Excess facial hair (hirsutism) is condition that affects women, in which excess and accelerated hair growth occurs on parts of the body such as the face, groin, abdomen, and chest (typical male pattern of hair growth). This condition can often lead to severe embarrassment and distress for an individual. The amount of body hair a person has depends on their genetic makeup. Family traits or increased levels of male hormones are common causes of excess facial hair.
There are 4 levels of severity for excess facial hair growth:
- A few hairs at the outer part of the upper lip/few scattered hairs on the chin
- Small moustache at the outer margins of the upper lip/small concentration of hair on the chin
- Moustache extending halfway from the outer margin of the upper lip/light complete coverage of the chin
- Moustache on the entire upper lip/heavy growth on the entire chin Unwanted hair can be easily removed by shaving, tweezing or waxing.
Although these methods are economical, they can be painful and are temporary solutions. Procedures such as electrolysis are much more expensive, but can provide a more permanent solution. Lasers can also be an excellent method for permanent hair reduction.