Electrolysis
Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers.
Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.
Multiple Treatments
Electrolysis is not a once-only treatment remedy.
One treatment will usually eliminate all visible hairs, but because hair growth is not synchronized, there are many hair follicles under the skin that contain hairs in the beginning growth stage or the dormant state.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
- To explain, hair grows through a tube-like opening in the skin known as the hair follicle.
- At the base of the follicle is a bulb, which contains a gelatin-like substance, called the papilla.
- A tiny sterile wire filament is inserted into the follicle.
- In the use of shortwave or thermolysis, the tip of the wire filament transmits a small heat pattern down into the papilla.
- This thermal action cauterizes and disables the papilla without damaging the outer layer of the skin.
- With galvanic or blend modalities, a chemical breakdown occurs that destroys the papilla. With the papilla gone, the hair folicle loses its ability to regenerate.
How Many Electrolysis Treatments Will I Need?
There are many different factors that directly influence hair growth, so you will need to return for several electrolysis visits. The total number of sessions needed to remove hair permanently from a particular area will vary from person to person. A customized treatment schedule will be discussed at the time of your consultation. Typically, each treatment may last from 10 minutes to an hour.
Electrolysis is the only 100% permanent hair removal method recognized by government regulatory agencies. Electrolysis is the ONLY FDA approved permanent hair removal method. Electrolysis is effective on all skin and hair types. No other solution claims such universal acceptability and success.
How does Electrolysis work?
Electrolysis works by inserting a fine probe (filament) into the hair follicle and passing current to the papilla. The aim is to permanently disable the hair follicle by destroying the germinating cells located below the sebaceous gland.
There are three types of Electrolysis.
Thermolysis is the most commonly used method as it is very quick and effective. A high frequency current is passed through the filament creating heat at the papilla, thus destroying the follicle.
Blend uses a combination of Thermolysis and Galvanic currents to create a chemical reaction inside the follicle. Although slower than Thermolysis, it is a great choice for sensitive skins and stubborn hairs.
Galvanic is the least used method as well as the slowest. It uses current which reacts with the natural salt and water content of the skin producing lye at the base of the follicle.
Electrolysis vs Laser - What is the difference?
Electrolysis
· First Used in 1875
· Electrolysis is 100% Permanent
· Only method approved by FDA as Permanent
· Safe/Effective for all skin and hair types
· Targets "root cause" i.e. blood supply of the hair
· Electrolysis works for all hair types, does not require maintenance, and can be performed on tanned skin.
· Electrolysis works on hereditary, metabolic, and hormonal conditions such as PCOS, Hirsutism, Diabetic and Thyroid conditions etc.
Lasers can turn light hairs dark on the face. Many customers turn to electrolysis when laser isn't effective.
Laser
· First Used in the Mid 1990s
· Only considered hair reduction and it's not guaranteed.
· FDA approved only to be "permanent reduction"*
· Not safe/effective for all skin and hair types**
· Targets Melanin (Pigment of the hair)
*Laser - Lifetime maintenance is required. In some cases, laser can stimulate more hair growth.
**Laser does not work on light hair of any color, blonde, brown, red, or grey. It also does not work on hair that is sparse or fine in texture. It is also not safe on tanned skin.
Contraindications to 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.
- Cardiovascular disorders, circulatory disorders, anti coagulant drugs, prescribed for these conditions, interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment and can cause clotting problems.
- Diabetes - patients with Diabetes Mellitus have a poor healing rate with little sensation in their skin the symptoms can either be controlled by diet and or medication. Extra precautions like antibiotic cover is required in persons with Diabetes Mellitus.
- Electronic devices eg Pacemaker/defibrillator and auditory devices implant Pacemakers/ defibrillator are devices implanted to maintain a normal heart rate. The use of an electrical current can cause interference and the outcome could be fatal. Electrolysis (Galvanic type) is contra-indicated.
- Skin Infections like:
- Viral infections e.g. Herpes Simplex or Warts in the area.
- Bacterial infections e.g. Impetigo (highly contagious) Acne Vulgaris.
- Fungal Infections e.g. Ringworm (highly contagious).
- Parasitic infections e.g. Scabies (highly contagious).
- Keloid - persons with history of Keloid formation should not undergo Electrolysis as it can lead to scarring
- Pregnancy - Electrolysis should be avoided during pregnancy
- Psoriasis (autoimmune disease) - Electrolysis may flare up psoriasis in patients having this condition.
- Other Skin conditions like : Rosacea, ezcema, dermatitis, sunburn, cuts, abrasions, recent wounds, bruising, oedema in the area to be treated or any unidentifiable skin condition
Electrolysis on the following may be restricted:
- Asthma - inhalers are normally steroid based which can have an influence on hair growth.
