Facial Hair Removal

Chicago / Oak Brook, Illinois - Good news - facial hair removal has been revolutionized by new techniques - laser hair removal! And evidence of very long lasting results continues to mount.

Unwanted facial hair is a real problem for many women. We only realized how difficult this problem can be for women after we stated doing laser hair removal (in 1998) and started hearing about some of the experiences women have had with unwanted facial hair removal.

The most common method for facial hair removal in women, up to now, has probably been plucking, followed by electrolysis and shaving, and waxing.

We have had patients who have had to spend 10-20 minutes per day plucking facial hair, every day, in order to feel comfortable with the way they look. Certainly unwanted facial hair in women is a real cosmetic problem.

And with age, female facial hair tends to worsen rather than get better. Because as a woman's skin ages, more facial hairs go from the tiny, essentially invisible type (vellus hairs) which cover all of our facial skin, to the larger, visible hair called terminal hairs. The same thing occurs on men's ears (though the reverse occurs on top of the head, of course).

So as this hair growth and thickening process occurs over the years, more and more hairs need to be treated that were not even problematic earlier. Unfortunately, electrolysis is not that much better. Electrolysis can lead to essentially permanent facial hair removal. But the process needs to be repeated over and over, frequently taking many years to get a desired result. And many women say that even after many years of electrolysis, they are better, but not as hair-free as they would like. So instead of spending a little time each day, more time is spent at the electrologist.

Shaving is often done to control unwanted facial hair, but the stubble which results does not leave the skin smooth enough for most women. And if the hair is dark in color, it can still be a visible concern, even immediately after shaving Hair removal creams, depilatory creams, are not usually gentle enough for the face. Waxing is of course painful, and needs to be repeated frequently, although it does not leave the rough stubble.

More can be found on alternative methods of facial hair removal on the main laser hair removal page, as well as FAQs.

Although the vast majority of visible facial hair in women is not associated in any way with any hormonal abnormality, it can certainly make one feel less feminine. Some patients even say that they are concerned that others may feel that something may be hormonally not quite "right," even though that is not usually the case. But it can make those who have unwanted facial hair very uncomfortable with their appearance.

Fortunately, laser hair removal is ideally suited for facial hair removal in women. Several treatments are required, but these are very quick. Often 5 minutes or less for a small area such as the chin, or the upper lip or mustache area. Of course, if a large portion of the face is treated, it can take longer. And now, with the newer hair removal lasers, the results can be very long lasting. If more hairs become terminal hairs over the years, touch up laser treatments may be desired.


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	Jeffrey Melton, M.D., S.C., Chicago and Oakbrook Center Mall, Oak Brook, Illinois (630) 928-0240 www.drmelton.com