How to Remove Facial Hair

How to Remove Facial Hair

If you have unwanted facial hair, the best way to remove this facial hair is by the use of laser hair removal. Facial hair in women may run in families or it might be related to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS or PCOD). Excess facial hair in women may follow a male beard or moustache pattern. Here is where hair removal can become more complicated.

Hirsutism is Most Commonly Related to PCOS

If you are a woman with excess hair or hair in a male pattern, you may have hirsutism. Hirsutism is coarse or dark hair growth on the chin, upper lip, mid-sternum, upper abdomen, back or buttocks. Excess hair from hirsutism is most commonly due to PCOS. There are also other causes. PCOS will make excess body hair harder to remove with lasers for the long term. Laser hair removal may be needed for more sessions. In PCOS, the ovaries produce more testosterone. This hormonal state causes more hair follicles to form due to higher testosterone levels.

How to Score Your Hair Growth

Look at the photo below and add the numbers for each area that fits your hair growth pattern.

• For white or black women, a score over 8 is considered hirsutism.
• For South American women, a score over 5 means hirsutism.
• For Hispanic, Mediterranean, or Middle Eastern women, a score over 8 means hirsutism.
• For Han Chinese Asian women, a score of 2 or more is hirsutism.
• For Southern Chinese women, a score of over 6 is hirsutism.

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Laser Hair Removal to Remove Facial Hair

If you have hirsutism, starting laser hair removal is a good first step. The next step is to perform a medical evaluation at the start of your laser hair removal process. Hirsutism may require lab testing to look for causes of excess hair growth and hormonal imbalance such as diabetes, thyroid disease, adrenal hyperplasia, prolactinoma, and depression. Here at VIP Health and Laser Clinic, we routinely treat hirsutism and PCOS. If you are a candidate for medication to suppress hair growth, this will make your laser hair removal much more successful. You are welcome to book a free consultation. Start by clicking the button below:

Medical Evaluation for Excess Hair Growth

If you are ready to start laser hair removal treatments for excessive hair growth, come see us for evaluation. Hirsutism, PCOS, and elevated testosterone levels will make it difficult for you to have successful long term laser hair removal . Therefore, it is vitally important to address the cause of your excess hair growth. VIP Health and Laser will address your excessive hair growth. We perform both laser hair removal and provide multiple options to treat hormone imbalance to make your hair removal experience as successful as possible.

PCOS and Excess Hair Growth

A high percentage of women with hirsutism have PCOS. Women with PCOS tend to have higher testosterone levels. They also may be overweight, have acne, lower fertility, and have a higher risk of diabetes mellitus type 2. PCOS carries a higher risk of thickening of the uterine lining.

Endocrine Society Guidelines for Hirsutism

Endocrine Society Clinical Guidelines for hirsutism were published in 2018 (1). These guidelines recommend prescription medications to suppress the hormones causing excess hair growth. The medications used are quite commonly prescribed and have low side effects. They are able to lower female testosterone levels by 50% or more. We would like to provide you with all of the options and then you can decide which treatment plan works best for you.

PCOS and Weight Loss

Even a small amount of weight loss with PCOS of even 10% can improve metabolic parameters significantly. VIP Health and Laser offers comprehensive weight loss services to help patients achieve weight loss with PCOS. Weight loss for PCOS will improve diabetes control, lower hormones that cause excess hair growth, and increase chances of ovulation.

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References for How to Remove Facial Hair

1. Martin KA, Anderson RR, Chang RJ, Ehrmann DA, Lobo RA, Murad MH, Pugeat MM, Rosenfield RL. Evaluation and Treatment of Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2018;103(4):1233.
2. Wild RA, Vesely S, Beebe L, Whitsett T, Owen W. Ferriman Gallwey self-scoring I: performance assessment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005 Jul;90(7):4112-4.
3. Hatch R, Rosenfield RL, Kim MH, Tredway D. Hirsutism: implications, etiology, and management. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981;140(7):815–830.