Excess Hair Growth Treatment London | Hair Dermatology Near Me

Dermatology
Dermatology
Excess Hair Growth

Medically Reviewed September 2023, by Dr. Susan Mayou (GMC: 2405092) - founder of the Cadogan Clinic and one of the world's leading dermatologists

What is excess hair growth?

Excessive hair growth is often known as hirsutism. Women who have this condition have thick, coarse dark hair growing on their face, neck, chest, stomach, lower back, buttocks or thighs.

There are various things that can cause this unwelcome excessive hair growth, although certain groups of women may find themselves at a higher risk of hirsutism.

Sometimes hirsutism can be the result of an underlying medical condition that may require treatment, so it is important to get to the root of what is causing a person’s hirsutism.

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What causes excess hair growth?

Excessive hair growth is linked to hormones called androgens. Hirsutism occurs when there are high levels of these ‘male’ hormones present, or if the body becomes more sensitive to them.

There are a number of things that may be responsible for excessive hair growth in women.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

This is a common condition affecting around one in 10 women in the UK. PCOS affects the way a woman’s ovaries work, with the hormonal imbalance resulting in high levels of androgens. The condition can also cause symptoms such as acne and irregular periods and can also cause infertility.

It is not known exactly what causes PCOS, but often the condition runs in families.

Certain medications

Certain types of medications are known to cause hirsutism, including some prescribed to treat endometriosis and certain menopause symptoms.

Anabolic steroids

Anabolic steroids contain natural androgens, which can cause excessive hair growth in women who take these particular drugs.

Cushing’s syndrome

This is an uncommon condition caused by high levels of the hormone cortisol. Cushing’s syndrome can develop as a result of the adrenal glands making too much cortisol or from taking steroid medicine, especially steroid tablets, over a long period of time.

Acromegaly

A rare condition triggered by an overproduction of growth hormone.

Tumours

Rarely, tumours affecting hormone levels may be responsible for excessive hair growth. Such tumours occur in the ovaries or adrenal glands.

Risk factors

Sometimes there's no obvious cause for hirsutism. However there are certain risk factors that may make a woman more at risk of excessive hair growth.

Ethnicity: Women from Middle Eastern, South Asian and Mediterranean backgrounds are more likely to experience unexplained excessive hair growth.
Family history: Certain conditions that cause hirsutism, such as PCOS, run in families.
Obesity: This group of women is at a higher risk of excessive hair growth as being obese causes increased androgen production.

It is worth noting that the dark and thick hair that appears as a result of hirsutism is different to the extra finer and lighter hair which appears on a woman’s face and body as a result of menopause.

Words from our clients:

"Outstanding experience from the first appointment to being discharged. Very professional, friendly and a fantastic outcome."

Gemma Stevenson

"The girls on the reception at the clinic were very pleasant and professional. The nurse who took out my stitches after my surgery was just lovely and took me through step by step what she was doing and she also recommended a great cream to use to help with healing."

Georgina Nolan

“I was treated with care and provided with thorough knowledge about the procedure I was undertaking. My surgeon was very methodical (a perfectionist) and I felt I received A class treatment."

Courtney O'Sullivan

"The treatment was for my daughter and the aesthetic practitioner couldn't have been more helpful and informative all through the course of treatment, it was a great treatment with a brilliant outcome. The whole experience was very professional and any worries we went in with were soon taken away after the team greeted us and treated us."

Jessica Yates

"Reception staff very welcoming and efficient. Both nurses who I dealt with were fantastic, and the whole team (anaesthetist, surgeon etc) were friendly but professional, and really put my mind at ease. That I was able to stay later than I perhaps needed after my surgery to fit in with my husbands schedule was greatly appreciated."

Emma Davies

The cost of Excess Hair Growth

Consultations From

£ 250

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We successfully treat hundreds of excess hair cases each year. Our team of ten highly experienced specialist dermatologists have been handpicked to form one of the best independent dermatology units in the country

Our hair dermatology specialists have the highest levels of training and qualifications

We work with major bodies and organisations to ensure standards are maintained. These include The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Royal College of Surgeons (RCS), Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the General Medical Council (GMC)

Our purpose-built dermatology clinic is conveniently located off Sloane Square, Chelsea

How is excess hair growth treated?

