For Laser Hair Removal, is It Normal for Technician Not to Use Any Gel on Skin Prior to Laser?

I had 5 laser hair removal sessions on my legs. The technician did not use any gel prior to applying laser. She said that the cool touch laser did not require the use of the gel. After one of the treatments I had tiny scabs where the light points hit. I didn't find the laser reduced my hair density and now, 6 months later, I have little white spots where the pinpoint scabs were. Are these white spots permanent and should she have used gel to prevent these little scabs from forming?