Women living with PCOS often face excessive hair growth – commonly referred to as hirsutism – which can result in acne, thinning hair, ingrown hairs and scarring. Traditional methods for hair removal like shaving, waxing or plucking may take more time and be painful than desired.
Laser hair removal can be an efficient option that permanently destroys hair follicles – saving time in the long run.
Medically Necessary
Laser hair removal treatments work by sending laser light directly into the targeted area and damaging or destroying hair follicles with it, thereby stopping further hair growth. Results typically appear after several sessions – though, due to individual circumstances and skin type differences, results may take more time before being noticeable; nonetheless they’re permanent and won’t recur; especially effective for people living with PCOS who experience excessive hair growth, breakage and ingrown hairs.
Insurance companies cover laser hair removal treatments under specific circumstances, so it is wise to contact your health insurance provider and review your policy to see if you qualify. In general, having Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and having been recommended by your physician are among the more likely scenarios where insurers approve this form of therapy.
Some insurance policies may cover hair removal for transgender and gender non-conforming patients, although coverage varies based on provider and state. Certain insurers will cover permanent hair reduction if performed prior to certain reconstructive surgeries such as colpectomy, metoidioplasty and phalloplasty while others might only offer six electrolysis or laser hair removal treatments before considering surgery as medically necessary.
Laser hair removal treatments can be costly. An average session typically costs $293, and most people require multiple sessions before seeing results. Costs can quickly add up, and it is essential that you understand these before proceeding with treatment.
One way to lower the overall cost of laser hair removal is to look for providers offering patient payment plans, which allow you to spread out costs over time without going into debt. Another alternative would be utilizing a flexible spending account to cover treatment expenses.
Laser hair removal may be the perfect way to control unwanted hair and improve your appearance. By researching all available options, you can see if insurance will cover the procedure as well as find an experienced provider to make you look your best.
If you are considering laser hair removal treatments, contact Bella Medspa now and arrange an appointment to learn about how the procedure works and its costs. Ask about payment plans that might save on costs; contact us now so that we can start helping you achieve a hair-free body! We look forward to helping!
Medically Unnecessary
Laser hair removal is typically considered cosmetic rather than medically necessary and therefore, not covered by most health insurance plans. However, it may be possible to convince them otherwise if you can provide evidence that it’s medically necessary due to specific health conditions or circumstances; your physician must agree to advocate on your behalf in this process.
Pentagon recently began providing laser treatments for active-duty military personnel suffering from severe razor bumps known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, a skin condition linked to hirsutism and PCOS that causes razor bumps. The condition can have devastating repercussions for women and girls’ self-esteem as well as increased risks of infertility, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and endometrial cancer.
Aetna, for example, has approved laser depilation as an appropriate therapy to address persistent pilonidal cysts (caused by hair accumulation in the buttock cleft area) that have not responded to other treatment options. This action is considered medically necessary because skin bacteria that form cysts can lead to serious infections – even leading to inflammation of hair follicles causing severe infections like folliculitis.
