good fda approved laser and an experienced technician.  Good luck!

Mani Khoshnejad, MD · Answer

Hello, 
Thank you for your question. I advise that you see your doctor to check your hormone levels to make sure its balanced. This can be the leading reason to the coarse hair and rapid hair growth. Although there are medications to help with the hormones I do advise getting laser done with a professional, you will see improvement with ingrown hairs and bumps as well.

Michael B. Lyons, MD, FAACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Many cosmetic physicians and all OB/GYN doctors are certified in hormone therapy. Usually excess or a relative excess of male hormones causes acne, hirsutism (male pattern hair growth on a female), and obesity. Once your hormones are balanced along with a drug called spironolactone, a great deal your hair growth will diminish, then you can find a local clinic that has an 810nm diode hair removal laser and begin reducing the residual facial hair.

The Aesthetic Clinique · Answer

I would do some research and find a reputable place that has experienced physicians and laser technicians to do laser hair removal on this area. As long as the hair is dark and course and your natural skin tone is not too dark you should have great results with laser hair removal if the right laser and settings are used. It typically takes a series of treatments with a laser and it is not considered permanent so you would require touch ups. Hope this helps! :-)

Pamela Stuart, MD · Answer

When you are able, you should see a provider who offers laser treatments rather than IPL treatments. There are several great machines used by reputable offices, so you may want to get a referral from a friend in your area as well.Best wishes,Pamela Stuart, MD

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