Hirsutism treatment depends on what is causing the excessive hair growth. One of our expert dermatologists may suggest one of the following treatments for you.

Weight loss

If your excessive hair growth is caused by obesity, then losing weight by following a sensible diet can help to control hormone levels.

Oral contraceptives (The Pill)

If you have not yet been through the menopause, then the contraceptive pill can be an effective treatment for hirsutism. Oral contraceptives will control and balance hormone levels.

Topical cream

A special prescription-only cream (eflornithine cream) can help to slow hair growth on the face. However it will not get rid of hair that has already grown.

Laser therapy

This hair removal treatment is highly effective and produces long-lasting results.

This particular treatment works by passing a beam of highly concentrated light (the laser) over the surface of the skin. This damages the hair follicles to prevent the hair from growing.

Laser hair removal is particularly good for people with dark brown or black hair.

You may need more than one treatment. This varies from person to person.

Electrolysis

Just like laser hair removal, electrolysis is an effective hair removal method that produces long-lasting results.

In this treatment, a tiny needle is inserted into each hair follicle before an electric current is emitted with the aim of destroying the follicle, preventing any further hair growth. Electrolysis is more effective when used on women with blonde or white hair.

Just like laser therapy, more than one treatment is often required, with the number varying from person to person.

What to expect during your consultation

You will meet with one of our highly trained dermatologists at the Cadogan Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for an in-person assessment of your skin.

Your consultant will discuss the following with you at this consultation:

The best options for treatment for you given your psoriasis condition, and the results that you would likely achieve with each treatment
An explanation of the treatment or treatment plan
Go through your past medical historyAnswer any questions you may have

3 Easy Steps

Visit the Clinic on Sloane Street, Chelsea for your in-person consultation with one of our dermatologists
Start your treatment plan
Return to the Clinic to see your dermatologist - if required - to monitor the progress of treatment

Cadogan Clinic. A strong tradition of innovation

Founded in 2004 by world renown dermatologist Dr Susan Mayou, we now work with over 100 leading consultants and successfully treat over 20,000 patients each year. We have been winning industry awards since inception.

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Excess Hair Growth Specialists

We have invited a selection of the country's very best consultants to join us at the Cadogan Clinic so that you can be sure that whatever the nature of your treatment, you will be seeing one of the top practitioners in the country.

Our Surgeons

Dr. Andreea Anton

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Meena Arunachalam

Dermatologist

Dr Aveen Connolly

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Roberto Corso

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Tamara W Griffiths

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Mia Jing Gao

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Wisam Alwan

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Maham Khan

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Soudeh Mashayekhi

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Susan Mayou

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Sophie Momen

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Amélie Seghers

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Kristina Semkova

Consultant Dermatologist

Dr. Nisith Sheth

Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon

Dr Thomas Tull

Consultant Dermatologist

How To Find Us

The Cadogan Clinic is based at 120 Sloane Street in Chelsea, just off Sloane Square and the Kings Road.

We are accessible by all major bus routes that pass through Sloane Square and Sloane Street, as well as Sloane Square tube station.

We are just a 5 minute walk northwards up Sloane Street once you have arrived at Sloane Square.

Local pay parking is available just around the corner from the Clinic on Cadogan Gate, Cadogan Square and Cadogan Gardens. Our local residential parking zone is the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

Address: 120 Sloane Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X 9BW

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One of our friendly staff will be delighted to help with your enquiry.

0207 901 8500

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Our Lead Patient Advisor is here to support with any queries you may have

Excess Hair Growth

What is excess hair growth?

What causes excess hair growth?

The cost of Excess Hair Growth

How is excess hair growth treated?

What to expect during your consultation

Excess Hair Growth Specialists

How To Find Us

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