Electrolysis, the permanent hair removal technique, requires multiple visits due to different rates of hair growth for every individual follicle. Electrolysis treatments may result in pain from electric current, redness and swelling, small blisters forming along the area being treated, scabbing or scarring from its electric current, among other possible reactions.
As soon as treatment begins, skin can appear reddened as though stung by an insect. Applying fragrance- and menthol-free aloe gel may help alleviate this reaction.
Redness
Redness is a side effect of electrolysis hair removal and should dissipate within 24-48 hours after treatment has taken place, due to damage done to tiny blood vessels near follicles as a result of heat generated from needle. Applying soothing cream after the procedure should help diminish redness further.
Some individuals with darker skin may experience temporary dark spots on the skin after electrolysis; these will fade over time. To reduce discomfort during electrolysis treatments and ensure safe outcomes, it is advised not to bleach your hair prior to an appointment, and use a numbing cream beforehand; this will prevent dilation of your blood vessels and the possibility of painful treatments.
After an electrolysis appointment, it is vital to use a sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your newly treated skin from UV rays and their potential effect of hyper-pigmentation in that area. In addition, use mild lotion or cream on it if it feels irritated to further soothe it if possible.
Electrolysis treatments sometimes result in pustules forming. Pustules are small, inflamed blister-like lesions that appear days or so after electrolysis treatments; warm compresses with salicylic acid can be helpful to soothe any inflammation associated with pustules and reduce their impact.
An effective way to minimize complications associated with electrolysis is choosing an electrologist experienced in treating your particular skin type and color of hair. When seeking recommendations from friends or family who have undergone electrolysis treatments themselves, don’t be shy about asking for recommendations from people who have themselves undergone the process – an experienced electrologist may reduce redness-related side effects significantly.
Swelling
After treatment, skin can sometimes become red and tender right after, though this should not be considered an emergency. A cool damp compress may help soothe discomfort and decrease inflammation. According to TikTok’s cosmetic experts, direct sun exposure should also be avoided to avoid post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation which could potentially occur after being exposed.
Redness is an unwanted side effect of electrolysis that often lasts several days after treatment, caused by electrical current being applied through the probe and being sensitive to the procedure itself. Elise recommends applying thick cream on top of moisturizing to aid healing quicker and alleviate itching in the meantime. This may speed recovery while relieving itching as well.
Swelled skin may indicate an allergic reaction or ineffective treatment, or be caused by poor technique, systemic disorders or diseases in a person, or equipment issues. To minimize risks and effects, find a reputable electrologist to conduct the procedure with all risks and benefits taken into consideration.
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal treatment that works by dissolving each individual follicle’s growth center, suitable for all skin and hair types – even those with darker pigmentation – through multiple sessions, due to each follicle’s three phases of development: anagen (growing phase); catagen (transitional phase); and telogen (resting phase). For optimal results, treatment sessions must occur every one to two weeks in order to completely remove all the follicles present on an area.
Blisters
Blisters may occur due to the high temperature created by electrolysis electrodes and in some people with dry skin. They can be avoided by applying moisturiser with low concentration of steroids before treatment (such as Dermaid Cream by Ego Pharmaceuticals). For your own safety and that of others, when this reaction does happen use a sterile needle as soon as it appears; although any mild reactions should only last up to 48 hours and be reported immediately to an electrologist.
After electrolysis, skin edema (swelling) may occur as it seals off any open spaces created by electric current. While this swollen appearance may last several days or even weeks, its presence should eventually fade.
Some individuals experiencing electrolysis develop pitted scar tissue after electrolysis due to scarring in dead spaces created by electrolysis, eventually healing into smooth tissue within 12-18 months of electrolysis.
Regular electrolysis treatment schedules are crucial to effectively eliminating new hair growth before it thickens too much to remove. Furthermore, patients should refrain from shaving, tweezing, or using depilatory creams as these will slow the process of permanent hair removal.
Pain can be experienced differently for different people and the intensity of discomfort can depend on individual skin sensitivity, area being treated and type and quality of hair present on that part of the body.
Pustules
Electrolysis treatments leave the area around an electrolysis treatment incredibly sensitive, necessitating extra care after. Following your procedure you may notice redness, tenderness or bumps that resolve in about an hour or two. Also important post-electroslysis: avoid sun exposure by consistently wearing at least SPF 30 sunscreens.
If the skin becomes overly dry after receiving electrolysis treatments, this may result in minor scabbing which will subside over time. A moisturizer is advised in order to keep scaly or itchy patches at bay – typically, an aloe gel formulated specifically for post-electrolysis needs is best suited.
Pustules, small inflamed lesions that contain hair follicle keratin debris, typically clear up within 24 hours but may persist up to one month without proper care. Warm compresses with salicylic acid can be effective treatments for these rare but unpleasant side effects.
Electrolysis provides a permanent hair removal treatment, by dismantling the growth center of each hair follicle to inhibit its ability to produce new hairs in the future. Although electrolysis doesn’t completely get rid of hair growth, new follicles will eventually fill with new growth depending on factors like genetics, hormone levels and other external influences. Regrowth rates will vary according to genetics of hair follicles and hormone levels among other variables.
Electrolysis treatment depends on clients following the instructions of their electrologist with precision. Clients who schedule their appointments on a consistent basis receive maximum benefit from electrolysis treatments.
Ingrown Hairs
When hair becomes trapped under the skin, it can result in ingrown hairs which can be painful and lead to pustules. They’re also a telltale sign of an infection called folliculitis; and while people might try plucking, waxing, or using topical solutions temporarily to get rid of them; only electrolysis offers lasting solutions to address their cause.
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal technique using electric current to destroy hair follicles. An electrologist inserts a small needle into the opening of each hair follicle and applies an impulse, initiating a chemical reaction between salt and water within it and sodium hydroxide or “lye.” This breaks down its chemical makeup into sodium hydroxide that destroys it permanently preventing future production of hair from that particular follicle.
Electrolysis can be painful due to using a small probe to penetrate each individual hair follicle. Pain levels vary between patients depending on both the area treated and individual pain tolerance; some experience heat while others feel similar sensations to plucking or tweezing. At Reyuva salon specializing in electrolysis they use numbing cream in order to minimize discomfort during this procedure.
Electrolysis results are permanent, so selecting a qualified electrologist is essential for long-term results. We suggest seeking out practitioners with extensive experience and favorable client reviews – testimonials and pictures should also be reviewed prior to booking a session. In addition, seeking recommendations from those who have undergone electrolysis and are satisfied with their results would also be wise.
