Question:
Does anyone have ideas on what to do about facial hair?
that I'm actually writing this. I've had very bad facial hair for the past 25 years. I have to shave EVERYDAY and then pile on the makeup to cover that up. I don't have PCOS (says my pcp) and I even had 4 sessions with the laser surgery (didn't do it) I've had electrolysis also...here's my question-what am I going to do in the hospital? will I be able to get up from bed and handle my shameful dirty secret? (iam so traumatized by this I had to seek counseling for a little bit) I know that you wonderful people will offer some smart suggestions...please help me-I don't know what to do. — Virginia S. (posted on February 9, 2002)
February 9, 2002
I notice that as I gained weight my facial hair would come in darker. It
hurts a little, but your best bet is to wax. I wax my whole face every 2
months and do my eyebrows every 2 weeks. It takes about a month and a half
for all of the hair to come back. So, wax a few days before surgery and
you probably won't have to worry about your "secret" in the
hospital.
— tmrivas
February 9, 2002
Hi. =) Please don't worry...Many women my age (43) face this problem. Most
of my friends do some kind of shaving or hair removal. I have some facial
hair as well. I will simply bring my razor and make sure it is within arm's
reach when it is my time for surgery. I shave only a couple of areas, and I
can go without make up, but it would be noticeable if I did not shave every
day. I usually do it morning and night to prevent any stubble. I like the
waxing idea from the previous answer that was posted.I think I may start
putting that to use!
— ScatCat
February 9, 2002
I doubt if you would want to wear makeup that would just probably smear on
the hospital pillows but you will be up the first day and can certainly
shave in the bathroom. I have a problem with hair under my chin and I had
one laser
treatment and need to go in for my second of three. They said after three
you usually never have hair in that area again. It cost $500 for one area.
— Candace F.
February 9, 2002
Do not be embarrassed. Facial hair in women is actually fairly common.
Here's my suggestion: put your razor, shaving cream, mirror, etc. in a
little toiletries bag. Then you can either shave from bed when you're
alone (and it seems you are alone A LOT of the time), or they also take you
to the bathroom several times, and you can ask for some privacy. Don't
worry - it's such a minor thing. You're probably much more worried about
it than anyone else would be. Best of luck--
— [Anonymous]
February 9, 2002
Good Heavens, Dear, if this is how you feel AFTER counseling, you must have
been a real mess before. I say let the whiskers grow and then in shock,
touch your chin when the doctor walks in and shriek, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO
ME?!?!? By the way, has your doc sent you to an endocrinologist? Might be
you have too much testosterone...my only other suggestion is simply to roll
your eyes and explain it as you are a spiritual being having a human
experience and this is one of those silly practical jokes played by the
universe to challenge your ego. Good Luck, Sweetie...
— merri B.
February 9, 2002
I've had some chin hairs for years. I've shaved them, plucked them and
find tha the best way to get rid of them for a period of time is to wax
them. That will get rid of them for at least a few weeks. And please
don't be embarrassed about them. We have NO control over the hair on our
chins.
— garw
February 9, 2002
I use a product called "SURGI-CREAM"
— nkoehler88
February 9, 2002
I too have a facial hair issue that drives me crazy.... I too must shave
daily... I too wondered about the hospital issue.... so I was amazed that
the day after surgery I did NOT give rip about a few facial hairs... in
fact it was not until the 3rd day..... much later in the day that I even
thought about shaving... and I did!!! Good luck to you and dont feel
embarassed about such an issue.. you are not alone.... My best to you....
— Pamela W.
February 9, 2002
— nkoehler88
February 9, 2002
I am almost positive you won't care about anything right out of surgery; so
my answer to that part of the question is relax. When the power is taken
out of your hands; sit back and observe. Part II, there is a medication
(not covered by insurance because it is considered "cosmetic")
called Vaniqa. It is not a depilitory but slowly reduces the rate of hair
growth and then stops it all together. It was tested for when with facial
hair. It won't be a quick fix but it may end your problem in the long run,
good luck!
— ShayZ
February 9, 2002
I to have problem with facial hair but unlike the rest of the post once you
start shaving you just cant go to waxing because you have to let the hair
grow long enough for the wax to pull it off, which takes a good week or two
to grow that long. Although if you have the opportunity it would be better
because it doesnt grow back as fast, and the times get longer in between.
