Electrolysis is a safe and medically APPROVED treatment method by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for PERMANENT hair removal on people of all skin tones, types, and hair types.

Electrolysis works by inserting a fine probe or filament into the natural opening of a hair follicle. A small amount of current is applied to create a chemical or heat energy reaction to destroy the hair root.

Timing is Everything
Electrolysis is a much slower process as the hair follicles are treated individually. In order for the hair to be permanently removed, it must be treated while the hair is still attached to the dermal papilla (anagen stage of the hair growth cycle). Treatments are scheduled weekly or bi-weekly. The total number of sessions will vary from person to person. Factors which may play a role in the number of electrolysis treatments required include the thickness of the hair, underlying hormonal imbalances (including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome - P.C.O.S.), and the previous forms of treatment that have been applied to the area (e.g. plucking, waxing, threading, etc. Most clients return once a week or every other week as needed. But The unwanted hair will be gone forever once the series of treatments are  complete. The length of the treatment is from 15 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the area.

 

Other Things to Consider
It is important to have an initial consultation. Every client will be on a different treatment program and the technician must take the following points into consideration, as they will affect the treatment process.

• The area to be treated
• Previous history of hair removal
• Medication (Previous & Current)
• Underlying medical conditions
• The age of the person to be treated
• Gender difference/Transgender/Cisgender
• The skin’s texture and moisture level (dry vs. moist)
• The vulnerability of the skin (hyposensitivity vs. hypersensitivity)
• The texture and nature of the hair (coarse vs. fine / straight vs. curly)

Understanding the factors affecting hair growth will enable you to have reasonable expectations to achieve your desired results.

Definitive Contraindications

• Pacemaker
• Metallic Implants
• Insulin-dependent or severe Diabetes
• Pregnancy
• Cardiovascular disorders, circulatory disorders, anti-coagulant drugs prescribed for these conditions, interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment, and can cause clotting problems.
• Circulatory Problems i.e. Phlebitis/Thrombosis (in treatment area)
• Hepatitis/AIDS/HIV
• History of Cancer – GP advice
• Keloid Scarring
• Herpes Simplex (cold sores)
• Micro Dermabrasion within 4-6 weeks (in treatment area)
• Laser/IPL (recent treatment in area to be treated)
• Recent Scar Tissue (in treatment area)
• Swelling/Oedema
• Epilepsy

Electrolysis should not be done in the following conditions:

• Rosacea (during active phase or with severe acne)
• Infectious Acne
• Skin Diseases/Disorders
• Psoriasis (autoimmune disease) - Electrolysis may flare up psoriasis in patients having this condition.
• Skin Infections like 

• Viral infections e.g. Herpes Simplex or Warts in the area.
• Bacterial infections e.g. Impetigo (highly contagious) Acne Vulgaris.
• Fungal Infections e.g. Ringworm (highly contagious).
• Parasitic infections e.g. Scabies (highly contagious).
• Other Skin conditions like : Rosacea, eczema, dermatitis, sunburn, cuts, abrasions, recent wounds, bruising, oedema in the area to be treated or any unidentifiable skin condition 

Electrolysis on the following may be restricted:

• Asthma - inhalers are normally steroid based which can have an influence on hair growth.

• Hyper/Hypo pigmentation problems.

• High Blood Pressure with GP permission.

• Diabetes with GP permission

• General medication

• Tattoo (in treatment area). the tattoo must be at least 12 months old and fully healed

• Pigment disorders or ethnic skin colouration

• Age - any person under the age of 18 must have parents or guardian consent. It is strongly recommended that the parent or guardian is present for all treatments.

• Anxiety/ stress (when severe).

Frequently Asked Questions 

How safe is electrolysis? 
Electrolysis is extremely safe. The first individual to use electrolysis for hair removal was Dr. Charles E. Michel, an ophthalmologist, who removed ingrown eye lashes. Since its introduction in 1875, no cases of disease transmission have ever been reported. Advanced Comfort Electrolysis uses a new, sterilized, pre-packaged disposable probe for every treatment. Tweezers are also sterilized prior to every treatment. 

Are there various forms of electrolysis?
Yes. There are three different methods of electrolysis: 

1. • Galvanic: This process produces a chemical reaction within the hair follicle. 
   
2. • High Frequency (Thermolysis): This process produces a heat reaction within the hair follicle.
   
3. • Blend: This process is a combination of both galvanic and high frequency.
   

At our clinic, we use Thermolysis and Blend types of electrolysis. After the consultation, we will recommend which method(s) are best suited to the treatment 

  

What are some of the side effects of electrolysis?
It is normal to see some redness and welting (bumps) in the treated area. This typically disappears within a couple of hours after treatment. In a few individuals who have sensitive skin, a slight skin irritation in the form of red spots will appear in the treated area. A minor bruise, localized swelling, tenderness, and some hyperpigmentation may occur, but these side effects are very uncommon and are only temporary.

Reactions in detail

Does electrolysis hurt? 
Some discomfort may be felt during the initial electrolysis treatment; however, with each visit, there will be less discomfort as the body adapts. The mild heat sensation accompanying the electrolysis treatment is felt for only a few seconds while the current is flowing. Most clients find electrolysis more comfortable than waxing, threading, and electronic epilator devices. A topical anesthetic is available for the treatment and a soothing aloe gel applied to the treated area after electrolysis can also be effective. It also helps to be well hydrated (drink plenty of water) before the electrolysis appointment, and to refrain from consuming caffeine and other related stimulants.

 

Before you come to your appointment

• HYDRATE 24 hours before your appointment! When your Skin and Hair is well hydrated, you get better results and the treatment goes smoother. Drink lots of water!

• DO NOT SHAVE more than 3 days before treatment or hair will be too short to treat.  Avoid plucking or waxing for 2-3 weeks before, and avoid shaving for 3-5 days before your electrolysis appointment. In order for the needle to follow the hair follicle and more easily remove the hair, there needs to be at least 1/8th of an inch of hair above the surface of the skin. 

• Avoid sun exposure 48 hours prior to your treatment to avoid dilation of the blood vessels.

• Female clients may find that they are more sensitive during or right before their menstrual cycle and may want to avoid making appointments during that time.

• Don't worry about coming with naked skin (no makeup, deodorants, lotions, or creams)
• Many clients find that taking their favorite pain reliever 30 min prior to their appointment makes their treatment more comfortable

AVOID. Avoid stimulants such as coffee day of your appointment.  This could make you more sensitive to pain. Some female clients have reported more sensitivity during their menstrual cycle and should avoid making appointments around that time. The higher your pain tolerance, the more effective your treatment will be. It is best to work as close to your pain threshold as possible for the most effective treatment.

AVOID RETINOIDS. Do not use Retin A, or any topical retinoid for at least 1 week prior to your electrolysis treatment. Accutane should be discontinued for at least 6 months prior to electrolysis. Having electrolysis services done while on retinoids could result in permanent pigment changes and scarring.

While receiving electrolysis treatments, it is very important to be practicing a good skin care routine. Your skin needs to be healthy and well hydrated to get the best results. Using skin care products that will not irritate the skin will help reduce sensitivity and minimize reactions.

If you have any health conditions that impact your skin, heart, blood, or hair growth you should always consult your physician first.