Clinical efficacy of Electrolysis and Laser Hair Removal in PCOS patients

Abstract

In this study, we investigated whether electrolysis is a more effective method of hair removal in clients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than laser hair removal. A total of 203 women with PCOS who completed a full course of electrolysis between 2021 and 2025 were examined. The study focused on hormonal sensitive facial areas ( chin, cheeks, upper lip, sideburns), were traditional light-based treatments usually fail. We compared clinical outcomes, safety, cost, and client satisfaction. Electrolysis has repeatedly shown superior efficacy for permanent hair removal, particularly in hormonally sensitive facial areas for all skin types. Laser hair removal in clients with polycystic ovary syndrome was reported to cause paradoxical hair growth (paradoxical hypertrichosis). Although electrolysis required more treatment sessions, it ultimately offered a more reliable, cost-effective, and permanent solution. Based on our findings, we prioritize electrolysis over laser hair removal when planning the treatment of facial hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome.