Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) affects 6-12% of women (about 5 million people) in the United States. As a result of this syndrome, women struggle with many different hair and skin conditions. At Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine, we offer several treatments that can relieve PCOS symptoms and boost our patients’ confidence.
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder caused by an overproduction of androgens (male sex hormones). This results in symptoms like excess facial and body hair, weight gain, oily skin, hair thinning, thick patches of skin on the breasts, and irregular periods. Dr. Ellern explains that “diagnosis of PCOS commonly involves blood tests conducted by either your primary care doctor or OB-GYN. Upon diagnosis, most individuals are typically started on hormonal agents like birth control pills and spironolactone to regulate hormonal imbalances.”
Cosmetic Treatments to Ease PCOS Symptoms
In combination with medical PCOS treatments, patients often seek cosmetic treatments for the following concerns:
Hair Treatments
Excess facial hair is one of the main concerns for women living with PCOS. Since this hair growth is stimulated by male sex hormones, it tends to be coarser and thicker than typical female hair growth. Laser hair removal is a permanent solution that works effectively for this type of hair. This treatment can also be used on many areas of the body where thick hair is bothersome.
While excess hair grows on the face and body, hair thinning on the scalp is also a concern. Hair growth injections with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) are a revolutionary treatment option that can restore fuller, healthier hair. PRP contains healing and growth factors that can improve the health of your hair and scalp.
Acne Scarring
We offer a variety of treatment options for acne and acne scarring. Hormone treatments used for PCOS can help regulate oil production (a main source of acne) but we can also include lasers, microneedling, or Botox in your treatment plan to improve scarring. Our laser specialists offer more than 50 laser options, including the state-of-the-art Fraxel laser, CO2 skin resurfacing, and Erbium Laser Skin Peel. These lasers use various types of heat energy to stimulate collagen and remodel the deep layers of skin to restore smoother, healthier skin.
Microneedling or RF microneedling (radiofrequency microneedling) work similarly as forms of collagen induction therapy. Microneedling uses tiny needles to create microcolumns in the skin. This breaks up scar tissues and stimulates collagen production to plump the skin and “cover up” acne scars with a new layer of healthy skin.
Irregular Skin Texture and Tone
There are many different skin rejuvenation treatments that can improve rough skin texture and dull or irregular skin tone. We offer lasers, light therapy, micro-injected hyaluronic acid, microneedling, and more. Your specific treatment needs and goals will be discussed in detail to determine the best treatment option. Various technologies can be used on the face and body to restore beautiful, healthy skin.
Schedule a Consultation
At Reflections Center for Cosmetic Medicine, we take our patients’ whole health and wellness into careful consideration. PCOS is not easy to live with, but there are many treatments available to ease your symptoms and help you feel more confident in your appearance. If you are living with PCOS in the Newark, NJ, area, we encourage you to schedule a consultation to get started on a customized treatment plan.
