Treatment FAQ

what is electrolysis treatment

by Lorena Davis Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Does electrolysis remove hair permanently?

Yes, electrolysis safely and permanently removes hair from all skin tones. It is the only FDA-approved permanent hair removal treatment. Because electrolysis permanently destroys the growth cells in the hair follicles, the hair will not grow back.Jan 5, 2021

How long do electrolysis results last?

A – Generally, areas can be cleared in 6 months to a year, if the client is dedicated to completing regular treatments. Because there are three different growing cycles, some hair remains hidden at any given time, and it may take several months to a year to completely clear an area.

Is electrolysis more painful than laser?

Electrolysis is considered more painful than laser hair removal. It may require more sessions than laser hair removal, but each session is cheaper. Laser hair removal is a faster, less painful process, but you'll pay more for each session.Jul 10, 2019

Is electrolysis better than laser?

Laser therapy and electrolysis both produce longer-lasting effects compared to shaving. But electrolysis seems to work the best. The results are more permanent. Electrolysis also carries fewer risks and side effects, and you don't need the maintenance treatments required for laser hair removal.

Can hair grow back after electrolysis?

If the follicle is not destroyed, the regrowth ultimately achieves its original size. There will always be a certain amount of re-growth after initial electrolysis treatments, even when they are performed by a skilled electrologist.Oct 29, 2018

How many hairs can electrolysis remove?

We can conclude that the average removal rate in this zone is 445 hairs per hour.Aug 24, 2020

How many sessions does electrolysis take?

You will need around eight to twelve electrolysis sessions to permanently remove your hair. This may seem like a lot of sessions, but remember that once it's done, that hair is gone forever! The thicker and denser the hair in an area, the more sessions you'll need to remove it.Aug 8, 2019

Do you shave before electrolysis?

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.May 10, 2017

Where does electrolysis hurt the most?

Toes and Fingers: Many report feeling the most pain on the toes and fingers. This is because this is a very bony area and there is less fat tissue.Jan 18, 2017

Can electrolysis be done at home?

While the FDA has approved a few home laser treatment devices, there are currently no approved home electrolysis machines on the market. This article will show why electrolysis, an invasive procedure, should only be performed in a professional setting, and what your other options can be.Jan 10, 2015

What is the most permanent hair removal?

"Laser hair removal really is the most effective way to have long-term hair reduction," says dermatologist Cameron Rokhsar, MD. "It's as permanent as it gets." Best for: Laser and IPL (intense pulsed light) work anywhere on the body.Aug 7, 2014

How do you stop chin hair from growing?

Tips for getting rid of chin hairslaser hair removal.eflornithine (Vaniqa) prescription cream hair remover.waxing.shaving (it's a myth your facial hair will grow back thicker)tweezing.epilation.depilatory creams.threading.More items...•Feb 28, 2020

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment that uses heat or chemical energy to safely and permanently destroy the growth cells of the hair follicle....

What are the pros and cons of electrolysis?

Pros The treatment slows or stops hair growth, reducing the need to shave, wax, or use depilatories. This also helps eliminate the annoyances of ra...

How much does electrolysis cost?

Your cost will depend on the amount of hair that needs to be removed, the size of the treatment area, your provider’s experience level, and their p...

Who's a good candidate for electrolysis?

“Both men and women are good candidates for this procedure, particularly if they want to treat small areas,” says New York City dermatologist Dr. N...

How does electrolysis work?

There are three types of electrolysis hair removal: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend, which combines the prior two. Both galvanic and thermolysis t...

Is electrolysis better than laser hair removal?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both electrolysis and laser hair removal devices for removing hair safely. When it comes t...

Can electrolysis remove hair that remains after laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal typically reduces unwanted hair by about 70%. If you’re not satisfied with the amount that remains after laser treatments, you c...

What happens during an electrolysis treatment?

A week prior to the treatment, stop using any products containing retinol, to avoid dryness and irritation. Also, it’s not recommended to tweeze or...

Does electrolysis hurt?

“You may feel something between a short zap to downright discomfort on sensitive areas, like the upper lip,” says Dr. Novick. If you find the treat...

How many treatments are needed for electrolysis?

Most people see some results right away, because less hair will grow, but the number of treatments needed to see full results varies. You may be sa...

What are the side effects of electrolysis?

Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, including the eyebrows, face, abdomen, thighs, breasts, and legs. There are generally no permanent side effects, but sometimes a temporary, slight reddening of the skin may occur.

What is an electrologist?

Electrologists are people who have special training to perform electrolysis. If you are considering electrolysis, it is important that you do your research before committing to sessions. The wrong decision can mean extra sessions and cost along with unnecessary discomfort and scarring.

What is the process of removing hair from the face?

Electrolysis is a method of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today's medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. After a very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle, the hair is removed with tweezers. Most areas of the body can be treated with electrolysis, ...

Is electrolysis a permanent method?

