WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ELECTROLYSIS AND INTENSE PULSED LIGHT (IPL)/LASER?
Electrolysis treats each hair follicle individually with a very fine, disposable, sterile probe to permanently destroy the follicle’s ability to reproduce, thereby eradicating hair growth on completion of the course of treatment.
IPL/Laser tends to treat large areas of skin using a light-based or laser lamp which can reduce hair growth, but not remove all of the hair permanently. It is termed hair reduction rather than hair removal. The two treatments can work well in conjunction with each other in some circumstances. Permanent hair removal with electrolysis requires a longer course of treatment but results in complete, permanent removal of all hair treated. IPL/Laser treatment requires further treatment when the hair grows back.
WHICH AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH ELECTROLYSIS?
Virtually any area, apart from the inside of the nose and inner ear (the rim of the ear can be safely treated).
Common areas for woman are facial areas, (top lip, chin, neck, cheeks, eyebrows) breasts, abdomen, underarms, bikini line, legs, fingers and toes.
Common areas for men are the upper arms, around the ears, top of the nose, eyebrows, top of the back, cheeks above the line of the beard, around the edges of the beard and any areas where ingrown hairs are causing problems.
CAN I HAVE ELECTROLYSIS IF I’M PREGNANT?
Yes, as pregnancy is not normally a contra-indication to the Thermolysis/Shortwave diathermy method of electrolysis. This method uses alternating current (AC) which produces a very weak intensity of current during the procedure. There is no risk to mother or unborn child although treatment of the breast and abdominal areas should be avoided, especially in the later stages of pregnancy – this is entirely due to the fact that the skin in these areas is stretched and therefore under duress – no harm could be caused to the foetus as the current does not pass through the body at all.
However, the 'Blend' or 'Galvanic' methods of electrolysis is best avoided during pregnancy. These methods use direct (DC) electrical current. If you are unsure which method you may be offered, please ask your electrolysist.
If, by chance, you have been having ‘Blend’, please do not worry, it too can be used during pregnancy and should not pose any problem, especially if treatment has been to the facial area. Many clients have treatment before they know that they are pregnant, without any ill effects whatsoever. If you are at all concerned, please discuss this issue with your therapist/practitioner or GP.
DOES ELECTROLYSIS HURT?
Pain is highly subjective however the general sensation is of a mild warming sensation or heat (a slight discomfort). This sensation varies according to the area being treated, previous method of hair removal, and hair & skin type along with client pain threshold.
Electrolysis treatment can be adapted to suit each individual client by adapting current intensity, timing application and probe type, along with the choice of 3 different methods of electrolysis available. A skilled practitioner will review and adapt treatment to suit the clients’ needs.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?
The number of treatments required will vary from person to person as each client will have a different density of hair growth (e.g. there may be between 50 hairs and 500 hairs packed into a small area of skin tissue, whilst some clients will have less hair which is spaced out). This means that each treatment course will vary, and therefore no actual figure can be put on the number of treatments required, but you will quickly feel and see a difference giving you the confidence to continue with your treatment course. You will need to have regular appointments over a period of time (at least a year if not more) for most areas. Not all our hair is growing at the same time, and it can be quite a shock to find that those 3 or 4 hairs on your chin could actually be 30 or more hairs ‘taking turns’ to grow! On top of this hair thickness, skin sensitivity, dryness and other factors affect how quickly each hair can be eliminated. Appointment times can vary from as little as 10 minutes to as much as several hours, depending on how large an area needs to be treated.
IS THERE A GOOD TIME TO START ELECTROLYSIS TREATMENT?
It is best not to start electrolysis just prior to a long holiday, before a busy period or just before an important event when it will be difficult to stick to your appointment schedule. Please book a consultation with your nearest member to discuss the best treatment plan for your hair problem and lifestyle and to have explained the process, time and costs involved. You will be able to see the hair reducing throughout your treatment though, so you do not have to wait until the end to see an improvement.
WHAT DOES THE SKIN LOOK LIKE FOLLOWING TREATMENT?
Generally there is some redness and a little localised swelling immediately following electrolysis. This will disappear in time depending on the skin sensitivity and skin type. Generally the next day your skin will show very little sign of treatment, however some people may see tiny reddish brown pinprick scabs, especially on body areas or where hairs are distorted or ingrown. These scabs drop off naturally within a few days to a week depending on the individual’s healing ability. If however you notice any unexpected after effects then please mention it to your therapist.
WILL I BE SCARRED?
If strict aftercare instructions are not followed there is a VERY small risk of temporary marking (your electrolysist will go through this with you). Provided the treatment is carried out correctly and aftercare is followed then there is no risk of scarring.
I AM A BLOOD DONOR, CAN I STILL HAVE ELECTROLYSIS?
No, unless you stop donating for the duration of your treatment. According to the official Give Blood website you should not donate blood if you have had a cosmetic skin piercing treatment in the past 4 months.
I WANT TO HAVE ELECTROLYSIS BUT I CAN’T BEAR THE THOUGHT OF LETTING THE HAIR GROW IN BETWEEN TREATMENTS
You can still remove hair between appointments by cutting or shaving (yes, even on the face). The hair does not have to be any longer than it would be when you remove it yourself.