PCOS (PMOS) Facial Hair Removal with Electrolysis
Unwanted facial hair is one of the most frustrating symptoms of PCOS, now called PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome). Hormones can cause coarse, dark hair on the chin, jawline, neck, upper lip, and cheeks. Shaving, waxing, and tweezing only bring it back. Electrolysis is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal, and it works on every hair color and skin tone.
Why Laser Often Doesn't Work for PCOS Hair
Many of our clients come to us after laser hair removal didn't give them lasting results. Laser targets pigment, so it doesn't work well on blonde, gray, red, or fine hair. It is also approved only for permanent hair reduction, not permanent removal. With PCOS, hormones keep stimulating the follicles, and hair often grows back after laser.
Electrolysis is different. A tiny probe treats each hair follicle one by one, so it works on any hair color, any skin tone, and even on hair that came back after laser.
What to Expect
Electrolysis permanently removes every hair it treats. With PCOS, hormones can activate new hair follicles over time, so some clients come back for short maintenance visits after their main treatment. Managing your hormones with your doctor can help slow down new growth.
At first, facial areas usually need appointments every 1 to 2 weeks. We schedule your sessions so that you don't need to tweeze, wax, or use other hair removal methods in between. You stay comfortable and confident the whole time. As the hair gets finer and sparser, sessions become shorter and farther apart. At your first visit, we look at your hair growth and create a plan that fits your goals and budget.
Areas We Treat
Most of our PCOS (PMOS) clients come to us for facial hair:
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Chin and jawline
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Neck
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Upper lip
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Cheeks and sideburns
We also treat PCOS-related hair on any other area, including the underarms, chest, abdomen, back, arms and legs, bikini line, and genital area. Learn more about our body electrolysis and genital electrolysis, or see our rates for each area.
Is Electrolysis for PCOS Covered by Insurance?
Some insurance plans cover electrolysis for PCOS (PMOS) related facial hair, also called hirsutism, when your doctor confirms it is medically necessary. Coverage depends on your plan, so we recommend checking with your insurance before your first visit.
TS Electrolysis is in-network with Cigna and PacificSource, and we provide superbills for other plans. Visit our insurance page to learn more.
PCOS (PMOS) Electrolysis FAQ
How many electrolysis sessions will I need?
The number of sessions and total treatment time depend on how much hair you have. In most cases, it takes 12 months or more to remove all the hair permanently.
With PCOS (PMOS), hormones can wake up new hair follicles, so new hairs may appear during treatment. Your previous hair removal methods also matter. After years of tweezing, it can take several months for all the hair to grow back to its natural amount, and we treat it as it appears. Some people also get more hair growth after laser, a condition called paradoxical hypertrichosis. Learn more in our articles about how many electrolysis sessions you need and whether laser hair removal can cause more hair growth.
How soon will I see results?
Every treated hair is removed permanently, but each hair needs several treatments because hair grows in cycles. Most clients notice fewer and finer hairs within the first few months. The exact time depends on how much hair you have and how often you come in.
Can I take hormone medications during electrolysis?
Yes. You can have electrolysis while taking medications such as spironolactone or birth control. These medications may help slow down new hair growth, which can make your electrolysis progress faster. Always follow your doctor's advice about your medications.
How should I prepare for my appointment?
Please stop tweezing or waxing. When you pull out the hair, we can't see or treat the follicle. If you shave, let the hair grow for 3 to 4 days before your appointment so we can grab each hair with tweezers.
Stop using topical retinol or retinoid creams on the treatment area 2 weeks before your appointment. If you take oral retinoids, such as isotretinoin (Accutane), you need to wait 6 months after your last dose before starting electrolysis.
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes, we offer a free phone consultation. Text "Consult" to (801) 631-0352 to schedule it. If you would like to try electrolysis right away, you can book a First Appointment, which includes an in-person consultation and a test treatment. The First Appointment is a paid visit.
Book PCOS (PMOS) Electrolysis in Vancouver, WA
You don't have to keep tweezing and shaving. Our electrologists have helped many clients with PCOS (PMOS) become free of unwanted facial hair for good. TS Electrolysis is located in Vancouver, WA, about 20 minutes from Portland, OR. All prices include taxes, with no hidden fees.