Electrolysis

What is electrolysis hair removal?

Electrolysis is a hair-removal technique that involves a dermatologist or an electrologist heating up and permanently destroying the hair follicle using electricity.
There are technically three different methods of electrolysis you may receive:

Thermolysis: The fastest and least painful of electrolysis methods, thermolysis uses localized heat to destroy your follicle via the probe.
Galvanic: The least common and (generally) the most painful of all methods, galvanic kills your hair follicle through an electrical current and a chemical reaction.
A mix of both: Often used on clients with thick and/or curly hair.

What is the difference between electrolysis hair removal and laser hair removal?

Not only are their results different—laser hair removal permanently reduces some hair growth, while electrolysis permanently removes and prevents hair growth—but their actual technology is too. Here’s the gist:

Laser hair removal uses a light-emitting laser to target a hair’s pigment and heat up the follicle to damage a portion of it per session. The pro? You can treat a large area of skin all at once, making treatments relatively quick (ex: armpits can take 15 minutes or less).
Electrolysis, on the other hand, treats one individual hair follicle at a time, so it takes significantly longer to treat any area on your face or body, let alone larger areas. But if you’re a patient person, the pros can outweigh the cons, namely: (1) Electrolysis is safe and effective for any skin color or hair color, so it’s great for people with blonde, red, gray, or white hairs that don’t respond as well to laser hair removal; and (2) It truly stops hair from growing.

How many sessions does it take to remove hair by electrolysis?

Electrolysis only destroys about 35 percent of hair follicles per session, so it can take up to 18 electrolysis sessions spaced three to four weeks apart to completely remove hair from a single area.

Is electrolysis hair removal painful?

Yes, electrolysis hair removal is considered pretty painful, but, as always, the level of pain will depend on your own pain tolerance and the area that you’re treating. You’ll initially feel a pinch of heat, from the electricity on the probe (which many describe as a sharp stinging sensation), but you won’t feel anything when the hair is pulled out afterward. Also note that areas like the upper lip, groin, and neck are typically the most painful, while the cheeks and chin are often tolerated best.
Numbing cream can be applied to make it more tolerable!

What are the side effects of electrolysis hair removal?

One side effect of electrolysis hair removal is immediate redness in the treatment area that can last for 1-2 days, depending on how sensitive your skin is. It’s also possible for some people to experience folliculitis (an inflammation of the hair follicle, which can result in small clustered pimples) in the treatment area.

Pre Care Instructions:

Let your hair grow out to 1/8” or 2mm, and shave 2,3 days before your appointment. We need enough length to be able to grab the hair with tweezers.
If the hair gets too long in between treatments, you can trim or shave with a single blade or electric razor. No waxing or tweezing.
Daily moisturizing is especially important. It helps keep the skin hydrated and helps the probe insert easily into the follicle.
Exfoliation 2 to 3 times a week before the appointment, and 1 to 2 weeks after the appointment after the skin is back to normal completely. With a chemical exfoliant.
Drink plenty of water. Keeping your skin hydrated means your follicles have plenty of saline in them which is needed for the current to work well. It also minimizes discomfort during treatment.
Refrain from drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages the day of your treatment as these will dehydrate your skin. Caffeine can also increase anxiety, making your treatment less comfortable. If you must consume caffeine (to avoid withdrawal), drink the minimum necessary along with additional eater rehydrate. Avoid any CBD products before and on the day of the treatment.
Have a rich breakfast in the morning.
If you wish, you may apply numbing agent 2 hours before treatment.
Take a shower or bath before your treatment.
You can bring a tablet or an iPod to listen to some music to distract yourself.
Before the first treatment in our office, we suggest having no epilation (laser, IPL) for 60 to 90. Days.

Post Care Instructions:

The following post-treatment care suggestions should be followed for the first 24 to 48+ hours after treatment:
Do not touch or scratch the treated area.
Avoid any friction to the treated area.
Apply a smoothing or antiseptic product over the area that is sensitive or subjected to infection during the first 48+ hours after the treatment.
Apply cold water or ice compress if necessary.
Apply Neosporin Cream over the areas subjected to infections, one time during 24 hours after treatment. Starting on day one applies Aquaphor or Eucerin Original Healing Soothing Repair Cream 2 to 5 time the first day after the treatment. Avoid contact with oily, perfumed, or alcohol-based products.
Avoid hot baths and saunas.
Do not visit a tanning salon.
Avoid exposure to U.V radiation for 24 hours before the treatment and 48 hours after treatment.
Apply an overall sunscreen (min. SPF 30+).
After 5 to 7+ days or when redness disappears, exfoliate, and moisturize the area.
Use fresh make-up, purchased within the last 90 days to minimize infection.

Definitive Contraindications

Blood Thinning Medications
Skin Diseases
Cochlear implants
Dermographia
Haemophilia
Keloid Scarring
Pacemaker Recent
Scar Tissue (in treatment area)
Rosacea [active] (in treatment area)

Restrictive Contraindications (Requires Doctors Approval)

Asthma/Respiratory Disorders
Auditory Devices apart from Cochlear implants
Circulatory Problems i.e. Phlebitis/Thrombosis (in treatment area)
Micro Dermabrasion within 4-6 weeks (in treatment area)
Diabetes
Epilepsy
Heart Conditions
Hepatitis/AIDS/HIV
High Blood Pressure
Laser/IPL (recent treatment in area to be treated)
Local Bruising/Swelling
Loss of Tactile Sensation (in treatment area)
History of Cancer
Lupus
Metal plates/pins for galvanic & blend techniques – if on/near DC return path
Skin Diseases/Disorders
Steroids
Swelling/Oedema
Pigment disorders or ethnic skin coloration