You might try this if you can, and if not maybe once you come home from the
hospital if you can I would highly suggest letting it grow and than waxing
as the hair will over time grow in lighter and less often, as it did in my
case. Congradulation and good luck with your surgery.
— deb J.
February 10, 2002
Hey, I am very pale & shave my lovely dark facial hair every day. This
was certainly a concern for me as well when I had WLS. I brought my razor
in my toiletries kit (along w/my own cleanser,foundation, etc) and as soon
as I could get out of bed I was at the sink, cleansing & shaving my
face. I put on a little foundation & lipstick & it really made me
feel better. SO, in summary, do what you gotta do to make YOURSELF feel
comfortable.
— [Anonymous]
February 10, 2002
I have a bad facial hair problem too. I'm pale, it's dark, and I shave it
on a regular basis. I even have to shave my arms because I'm so pale and
it just looks too manly to have all of that dark coarse hair on me. In
fact, I don't think there's one place I DON'T shave, lol (TMI, I know).
I'm always trying to hide this from my BF because it's kind of embarassing.
But don't feel so bad! So many people are in your boat (and even worse
off!). I had not thought about what I'm going to do in the hospital (I am
pre-op too). You may want to get one of those facial hair bleaching cremes
and use that to minimize it's appearance until it grows out long enough to
wax prior to surgery. That way you wouldn't have to worry about it in the
hospital. I had my eyebrows shaped by waxing once and they stayed looking
really good for a long time (month or so). If not that, I'd just bring the
razor along and give myself a few quick dry (ouch) swipes when no one is
looking. I have been on the way out of the house and in a hurry and had to
do that before. Good luck!
— [Anonymous]
February 10, 2002
I had tried it all--depilatories, electrolysis,waxing, laser
treatments--then I found an Asian cosmetologist who does
"threading." It sounds like a joke to explain, but she has the
two ends of the thread in either hand and a piece of it in her mouth, and
she basically snaps the hairs out by a flick of the thread. No kidding.
Do a search in the internet about it. Its less painful than waxing with no
chance of burns, and it lasts longer than waxing too.
— JoanneML
February 10, 2002
I also have facial hair that I shave daily, sometimes 2x if I am going
somewhere in the evening, and quite honestly the hair on my chin was my
last concern. I finialy removed it (shaved) day 2 post-op. But it sounds
like it is a major concern for you so I would ask one of the Nurses to help
you, there are always one or two who are super sweet and if you tell how
important it is to you I am sure you can find one to help out. Good Luck to
you.
Huggs your WLS Sister Karen
— KAREN T.
February 10, 2002
Just a note... some dr don't want you shaving with a razor if you are also
getting heprin (blood thinning shots) so clear it first or use an electric
razor. Good luck
— Becky K.
February 10, 2002
Did PCP mention the reasons as to WHY he didn't think you had PCOS? Just
curious. Lots of PCP don't know SQUAT about PCOS, so I would not rule that
out 100%. First, if I were you, I would visit www.soulcysters.com - if
not for the possibilty of PCOS - but, that there are a thousand women over
there who deal with unwanted body hair. Probably every single question has
been asked and answered regarding PCOS symptoms. Unwanted hair being more
than likely the number one issue. As for you getting couseling due to your
facial hair, THAT does not shock me. As a sufferer of PCOS w/unwanted
facial hair etc.- I know exactly how you feel about the hair- to others
this may seem trivial, but to those of us who suffer with it- it is very
traumatic. One reason is that it almost strips away our femininity.... we
become almost paranoid about someone that we have it or finding out what we
must do to remove it- it's probably the first thing I think of when I wake
up, or before I go to bed. Or if I am talking to someone, I think- did I
miss any? Are they looking at it? I eventually plan to invest in laser
treatments, for for the time being- I pluck... either one by one, or use
the electric epilatory machine. The machine will pluck many at one time,
without messy wax... almost like the threading, but it looks like an
electric shaver- and pulls the hair out at the root. Since hair grows in
stages, a good epilatory treatment done every few days before sugery should
last you the entire time in the hospital. I also use Vaniqa, an expensive
cream that helps stunts the growth of the unwanted facial hair. You use it
in the AM and PM... and so it get finer and lighter. Still, so many
details I am not adding- go to the site and check it out. Perhaps a visit
with the Endo may shed some light on your PCP's Dx.
