What are the Electrolysis Modalities?

Electrolysis devices can destroy the hair growth cells with chemical energy, heat energy, or both. The method chosen by the electrologist is the modality. All are effective. There are three modalities in current use: Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process. The current produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle eliminating the hair growth cells. Thermolysis (also called short-wave) produces heat. This modality heats and destroys that hair growth cells in the follicle. A higher intensity current can be applied for less time in the follicle, or current can be used at lower intensity with longer timing. The Blend method combines galvanic current with thermolysis current. Thermolysis heats up the chemical reaction in the follicle destroying hair growth cells.

What does the Electrolysis feel like?

You'll probably feel a momentary heat sensation or pinch. Discomfort is minimal for most people, but individual tolerances vary greatly. Keep in mind that some areas of the body are much less sensitive than others. If you find that you are sensitive to treatments, you can discuss sensation management with your professional electrologist. Numbing cream can be applied before you arrive for treatment to help ease electrolysis sensations. To get the maximum strength numbing cream you would need to get a presciption from your doctor. The maximum strength over the counter numbing cream is a 5% lidocane. We have recommended Zensa (but there are others brands that may work as well - talk with your electrologist).

 Dehydrated clients may feel the sensation of treatment more than clients who are adequately hydrated. 

What happens after treatment?

Immediately following treatment, you may experience slight redness or tenderness which usually last anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days. There is the possibility that healing may take longer depending on different variables such as hydration level, skin sensitivity, density of hair growth, length of treatment and aftercare. For the first 24 hours following treatment, it's best to avoid activities or skincare products that could irritate hair follicles such as excessive sweating, make-up applications and aggressive skincare like exfoliants, retinols etc... It is also extremely important to avoid tanning and sun exposure for at least 24 hours following treatment as well as be diligent about hydration and applying sunscreen daily. Since we are creating micro-injuries to kill the hair follicles, some degree of healing is to be expected and is a normal part of the process in becoming hair-free. Examples include minor scabbing and/or pustules.

How long will my Electrolysis treatment take?

Depending on the area you want cleared, the first appointments in your treatment series could be 15 minutes for a small area to an hour or more for a larger area. Most people who follow the recommended treatment plan can expect to be completed or nearly completed within 18-24 months. Generally clients may need to be seen weekly or bi-weekly for the first couple of months with appointments becoming less frequent and shorter in length until treatment is no longer needed.

Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair presented, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity influences, hormone function and certain medications determine the treatment needed for each individual. Please keep in mind that this treatment is a commitment you are making to yourself, by skipping treatments you are prolonging your end-goal of being hair-free.

Electrolysis permanently destroys the hairs treated but is not a preventative treatment. Meaning that other hair follicles may activate and become bothersome to you over time and this could mean you will need touch up treatments. Common events that may stimulate smaller hair follicles to turn into larger hairs include puberty, pregnancy, menopause, repetitive waxing/plucking/tweezing, high stress and more.

Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?

Electrolysis works on all skin and hair types. It can be applied to most facial and body parts including: eyebrows, chin, upper & lower lip, jaw line & side of the face, breast & underarms, abdomen, bikini line, genitals, back/shoulder, leg and more. Based on a personal consultation and first in office treatment, your electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific hair removal needs.

What Infection Control Procedure do we use?

We follow the American Electrology Association (AEA) standards for infection control following the most recent recommendations from the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Association for Practitioners in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). We utilize a sterilizer for tweezers and probe caps, sterile single-use probes and high level disinfectant for surfaces.

The information above is provided courtesy of American Electrology Association