Laser hair removal is an efficient, painless treatment you can complete on your lunch break or during weekends – no downtime necessary, unlike painful waxing appointments!
Doing your research before spending can save you a great deal of money in the long run; consider it more as an investment than an expense.
It’s a cosmetic procedure
Laser hair removal is an invasive cosmetic procedure; though costly, it can save time by eliminating the need for shaving or waxing, as well as lower risk of ingrown hairs. Before undertaking such procedures, however, it’s essential that you understand any associated risks.
Before beginning any treatment, consult an experienced dermatologist to ascertain if it will be safe. They will consider your medical history and medications you are currently taking as well as your skin type in order to make an assessment and thus avoid complications from the procedure.
Laser hair removal involves multiple sessions spread out over weeks or months; typically six treatments should do the trick for most unwanted hair removal. A skilled aesthetician will shave the area that needs treating before using laser light to target hair follicles; heat from this laser damages them and stops further hair growth – however the number of sessions needed depends on factors such as color, thickness, location and timing of treatments.
Some hair colors tend to respond better to treatment than others, due to pigment in their follicles absorbing light energy, which then converts into heat energy that destroys follicles. Light hair colors may not respond as effectively because their follicles lack the capacity to absorb and convert this energy.
Color of skin surrounding hair also plays a significant role in treatment effectiveness, with darker complexions absorbing more energy which could ultimately destroy its follicles. Furthermore, laser treatment must distinguish between pigment from hair and that of skin to ensure an efficient outcome.
Select a board-certified dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon experienced with performing laser hair removal procedures on the type of skin you have. Spas and salons that employ nonmedical staff for these procedures should also be avoided.
Laser hair removal should also be understood to be temporary. While it does induce dormancy in hair follicles, when they reemerge they will likely grow back finer and lighter than before. Most patients require touch up treatments once every year or two in order to catch any small hairs that might reemerge.
It’s a medical procedure
Laser hair removal has quickly become one of the most sought-after ways to rid yourself of unwanted body hair. It drastically reduces or even eliminates the need for shaving, tweezing and waxing while eliminating its associated odor and smoothing your skin out more than traditional shaving. However, younger patients must keep in mind that laser does not necessarily eliminate all hair.
If you’re considering laser hair removal, first visit with a dermatologist. He or she can assess your medical history and perform a physical exam before suggesting the best type of laser treatment to use on you. There are various laser types available to suit all skin complexions including ruby, alexandrite, diode and neodymium YAG lasers.
Understanding the difference between permanent and semi-permanent hair removal is also essential. While hair follicles may reactivate after an extended period of dormancy, the newly produced strands tend to be lighter-colored and finer in thickness. Laser treatment has shown to result in up to 20% less hair growth over time.
Your discomfort during treatment depends on its location and how your skin reacts; redness or swelling could occur; these side effects should subside within several days and if any is bothersome to you a topical anesthetic can help reduce discomfort.
Laser hair removal can save both time and money in the long run, much like purchasing quality shoes that cost more upfront but last much longer than cheaper alternatives. But if you plan to tap into your HSA or FSA to cover its costs, keep in mind that under IRS Publication 502, nonqualified distributions such as cosmetic procedures do not qualify as eligible expenses under your account’s rules.
Laser treatments offer more than just removal of unwanted hair; they can also boost your confidence in yourself and in your appearance. Smooth skin can boost self-esteem and even lift mood; plus you won’t waste your time shaving or waxing, which can be an embarrassment!
It’s a medical necessity
Laser hair removal is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that utilizes concentrated beams of light to target and destroy unwanted hair follicles, effectively stopping future hair growth. It is an ideal way for both men and women who wish to minimize shaving, waxing or plucking efforts and is an alternative that is safer and faster than threading and cream methods – which may become painful labor-intensive options over time.
Laser hair removal can be painful and take anywhere from five minutes to an hour to treat an entire area, though the pain should be minimal; you might experience something similar to small stings or rubber band snaps on your skin. After treatment, your skin might appear red and swollen which is completely normal; try not exposing this area to direct sunlight and use moisturizer to hydrate the area regularly if possible; also note any smell of smoke or burning hair afterward but this too should dissipate quickly.
Although laser hair removal is considered cosmetic, it may also be deemed medically necessary in cases such as hirsutism and gender dysphoria. Furthermore, laser hair removal has also proven helpful with hyperhidrosis and excessive sweating – though you should always consult with a healthcare provider prior to making this decision.
Some health insurance plans cover laser hair reduction treatments while others do not. To determine whether this service falls within your plan’s coverage, reach out to your provider and inquire about guidelines and pre-approval. Certain procedures require prior authorization while others could qualify for reimbursement via flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).
Laser hair removal offers long-term solutions to temporary methods of hair removal such as shaving and waxing, while simultaneously saving both time and money by eliminating routine maintenance costs. Furthermore, it provides safe and effective results across all skin types and body areas while increasing self-esteem by eliminating unwanted hair from facial features, arms, legs and the bikini area.
It’s a medical expense
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive treatment that uses heat from a laser to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair. The procedure typically lasts from 30 minutes to an hour depending on the area being treated. Before beginning, a practitioner will apply topical pain-relieving gel that will help relieve discomfort and decrease redness afterward. Once complete, they will then press their laser’s trigger – this may feel similar to snapping an elastic band around your skin! Finally, after treatment has concluded patients must use sunscreen on any treated areas for protection aftercare!
Although electrolysis or needle epilators may offer longer-term solutions for hair removal, electrolysis has proven itself effective for slowing hair growth significantly and more comfortably than shaving or waxing. If permanent hair reduction is your goal, consulting with a dermatologist might also offer some potential options such as electrolysis.
Shopping around for the ideal specialist and factoring geographic location into cost calculations is crucial to selecting an experienced laser practitioner, who has both high levels of skill and experience, as well as registration with national bodies that demonstrate compliance with training and insurance standards.
Health insurance does not typically cover laser hair removal treatments; however, you may still be able to access them at a reduced cost through flexible spending accounts or other financing solutions. Before choosing how you will finance your laser hair removal treatments, carefully evaluate all available financing options – payment plans, interest rates and repayment terms should all be taken into consideration before making your final decision.
Laser hair removal uses pulses of heat directed at hair follicles to destroy them and stop future growth, and is dependent on various factors like color and coarseness of hair as well as hormonal influences and treatment area. On average, five sessions at four week intervals typically suffice in eliminating most unwanted hair; however some areas of the body such as the chin or eyebrows may need only 15 minutes for effective removal.
