TLDR Laser hair removal is effective and safe for reducing facial hair in women with PCOS and improves their psychological well-being.
The document reviewed evidence on laser-assisted hair removal as a treatment for facial hirsutism, particularly in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), where it is a distressing symptom. It highlighted that laser hair removal, based on the principle of selective photothermolysis, has been effective and safe when performed by trained professionals. The review discussed the medium to long-term efficacy and safety of various types of lasers, including long-pulsed ruby (694 nm), alexandrite (755 nm), diode (800–980 nm), and Nd:YAG (1064 nm), which are the most widely studied and commercially available. Additionally, it noted a significant improvement in the psychological well-being of PCOS patients who underwent laser-assisted hair removal.
143 citations
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January 2013 in “Dermatologic surgery” In-office laser hair removal works well long-term, especially Nd:YAG for darker skin, but home devices need more testing.
41 citations
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September 2010 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement” Both intense pulsed light and long-pulsed diode laser effectively reduced facial hair in women, with no significant difference in satisfaction after 6 months, but intense pulsed light was more painful.
1744 citations
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August 2006 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism” Polycystic Ovary Syndrome should be seen mainly as a condition of excess male hormones, with a focus on this in its definition.
39 citations
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January 2006 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy” Pneumatic Skin Flattening (PSF) significantly reduces pain during laser and IPL hair removal.
101 citations
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June 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Very few people experience increased hair growth after laser hair removal, especially those with darker skin and black hair.
192 citations
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September 2003 in “The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism/Journal of clinical endocrinology & metabolism” Metformin is effective for treating excessive hair growth in women with PCOS and may work better than the standard treatment in some ways.
90 citations
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February 2000 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Alexandrite laser hair removal is safe for darker skin tones.
82 citations
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May 2016 in “Best Practice & Research in Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology” The conclusion is that managing androgen excess requires long-term treatment, including hormonal contraceptives and androgen blockers, with follow-up after six months.
2 citations
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November 2021 in “International Journal of Current Pharmaceutical Research” Diagnose and treat hirsutism with oral contraceptives and laser hair removal for best results.
502 citations
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February 2008 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism” Treat significant hirsutism with medication and hair removal; use birth control pills first, adding antiandrogens if needed.
16 citations
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April 2020 in “Dermatology practical & conceptual” Laser treatment can effectively reduce unwanted hair growth, particularly for people with fair skin and dark hair.
31 citations
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September 2006 in “International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics” New treatments for PCOS focus on insulin resistance and reducing testosterone levels, along with traditional hormone therapies.
