Laser surgey on the NHS

[spotsandstripes]

Is it possible to get laser treatment for unwanted facial hair on the NHS?

[spotsandstripes]

excuse that awful spelling mistake

[Buenchico]

From the NHS website:
"There are several different ways to remove your excess hair. Because these are considered ‘cosmetic’ treatments and only done to improve your physical appearance, they are unlikely to be available on the NHS"

http://www.nhs.uk/Con.../Pages/treatment.aspx

[tinkerbell23]

Not sure (love ur username btw) mabye if you can put your case across that its having an affect on your health..or mental health!!

If theres no sucess...groupin regulary have offers in this- its still expensive bt im talkin £100s of pounds off at a time to look for it xxx

[wolf63]

Ask your GP - in our NHS area it was possible to have laser hair removal. It wasn't strictly via the NHS but it was free due to a legacy or research or something . . .

[spotsandstripes]

having a hairy moustache is considered as cosmetic yet they give boob jobs and thats not considered as a treatment to enhance appearance? its unfair I have to walk around looking like a man, which is out of my control, when size 6 girls, refuse to eat to gain some breasts get free boobs! I have a doctors appointment next week so I am going to hopefully try and see what they say! Fingers crossed.

[cazzz1975]

you can wax in the meantime at least so you dont have to look like a man

[missprim]

There is a condition where women grow excess hair, not only on their face, but I can't think what it's called.
They have had cases like this on that TV programme,(can't remember what that's called either!)
I would imagine if hair grew dark and thick on a womans face then she would hopefuly get it done on the NHS.
If though it's just a 'tash that most women get I would think you would have to go private.

[EvianBaby]

Some may but my PCT won't even consider it.

[bednobs]

which areas do boob jobs for cosmetic reasons???

[boxtops]

S&S, they very rarely do boob jobs on the NHS, unless there is a very good cosmetic reason, and generally that's for reconstruction following breast surgery. It all depends if the procedure being requested is really affecting your life, and if your GP or consultant can evidence this - the NHS still has to save millions of pounds and at this stage of the financial year, I would think it's unlikely to be considered (unfortunately for you) as a life-saving clinical priority. There is only so much money to go round, and each PCT has to priority what services it commissions, and why.

[hc4361]

It is getting very hard to get boob jobs and so on through the NHS (and rightly so, in my opinion) and some people are being refused drugs or treatment that would extend their lives.

My friend has been in excruciating pain for more than a year waiting for a new hip and is now paying for it privately. The NHS is strapped for cash, sadly.

Your condition can be managed effectively without great expense, horrid as it may be for you.

[woofgang]

The ladies who have extreme hirsutism most often have an underlying medical condition of which the hirsutism is a symptom.

[EvianBaby]

Polycystic overie syndrome (sp) is a common cause for excess hair although it's not the only cause. Some women get it just because.

It's worth getting tested for PCOS but I believe even if it is diagnosed there is little that can be done to treat it and the suggestions the doctor will give for hair removal will not change.

[LoftyLottie]

Can this be a symptom of polycystic ovaries?

[missprim]

That's it woofgang it's a medical condition as is breast replacement surgery after having to have breasts removed.
I don't think unwanted facial hair counts as a medical condition unless it's really bad

[EvianBaby]

It's one of the common side effects of it Lottie.

[Eve]

I had blood tests and was told they indicated I had PCOS but that nothing further would be done unless I was having difficulty conceiving after trying for 12-18 months I think it was. I imagine if they are being particularly troublesome that could change but not for something manageable like hairgrowth which is not really excessive and can be controlled by waxing etc...

[spotsandstripes]

I wouldnt really say mines is extreme but if I were to grow it, it would be a full on tash like a man. Bleaching it makes it shiney in the sun and as its pretty big and bushy its still visible, creams irritate my skin and I end up getting rid of the moustache but the day after I wake up with a spot tash, these leave acne like marks on my moustache so either or i'm not better off. I wax this but like few days later I'm having to do it again. Its getting annoying. I will ask to get tested for PCO that you guys were mentioning and ask for a recommended but fairly cheapish surgery that can offer laser. I have pale skin and black hair so hopefully laser treatment would work. I fully back up people who do get bood reduction or enhancements following post surgery or pain relief etc. However I know of two, skinny girls who went the the doctors and addmitted they acted depressed and were given boob jobs. This was 4 years ago now thought so I guess due to economical issues it would be harder for this to occur, and rightly so. Thanks for all the advice on this though, made me realise I should just bite the bullet and get this done myself, guess it would be an investment as I wouldn't need to wax o frequently. Thanks guys!

[boxtops]

Good for you, S&S - go for it!

[Velvetee]

Unlikely you would get it on the NHS, but it's much more affordable these days. I had laser Hair Removal at the SK:N Clinic and bought a course of 8 treatments for £703 although I only required 6 treatments. This price included 10% off because I have PCOS plus I got £50 off because I was referred by a friend.

I have been very happy with the results and a year later my wirey chin hair has not returned. You may need occassional top up treatments depending on growth, everyone is different. If you joing the SK:N Facebook page they often have 30% discounts on Laser Hair Removal.

If you were to buy a course of 6 upper lip and chin treatments the current cost is £490 or just upper lip for six is £345 or you can pay for single treatment. You would need to have a treatment once per month for at least 6 months to see the benefits.