Can dermatologists do electrolysis?

Author: Miss Aletha Dibbert PhD  |  Last update: Monday, October 20, 2025

The American Academy of Dermatology Association insists that medical aesthetic services such as electrolysis only be performed by properly licensed electrologists and other aestheticians under the direct supervision of a board-certified dermatologist.

What certification do you need for electrolysis?

The Certified Professional Electrologist (CPE) credential signifies that your knowledge has been tested and measured against a national standard of excellence. Your commitment to keeping the credential, through ongoing continuing education, exemplifies the highest degree of professionalism.

What type of doctor does electrolysis?

Electrologists are trained professionals who can safely perform electrolysis procedures. When choosing an electrologist, ask about: Qualifications: Many states require licensing or certification for electrologists.

Who cannot do electrolysis?

Heart disease: Electrolysis may be unsuitable for people with heart disease, due to the electrical currents used. Wearing metal devices: Avoid electrolysis if you wear a copper IUD or any type of metal implant. These devices can interact with electrolysis, resulting in undesirable effects.

How much should I expect to pay for electrolysis?

Electrolysis Cost

For a full body treatment, you're looking at roughly $35 to $100 per hour. Because each hair is treated one at a time, it takes many sessions. You might spend 15 to 30 hours in total. This means the full cost could be anywhere from $525 to $3,000.

Permanent Hair Removal: Electrolysis vs. Laser

What is a downside to electrolysis?

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.

Is electrolysis covered by medical insurance?

Unfortunately, the general rule is that most health insurance companies do not cover electrolysis treatments, primarily considering excessive hair growth as a cosmetic issue.

Why is electrolysis not popular?

Electrolysis is not as popular as laser hair removal for a few reasons: Longer Treatment Time: As mentioned, treating each hair follicle individually makes electrolysis take much longer. Laser hair removal often takes 10 minutes or less for smaller areas.

Can you do electrolysis on pubic hair?

MtF genital electrolysis is a pubic hair removal process and is the only FDA-approved method of permanent hair removal.

Who carries electricity during electrolysis?

The electrolyte is a chemical substance which contains free ions and carries electric current (e.g. an ion-conducting polymer, solution, or a ionic liquid compound).

Do you tip an electrologist?

Do I tip my electrologist? It's the thought that counts! Although your electrologist would be flattered you feel gracious enough to tip them for their service, we do not accept tips. We would like to be viewed as medical professionals.

What celebrities get electrolysis?

Celebrities donning this look include Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and supermodel Cara Delevingne. But even bold eyebrows require maintenance and upkeep. Electrolysis is an excellent grooming choice because it permanently removes the pesky, unwanted hairs individually while keeping the fullness that you desire.

Do electrologists make good money?

As of Mar 14, 2025, the average annual pay for an Electrologist in Los Angeles is $83,482 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $40.14 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,605/week or $6,956/month.

Can you do electrolysis as an esthetician?

In California, electrology services may be legally performed only by State-licensed electrologists in State-licensed salons.

Is there a demand for electrolysis?

This is creating some momentum in the industrial sector, particularly for projects aiming to deploy electrolysis capacity. The sum of all national targets for the deployment of electrolysis capacity has reached around 185-360 GW, about 10% increase from 2023.

How expensive is electrolysis hair removal?

A one-hour session can range anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the area being treated. Electrolysis hair removal is often more expensive compared to other methods, but it is more effective in the long run as the results are permanent.

Where can electrolysis not be done?

A – Nearly every part of the body can have electrolysis performed on it. There are a few exceptions, in a mucous membrane or in a mole. The most common other areas treated are the neck, chest, breasts, back, abdomen, arms, and underarms.

Does shaving ruin electrolysis?

No, it does not – it is a myth that has been around for a very long time. Your hair cycles stay the same and actually, when we begin electrolysis with a shaved area, your hairs die faster than if you had previously done anything else such as waxing, threading, laser, or tweezing.

Who should avoid electrolysis?

Electrolysis should not be done in the following conditions: Blood disorders e.g. hepatitis, AIDS HIV. Hepatitis and HIV are both serious viruses transported by the blood. Due to the risks of cross infection the treatment is not permitted.

How many years does electrolysis last?

Expect to go through around eight to twelve sessions for a permanent result. That may seem like a lot. However, it's important to remember – the results last forever. Indeed, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Medical Association (AMA) consider electrolysis the only permanent hair removal method.

Do dermatologists offer electrolysis?

How to get the best results: Have a board-certified dermatologist or board-certified electrologist perform your electrolysis.

What is the normal price for electrolysis?

Cost of Electrolysis

The cost of treatments can vary widely depending on several factors, but generally, you can expect to pay between £25 and £60 per session. These sessions usually last between 15 minutes to an hour.

Can insurance cover electrolysis for PCOS?

Please note: Most insurance companies require a medical diagnosis of gender dysphoria to qualify for electrolysis coverage. There are also some insurance companies allowing a medical diagnosis of PCOS (hormonal disorder related) to qualify for electrolysis coverage.

Previous article
How much does Will Smith bench press?
Next article
How many miles to walk a day to lose weight?