Laser hair removal is a safe cosmetic procedure used to reduce unwanted body hair. Unfortunately, most health insurance plans don’t cover it; however it may be covered if used to treat medical conditions like hirsutism in women with PCOS.
Before undertaking any surgical procedure, it is crucial that one understands what they should expect – this includes knowing about costs and insurance coverage.
Costs
Laser hair removal sessions typically cost anywhere from $125 to $1,000, but their costs depend on factors like the number of treatments needed and body area being treated, practitioner experience and type of machine used; an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist may charge more but the results could be superior.
Before your appointment, it is recommended to wear loose clothing and shave the area to be treated. Also avoid applying any creams, oils or deodorant directly onto your skin before your appointment if possible; alternatively ask your practitioner for a wipe to cleanse before going in for treatment.
Finding and scheduling your initial laser hair removal consultation session are key components to finding a quality laser hair removal clinic and procedure. At this meeting, you’ll gain all the information required for making an informed decision and can pose any queries to your practitioner about the treatment or ask any other pertinent questions that arise.
Once your first treatment, it’s important to schedule regular follow-up sessions and follow your practitioner’s advice regarding skin care between sessions. A good practice would be scheduling them every 4-10 weeks so your skin has enough time to adapt and maximize its effectiveness.
Keep in mind that hair will probably regrow in the treated area; however, its new growth should be lighter and less noticeable than before. Also make sure that sunscreen is always used on treated skin – even during winter.
If you are considering laser hair removal, it would be prudent to keep track of how much money is being spent on shaving, waxing, threading and plucking as part of the evaluation process. Studies have revealed that women can save as much as $23,000 over their lifetime by opting for more permanent solutions such as laser hair removal.
Insurance coverage
Laser hair removal could be an ideal alternative to shaving, waxing and tweezing for those seeking permanent results without pain. Not only is laser treatment quick and painless; it may even alleviate skin problems related to excessive hair growth such as folliculitis or discoloration – though costs for such procedures may be high so be sure to consult with your physician first to see if laser is the right treatment option for you.
Most health insurance plans don’t cover laser hair removal; however, some plastic surgery offices provide patient financing plans. You could also use your flexible spending account to cover its costs; to find out your options before the procedure it would be wise to consult your surgeon beforehand.
Laser hair removal involves a technician performing treatment, using topical anesthetic and cooling pads to protect your skin. It is crucial that you select a facility with qualified personnel who use appropriate equipment tailored specifically to your skin type, while adhering to hygiene standards and providing access to a physician during each phase. It may be wise to avoid tanning beds and sun exposure prior to beginning.
Not only should you ensure that the staff are adequately trained, but you should also take measures to secure malpractice insurance for them just in case they accidentally cause injury to patients. If your salon offers laser hair removal procedures, workers’ compensation coverage should also be available as this will cover medical treatment and lost wages should an employee become injured during one of those treatments.
At the end of the day, most people opt to purchase an insurance policy that covers the costs associated with laser hair removal. Depending on your chosen insurance company and plan, an umbrella policy might also cover additional expenses – this type of cover could prove invaluable should any major damages occur to your home or car.
Preparation
Planning laser hair removal requires proper skin preparation. To help make this procedure effective, it is necessary to avoid plucking, waxing and electrolysis for at least six weeks prior to laser treatment; such procedures disturb hair follicles which could make laser treatments ineffective. It is also crucial to avoid sun exposure as this may make skin less sensitive to laser light; use sunscreen with at least a broad spectrum SPF 30 rating when outdoors.
Before beginning laser hair removal treatment, you should discuss your expectations with your technician and understand how many treatments will be necessary to reach the results that you seek. Keep in mind that laser hair removal is not a permanent solution; ongoing maintenance sessions may be necessary in the future.
Be sure to ask about a technician’s credentials; make sure they possess both a license and certification to perform laser treatments. Avoid spas and salons which employ nonmedical personnel as laser technicians as you run the risk of complications after having one performed by them.
Your technician should be informed of any medications you are currently taking that could interfere with laser treatments or make your skin more sensitive, such as antibiotics, sunless tanning creams and blood-thinners. In addition, it would be wise to refrain from drinking alcohol and recreational drugs prior to your appointment.
Before your first laser session, shave the area that will be treated. This will allow for more efficient laser energy penetration into the skin and less chance of burning reactions. In addition, plucking, waxing and other hair removal techniques should be avoided prior to this appointment.
Your first session’s results should become evident three to ten days post treatment, as any remaining hair will gradually shed and hair growth in the treated area seems to slow down over time. Therefore, it is vital that you attend all scheduled appointments and follow all instructions of your technician following each treatment session.
Results
Laser hair removal can be extremely effective and often results in permanent results. The procedure works by targeting the root of your hair without damaging its surrounding skin; however, for maximum effectiveness you will need to attend regular treatment sessions, as missed appointments could compromise results.
The number of laser treatment sessions necessary depends on your area of treatment and hair density. A professional can assist you in determining how many treatments will be necessary to achieve desired results. You should see results shortly after beginning treatment sessions; however, full effect may take several months or even years before fully manifesting itself. During treatments you’ll wear protective eyewear designed to shield them from laser light exposure.
Expect to have regular maintenance appointments every four to six weeks, as well as taking measures to avoid sun exposure that could tan or burn the area. When going outside, use sunscreen with SPF 30 protection at minimum.
Based on your medical history and other considerations, health insurance may cover your laser hair removal treatment costs. Before beginning laser treatment it is wise to speak to your provider and understand their terms of coverage; additionally it is prudent to research clinics and practitioners online as a precautionary measure prior to any procedure – be sure to select someone with relevant experience, qualifications and insurance who is listed on a register that indicates compliance.
Laser treatment for hair removal offers numerous time savings compared to more traditional approaches like shaving, waxing and depilatory cream applications. Traditional approaches require you to regularly commit time and energy for at-home maintenance of larger areas of your body – something laser treatment makes much simpler!
