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Will Insurance Cover Laser Hair Removal for Chronic Folliculitis?

asked 2 years ago by Mike Array
Latest answer by Harold J. Kaplan, MD
Question viewed 1,676 times
Tags: age 18-24, male, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, folliculitis, insurance

I'm a 21-year-old male, on antibiotics every 2-3 weeks for the infections that get very bad and painful without treatment. I also have extreme body hair that has prevented swimming or other activities in public since middleschool. Will insurance (BCBS Georgia) cover the treatment for any reason? If not, is it still a viable treatment and good route to go, and how do I go about it?

3 answers to Will Insurance Cover Laser Hair Removal for Chronic Folliculitis?

+2

Insurance for Laser Hair Removal

Unfortunately, we have not encountered a situation, even one as severe as yours, where patients are able to get coverage for laser hair removal. But, the fact that you are on antibiotics for the injections indicates that there is at least a good argument that this would be a better long-term alternative for the insurance company. Perhaps with a little bit of persuasion (pictures, letter from primary care physician, etc.) you may be able to convince your insurance company that it is in... more
Harold J. Kaplan, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+2

Laser hair removal for pseudofolliculitis barbae

Laser hair removal is often done for chronic ingrown hairs of the beard, especially if keloids have started to form. It is doubtful that the insurance company will reimburse for the treatment, and even if they do, the amount they reimburse to the doctor could be so low that it wouldn't cover the cost to the doctor of the services rendered. Some insurance arrangements, especially managed care plans, wouldn't allow the doctor to balance bill you so either they accept the very low... more
Ronald Shelton, MD

Manhattan Dermatologist
+1

IPL Permanent Hair Removal is a wonderful treatment for razor bumps.

The best candidates for laser or IPL permanent hair removal have relatively light skin, with fast-growing, dark coarse hair. I have not had good success treating patients with dark-skin. I have treated neck and facial hair with my Palomar StarLux IPL, and have seen prompt resolution of razor bumps and chronic folliculitis. Another treatment for razor bumps is to use a depilatory cream (Magic Shave), instead of a blade. This is inexpensive and suitable for all skin types. I'm not sure if... more
Eric M. Joseph, MD

West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

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