Studies of women with PCOS found that PCOS laser hair removal reduced self-rated facial hair severity and the time spent removing it (Clayton et al., 2005). Because hormones keep driving new growth, results on the face are not permanent, and most people need maintenance sessions. Pair laser hair removal with medical care from your doctor.
Written by Kiara DeWitt, BSN, RN, CPN, Founder and CEO of InjectCo MedSpa
Medically reviewed by Dr. Josh Allen, D.O., Medical Director on November 5, 2026
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. PCOS is a medical condition; always work with your doctor or gynecologist on diagnosis and treatment. Individual results from laser hair removal vary.
Hirsutism, excess hair growth on the face, chest, abdomen or upper thighs, affects more than 7 in 10 women with PCOS, and high androgen levels cause this unwanted hair growth (ACOG). The NICHD lists skin changes such as increased facial and body hair and acne among PCOS symptoms. On the face, common areas include the upper lip, chin, jawline, sideburns and neck.
Three studies give a real, if imperfect, picture of what laser does for PCOS facial hair.
A systematic review in JAMA Dermatology (Tan et al., 2024) looked at six studies covering 423 women with PCOS and found the alexandrite laser improved hirsutism severity and psychological outcomes, especially at high fluence. The authors rated the certainty of the evidence as low and noted that few studies looked at skin of color.
A 2005 randomized trial in the British Journal of Dermatology (Clayton et al.) of 88 women found that, with five high-fluence treatments, self-rated facial hair severity fell from 7.3 to 3.6 over six months, and time spent on hair removal fell from 112 to 21 minutes a week.
A 2007 study of 60 women (McGill et al.) found hair counts fell 31% on average after six alexandrite laser treatments, a smaller drop than many patients expect. Hair-free time grew longer with more treatments, and 95% of patients were satisfied despite the modest hair-count numbers.
In short, these studies found real improvement, but a smaller hair-count drop than advertising often suggests.
Laser gives long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal. The AAD notes that because of hormones, results on a woman’s face are less lasting, and treatment can be repeated when the hair regrows. Mayo Clinic also notes that hormone conditions can mean ongoing treatment. So touch-up sessions for PCOS chin hair are expected, not a sign that treatment failed.
Laser is one part of a broader plan, not a replacement for medical care. According to ACOG, combined hormonal birth control pills can reduce hirsutism; for women who are overweight, weight loss can relieve symptoms such as excess hair growth; and insulin-sensitizing drugs can help lower androgen levels.
The 2024 review found that laser combined with a combined birth control pill or an insulin-sensitizing drug did better than laser alone, and a 2021 randomized study of 150 women (Dorgham et al.) found laser plus a combined birth control pill gave greater quality-of-life gains than laser alone or laser with metformin. Talk to your doctor or gynecologist about medical treatment for PCOS; your nurse can time laser sessions around the plan you set together.
Every laser appointment is done by a registered nurse who checks your skin and hair first.
$85 per single session for a small area such as the chin, upper lip or sideburns.
Each method works differently, and the right choice depends on your hair, skin and goals.
Waxing pulls hair out at the root and has to be repeated as the hair grows back.
Electrolysis treats hair follicles one at a time over a series of appointments.
Laser targets the pigment in the hair, called melanin, so darker hair usually responds best (Mayo Clinic). As the research above shows, it reduces hair over a series of sessions, and hormone-driven facial hair needs maintenance.
The upper lip, chin, sideburns and cheek are Small areas at $85 per session; the neck is a Medium area at $140 per session. Example built from the single-session price: 6 chin sessions x $85 = $510, before any maintenance sessions. Your nurse sets your actual number of sessions based on your hair and skin. Ask about payment options at your consultation.
For a closer look at facial pricing, see our guide on facial laser hair removal cost, or our chin laser hair removal cost guide for that area.
The AAD says insurance does not cover laser hair removal. Mayo Clinic adds that it usually is not covered when done for cosmetic reasons, but it may be covered when unwanted hair is related to a medical condition or its treatment. Ask your insurer what documentation they need before you book.
Tell your nurse before you book if you have a recent tan, a tendency to scar or a history of keloids, cold sore or genital herpes outbreaks, or if you have taken isotretinoin or take any other medicine, including over-the-counter ones such as aspirin (AAD). Your nurse decides whether to go ahead or wait.
Studies found it can help. A 2024 systematic review of six studies and 423 women with PCOS found laser and light treatments improved hirsutism severity and psychological outcomes, though the certainty of the evidence is low. One study found hair counts fell 31% on average after six treatments, yet 95% of patients were satisfied. Results on the face need maintenance.
Most people need several sessions, often 4 to 8, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. Coarse hair, hormone-driven areas such as the chin and bikini line, and some skin and hair combinations can need more, and occasional maintenance sessions are normal. PCOS studies used from five treatments up to an average of 12. Your nurse sets your plan at your assessment.
No. Laser gives long-term hair reduction, not permanent removal, and the AAD notes that because of hormones, results on a woman’s face are less lasting; treatment can be repeated when the hair regrows. With PCOS, hormones keep driving new growth, so maintenance sessions over time are the normal pattern.
Usually not. The AAD says insurance does not cover laser hair removal, and Mayo Clinic says it usually is not covered for cosmetic reasons but may be covered when unwanted hair is related to a medical condition or its treatment. Ask your insurer what documentation they need before you book so you know where you stand.
Ask your doctor about your PCOS medicines, and tell your nurse every medicine you take. ACOG notes that combined birth control pills can reduce hirsutism and insulin-sensitizing drugs can help lower androgen levels. The FDA lists oral contraceptives among medicines that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Your nurse can time sessions around your plan.
It can, with care. Mayo Clinic notes that darker skin contains more melanin, so choosing the right type of laser and the right settings is important, and the 2024 review found few PCOS studies included skin of color. We assess your Fitzpatrick skin type before your first session. See our guide on laser hair removal for dark skin.
Studies found that laser can reduce PCOS facial hair and the time spent removing it, but it is not a one-time fix, because hormones keep the underlying cause active after a full series. Plan for maintenance, and pair laser with the medical plan you and your doctor set for PCOS itself.
Nurse-led laser at InjectCo clinics that offer laser.
Small areas $85, neck $140, single session.
In this laser hair removal series: Previous, How to Prepare for Laser Hair Removal.
Dr. Allen earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency with Texas A&M. As Medical Director, he reviews InjectCo’s treatments, protocols, and patient education content for accuracy and safety across all nine Texas locations.