- Epilepsy
- Hyper/Hypo pigmentation problems.
- High blood pressure
- Age - any person under the age of 18 must have parents or guardian consent. It is strongly recommended that the parent or guardian is present for all treatments.
- Anxiety/ stress (when servere).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can Electrolysis Damage The Skin?
Under normal circumstances, skin damage is unlikely. However, some slight skin reaction can be expected during the course of treatment. Do not worry if you experience such manifestations.
If the skin reaction persists for an unusual length of time-that period differs for each individual client-consult your electrologist for an analysis.
Is Electrolysis Painful?
Electrolysis does cause some discomfort which is relative to the client's tolerance and area of operation. When a client experiences discomfort adjustments can be made to create a more tolerable treatment.
Do You Work With the Transgender Community?
Absolutely! .Hair removal is an important step in the transition process, and we fully understand just how imperative a good result is for a transgender woman's quality of life. With that in mind we work together with our transgender clients to help them keep the process as smooth and easy as possible.
What Areas Should Not Have Hair Removed By An Electrologist?
A physician approval is necessary before an Electrologist can remove hair from a mole or a birthmark. Hair is located in the nasal passages and the inner-ear should never, by any means, be removed by electrolysis!
Is Electrolysis Dangerous In Any Way?
The amount of electrical current used is infinitesimally small and poses no hazard. Electrolysis is mechanically safe and controlled at every stage of its application.
How Many Treatments?
An electrologist cannot specify how many treatments will be necessary for permanency since every client is unique. The number of treatments necessary varies with each client. Treatment sessions can range from 15 minutes to more than an hour depending on the area being treated. There are several factors which contribute to the length of the treatments: the type and extent of hair growth, client tolerance, skin type and frequency of treatments. The electrologist should be able to answer this question more clearly after a review of your case history.
Electrolysis takes an average of 18 months of treatments for hair to permanently die. This is because all of your hair does not grow at the same time. Electrolysis is most effective when treating hairs in the Anagen (growing) stage.
Does The Frequency Of Treatments Have Bearing On Success?
The more frequent the treatment, the better the results! Regrowth is most vulnerable when it first reappears. If the hair is not immediately treated, the hair will rebuilt its strength and negate the effectiveness of the initial treatment. Therefore, it is very important for a client to participate in a planned program of electrolysis.
Is Work Noticeable After Treatment?
You may experience redness and/or puffiness immediately after treatment. These typically go away within 1-3 hours. On a rare occasion, one might experience red pin point crusts. Please do not pick at these scabs and allow them to fall off naturally. An electrologist will give you instructions for appropriate aftercare which should allow you to continue with your usual activities.
Which Common Areas Are Treated by Electrolysis
Although Electrolysis can be done anywhere on the body*, common areas treated by electrolysis include:
· Eyebrows
· Upper and lower lip
· Chin
· Breasts
· Ears
· Abdomen
· Bikini Lines
· Jaw line and sides of the face
· Underarms
· Legs
· Back
Can anyone have an electrolysis treatment?
Anyone, after puberty, can receive electrolysis treatments. At the moment, Aestetika Skin Care and Electrolysis will not work on those who are pregnant or have a pacemaker/defibrillator. A few other conditions may require a doctor's note before an electrolysis treatment: moles, diabetes, cochlear implant, etc...
What should I do to the hair before my treatment and between sessions?
The unwanted hair needs to be long enough just to be seen. Our electrologist uses eye-loupes therefore only minimal (2-3 day) hair growth is necessary. Shaving or trimming with scissors are the only methods you should use before a treatment and between sessions. Do not tweeze, wax, or thread the hair.
My grandmother used to get electrolysis treatments. Is the technology the same?
Permanent hair removal using electrolysis has come a long way since its beginnings in 1875. Today's computer technology enables the electrologist to work with more speed and comfort. Epilators are much quicker, utilizing current timings of thousandths of a second over the longer current applications of the past, plus, intensity settings can now be modulated to varying proportions. The instruments and equipment used in a contemporary electrologist's office are just part of the changes that have occurred in the electrolysis industry.
Is The Cost Prohibitive?
The over-all benefits received from permanency outweighs the cost. Regained self-assurance and individual confidence along with other psychological benefits can mean a new life for you. Continuous use of temporary methods over a period of many years will cost you more in dollars, time and embarrassment. Permanency means forever, and something which lasts forever means an investment. What better investment in one's self than a lifetime of freedom from unwanted hair.
SPECIAL NOTES
1. All treatments are scheduled by appointment only.
2. Except in an emergency, all cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.
3. Failure to keep or cancel an appointment will result in billing as usual.
4. Promptness is requested. I try to begin and end appointments on schedule. Please be on time or even early to avoid losing treatment time.
5. All consultations and treatment sessions are held in the strictest confidence.
