Vaniqa
- Procedures
- Body
- Vaniqa
Evidence Based
Vaniqa (generic name: eflornithine) is a FDA-approved topical prescription unwanted facial hair removal solution for women.
E
Written By: Erin Storm, PA-C
Article History
Procedure Overview
Concerns
Ideal Candidate
Recovery
Side Effects
Results
Average Cost
Pros
- Thins Hair
- Slows Hair Growth
Cons
- Only For The Face
- Does Not Remove Hair
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
The Skinny
Average Recovery
0 days
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Topical
Surgical
No
Cost
$150 - $210
The Specifics
What is Vaniqa?
Vaniqa is a United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved topical perscription for hair removal in women with excessive or unwanted facial hair. In contrast to depilatory creams, which work by dissolving the hair follicle structure, Vaniqa cream slows down hair growth in the facial hair area of women. Vaniqa is designed to be used with other hair removal techniques like plucking, waxing, shaving and tweezing to achieve the desired results.
What cosmetic concerns does Vaniqa treat?
Unwanted Hair: Vaniqa works by interfering with an enzyme in the hair follicle of the treated area during the growth phase to thin hair and slow hair growth.
Who is the ideal candidate for Vaniqa?
The ideal candidate for Vaniqa is a female seeking a topical solution for unwanted hair growth on the face. Vaniqa is not recommended for those with sensitive skin types or children under 12 years of age.
What is the average recovery associated with Vaniqa?
There is no recovery time associated with Vaniqa use. Skin may be sensitive after application and patients are advised to use gentle skincare (moisturizers, aloe, or vitamin E), and wear loose, non-abrasive clothing.
What are the potential side effects of Vaniqa?
Possible side effects associated with the use of Vaniqa include dry skin, stinging, burning, temporary redness, flaking/peeling, itching, skin irritation, folliculitis, and skin sensitivity in the affected areas, drug interactions, and allergic reaction.
What can someone expect from the results of Vaniqa?
The results of a Vaniqa develop gradually over four to eight weeks of treatment as unwanted facial hair thins and hair growth slows. Vaniqa must be used indefinitely to maintain results. Vaniqa should be discontinued if there is no improvement after six months of use.
What is the average cost of Vaniqa?
The average cost of Vaniqa is $150 to $210, but may be dependent on insurance. The actual cost of the Vaniqa will vary by location, healthcare professional, and individual candidate needs.
Pros
- Thins Hair
- Slows Hair Growth
Cons
- Only For The Face
- Does Not Remove Hair
Invasiveness Score
mildmoderatesevere
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Vaniqa is a topical prescription cream that is FDA-approved to reduce unwanted facial hair. Here is a quick for what to expect before, during, and after treatment with Vaniqa.
Before Treatment
- Cleanse the area where the medication will be applied
- Complete any hair removal techniques 5 minutes before
During Treatment
- Wash hands before use
- Apply a thin layer of cream to areas with unwanted facial hair
- Completely rub in the product
- Wash hands
- Leave on for 4 hours
- Once dry, apply cosmetics and sunscreen as normal
Immediately After Treatment
No recovery needed. Resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Result Notes
- Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually
- Improvements seen in 4 to 8 weeks
- Product used indefinitely for continued results
- If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment should be discontinued
Before Treatment
- Cleanse the area where the medication will be applied
- Complete any hair removal techniques 5 minutes before
During Treatment
- Wash hands before use
- Apply a thin layer of cream to areas with unwanted facial hair
- Completely rub in the product
- Wash hands
- Leave on for 4 hours
- Once dry, apply cosmetics and sunscreen as normal
Immediately After Treatment
No recovery needed. Resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Result Notes
- Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually
- Improvements seen in 4 to 8 weeks
- Product used indefinitely for continued results
- If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment should be discontinued
Before Treatment
- Cleanse the area where the medication will be applied
- Complete any hair removal techniques 5 minutes before
During Treatment
- Wash hands before use
- Apply a thin layer of cream to areas with unwanted facial hair
- Completely rub in the product
- Wash hands
- Leave on for 4 hours
- Once dry, apply cosmetics and sunscreen as normal
Immediately After Treatment
No recovery needed. Resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Result Notes
- Reduction in facial hair occurs gradually
- Improvements seen in 4 to 8 weeks
- Product used indefinitely for continued results
- If no improvement is seen after 6 months of use, treatment should be discontinued
The Takeaway
Vaniqa is a brand name product containing the hair removal cream ingredient eflornithine. It is used in females with unwanted facial hair. This FDA approved hair removal technique must be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider.
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