Laser hair removal uses light energy to target and destroy hair follicles responsible for producing hair growth, in an often safe and effective process that’s suitable for most individuals – with possible side effects being minimal and usually temporary. However, there may be certain instances in which complications could arise that require medical intervention to correct.
Before considering laser hair removal, you should take note of several key considerations which could impact its cost and overall success.
Size of the Treatment Area
Laser hair removal is one of the most sought-after nonsurgical cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted hair, making it an efficient and pain-free alternative to waxing or shaving. Unfortunately, however, laser hair removal can be expensive; when determining its cost for facial use you must factor in several variables including treatment area size, type of equipment used and clinic location.
Size of Treatment Area for Laser Hair Removal The treatment area size is the single most influential factor when calculating how much laser hair removal will cost you. A smaller treatment area takes less time and costs less due to thinner skin in smaller treatment zones allowing quicker treatment times.
Smaller treatment areas provide easier hair removal due to having fewer hair follicles to target, and will produce faster, more noticeable results with reduced side effects or complications.
However, treating larger areas is sometimes necessary – for instance if you wish to treat your legs or arms. When treating larger areas with more hair follicles to target and therefore more time needed per session for effective hair removal. Furthermore, larger treatments require more regular visits so as to effectively eliminate all hair.
Not only does the size and type of your treatment area impact laser hair removal costs, but so too do its type and strength of laser. A high-powered laser may cost more; however, these high-powered devices tend to treat larger areas faster with greater efficacy.
Laser spot size is also a critical consideration. This element determines how deep light penetrates into skin layers; larger spots will penetrate further, targeting more melanin and pigmentation from hair follicles.
Geographic location plays a pivotal role in determining your cost for laser hair removal. A clinic located in an urban center where there is greater demand will likely charge more. Furthermore, reputation of the clinic also plays a factor; one with positive associations tends to provide quality results more effectively and cost effectively.
Technology Used
When considering laser hair removal, it can come as quite a shock when the cost exceeds your expectations. Machines used for this treatment can cost tens of thousands to purchase new and the ongoing maintenance expenses can quickly add up; additionally, medical spas or dermatologists may need to pay business taxes and rent in order to house this equipment.
Although initial costs may seem expensive, long-term savings could more than compensate. Consider how much time and energy you devote to grooming yourself daily through shaving or waxing – using laser hair removal could free up this time for other pursuits.
As for how the procedure works, a laser machine identifies any pigment on your skin – typically around the base of a hair follicle – which it then converts to heat and destroys, stopping any future growth of hair in that area. With an extensive range of wavelengths to target simultaneously and low risk of burning the skin, laser machines offer fast treatment of many areas at once.
As opposed to other methods, laser hair removal is permanent; however, you may require multiple sessions in order to see desired results. You must avoid shaving and waxing prior to your first session and wear protective goggles during treatment; additionally numbing gel will be applied directly onto the skin in order to minimize discomfort during sessions.
As laser hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery and therefore not covered by health insurance, you will need to find an affordable provider offering this service.
Some clinics may provide discounts for multiple treatment sessions, and their price per session will depend on the size and number of areas being treated, plus how long it will take for permanent results to appear. Also consider your provider’s location as well as type of laser they use; ideal lasers include ones that can adapt to accommodate for different skin tones and types.
Experience of the Doctor
Laser hair removal uses light energy to destroy hair follicles and stop further hair growth, saving money in the long run by forgoing waxing or shaving services. The laser works by absorbing pigment from within each follicle and turning that energy into heat; eventually destroying them so they no longer produce hair growth over time.
Experience is key when it comes to laser hair removal procedures; more experienced doctors will be more adept at accurately assessing your skin and hair type for improved results, while those who have performed numerous sessions of treatment will provide more accurate estimates as to the number of sessions necessary for you to achieve desired outcomes.
Before beginning laser hair removal sessions, your face will be cleaned thoroughly and numbing gel may be applied to the target areas. Once this process is complete, a physician will apply short bursts of laser light over short intervals until all target areas have been treated; protective goggles will protect eyes from laser burn. Depending on your skin type and circumstances, several sessions at four to six-week intervals may be necessary.
Small areas such as ears, areola, eyebrows, neck and chin can be treated for between $50 to $200 per session; medium areas including legs, arms stomach and bikini line treatment typically fall between $400-600; large areas, such as backs and legs, could reach up to $800 per session.
Laser hair removal costs will depend on several factors, including practitioner qualifications and experience, procedure type used, treatment duration duration and geographic location of office. Since it’s considered cosmetic surgery, health insurance plans typically won’t cover it; however some plastic surgeons offer financing options or you could use funds from your flexible spending account or health savings account instead.
Insurance Coverage
Laser treatments offer an alternative approach to hair removal that is fast becoming one of the most sought-after nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in America, unlike shaving, waxing or plucking methods. Laser treatment uses melanin in hair follicles to destroy them and prevent future growth; making this an increasingly popular way of getting rid of unwanted body hair while being amongst one of the most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in this country. However, many are curious to find out whether such procedures are covered by their health insurance provider.
Unfortunately, laser hair removal is typically not covered by health insurance plans, since this service falls under cosmetic surgery and thus typically not covered. There may be exceptions however; please check with your provider.
Some insurers may cover permanent hair removal as part of a treatment plan for gender dysphoria, while some also cover estheticians and cosmetologists licensed to conduct laser hair removal procedures.
Health insurance typically only covers medically necessary procedures; however, some plastic surgeons offer alternative financing solutions so their patients can obtain care without needing to pay out-of-pocket.
Cost of Laser Hair Removal Treatment Vary Based on Body Area* The overall costs associated with laser hair removal treatments depend on your body area of concern; for instance, treating arms or chest will likely be less costly than legs/back. Furthermore, number of sessions needed has an impactful role; most individuals typically need four-six treatments to reach optimal results.
Before your laser hair removal appointment, it is essential that your skin be prepared. Avoiding sun exposure as the laser doesn’t work well on tanned skin is key; any creams or topical medications should also be eliminated prior to beginning treatment and shaving should also be minimized in advance of your appointment.
If you are considering investing in laser hair removal treatments, it would be beneficial to keep track of what other costs you spend each year on hair removal services such as waxing. This will enable you to determine if investing in laser treatments would meet your individual needs and requirements.
