Electrolysis is an effective permanent hair removal option that works on any color skin or hair to effectively and without scarring.
Establishing a hair-free facial area through galvanic electrolysis requires both time and money; but the result can be well worth your efforts. According to research and anecdotal accounts, most transgender people require 200 to 300 hours for facial feminisation.
How many sessions do I need?
Electrolysis is an excellent hair removal option suitable for all skin and hair types, but particularly effective at targeting dark hair on light skin, where laser treatment may not. The procedure involves inserting needles into each hair follicle, passing an electric current through it and closing off each one to stop new growth as well as dissolving existing hair growing, making it fall out in days/weeks after treatment – some people experience temporary reddening of the skin during or immediately following electrolysis but this effect should wear off shortly afterwards.
As a general guideline, it is wise to refrain from shaving or waxing before an electrolysis appointment; however, your electrologist will inform you if they have specific guidelines you must abide by. Some practitioners advise using a bikini trimmer instead of shaving to ensure hair length reaches at least quarter-inch before treatment begins; additionally some clients can benefit from applying topical anesthetic prior to starting their treatment plan.
There are various treatment methods used during an electrolysis session. One approach uses shortwave radio waves or direct current to heat up tissue and destroy hair follicles; this approach generally causes less discomfort than others and won’t leave scars, though some individuals still find it uncomfortable.
Another method uses low temperatures to destroy hair follicles and minimize discomfort, making this technique ideal for sensitive areas, like breasts and genitals. This form of permanent hair reduction typically takes place in a clinical setting and requires more experience than other techniques.
Electrolysis rarely has lasting side effects; however, scratching or picking at any microscopic scabs left after treatment could result in hyperpigmentation (dark spots on your skin) as a result of picking at them or scratching at them too much afterward. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding women should not undergo electrolysis due to potential risks to their unborn children; although such side effects only rarely arise.
How long will each session last?
Electrolysis sessions typically last 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and nature of the area being treated and its hair. An electrologist inserts a tiny needle into each hair follicle before sending a small amount of electricity through it – heating it and destroying its contents, as well as stopping future hair growth, while simultaneously permitting removal using tweezers.
Electrolysis may cause some discomfort, though its severity varies from person to person. Some experience it as a sharp, stinging sensation while others find it tolerable. Furthermore, depending on where it’s performed (groin or neck being particularly sore spots), certain areas might be more painful than others (i.e. groin). But don’t fret–the process won’t take forever before reaching your goal of hair-free skin!
Most people require multiple sessions each month in order to see results, though it’s important to remember that immediate progress cannot be expected; you may even require several years before facial hair is completely gone due to hair follicles taking months to fully mature before they stop growing as quickly.
Before beginning electrolysis treatments, it is wise to get recommendations from friends, family, and coworkers regarding local practitioners. This way, you can find someone experienced at working on facial structures with proven success rates. Furthermore, make sure to visit a location offering free consultations as it will give you a better sense of what the treatment feels like, how many sessions may be required, and the overall costs.
As much as possible, shaving, plucking and waxing should be avoided in areas that are scheduled for electrolysis treatment as it can make the procedure more difficult for your electrologist and lead to hair follicles breaking off at their roots and disrupting how treatments go. Depilatories may still be used if that’s your preferred form of hair removal.
How many sessions will I need to keep my face hair-free?
Electrolysis can help permanently eliminate unwanted hair, but expect it to take time and dedication. Electrologists treat each individual hair follicle – not entire areas like face or body–taking between one to five sessions for treatment. Each appointment can last as much as one hour.
How long each session lasts depends on the area being treated and its level of density; for example, some hairs on your cheeks could be removed in 30 to 45 minutes while chin hair removal could require up to an hour and a half.
Dependent upon heredity, hormone levels and other external influences (e.g. medication and illness), hair growth rates will depend upon various factors – for instance women prone to excessive hair growth may require longer sessions; those diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in particular may be especially at risk of this complication.
Electrolysis involves having an electrologist insert a needle into each hair follicle to apply a small electrical current that destroys its growth center, leaving temporary hot or pinch sensations where the needle enters your skin. When selecting an electrologist to perform electrolysis it’s essential that they be certified and trained, so for best results seek recommendations from friends or family who have undergone electrolysis or talk to healthcare providers about it first before proceeding with this highly specialized practice. Some practices even offer free consultation sessions so you can experience what to expect and make decisions accordingly.
Post-session, it is common for skin to become red and tender, with some people even experiencing blisters. Blisters should typically heal within three days; if not, seek medical advice immediately. It is essential that treatment areas are left alone until fully recovered to avoid infection or scarring that could result from scratching or shaving them before fully healing has taken place.
Limoges suggests avoiding sun exposure and using an unscented, gentle cleanser to wash the affected area before applying hydrocortisone or Neosporin as preventive medicine to avoid irritation. She advises patients to opt for lukewarm or cooler water instead of hot baths and showers, and to apply a topical anesthetic like lidocaine when your skin becomes itchy if needed to relieve discomfort.
How much will it cost?
Electrolysis is a permanent hair removal method that kills each individual follicle at its roots. Approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and American Medical Association (AMA), electrolysis is generally less costly than alternatives like laser or thermolysis treatments; treatments typically last 15-60 minutes each time.
Cost factors in electrolysis sessions depend on several elements, including how many hours are necessary, the size and type of area being treated and its location. Larger areas with thicker or coarser hair require additional treatments with longer appointments that increase overall costs; additionally, an experienced electrologist will charge more.
No matter the factors at play, electrolysis should always be seen as a long-term commitment and financial investment. But those willing to stick through with it will reap benefits such as smoother skin, soft jaw lines and reduced ingrown hairs; not to mention increased confidence as part of their transition journey.
Most transgender women will require between 200-300 electrolysis sessions before their beards can be completely cleared away and their feminine identity restored. Though this may seem like a lengthy process, remembering the best way to ensure success is visiting an experienced and licensed electrologist will lead to faster results.
As well as making sure that your electrologist is licensed and insured, make sure they provide a comfortable environment using modern sterilization techniques. Furthermore, they should be available to answer any queries about the procedure you might have and offer references from past clients who have successfully undergone electrolysis treatment.
Before your electrolysis appointment, it is a good idea to refrain from shaving as this will help protect against skin numbing and discomfort. Furthermore, applying topical lidocaine cream prior to your session is another effective way of managing discomfort and must also be considered when planning ahead for electrolysis sessions. Finally, bring with you a list of questions for your electrologist prior to starting any sessions.
