Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects millions of women worldwide. September is PCOS Awareness Month, a time to shed light on this common hormonal disorder and the challenges it brings. For those dealing with PCOS, managing the symptoms is a lifelong journey that often affects not only their health but also their appearance and confidence.

At Astra Medicare, with clinics in Brampton and Toronto, we understand the emotional and physical toll that PCOS can take. We’re here to help you feel more comfortable in your own skin, using advanced aesthetic treatments to address some of the most frustrating aspects of PCOS, including weight gain, acne, acne scars, and excessive hair growth. This article will explore how Astra’s cutting-edge technology and expertise can help you feel and look your best.

What Is PCOS, and How Does It Affect Your Body?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal imbalance that affects how the ovaries work. While the cause of PCOS isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to be linked to genetics and lifestyle factors. Women with PCOS often have higher levels of male hormones (androgens) and may struggle with irregular periods, fertility issues, and other health problems like insulin resistance.

Common Symptoms of PCOS

PCOS manifests differently in every person, but some of the most common symptoms include:

• Weight gain: Due to insulin resistance, many women with PCOS find it difficult to lose weight, even with diet and exercise.
• Acne and oily skin: Hormonal imbalances often cause breakouts that are resistant to over-the-counter treatments.
• Increased hair growth (hirsutism): Unwanted hair on the face, chest, and body is common, which can be distressing and hard to manage.
• Acne scars: As acne persists, it often leaves behind scarring, affecting skin texture and appearance.

Each of these symptoms can have a profound impact on self-esteem and quality of life. While lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can help manage PCOS, many symptoms persist despite these efforts. That’s where Astra Medicare steps in, offering non-invasive and effective treatments to address the aesthetic concerns of PCOS.

How Astra Medicare Can Help You Manage PCOS Symptoms

At Astra Medicare, we specialize in personalized care to address the unique challenges of PCOS. Whether you’re struggling with weight, skin issues, or unwanted hair growth, we offer a variety of treatments designed to help you regain control and confidence. Our team of highly trained professionals is here to guide you through your options and develop a plan that’s right for your needs.

1. CoolSculpting for Weight Management

One of the most frustrating symptoms of PCOS is weight gain. Insulin resistance makes it hard for women with PCOS to shed pounds, even with a healthy lifestyle. For those stubborn areas of fat that just won’t go away, CoolSculpting is a safe, non-invasive solution.

CoolSculpting uses a process called cryolipolysis to freeze and destroy fat cells, which are then naturally eliminated from the body. It’s particularly effective for targeting areas like the abdomen, thighs, and love handles, which are common problem spots for women with PCOS.

Why CoolSculpting?

• Non-surgical and no downtime so that you can return to your daily routine right after the session.
• Results are gradual and natural-looking, with fat reduction becoming visible within a few weeks.
• It’s FDA-approved and safe for those looking to reduce localized fat without invasive procedures.

2. Microneedling for Acne Scars and Skin Rejuvenation

Persistent acne is one of the most visible signs of PCOS. Hormonal imbalances lead to overproduction of oil, clogged pores, and frequent breakouts. Over time, acne can leave scars that are difficult to treat with topical creams alone.

At Astra Medicare, we offer microneedling, a minimally invasive procedure that helps smooth out acne scars by stimulating collagen production. Collagen is a protein that helps repair damaged skin, resulting in a smoother, more even complexion.

How Microneedling Works:

• A small device with fine needles creates tiny punctures in the skin, which triggers the body’s natural healing response.
• As your skin heals, it produces collagen, which helps to fill in acne scars, reduce wrinkles, and improve overall texture.
• It’s suitable for all skin types and can be customized to treat specific concerns, such as fine lines and scars.

Why It’s Great for PCOS Patients:

• Effective for treating both active acne and acne scars.
• Minimal downtime – you might experience slight redness, similar to a sunburn, for a day or two.
• It’s a safe and natural way to rejuvenate the skin without harsh chemicals.

3. Laser Hair Removal for Unwanted Hair Growth

Excessive hair growth, particularly on the face, chest, and abdomen, is one of the most distressing symptoms of PCOS. Shaving, waxing, and plucking can be time-consuming and often lead to irritation or ingrown hairs. Laser hair removaloffers a longer-lasting solution.

