Laser hair removal is an FDA-approved treatment that is typically safe and effective, although improper usage could result in scarring, skin discoloration and burns.
Most states regulate who can conduct laser hair removal. These regulations typically bar cosmetologists, estheticians, and electrologists from performing these treatments without medical supervision.
Certification
Laser hair removal is a noninvasive and long-term solution to permanently eliminate unwanted body hair, providing an alternative to the time and labor-intensive methods such as shaving, waxing and plucking that may be painful, time consuming and costly in the long run. There are however a few considerations before scheduling a session:
Beyond making sure that your technician possesses all of the appropriate certifications, it is also crucial that you understand what to expect during the procedure and determine whether it is an ideal match for you.
At your laser hair removal session, protective goggles will be provided to protect your eyes from the laser beam. A specialist will then apply topical anesthetic in order to ease any discomfort, before the laser pulse hits your hair follicles and converts to heat; eventually destroying them so they no longer produce hair. This quick and painless procedure typically requires between four and six treatments at regular intervals to reach desired results.
Many patients may experience redness or swelling following laser hair removal treatments; this should only be temporary. If any issues arise following treatment, please speak to a dermatologist immediately for advice and guidance.
Laser treatments can be performed on any part of the body, although they are most frequently employed on the face and legs. Each pulse from the laser takes only milliseconds; thus allowing a small area to be covered within minutes while larger regions such as backs or legs may take up to an hour for treatment.
Laser hair removal can be an effective and time-efficient option for both men and women who are seeking relief from spending hours depilating themselves. Laser can help address issues like folliculitis, ingrown hairs and pigmentation issues as well as eliminate shaving and waxing altogether, both messy and time-consuming processes. Make an appointment to meet with our dermatologists at Spring Street Dermatology so we can explain more about how laser hair removal can enhance your appearance while eliminating conventional depilation methods altogether.
State Law
Some states have different regulations regarding who can perform laser hair removal; Arizona requires at least 24 cumulative hours of hands-on training and 100 supervised laser treatments before being permitted to act as a laser practitioner. Furthermore, Arizona mandates special goggles be worn during procedures so as to protect both eyes.
In other states, such as Texas, law prohibits anyone other than licensed healthcare professionals – including nurses, physician’s assistants and doctors – from operating clinics that perform laser treatments. Furthermore, the Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees ownership and operation of laser clinics; only certain healthcare professionals may purchase and operate this equipment.
However, New York lacks regulations pertaining to laser hair removal; rather, its medical board classifies laser hair removal as nonmedical treatment and physicians have opposed attempts to close this loophole by mandating licensing and training requirements citing that any procedure performed should be subject to similar scrutiny as any other medical service.
Some states, such as Florida, permit cosmetologists to perform laser hair removal treatments; in this instance, the person performing the treatment must be registered with their professional association and on an official register that verifies certification, training, skill and insurance coverage. Other countries, like the UK, require electrologists and estheticians who provide laser treatments be registered; additionally they must comply with set standards regarding training, safety and skills.
FDA and medical aesthetic industry bodies recognize laser hair removal as an effective and safe treatment when performed by experienced, qualified aestheticians. Patients should understand that there is no guarantee the treatment will work permanently and several sessions may be necessary due to the hair growth cycle’s resting and shedding periods.
Before beginning laser treatment, it is necessary to shave and wear protective goggles over the area being treated. Your practitioner will likely apply a numbing gel prior to using their laser, though you may experience some discomfort depending on your pain threshold and thickness of hair. As part of this procedure, laser light passes through your skin and absorbs pigmented hairs before being heated by laser heat to destroy their follicles and stop future hair growth.
Experience
When considering laser hair removal, always choose an experienced practitioner. Make sure they are registered with a national body that verifies they meet specific standards for training, skill and insurance; additionally it’s wise to inquire as to the type of laser treatment machine being used – some machines may better suit certain skin types or hair colors than others, such as Nd:Yag laser devices for treating dark hairs on dark skin than other devices can.
While there are various places offering laser treatments, it’s always best to visit a board-certified dermatologist for the best experience and results. Dermatologists possess both medical degrees and extensive knowledge when it comes to treating skin conditions – including unwanted hair growth – effectively. With their help, you’ll find an individualized plan tailored specifically for you and your aesthetic goals.
Laser hair removal sessions involve applying a gel to protect the area from heat. Next, your practitioner will use a handpiece to deliver pulses of laser energy directly onto the area you wish to treat – although this may cause temporary discomfort; usually lasting only seconds before subsiding completely. In order to achieve desired results from multiple treatment sessions (for facial or body hair respectively) multiple sessions will need to take place over a series of timeframes; possibly every four or six weeks as appropriate.
Before your laser session, shaving the area can help make preparation easier. Waxing and plucking should also be avoided to protect hair follicles from being targeted by laser. Furthermore, sun exposure or tanning could result in uneven pigmentation issues which will require further treatments.
Laser hair removal can provide an effective, permanent solution for unwanted hair. The American Academy of Dermatology advises seeking treatment from an experienced medical provider for optimal safety and results. Reach out to our New York City clinic to discover more on how we can provide cosmetic dermatology solutions that will address both unwanted hair removal as well as skin rejuvenation goals.
Insurance
Cost of laser hair removal varies significantly based on where and when it is performed as well as the number of sessions required; inflation also plays a factor. To get an estimate for yourself, consult with a laser hair specialist and set up an appointment for consultation and estimate.
Insurance plans differ regarding laser hair removal coverage. Some plans treat it as a cosmetic procedure that must be paid out-of-pocket, while others see it as medically necessary services for certain conditions like folliculitis and hirsutism. A knowledgeable doctor could be your best advocate when seeking approval from insurance providers for treatment – says dermatologist Vince Bertucci of Bertucci MedSpa in Woodbridge Ontario, past president of Canadian Society of Dermatologic Surgery and medical director.
Insurance companies typically find it more challenging to approve laser hair removal treatments performed at spas or medspas rather than physician’s offices due to greater medical experience and lower likelihood of making mistakes in such settings.
This is especially important if the procedure is being performed to treat an existing skin condition that requires medical intervention, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which often causes hirsutism; an hormonal condition which results in unwanted hair growth and other symptoms. While laser hair removal is an effective and safe cosmetic treatment option for PCOS, insurance companies usually don’t cover it unless recommended by a physician.
Even though a medical degree isn’t necessary to perform laser hair removal, licensure is. Cosmetologists may have some education about hair growth but lack the hands-on expertise of medical professionals in treating safely with laser treatments. According to AAD recommendations, consumers should only visit nationally certified professionals with experience treating all skin types and ages for laser treatments. Furthermore, you’ll want to check if the laser specialist offers extra liability insurance, which covers legal fees or damage to property caused by their treatments.
