Electrolysis and laser hair removal both offer permanent solutions; however, electrolysis requires multiple sessions over an extended period.
MassHealth considers electrolysis and/or laser hair removal medically necessary when recommended by a physician as part of preparation for genital reconstructive surgery or related to hormone therapy.
Medical Necessity
Electrolysis or laser hair removal must be conducted by a certified electrologist in order to be considered medically necessary. Electrolysis involves inserting a small, sterile needle into the root of a hair follicle, applying electric current through it, and disabling it so it no longer produces hair; the result being permanent hair reduction.
Laser hair removal works by targeting pigment in hair follicles with light energy. By manipulating wavelength, intensity, and pulse duration settings on a laser, effective targeting can be accomplished. Treatment typically doesn’t cause pain like waxing or tweezing does; however some individuals may feel some stinging sensation or warmth during treatment. Since light energy from a laser absorbs melanin (pigment), its effectiveness on tanned or sun-exposed skin will be limited.
Electrolysis has been approved as an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure to assist transgender individuals who want to reduce the amount of hair on their bodies, aid gender dysphoria, reduce time and money spent shaving/waxing/depilatory products as well as provide cost/time savings when used on chest, bikini area or eyebrow hair removal.
To be eligible for coverage of electrologist or laser specialist procedures, their doctor must recommend it and provide written documentation demonstrating they meet the necessary criteria to receive these services. In addition, this documentation must outline an action plan on how many treatments will be necessary to reach desired results. The patient must then be referred by their primary care provider to a network-participating electrologist or laser specialist.
Before having gender affirmation surgery, people usually require up to 12 electrolysis or laser sessions as part of the preparation process. Hair removal helps prepare the skin by decreasing fibrotic tissue accumulation – a condition which makes genital lift or vaginoplasty operations harder – which may prevent coverage for their surgeries. For transgender people this could mean the difference between receiving coverage or not.
Written Authorization
Shaving, waxing and tweezing may seem like futile efforts when it comes to hair removal – you get rid of one unwanted hair only to have another appear shortly thereafter. At some point you may decide that permanent removal of unwanted hairs would be more efficient. Electrolysis and laser hair removal both offer long-term solutions; which treatment option would suit you depends on factors like comfort level, pain tolerance tolerance and availability for multiple treatment sessions.
Electrolysis uses a small needle inserted into each hair follicle and an electric current is then passed through it, to destroy its structure and stop hair growth from there on out. Electrolysis provides long-term solutions to unwanted hair growth but requires multiple sessions; unlike laser hair removal which may damage your skin permanently, electrolysis has the FDA’s backing as an FDA-approved permanent solution.
Laser hair removal can be quick and straightforward, yet only targets a limited group of hair follicles at any one time. To fully remove all the hair follicles in an area it could take up to 30 sessions with this approach alone; many opt for electrolysis alongside laser treatment as this combination speeds up their journey towards permanent hair-freedom.
Electrolysis is a slower yet more thorough hair removal method than laser. Additionally, it works on all hair and skin types so it makes an excellent option for everyone. Unfortunately, electrolysis can be more costly than its laser equivalent and provides only permanent solutions instead of temporary solutions.
Licensed electrologists must keep a written record of the receipt, transfer and disposal of devices used for electrolysis or laser hair removal. This log should include information such as manufacturer, model number, serial number date of receipt/transfer/disposal as well as name/address of person from whom/to whom device has been received/transferred/disposed off.
Consultation
Shaving, waxing and tweezing often feel like losing battles; when hair does finally vanish temporarily it quickly returns days later forcing more time and money spent dealing with unwanted growth. If this cycle becomes tiresome to you then permanent hair removal might be the perfect solution; electrolysis and laser hair removal both offer effective permanent hair reduction techniques; but which method would best fit with your lifestyle?
Electrolysis practices often provide free consultations. At these first meetings, you can ask any questions and ensure you feel at ease with the process before commencing treatment. In addition, consultations provide an opportunity to evaluate if their practice is clean; whether workers wear gloves and use disposable equipment; as well as seeing whether any potential risks exist in terms of cleanliness.
Electrolysis involves inserting a very fine needle into each hair follicle and using an electrical current to destroy it, taking much longer than laser hair removal due to individual treatment of each follicle. Electrolysis has been FDA approved as the only permanent hair reduction method since over 100 years.
Laser hair removal uses a light beam to heat and damage pigment in hair follicles, stopping them from producing new hair growth. Multiple treatment sessions may be required for long-term results; laser is considered less painful than electrolysis for people with sensitive skin.
If you’re interested in laser hair removal, it’s essential to find a licensed practitioner. Review your state’s licensing requirements to make sure the person chosen has been trained and experienced practitioner; furthermore, certification from organizations like American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or National Laser Safety Association could also help ensure quality service.
Before undertaking both laser and electrolysis treatments simultaneously, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. Both techniques may result in side effects; therefore, make sure you work with someone who has had proper training and experience in each technique. Furthermore, most insurance policies won’t cover electrolysis procedures – as such you will likely have to cover out-of-pocket for them.
Treatment
Laser and electrolysis have both proven their efficacy as effective hair removal treatments, so you may be considering whether or not to combine the two techniques. It’s wise to consult a licensed electrologist as they have the training and experience needed to best meet the client’s needs.
Electrolysis treatment entails inserting a tiny needle (known as a probe) into each individual hair follicle and using electric current to destroy them, stopping any future hair growth. You may experience slight tingling during treatment; it typically is painless. People with darker skin can sometimes experience temporary darkening of their skin; these marks tend to fade quickly.
To become a licensed electrologist, it is necessary to complete an approved program that includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience in a salon. Your training will equip you with both knowledge of history and science behind this form of hair removal treatment as well as expertise on using state-of-the-art equipment, which will equip you with both skills and confidence necessary to provide effective hair removal services to clients.
Electrolysis treatments typically take 30 regular sessions depending on your body area and type of hair to achieve permanent results. You should schedule appointments weekly or bi-weekly during your initial year before tapering down as time progresses.
Whether considering laser or electrolysis, be sure to find a practitioner who only utilizes top-of-the-line tools and equipment. Get references from customers or ask friends or family members for recommendations before visiting for your consultation visit – look around carefully, inspect everything for cleanliness, discuss any questions or share concerns with the electrologist on that visit.
When both laser and electrolysis treatments are applicable to a client’s needs, they can be combined for more comprehensive hair removal treatment. For instance, when treating dark leg hair on a pale-skinned individual with laser, lighter hairs can be removed while electrolysis targets darker hairs that remain. It is important to remember that both methods work best when treated when in their natural growth phases; thus it would be wise not to shave or wax prior to beginning treatments.