Using state-of-the-art laser technology, we target hair follicles to prevent them from growing back. The treatment works by emitting a concentrated beam of light that damages the hair follicle without affecting the surrounding skin. Over time, hair becomes finer and grows more slowly, eventually leading to permanent reduction.

Benefits of Laser Hair Removal:

• It’s precise, targeting only the hair follicles while leaving the surrounding skin unharmed.
• It’s quick, with small areas like the upper lip or chin taking just minutes.
• Over several sessions, you can achieve long-lasting results, reducing the need for frequent hair removal.

Why It’s Ideal for PCOS:

• Significantly reduces unwanted facial and body hair, which is a common side effect of elevated androgens in PCOS.
• Safe for all skin types, and newer lasers can even treat darker skin tones more effectively.
• It’s a more permanent solution than shaving or waxing, helping you save time and reduce irritation.

4. Morpheus8 for Skin Tightening and Scar Treatment

Weight fluctuations, acne scars, and aging skin can leave you feeling less confident about your appearance. Morpheus8is an innovative treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to address deeper skin concerns, such as sagging skin and more pronounced acne scars.

Morpheus8 is ideal for tightening loose skin and improving texture, giving you smoother, firmer skin. It penetrates deeper into the skin than traditional microneedling, making it particularly effective for treating scars and areas of skin laxity caused by weight changes.

What Makes Morpheus8 Stand Out:

• It not only stimulates collagen but also tightens the underlying layers of the skin, improving elasticity and reducing sagging.
• It’s a non-surgical, minimally invasive option with little downtime.
• Results improve over time as collagen production continues for months after treatment.

5. StyleformX for Body Sculpting and Toning

For many women with PCOS, losing weight is just the first challenge. After significant weight loss, you may still have areas of loose skin or stubborn fat that won’t go away. StyleformX uses gentle wave technology to target these areas, helping to tone and sculpt your body.

The treatment uses radiofrequency and electromagnetic waves to stimulate muscle contractions and tighten the skin. It’s non-invasive and pain-free, making it an ideal option for those who want to fine-tune their appearance after weight loss.

Why Choose StyleformX:

• It helps you tone and firm your body without surgery.
• It’s effective for areas that don’t respond to diet and exercise alone.
• You can combine it with other treatments like CoolSculpting to enhance your results.

Personalized Care at Astra Medicare

At Astra Medicare, we believe in a personalized approach to care. No two women with PCOS are the same, so your treatment plan should be as unique as you are. Our experienced team of aestheticians and medical professionals will work with you to create a plan that addresses your specific concerns, whether it’s acne, scarring, unwanted hair, or weight management.

A Compassionate and Understanding Approach

We know that living with PCOS can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Our goal is to help you regain confidence and feel empowered in your own skin with treatments that are safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.

Convenient Locations in Brampton and Toronto

Whether you’re in the Brampton area or closer to downtown Toronto, Astra Medicare has a clinic near you. Our upscale, comfortable clinics are designed to provide a relaxing and welcoming environment so you feel at ease during every visit.

Take the Next Step: Book Your Consultation

If you’re struggling with the aesthetic challenges of PCOS, you don’t have to face them alone. Astra Medicare is here to offer expert guidance and cutting-edge treatments that can make a real difference in how you look and feel.

To learn more about how we can help, book a consultation with our team today. Let us help you take control of your PCOS symptoms and start feeling like the best version of yourself.

Microneedling is a popular skin rejuvenation technique that involves penetrating the with a number of small, very fine needles to create minor tissue injuries. This stimulates the body’s natural healing process, encourages skin regeneration, and increases collagen production.

As a result, microneedling can leave your skin looking smoother, more youthful, and clearer.

The first time you try it, though, you may be a little nervous about the prospect of injecting tiny needles into your skin. The possibility of experiencing any discomfort during the treatment may leave you wondering whether it’s worth trying in the first place.

However, the Dermapen treatment is an innovative process designed to deliver a more comfortable and effective experience. Below, we’ll explain how it works, why it doesn’t hurt, what skin issues it can address, and more.

What is the Dermapen Treatment?

The Dermapen treatment is a powerful way to rejuvenate and revitalize your skin. It combines microneedling and carefully formulated at-home skincare products to create incredible results.

Does the Dermapen Treatment Hurt?

