MedSpa Secrets: The Ultimate Laser Solution For Excessive Hair Growth

Every woman has body hair but it can be more noticeable in some than others. Hirsutism is the name given to excessive male-pattern hair growth that occurs following puberty in women and affects almost 10% of the country’s female population. 

Hirsutism often comes about due to an excess of male androgens (hormones), usually testosterone. While in many women excess hair growth is more noticeable in areas around the mouth and chin, this coarse or dark hair can also appear on the chest, lower stomach, inner thighs and back – in other words, areas of the body where women don’t usually have hair. 

Causes of excessive hair growth

Underlying medical issues can cause hirsutism but in some cases, there is no apparent reason. 

Two of the most common causes of hirsutism include:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) -  a hormonal disorder where the body produces too many androgens. 70% of hirsutism cases are said to be caused by this condition. 

Medication – Certain medications can cause the hair to grow excessively. If you notice this happening after trying a newly prescribed drug, you should inform your doctor. Drugs associated with hirsutism include:

• Hormone drugs, such as testosterone, and certain drugs that alter hormone production
• Certain anti-seizure medications
• Glucocorticosteroids
• Certain immunosuppressive medications
• Certain antipsychotic drugs

Rarer causes include thyroid disorders, hyperprolactinemia, tumors, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. 

Normal or abnormal hair growth?

It’s difficult to determine what counts as excessive hair growth since it’s normal for females to have fine hair on the face and all over the body. Some women also notice darker, thicker hairs on their chin, chest and stomach. 

The Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system was developed in 1961 as a means of evaluating and quantifying hirsutism in women and encompasses 9 areas of the body excluding the legs and forearms. 

Hirsutism treatments

If you feel you have abnormal hair growth you should consult your doctor who can refer you for testing or medical treatment. Most hormonal problems including PCOS respond well to treatment and can reduce the level of hair growth being experienced. 

However, if the problem isn’t medical and you worry that you have more hair than is desirable, there are natural treatments that can help, including dietary changes, weight management and mental health support. We recommend you speak to your healthcare provider for advice. 

Hair removal methods such as depilatory creams, waxing, and shaving can also help remove unwanted hair. However, the amount of time spent removing excess hair, particularly on the face, can leave women feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. 

Unwanted hair can affect your quality of life

One study has revealed that Hirsutism in women results in significant psychological and social problems.  Excessive hair growth can negatively impact the quality of life in women, leading to anxiety, stress, and depression, particularly in societies where hairlessness is deemed the norm for women. Most hair removal techniques like shaving, waxing and electrolysis have painful side effects and are temporary. 

Laser hair removal

Let us introduce you to laser hair removal with the Aerolase Neo Elite, widely recognized as the gold standard for achieving permanent hair reduction. 

The Neo Elite is an advanced Nd:1064-nm laser with a 650-microsecond pulse duration, which is shorter than the thermal relaxation time of the skin tissue around the follicle. This design keeps the heat focused within the follicle, minimizing dispersion to the adjacent skin.

Unlike other methods of hair removal, the advanced laser we use here at Gilded Leaf, promises to eradicate unwanted hair in the long term, although you may require a yearly touch-up session.

The benefits of the Neo Elite include:

• No anesthetic or skin cooling required
• Effective on light-colored hair and fair skin 
• Safe on skin of color
• Treatment sessions are well-tolerated
• Permanently reduces hair after 4 to 6 sessions

How laser hair removal works

Laser hair removal works by using light to target the pigment within individual hairs. This light travels down the hair shaft and into the follicle.

The heat generated by the laser effectively destroys the hair follicle, preventing future hair growth.

Hair grows in a unique cycle, consisting of resting, shedding, and growing phases. Hair in the resting phase won't be detected by the laser, so treatments must wait until the hair is in an active growth stage.

Most individuals require multiple treatments over 2 to 3 months for optimal results.

Most clients enjoy long-term results following a course of laser hair removal sessions. However, those who may experience regrowth find the hair is generally lighter in color and thinner. 

How do I get laser hair removal treatment?

We recommend a consultation before booking any of our cosmetic treatments for the first time. This allows us to ask questions about your medical history, and answer any questions you may have, to help us determine if laser hair removal is the right treatment for you. 

We can also perform a Visia skin analysis which gives us data that influences your skin health and esthetics, enabling us to plan, treat and monitor your progress.

After getting facial laser hair removal, you might want to consider other treatments to enhance your results such as Botox to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles or Hydrafacial to give your skin a deep clean and bring back your glow. Generally, we recommend waiting two weeks after laser hair removal before undergoing further cosmetic procedures. 

Are you interested in laser hair removal?

If you’re concerned with excessive hair growth and long for virtually hairless smooth silky skin, then we’re here to help. We’re proud to offer clients advanced laser hair removal in Chesterfield, MO.

You can schedule a consultation by calling Gilded Leaf MedSpa at 314-899-5033 or why not consider joining our membership and saving up to 30% on all treatments? We also provide Cherry Payment Plans for those looking to spread the cost of their treatment.