Laser hair removal is usually an effortless, painless procedure; however, like any medical treatment it may come with unforeseen side effects.
Laser treatments heat the pigment found in hair follicles to prevent them from producing new hair growth, thus stopping their cycle of renewal. You may require multiple sessions in order to reach desired results.
Some insurance policies cover laser hair removal for clients preparing to undergo gender reassignment surgery; however, that alone does not constitute it as medically necessary under most policies.
1. It’s a cosmetic procedure
Laser hair removal uses concentrated light technology to permanently stop body hair growth, ranking among the top five nonsurgical cosmetic procedures performed in 2016. The FDA first approved of laser hair removal devices back in 1995, and their safety is strictly regulated today. Treatment works by targeting pigment in hair follicles; while typically safe, there may be potential side effects which should be noted before beginning this treatment process.
Before beginning laser hair removal, a medical specialist cleans and applies numbing gel to reduce discomfort in the treatment area. Once this step has been completed, goggles will be worn by a laser technician as an additional measure to safeguard eye safety during treatment – depending on its size and scope, laser hair removal could take anywhere between minutes to hours depending on size of area being treated; most patients find the process quick and relatively painless.
Laser light penetrates the skin, where it absorbs by melanin in hair follicles. Once in, this converts into heat that damages and destroys follicles – thus stopping hair regrowth, leaving the skin smooth and free from ingrown hairs for good! Over multiple rounds of treatments, the effects may become permanent.
As permanent hair removal is considered cosmetic surgery, private insurance companies won’t cover it; however, in certain instances insurance providers may approve coverage if needed to treat an underlying health condition; transgender and gender minority patients could potentially get coverage as part of their treatment for gender dysphoria.
Laser hair removal typically takes three to eight sessions for full effectiveness, as not all hair follicles respond equally to laser light. To maximize results, it’s important to avoid plucking and waxing between treatments; additionally, sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection must be worn over treated areas of the body.
Importantly, laser hair removal should never be attempted while trying to become pregnant as this could result in severe skin complications. Anyone considering laser hair removal should first speak with their dermatologist or plastic surgeon to understand more about it and whether or not it would benefit their needs.
2. It’s not medically necessary
Most laser hair removal treatments are considered cosmetic surgery, rather than medically necessary, so they typically do not qualify as covered health expenses, including Medicare and Medicaid. Some insurance providers do offer coverage if certain circumstances make laser treatment medically necessary – for instance folliculitis where laser can treat red bumps effectively to ensure smooth skin with minimum effort required to keep it smooth.
Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body and is most frequently caused by shaving with an outdated razor or waxing. Both methods can clog or irritate hair follicles and lead to red bumps that resemble acne. While oral and topical medications can provide temporary relief, laser treatment provides lasting solutions.
For clients seeking permanent solutions for unwanted body hair, multiple laser treatment sessions may be required before seeing results. It can take months or years before hair stop growing back at all; when it does reappear it usually grows back more slowly and finer and lighter in color than previously. It is also essential that clients follow all pre- and post-treatment care instructions provided by their physician – including applying sunscreen regularly and limiting sun exposure.
Laser hair removal is not only safe and quick and easy, but many patients also find the treatment virtually pain-free – topical anesthetic can even be applied if necessary to further decrease discomfort during the session.
Before selecting a laser hair removal provider, select a doctor board certified in dermatology or cosmetic surgery and familiar with your skin type. Avoid spas and salons which employ nonmedical personnel to perform the treatments themselves. Also ensure they have appropriate insurance in case complications arise during treatments.
3. It’s not covered by Medicare
Laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic procedure by private insurance providers; however, in certain rare instances health insurance will cover this treatment if determined medically necessary. In such instances, individuals who struggle with unwanted hair growth often benefit from laser hair removal to maintain quality of life without it becoming hindered.
People suffering from hidradenitis suppurativa (chronic ingrown hairs) may find their condition made worse by shaving and waxing, and could potentially benefit from having unwanted hair removed via laser treatment. Furthermore, women experiencing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who experience hormonal fluctuations that cause excessive hair growth may find that their health insurance will cover treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
In these instances, a doctor must present documentation establishing that a condition is medically necessary and laser hair removal would be the appropriate course of action for an individual’s specific circumstances. Additionally, this documentation may require including details regarding how their daily activities have been impaired by unwanted hair growth and how its removal through laser treatment could aid them.
Even in these special cases, however, individuals are unlikely to receive full coverage from their insurance company as most consider the treatment purely cosmetic and not improving overall health or function.
Note that laser hair removal isn’t covered by Medicare either, as they consider this treatment cosmetic rather than therapeutic and only cover treatments when they help correct malformed body parts or correct certain deformities.
Medicare does not cover electrolysis as a means to remove unwanted hair, making laser hair removal one of your only viable options. When selecting your laser hair removal provider, contact them directly and arrange a free consultation meeting so you can determine their cost as well as potential ways to lower it further – negotiate discounts for multiple treatments or use flexible spending accounts to cover some expenses.
4. It’s not covered by Medicaid
Clients seeking laser hair removal must understand that it is an out-of-pocket expense not covered by Medicaid or Medicare and cannot be used towards fulfilling health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs). Furthermore, multiple sessions may be necessary in order to achieve permanent results.
Due to how hair follicles operate in our bodies, laser hair removal works by targeting and destroying them with light from a laser light beam. Once laser treatment begins, follicles can no longer produce new hair in that area again – however this process may take three to eight treatments depending on where exactly in your body it occurs – during these multiple sessions hair will thin, lighten and finen; annual touch up sessions should be completed to maintain its effectiveness.
Some private insurance plans will cover laser hair removal procedures, and they tend to cover the full process rather than individual sessions. Before having this procedure done, clients should consult both their insurance provider and dermatologist regarding its benefits and risks so they can decide if it’s right for them.
Laser hair removal is not covered by Medicare or Medicaid due to being considered cosmetic surgery and thus not considered medically necessary. Medicare Part B does cover cosmetic dermatology services when medically necessary – for instance if a mole or new skin growth needs testing Medicare will cover its cost.
Whoever seeks permanent hair removal should visit a spa or clinic with certified providers trained to use lasers and aesthetic equipment, like laser hair removal lasers. Prior to treatment being administered, practitioners will ask their patient about their medical history and review any potential treatment sites before giving any instructions regarding treatment itself. Patients should avoid direct sunlight before and after receiving this type of therapy and apply broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or greater for protection from sunburns and UV rays.
