Electrolysis involves passing direct current from a power source through an electrolyte between two electrodes to initiate redox reactions that occur between these molecules.
Electrolysis may seem painful at first, but it’s actually an effective long-term hair removal solution that effectively stops further hair growth.
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1. Check with your primary care physician.
Make sure that you understand any deductible, copayment or coinsurance costs associated with your treatment before scheduling an appointment. In case your insurer does not cover it, these would be costs you are personally liable for paying out-of-pocket.
Electrolysis treatments typically result in redness and minor swelling immediately following treatment, but it’s important not to rub or scratch the area as this could allow bacteria into open follicles leading to infection. Calamine lotion may speed healing; tanning beds and sun exposure should also be avoided after the appointment as this could lead to hyper pigmentation in the area.
Most people require multiple sessions of electrolysis to achieve permanent hair removal. While electrolysis can reduce unwanted hair growth, its main cause remains hormonal imbalance; therefore, electrolysis cannot be considered an effective cure for PCOS.
Many transgender patients are turning to electrolysis as a means to increase acceptance and improve “passing.” Furthermore, it provides an affordable option for those struggling to afford hormones and other transitioning medical treatments.
If you are interested in exploring this option for your care, we advise speaking to your primary care doctor to see if they can write a letter of medical necessity that will then be submitted to your health insurance provider to see if they cover services provided by Goddess Electrolysis. Currently we are contracted with BCBS-MN and can bill directly against their plans; get in touch today to set up a consultation!
2. Ask for a letter of medical necessity.
Unwanted hair growth can cause discomfort, embarrassment and health problems for some people. It may impact areas such as the face, neck, shoulders, arms, breasts, legs or any other body part and be caused by hormone levels, genetics or illnesses; due to this issue, some opt for electrolysis treatment in order to permanently eliminate unwanted hairs.
Hair removal treatments typically require multiple visits over time and involve professional service providers insertion a needle into every individual hair follicle to disrupt it with electric current, creating pain as it goes along. Modern techniques and topical anesthetic can reduce this discomfort to manageable levels; depending on the area being treated, appointments could last from 15 minutes up to an hour.
When using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), in order to be reimbursed for services, you will be required to submit a letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider in order to be reimbursed for treatments or healthcare items you require for illness or injury treatment. A letter of medical necessity typically contains clinical studies as well as research findings demonstrating the advantages provided by treatment or healthcare item in question.
Electrolysis is considered a cosmetic procedure by insurance providers. However, certain insurers may cover it if you undergo gender affirmation surgery; their policy might reimburse for electrolysis needed as preparation for it. It’s best to discuss all available coverage options with your physician to see whether coverage might apply in your case.
3. Schedule a consultation.
Unwanted hair growth can be an uncomfortable reality for some individuals. It can significantly damage self-esteem and confidence. Causes for unwanted hair growth could range from hormone levels, genetics and medications or illness, to transitioning gender identity or simply ageing naturally. Insurance companies increasingly acknowledge permanent hair removal as medically necessary – electrolysis being one of the only permanent solutions available for unwanted hair growth.
To determine whether or not your plan covers electrolysis treatments, it’s wise to schedule a consultation with a professional electrologist. Discuss credentials, training and continuing education; ask about universal precautions; ask to see the facility, equipment and cleanliness standards as well as whether the electrologist has an applicable license in your region; make sure they follow universal precautions; ask about universal precautions at their practice and more!
At your consultation appointment, your electrologist will assess your medical history, explain how electrolysis works and address any preexisting conditions that could impede its use. Be forthcoming and communicate any concerns you have to them directly during this process; in addition to that it’s best not to use short-term hair removal methods like shaving or plucking prior to your appointment as these could impede its results.
At your consultation, an electrologist will conduct a trial electrolysis treatment on you in order to make sure that you’re comfortable & prepared to undergo electrolysis. Once you’ve had your initial treatment, regular appointments can be scheduled in order to clear away hair from desired areas; depending on its size and location this could take anywhere between several weeks and 18 months for total clearance of unwanted hair from desired spots.
4. Ask for an estimate.
As soon as you start treatment, getting an estimate will provide an idea of the costs covered by your insurance company. Electrolysis sessions usually last anywhere between 30 minutes to eight hours depending on how large an area your technician is treating; more intensive removal will require multiple sessions than in smaller spots.
How much hair removal you require depends on a range of factors, including your skin type and thickness, the location and color of the hair being targeted and whether or not it is coarse or fine. A top electrologist should conduct an in-depth medical history review as well as create a personalized treatment plan in order to ensure both safety and effectiveness during treatments sessions.
Electrolysis is one of the more cost-effective long-term hair removal solutions, yet still requires multiple sessions to achieve similar results as laser. Although longer in its duration than laser, electrolysis offers safe and effective ways of permanently eliminating unwanted hair on facial features like the cheeks, neck shoulders back arms underarms breast abdomen legs bikini lines among others.
Electrolysis can also be an effective method for removing hair in hard to reach places such as ears. Many dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons offer electrolysis services, along with some registered nurses and nurse practitioners; additional providers include those specializing in women’s health and transgender healthcare as well as health care facilities dedicated to women’s healthcare and transgender healthcare services. If unsure which provider would best meet your needs, ask your physician or LGBT-friendly health care professional for suggestions.
5. Submit an invoice.
Electrolysis is an energy production technique that uses electricity to convert water into hydrogen fuel, but it’s also used cosmetically as a means to remove unwanted hair from your body permanently and safely – unlike shaving, waxing or plucking which only temporarily remove hair. Electrolysis targets the root of each follicle to destroy it so new hair cannot form there in its place.
Electrolysis involves inserting one or more electrodes into each hair follicle, and connecting them to a power source that generates direct current (DC). Once connected, these electrodes must remain within their respective spaces while being powered up; or else electrolysis won’t work.
Electrolysis sensation varies according to your skin type and method used, with some experiencing it as mild tingling while others feeling slight discomfort. You may also experience reddening shortly after treatment which should subside quickly; to minimize discomfort prior to beginning, speak to your electrologist about numbing creams which could reduce discomfort levels during sessions.
Many health insurance providers do not cover electrolysis treatments because they consider excessive hair growth a cosmetic matter rather than medical one. Some insurers may cover it if you have a benign mole with hair or are having gender assurance surgery; you’ll need documentation from your physician stating the procedure is necessary for medical reasons and an explanation from them on why the procedure must be performed; Washington law mandates insurers cover hair removal prior to such surgeries on an individual basis.
