Laser hair removal is one of the most frequently performed nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States. It works by emitting a beam of light which targets pigmented follicles to disable and stop their hair production – thus stopping hair from growing back again.
Before any procedure, your plastic surgeon may use a topical numbing agent to make treatment more comfortable. Additionally, it’s a good idea to put off shaving until after your appointment has taken place.
Costs
Laser hair removal costs can vary significantly depending on the area you want treated, surgeon fees and geographic location. Also remember that this is considered cosmetic surgery and not covered by health insurance; so if interested, talk with your specialist about package options and flexible payment plans as well as possible healthcare savings accounts to cover this expense.
Researchers conducted a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology that compared Medicaid and Affordable Care Act (ACA) policies with private insurance plans regarding hair removal coverage. Their researchers discovered that more private policies provide hair removal coverage; however, only six out of 174 policies studied had completed medically necessary assessments; making approval less likely for this procedure.
Hair removal using laser is a quick and painless procedure that utilizes heat from a laser beam to target and destroy hair follicles responsible for hair growth. Melanin pigment absorbs heat from laser energy absorbed by melanin pigment in hair follicles which then ruptures under laser heat, leading to noticeable hair growth reduction over time. While there may be risks such as depigmentation or skin burns associated with laser removal treatments, these risks are significantly decreased when selecting an experienced and well-trained practitioner.
Laser hair removal requires multiple sessions in order to be successful, after an initial treatment and subsequent touch up sessions every four to six weeks. Therefore, it is crucial that patients follow their dermatologist’s instructions prior to and following each treatment session in order to minimize potential side effects.
Laser treatment not only reduces unwanted hair but can also alleviate skin conditions caused by excess hair such as folliculitis and discoloration, while simultaneously shortening your time spent shaving, waxing or tweezing – saving money on shaving supplies as well as decreasing risk of infection from razor bumps or ingrown hairs.
Procedures
Laser light pulses are used to penetrate the skin and destroy hair follicles so they no longer produce hair growth, providing more effective hair removal than shaving or waxing, which only remove the tips. Procedures take place at a doctor’s office and require patients to wear protective eyewear during treatment. A numbing gel may be applied before starting, which may take minutes for small areas like the chin or up to an hour for larger ones such as legs. Some individuals experience discomfort during laser hair removal procedures, although it shouldn’t be as painful as waxing or shaving. Some feel discomfort from heat generated by the laser while others may feel its pulses similar to snapping rubber bands against their skin.
Laser hair removal not only removes unwanted hair, but can also enhance the look and feel of skin. In addition, it reduces time spent shaving or waxing; results of treatment may last for several years or even longer; for optimal results follow your doctor’s pre- and post-treatment care advice.
Medicare coverage allows for laser hair removal services; however, you should check with your insurer as there may be different coverage options and limitations available to you. Flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts can also be used to pay for laser hair removal; just make sure you follow their rules properly!
Maintain a record of all expenses related to laser hair removal so you can accurately track its costs. By keeping track of how much you’re spending on hair removal and comparing this figure with average costs of laser hair removal procedures, you can accurately gauge whether it represents good value.
Laser hair removal is an increasingly popular cosmetic procedure that can significantly decrease grooming time and shaving frequency. Furthermore, it is an affordable solution for those with limited incomes – Medicaid and private health insurance can cover these services as payment sources.
Downtime
Laser treatment involves minimal downtime and recovery time compared to other hair removal methods, allowing most patients to return immediately to their regular activities after each treatment session. This is partly due to its noninvasive nature as well as modern laser technology enabling your provider to target specific areas of skin with pinpoint accuracy.
While your skin recovers from laser treatments, sunlight or tanning beds should be avoided to ensure maximum effectiveness for laser hair removal treatments. Laser treatments work best on dark coarse hair while not working at all on gray, white or vellus (peach fuzz) hair (aka peach fuzz).
Laser treatments may cause discomfort at times; however, this discomfort should only be temporary. You should always follow your provider’s instructions regarding pre and post-treatment care for optimal results; most providers advise limiting sun exposure for two weeks post treatment sessions as lasers can put skin into an extremely delicate state after being repeatedly hit by laser beams.
Safety
Laser hair removal is a safe and effective method for eliminating unwanted hair, using pulses of light energy to target pigment in hair follicles and destroy them, so new hair doesn’t grow back in their place. It offers an alternative to shaving, waxing and tweezing which may cause ingrown hairs or razor bumps if done incorrectly; however, before making this decision it is essential that all risks associated with the procedure are understood prior to embarking upon any such journey.
According to the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, electrologists, cosmetologists, and estheticians should never perform laser hair removal without medical supervision present on-site. As this procedure can cause permanent disfigurement, skin discolouration and burns if performed without supervision from a qualified physician, having one present can reduce risks in case complications arise during or following its execution.
Before your laser hair removal treatment begins, protective goggles must be worn to shield your eyes from the laser beam and you may receive topical anesthetic for pain management. Once treatment begins, stings caused by heat from the laser will occur – this is normal and a cold compress should provide relief if required.
Your skin may appear red and swollen after laser hair removal treatment, with possible signs of oozing caused by damaged hair follicles caused by laser heat. For optimal results, avoid exposure to direct sunlight for several days after treatment and consider applying moisturizer on this area as well.
Laser therapy offers one of the most precise means of hair removal available today; its beam targets only hair follicles rather than surrounding skin, making it safe and effective option for most people, including those with darker hair or darker skin tone. Multiple sessions may be necessary in order to achieve maximum results.
Position Statement 15.9 of the Texas Board of Nursing on Performance of Laser Therapy by Licensed RNs or LVNs indicates that independent laser therapy performance by licensed RNs or LVNs falls outside their scope of practice, however if an RN or LVN has been delegated by a physician to do so they must abide by all requirements set forth by Texas Board of Nursing Position Statement 15.9.
