Laser hair removal works by selecting wavelengths that are highly absorbed by melanin while sparing epidermal tissue. The level of success depends on pulse duration; various cooling methods for treating skin surfaces during laser treatments are currently under investigation.
Pseudofolliculitis barbae is an often unsatisfactory condition affecting individuals with course hair, particularly in male beard areas and female axillary and inguinal regions. Traditional treatments provide limited relief with less-than-satisfactory outcomes.
What is folliculitis?
Folliculitis, or hair folliculitis, is an infection or inflammation of a hair follicle – the tiny hole where your body produces its hair follicles – that occurs anywhere on your body with hair. Most commonly it affects neck hair follicles; however it most frequently appears on breasts, groin, buttocks, waist area, groin or under the arms; Boils (swollen areas caused when infection spreads from around the hair follicle into deeper layers) form when bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) cause these infections; however other bacteria such as other strains may also contribute to them.
Folliculitis symptoms include hairy bumps, which are itchy red spots similar to acne. Shaver bumps are red or purple pimples caused by shaving with an outdated razor or waxing. Other conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders may also trigger inflammation of hair follicles.
Some individuals suffer from folliculitis that doesn’t respond to antibiotics or other treatments, particularly those with compromised immune systems such as those living with advanced HIV or late-stage AIDS. This form is known as EPF – Eosinophilic Pustular Folliculitis.
If you have folliculitis, your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam before performing lab tests to see which bacteria is causing an infection. They may even send samples from boils or carbuncles directly to a laboratory for analysis.
Keep the affected area clean to help avoid folliculitis by regularly washing with antibacterial soap, using a shower mat or bath mat and not sharing towels, washcloths or other personal items with others. Furthermore, wear loose-fitting clothing and avoid shaving or plucking your skin near this affected area to reduce irritation.
How does laser hair removal work?
Laser hair removal involves having a doctor press a laser instrument against your skin, using either a cooling device or gel as protection from its heat output. As the light passes through your skin and targets pigment in hair follicles, its heat destroys them so they no longer produce growth. Most treatments require multiple sessions but depending on where your unwanted hair grows it could take as many as several dozen sessions before seeing results; some areas might grow faster than others and more sessions might be necessary in certain places of the body.
Before and after laser hair removal treatment, it’s essential to abide by your doctor’s advice. Shaving or waxing should be limited for six weeks leading up to your appointment, while tanning could alter the color of the follicles causing them to change color more drastically than expected. Should any adverse skin reactions develop following your session, contact a dermatologist immediately.
Normal side effects of laser hair removal typically include red or pink skin and swelling around the treatment site, itching, and red or pink streaked veins – however these side effects usually dissipate within days of being treated.
Your individual results may depend on several factors: skin type and condition of hair follicles; treatment goals and needs. A dermatologist will devise an individual plan tailored specifically to you – some people may require annual touch ups in order to maintain results.
Before going under the knife for laser hair removal, ensure your practitioner is certified and insured. A good way to do this is to check their website or contact them directly and request references from past clients as well as proof of certification. Be wary of those advertising online but who do not belong to professional organizations which impose stringent standards of training, skill, and insurance coverage for practitioners; check whether your dermatologist is listed on a registry as this will confirm they possess appropriate qualifications for performing the procedure.
How much does laser hair removal cost?
Laser hair removal may seem expensive up-front, but over time it will save both time and money. When considering the cost of waxing or shaving over an extended period, consider how much money could be saved with just a few treatments (not to mention having peace of mind that comes from no longer dealing with painful ingrown hairs or razor bumps!).
At the core of it all is the machine used in laser hair removal treatments; therefore, it is critical to find an experienced provider that understands your skin tone and hair color while using safe and effective devices. In the United States alone, an average laser hair removal treatment costs anywhere from $125-$1,000 depending on body area, skill level of provider and facility costs according to 2020 ASPS report.
Laser hair removal is an in-office procedure that begins with applying a numbing cream or gel to ensure maximum comfort during treatment. Next, Lumenis LightSHEER DUET emits two wavelengths of light which penetrate deep into pigment cells and damage hair follicles, eventually leading to their death and subsequent fallout without growing back. Your provider can tailor treatment based on your unique needs and goals by targeting only new growth follicles while leaving other healthy ones intact.
Your provider can assist in setting realistic expectations regarding the number and frequency of laser hair removal treatments needed. Only 30% of hair follicles are in an active growth phase at any one time; thus most patients require multiple sessions over 4-6 weeks in order to achieve lasting results from laser hair removal treatments.
Laser hair removal is generally not covered by most health insurance plans because it’s considered cosmetic surgery; however, there may be exceptions; for instance if it’s being undertaken to address gender dysphoria or ingrown hairs caused by shaving and plucking, your procedure could potentially be covered by insurance.
Is laser hair removal covered by insurance?
Laser hair removal is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore not covered by insurance, yet can still help treat skin conditions like folliculitis. Folliculitis can be caused by shaving, tweezing, waxing or medication; laser hair removal can eliminate skin germs to provide relief from pain, redness and itching.
If you are experiencing symptoms similar to these, it is crucial that you seek medical assistance immediately. Your physician can diagnose your condition and suggest an effective treatment plan, depending on its severity. Multiple sessions may be needed depending on how severe folliculitis is; in cases that do not improve after several visits it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist.
Laser hair removal may be covered by health insurance in certain situations. Individuals suffering from the condition hirsutism – which causes excessive hair growth – may qualify for coverage, while gender affirming surgeries could potentially get their treatments covered too.
However, it should be noted that many insurance companies require pre-authorization prior to covering the costs associated with laser hair removal. Furthermore, patients must only have their treatments administered by licensed physicians; opting for spas or salons instead risks losing insurance coverage for this procedure.
If your doctor believes laser hair removal is medically necessary for you, they may submit a letter to the insurance company outlining how the procedure will help reduce symptoms. This letter can then serve as proof that it should be covered under your health plan.
Laser hair removal is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. It offers an effective and safe solution for getting rid of unwanted body hair, by beaming highly concentrated light into hair follicles where pigment absorbs it and destroys itself, thus preventing future hair growth. Laser hair removal is an ideal solution for anyone who is tired of shaving their body hair or embarrassed by unsightly growth – providing them with relief without shaving and future shaving! It’s a fantastic solution for anyone seeking relief from excessive hair growth!
