Men who spend significant amounts of time grooming their privates will find laser hair removal to be an appealing investment, saving both money and time by eliminating the need for waxing, depilatory creams, or razors.
Be mindful that plastic surgery falls under cosmetic surgery, and most insurance won’t cover it.
Cost
Laser hair removal for men’s privates may cost more than other areas, but its benefits can make up for it. Lasers can eliminate razor burn, ingrown hairs and itching more permanently than shaving or waxing while also helping with issues like folliculitis or discoloration, according to experts.
Laser light works to target hair follicles and prevent new hair growth. Though hair may return later, it will usually be lighter and finer. Most individuals require six or more sessions of laser hair removal for men’s privates before seeing a significant reduction.
Karavolas advises that smaller areas like bikini lines and underarms can be treated for less than $250 per session, citing instances in which treatments were available at pharmacies in Canada for such areas as chest, shoulders and neck to give a tank-top-ready appearance or eliminate collar rash. People with sensitive skin can request for a numbing cream prior to any treatments.
Males can also avail themselves of Brazilian or Hollywood laser hair removal treatments to rid themselves of pubic area hair, including that present on the penis front and underside as well as underside of buttocks. Cost per session ranges between PS130 – PS200 while six to eight sessions will likely be necessary.
Laser hair removal for men’s privates isn’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid or most insurance plans; however, certain cosmetic procedures qualify for health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts, which may help lower overall treatment costs. If you are considering laser hair removal as a treatment option, consult a financial advisor on what the costs will be as well as payment options available to you.
Treatment Areas
Men have been increasingly turning to beauty treatments that were historically reserved for women, including laser hair removal. Some estheticians report men account for an increasing portion of their clientele – especially for male body waxing services which offer smooth skin on backs and shoulders.
Lasers target the roots of unwanted hair to permanently eliminate it and can be safely used on sensitive areas like neck, jawline and bearded area. In just 3-5 sessions, men can see major reductions in unwanted body hair.
The number of sessions required will depend on the thickness, color and natural growth cycle of your hair. Darker, thicker hair is usually more responsive to treatment and requires fewer treatments than lighter hues. In comparison to electrolysis treatments, laser hair removal treatments don’t cause pain; rather, they feel similar to snapping a rubber band against the skin. Furthermore, laser removal doesn’t leave behind any permanent side effects!
Men may be eligible for insurance coverage of laser hair removal. Unfortunately, however, most insurers consider laser hair removal a cosmetic surgery and Medicare does not approve expenditures on it unless medically necessary; similarly it cannot be paid for with flexible spending or health savings accounts (FSA or HSA).
Rumors regarding laser hair removal’s possible impact on male fertility have surfaced, yet most experts find them unfounded. While using a laser on the genital area may temporarily lower sperm count slightly, similar effects could occur from using hot tubs or saunas; usually any short-term effect on fertility is usually no greater than had they not shaved for several days beforehand.
Specialists
Many years ago, hair removal was typically thought of as something women did – until now! Today more men than ever are opting for laser treatment as an effective means of hair removal and smoother body skin. Although laser can be costly – with several sessions potentially costing several thousand dollars total according to panelists – it tends to be less costly than waxing or other traditional forms of hair removal methods.
Bhanusali notes that laser hair removal for men’s privates typically requires multiple sessions at four- to six-week intervals for optimal results, as hair follicles constantly cycle between growth, resting, and reset stages; hence why laser treatments only target active growing follicles at any one time.
Selection of an appropriate laser type is also vital to successful treatments; certain laser types work better on certain skin tones than others. Bhanusali and Hartman advise using Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) systems on light to medium skin tones while Alexandrite or Nd:YAG systems work best on darker tones.
As far as pain levels go, they vary depending on who’s experiencing them. People with low tolerance for discomfort may benefit from taking over-the-counter pain relief prior to their appointment while those with higher thresholds may find the process entirely tolerable.
Finally, it should be mentioned that men may experience an unexpected side-effect from their procedure in the form of an erection. This is caused by an inflammatory response within their body triggered by treatment; although unpleasant, it’s not unusual. Most estheticians have seen this happen before and will be able to continue with the treatment without issue.
Insurance
Laser hair removal can be an effective treatment option for men with excess body hair. The procedure can reduce ingrown hairs, razor burn and skin rashes but doesn’t come cheap; sessions may range from $100-500 depending on factors like body area, surgeon fees and geographic location – plus inflation may drive prices higher!
Laser hair reduction surgery is often considered cosmetic procedures and therefore not covered by health insurance plans. However, certain states do have laws which allow insurers to cover it under specific conditions; in such cases it would be wise to consult both your physician and insurance provider to ascertain whether coverage applies in your situation. To find out whether coverage applies, speak to both of them prior to beginning treatments.
If you are planning on having laser hair removal done, it is essential that you prepare for your appointment. At your consultation appointment, your healthcare provider will explain the procedure and answer any questions that arise; additionally they may suggest treatments as well as discuss costs and offer recommendations. However, keep in mind that results of laser hair removal don’t happen instantly and could take several sessions before becoming permanent.
As part of the laser hair removal process, you will wear protective glasses or goggles to safeguard your eyes and avoid tanning or using sunblock prior to appointments as the light from the laser can damage skin cells. In addition, two or three days before being treated it is advised to shave the area that will be targeted; and it is also essential not waxing, tweezing or plucking hair before your appointment so the laser can target only hair instead of other components of the body such as skin.
Payment Options
Laser hair removal may seem costly, but its many advantages – smoother shaving experience and reduced ingrown hairs – may outweigh its initial investment. Our panelists emphasized the need to find an experienced practitioner who knows how to perform this procedure safely and effectively.
Men typically require four to ten sessions to achieve desired results with laser hair removal. That is due to hair follicles not all being active at once – some might be growing, resting, or already dead follicles have fallen out altogether; as laser treatment only targets actively growing follicles, multiple sessions spaced six-8 weeks apart may be necessary for optimal results.
A skilled practitioner can assist in identifying how many sessions will be necessary and their cost estimates. You may choose between purchasing a single treatment or multiple sessions at once for optimal cost efficiency.
Before your first laser hair removal session, it’s essential that all treatment areas be fully shaved so the doctor can easily see and locate the base of your hair for best results. Also try avoiding direct sun exposure and any overly perfumed or chemical-powered skincare products in the two days leading up to your appointment.
Laser hair removal can be an ideal solution for men suffering from scaly or bumpy skin on their shoulders and backs, ingrown hairs on their jawline or beard line and facial fuzz. Furthermore, it can reduce maintenance in areas such as the groin, thigh area or perineum and provide smoother skin overall.
