Hair removal (including electrolysis and laser therapy)
Treatment for hair removal is regarded as a procedure of low clinical value
The clinician proposing this intervention is not required to secure prior approval from the Armed Forces Health Commissioning team and can proceed with treatment if the criteria in the relevant policy are met.
NHS England will fund hair removal for:
- hair removal to prevent reoccurrence of pilonidal sinus
- abnormally located hair-bearing skin following reconstructive surgery
- an existing endocrine medical condition and severe facial hirsutism
- patients within the gender reassignment pathway: NHS commissioning » Gender Services Clinical Programme
NHS England does not fund
- permanent or semi-permanent hair removal for aesthetic purposes, including electrolysis and laser therapy
- conservative treatments including shaving, waxing and depilatory creams
Evidence base
Tattoo removal
The removal of tattoos is regarded as a procedure of low clinical value and therefore not routinely funded by NHE England.
The clinician proposing this intervention is required to secure prior approval via Blueteq from the Armed Forces Health Commissioning team.
NHS England will fund the removal of tattoos:
- where the dye has caused a significant allergic reaction and/or infection, and
- all alternative treatments to manage the allergic reaction and/or infection have failed.
Or
- a person has been given a tattoo against their will
NHS England will not fund the removal of tattoos required due to an occupational need.