Electrolysis offers permanent hair removal without laser technology; however, multiple sessions may be needed before seeing desired results. Some individuals may experience side effects that cause discomfort during electrolysis sessions.
Swelling, redness, and what appear to be scabs are natural reactions of healing in the body, yet regular application of Sterex soothing gel may help minimize them.
How Does Electrolysis Work?
Electrolysis is a technique for permanently eliminating unwanted hair by inserting a fine needle into each hair follicle, then applying a small electric current. The current destroys its growth center, leading to no further hair follicle growth from that location. Although electrolysis may take more time than laser or other hair removal methods due to having to treat each individual follicle individually; an experienced electrologist must target each one, deliver enough current, and remove it without damaging skin tissue.
Electrolysis may be more costly and require multiple treatment sessions compared to laser or other hair removal options, yet electrologists swear by its permanent results and studies have confirmed this claim.
Electrolysis, unlike chemical depilatories and waxing which contain harsh chemicals and may damage your skin through repeated removal, is non-toxic and safe. However, depending on your skin sensitivity, quality of equipment, strength of current used and coarseness of hair follicles treated, electrolysis may cause redness or scabs at treatment sites; you can reduce this risk by applying soothing products after treatments and not scratching afterwards.
Apart from an occasional scab, most people don’t experience any adverse side effects of electrolysis treatment. It should be noted, however, that full benefits take time to become visible due to every hair follicle having its own growth cycle – up to six or eight sessions may be required to see results of being hair free!
Electrolysis may cause temporary side effects that include itching, swelling, and bumps that are temporary in nature. If any such discomfort arises from electrolysis treatments, anti-inflammatory creams or over the counter allergy medication can help alleviate it. Also be sure to wash the area with an antibacterial cleanser prior and after each session; this helps stop bacteria from getting into your follicles and leading to inflammation. If prolonged scabbing persists after electrolysis has stopped working on its own – consulting a dermatologist is best advised.
How Long Will Electrolysis Last?
Electrolysis hair removal works differently from laser hair removal because it uses fine needles to permanently destroy each individual hair root. While it takes more time, once achieved you won’t have to worry about future unwanted hair growth in that area!
Your exact experience with electrolysis depends on your skin type and level of sensitivity; however, many find that electrolysis treatment is tolerable or even comfortable. During your appointment, you’ll feel a small pinch of heat from the electric current running through the needle; additionally, there may be an uncomfortable stinging sensation as soon as the needle enters your hair follicle.
For patients with exceptionally sensitive skin, speak to their practitioner about using numbing cream before and/or applying a cold compress afterwards to the treated area to reduce swelling and irritation.
Before attending an electrolysis appointment, it is wise to refrain from shaving, tweezing, and waxing the area in question, as this will hinder needle access to hair roots. Instead, allow at least 1/4-inch of growth out before going in for electrolysis sessions at your salon.
Electrolysis’ most frequently experienced side effect is reddening of the skin, so if this occurs excessively it could indicate either an adverse reaction to the procedure or overtreatment. If necessary, needle or voltage settings might need to be changed or another treatment strategy utilized on affected areas.
Other potential side effects may include temporary dark spots on your skin that typically fade over time. You may also experience a burning sensation during and immediately following treatment – if these symptoms continue, contact your electrologist immediately.
Electrolysis may take longer to treat thick or coarse hair than other methods and should only be performed by a qualified and experienced electrologist who knows the hair growth cycle well and how best to treat each follicle for maximum effectiveness.
What Are the Side Effects of Electrolysis?
Electrolysis may cause temporary side effects on your skin. When choosing an electrologist to treat yours with care and kindness, seek recommendations from friends and family; they’ll know whether their experiences were positive or negative. When attending your initial consultation make sure all of your questions are addressed fully.
After treatment sessions, it is not unusual for redness and swelling to arise as your body attempts to heal itself more efficiently. If pustules begin forming, ensure the area remains as clean as possible to reduce their severity; salicylic acid may help in this regard as well as dry out any pustules quickly. Do not pick or scratch at scabs as this could lead to further infection from bacteria.
If you have sensitive skin, it is a good idea to apply cold compresses immediately following treatment to reduce swelling and redness. We also suggest using our soothing gel post-treatment for added healing benefits and to prevent dull patches in treated areas.
After electrolysis, some individuals’ skin may appear “pitted”. This is caused by scar tissue filling the dead space created when hair follicles were destroyed; usually within a year however, wound collagen matures into smooth skin and improves this pitted appearance.
Electrolysis may not always result in permanent hair removal; sometimes hair may reappear because its root was still present when destroyed by electric current. To help avoid this from happening, always follow your electrologist’s advice regarding avoidance of unnecessary tweezing of treated areas in the week following each session.
With proper follow-up and commitment, most clients should start seeing results within two weeks with laser hair removal treatments. Some may require longer, but most will see significant progress after just a few visits. The key to successful permanent hair removal lies in treating each follicle at its optimal growth cycle – meaning weekly or biweekly treatments until desired results have been reached.
How Can I Prevent Side Effects?
Attentive electrologists should use medical sterilization and provide each time you come in with a pre-sterilized electrolysis probe to reduce risks and side effects. Speak to friends and family members for referrals before researching electrologists online and conducting your own due diligence before selecting one. Don’t be shy to request free consultations and don’t be afraid to ask any questions that arise about quality versus price of electrologist’s service if any doubts remain about your electrologist; don’t be afraid to speak up if necessary – the sooner, the sooner. Also ensure your hands will be washed before and after every treatment session to minimize potential adverse events and save money!
After your appointment, your skin may feel hot and tender, as well as look reddened or blistered as your body responds to the destruction of hair follicles. While redness and swelling typically subside within several days, if either bothers you use soothing creams or cold compresses to reduce discomfort in that area.
Your body may form a scab to protect the area where a damaged hair follicle has been destroyed, as a sign that healing has begun. These may be honey colored or darker hues and should remain undisturbed until treatment has completed. Don’t pick at these protective shields and contact your electrologist immediately if any pain or discomfort arises from treatment.
Pitting occurs in some clients after electrolysis and is caused by scar tissue filling in any spaces created by hair follicle removal. It has an uneven, lumpy and bumpy appearance and typically takes one year for this condition to mature into smooth tissue.
Some individuals experience herpes outbreaks following electrolysis. This is typically caused by the recurrence of an existing herpes infection; antiviral medications may help to protect against further outbreaks.
