Electrolysis FAQs | Cosmetic and Plastic Services (2024)

FAQs

Why isn't electrolysis covered by insurance? ›

In general, health insurance companies will not reimburse for electrolysis treatments under any circ*mstances, as excessive hair growth is considered a cosmetic problem.

Yes. Unlike other hair removal methods that offer a temporary solution, Electrolysis is permanent and is the only FDA approved method of permanent hair removal.

Generally speaking, you are likely to require between 8 and 12 treatments. The average time from start to finish is about 12 months. It can take anything from 8 months up to 2 years in some cases. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person.

Electrolysis Cons

It's a time-consuming procedure requiring multiple sessions. Skin discoloration is a possibility. The electricity in the device can actually destroy the capillaries in the surrounding areas. It can be very painful. It is not recommended for people with rosacea since the skin is so easily irritated.

The cost of electrolysis hair removal can vary depending on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions needed. A one-hour session can range anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the area being treated.

Absolute Contra-Indications – Requires a Doctor's Note: Diabetes, heart condition, hemophilia, pacemaker, seizures, transplant, surgery.

Another major drawback of the electrolysis method is that it can't be done for a large body surface area, and it also sometimes leads to scar formation. Laser hair removal requires fewer sessions than electrolysis. Laser hair removal usually takes about 4 to 8 sessions for best results.

Hormonal changes can affect hair regrowth after electrolysis hair removal. Hormones can stimulate hair growth, even in areas that have been treated with electrolysis. Hormonal imbalances, such as those caused by pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can result in hair regrowth after electrolysis.

Plucking, waxing, threading, or tweezing before your hair removal appointment reduces the number of hairs your electrologist can remove. Rest assured that electrology is the only hair removal method recognized as permanent by the FDA.

An electric current moves down the wire to the bottom of the follicle, destroying the hair root. The follicle damage prevents hair from growing and causes the existing hair to fall out. Electrolysis has been around for more than 100 years. It was first invented to remove irritating ingrown eyelash hairs.

How long does electrolysis take on the upper lip? ›

For example, electrolysis for chin hair may take 15 minutes per session, while electrolysis for upper lip hair may take 30 minutes per session. The electrologist will inform you of how long each treatment is expected to last before starting.

Many people question whether or not they can even get their chin hair removed with electrolysis because of the sensitive nature of the skin on that part of the body. However, electrolysis is safe for chin and facial hair removal.

Electrolysis can discolor skin - It's rare, but if the hair isn't hit precisely, it can cause hyperpigmentation to the surrounding skin. The damage is minor and depends on the skin reaction of each individual. Also, damage can be mitigated by a highly skilled technician, as well as the use of sunscreen.

Hormones and medicines can cause unwanted hair growth, and can continue to do so even after electrolysis sessions. In some cases, hair removal history and failure to follow your treatment plan can lead to unsuccessful electrolysis as well.

Electrolysis treatments result in minor lesions which do not result in scars, however, over-treatment and improper aftercare and previous skin care can result in damage to the skin known as pitting. Loss of pigment at the site of the follicle may occur with over-treatment on dark skin.

Laser hair removal is expensive—and you should expect to foot the bill. Even when performed to help with HS, it's considered a cosmetic procedure, and therefore not covered by insurance. A recent study found that no private insurers listed HS as a covered indication for laser hair removal.

Electrolysis requires large amounts of energy for melting the compound and for the electricity used during electrolysis, which makes the process expensive. This is why extraction of more reactive metals, such as aluminium, is more expensive than the extraction of less reactive metals, such as tin.

Electrolysis tends to be more expensive than laser hair removal because it requires more sessions to see full results. And treating larger areas of the body with electrolysis will add up quickly.

Electrolysis can provide permanent hair removal for people with PCOS. The procedure is generally safe but can be uncomfortable. A person will often need more than one session, which may vary in length. Insurance does not typically cover the costs.