— Karen R.
February 10, 2002
Hi...I too also suffer from facial hair. I know how it is. I've done the
laser, electrolysis, shaving, tweezing the whole nine yards. I was
diagnosed with PCOS about 3 years ago though. I've been going to an
endocrinologist & I have been working with my OB/GYN also. They have
prescribed Spirlactone & birth control pills. I'll tell you what that
has worked wonders. Don't get me wrong it hasn't made it go away totally
but it has slowed it down enough to make it more manageable where I don't
have to shave everyday. I would talk to your Dr. & try to get a
referral to an endocrinologist because you obviously have some kind of
hormonal problem that is causing this. You don't necessarily have to be
diagnosed with PCOS to have hormonal problems. Good luck & don't
worry.
— Allison T.
February 10, 2002
I have pcos too, and was on bcpill and spirolacatone(sp) After surgery I
got off the pill because I started having periods on my own, and had to be
taken off the spiro because my blood pressure was going to low due to the
weight loss. It really upset me for a while to have to get off it as my
facial hair and body hair is growing in thick again and the hair on my head
is thinning again. Hopefully getting into normal weight range will help.
Good luck
— Becky K.
February 10, 2002
I have facial hair. If you are shaving I recommend a man's Norelco cordless
shaver. The lady shavers s*%k. I bought one for my husband and use it all
the itme. Does my face and legs very nicely. Valentines day is coming. :o)
The gift you can use too.
— [Anonymous]
February 10, 2002
Get a prescription for a cream called Vaniqa. It usually isn't covered and
is a cash thing but it works great. You do your normal treatment to remove
hair then apply this cream. Takes a couple minutes to soak in and then you
can do your makeup. I do this twice a day and instead of shaving 1-2 times
a day it's more like every 3 days. I agree with the other posters.. Dr.s
know squat when it comes to PCOS and it is so common in overweight/obese
women. Hope this helps.
— mama2matthew
February 10, 2002
I only have one thing to add.... I have PCOS and use Vaniqa. My insurance
company denied approval, but I would not accept it. I petitioned the
company I work for to add it to our prescription drug list. Now, any woman
in our company can get Vaniqa paid for if their doctor writes a letter of
medical necessity. Don't give up girls, this is a medical problem and
insurance should cover the treatment.
— Lori B.
February 11, 2002
I had a problem with bad facial hair. I did have the laser treatments done
with a diode laser. From what I understand, the diode laser is the only
approved laser for permanant hair removal. Go to www.yourelookinggreat.com
and you can read more about it. I do understand the horrors of dealing
with this problem. The dr. told me it would take about 5 sessions to get
rid of most of the facial hair. I have had four sessions so far and most
of my facial hair is gone. What I did was go for one session and wait for
about 3 to 4 months between sessions. I started this process over a year
ago. Most of the unwanted is gone. I do still have some hair, not much
though. If you want to do this, do so before you start getting grey hair
on your face. I have some grey hair and the laser cannot remove these. If
you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
— Brenda B.
February 11, 2002
From one hairy one to another....I feel your pain. (lol). I use
a depilabory every other day and I had the same worry. I just
decided to be honest about it with my nurse. What choice did I have?
I didn't want to walk around with a beard! The day after my surgery, I
told her that I had some "facial hair" and needed help in taking
it off.
She was soooo wondeful and helpful. She drew the curtain for privacy (I
had
a roommate) and gave me a basin of water and a mirror and she even stood
outside
the curtain to ensure my privacy. When I was through, took everything away
and
tidied up for me. No problem....and she was the only one who knew "my
secret". I
was in the hospital for 9 days with a ng tube and an iv pole
(unexpectedly); so, I had no choice but to ask for
assistance. If you are ambulatory, then you should be able to shave when
you take your daily shower. Every room
has it's own bathroom. 7 years ago when I had my nysterectomy, I would go
into the bathroom in the
middle of the night and take care off my facial hair. No one knew a
thing!
— [Anonymous]
January 18, 2003
Hello...I have recently tried the new NAIR--FOR FACE. It works great. It
also exfoliates the dead skin away and leaves your face as soft as a baby's
bottom! =-)I never liked the Nair that you can buy for your legs, but I DO
like the Nair for your face. It works great too!
— reaching4thestarz
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