This is one of the first questions you may ask when considering the Dermapen treatment. In fact, it may be one of the first questions you ask when considering any cosmetic procedure.

But don’t worry: the Dermapen treatment is a pain-free process. Traditional Microneedling may cause discomfort in some cases, but Dermapen delivers a more pleasant experience overall.

That’s due to the innovative design of the device: it features fine needles, an oscillating movement, and impressive speed to help you stay comfortable during the treatment. The needles have adjustable depths to suit different areas, and they penetrate the skin vertically (instead of the conventional arching movement that can be uncomfortable).

There’s generally no need to apply cream to numb the skin in target areas with this treatment.

If you're still concerned about trying Dermapen and have questions about microneedling in general, please don’t hesitate to ask. Our expert team will be happy to answer your questions and explain the process to help you enjoy greater peace of mind.

What Conditions Can The Dermapen Treatment Address?

The treatment can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions and issues. These include:

• Sun damage: Exposure to UV radiation, either directly from the sun or on tanning beds, can damage the skin gradually. This may manifest as brown spots, wrinkles, and changes in pigmentation.

• Wrinkles and fine lines: Wrinkles and fine lines have various causes, including the gradual reduction in collagen and elastin production that comes with age. Smoking and sun damage can also cause wrinkles and fine lines.

• Acne: When pores and hair follicles in the skin become blocked, that causes acne. Blockages may comprise dead skin cells, bacteria, and oil.

• Rosacea: Rosacea is a skin condition that manifests as large, red rashes on the face (commonly the cheeks and nose).

• Hyperpigmentation: This condition occurs when patches of skin become discolored, whether on the face, body, or both. Hyperpigmentation is caused by increased melanin production.

• Scarring: Scarring is typically caused by injuries in tissue and the healing process, but they can also be the result of acne and inflammation.

• Stretch marks: When the skin shrinks or stretches faster than usual, that damages collagen and elastin (proteins that keep skin strong and supple). Stretch marks form as the skin heals. They’re a common result of rapid weight gain or loss and pregnancy.

• Tattoo lightening: Tattoos become darker and lose their vibrancy over time. The Dermapen treatment can be used to lighten them and help recapture some of their initial visibility.

The treatment may be used to address other problems and skin challenges beyond those listed above. We’ll assess the areas you want to focus on, and discuss how the treatment may help, during your free consultation.

What Does the Dermapen Treatment Involve?

The treatment is made up of three stages. Let’s take a close look at each one to help you understand what to expect.

Your Consultation

The consultation is the first, perhaps most important, stage of the process. We need to understand what improvements you want to achieve with your treatment, and the skin condition or issue you intend to address.

That’s crucial for us to determine whether or not this treatment is the right option for you. It’s possible that another procedure could help you get the benefits you have in mind instead.

We’ll also be able to discuss your concerns or questions about the Dermapen treatment face to face. By the end of your consultation, you’ll have a clear idea of how the process works and what you can expect to get out of it.

Your In-Office Treatment

The in-office treatment will be performed at Astra Medicare in Brampton. Our team will use the Dermapen microneedling device to rejuvenate your skin. By creating careful, precise micro injuries in the target area, healthy new skin cells will start to grow, collagen production will increase, and your skin will gradually look better.

After your treatment, you may develop some redness in the treated areas. This is normal and typically fades after a short amount of time. The recovery period required for the Dermapen treatment is typically minimal, so it’s easy and convenient to fit into a busy lifestyle.

Your At-Home Products

To maximize the results of your in-office treatment, we’ll show you how to use the at-home Dermapen tools and skincare products. We stock the full line of DP Dermaceuticals products, which are suitable for your complete morning and night regimen.

The products include:

• Facial cleansers suited to your skin type

• Advanced facial serums that promote skin healing

• Targeted skin treatments for various issues (including wrinkles and acne)

• SPF treatments that help protect your skin against further damage caused by UV rays

• Moisturizers and hydrating products to give your skin a strong, healthy glow

We’ll make sure that you know how to use these products to achieve the best, most amazing results.

Ready to Try the Dermapen Treatment?

The Dermapen treatment is a multi-stage process designed to cultivate stronger, healthier, more youthful skin. From your consultation to the at-home product application, Astra Medicare’s team will provide you with dedicated and reliable service.

If you want to learn more about this treatment, contact our friendly team today and book your consultation.