The FDA and the American Medical Association recognize only electrolysis as a permanent method of removing hair. Some states prohibit those using or selling the electric tweezer from claiming it provides permanent hair removal. Myth: Temporary methods of hair removal can be better. Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used ...

Is waxing expensive?

Waxing can be painful and costly. Home waxing kits are available, but they can be messy and difficult to use. There are electrolysis devices available for home use, but they are often unsafe for use by anyone who is not trained in electrolysis. Continued.

What is the only permanent hair removal procedure?

The practitioner should use needle electrolysis, which is the only permanent form of hair removal. Some places may advertise electrolysis but use electronic tweezers or photoepilators instead. These are not permanent hair removal procedures. Use common sense. When you go to your consultation, look around.

What is the best way to remove body hair?

Chemical depilatories (liquids or creams) are often used to remove body hair. These products contain irritating chemicals and can be time-consuming and messy. Likewise, bleaches contain harsh chemicals and do little to disguise dark hair. They may also discolor skin.

What is the purpose of electrolysis?

The goal of electrolysis is to permanently remove unwanted hair on the face and body.

How does electrolysis work?

Electrolysis treatments use a tiny needle with an electric current to essentially kill the hair follicle. There are two primary hair removal methods with electrolysis: galvanic and thermolytic. Galvanic hair removal chemically destroys the hair follicle while thermolytic uses heat. A third method blends both galvanic and thermolytic electrolysis.

How long does it take for a scab to heal?

1-14 Days After Treatment and Beyond 1 Scabbing heals in 7-14 2 Do not use any temporary hair removal methods 3 Do not touch treated for 48 hours 4 Avoid sun exposure 5 No strenuous exercise for 1-2 days 6 Avoid skincare products for 24 hours

Fast facts

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What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a hair removal treatment that uses heat or chemical energy to safely and permanently destroy the growth cells of the hair follicle. Electrolysis devices send a short wave of electric current through a very fine needle probe inserted into the follicle in order to damage and disable it.

What are the pros and cons of electrolysis?

The treatment slows or stops hair growth, reducing the need to shave, wax, or use depilatories. This also helps eliminate the annoyances of razor burn and ingrown hairs.

How much does electrolysis cost?

Your cost will depend on the amount of hair that needs to be removed, the size of the treatment area, your provider’s experience level, and their practice location.

How does electrolysis work?

There are three types of electrolysis hair removal: galvanic, thermolysis, and blend, which combines the prior two. Both galvanic and thermolysis treatments use electrical currents, but each uses a different conductor to create a different reaction within the follicle.

Is electrolysis better than laser hair removal?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved both electrolysis and laser hair removal devices for removing hair safely. When it comes to choosing between the two, it’s your skin tone and hair color that make the difference.

Can electrolysis remove hair that remains after laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal typically reduces unwanted hair by about 70%. If you’re not satisfied with the amount that remains after laser treatments, you can eliminate those hairs with electrolysis.

What is electrolysis procedure?

Electrolysis is an office-based procedure . Sometimes, a topical anesthetic is necessary before the procedure to numb the area of treatment. The procedure itself involves inserting a tiny needle into the opening of each individual hair follicle. The needle applies energy that destroys the living part of the follicle.

How does electrolysis work?

Today’s electrolysis procedures are quicker and more adaptable to different types of hair. The electrolysis procedure involves inserting a tiny probe, or needle, into the opening of each hair follicle. The probe uses an energy current to destroy the living part of the follicle, called the bulb, and the papilla, ...

Why do people need electrolysis?

Electrolysis is performed for cosmetic reasons to get rid of unwanted or excessive hair. There are a variety of underlying reasons why hair can grow too much, including heredity, hormones, drugs, and certain medical conditions. However, many people seek electrolysis to simplify their hair removal routine. Electrolysis can remove hair almost ...

What is electrolysis hair removal?

Electrolysis is a form of hair removal to treat unwanted or excessive hair growth. It’s been around for nearly 150 years, making it an old form of hair removal. However, the equipment and technology has evolved significantly over the years. Today’s electrolysis procedures are quicker and more adaptable to different types of hair.

Who is Sarah Lewis?

Sarah Lewis is a pharmacist and a medical writer with over 25 years of experience in various areas of pharmacy practice. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy.

What is the job of an electrologist?

An electrologist performs this type of hair removal procedure. This allied health professional has specialized training in administering needle electrolysis. Some states require licensing for electrologists, so check their qualifications.

How long does it take to remove hair?

Most people can complete a permanent hair removal plan within 18 months.

How it works

Electrolysis works by inserting a small electrical current into the area that needs to be treated. There are three methods of electrolysis: galvanic, diathermy or blend.

Testimonials

I had several, large senile warts removed from my side and back. I had previously been told by my Doctor that these could not be treated. I am delighted that they have gone! I have to be honest that I did find the treatment uncomfortable but the therapist was wonderful in reassuring me on how […]

How does electrolysis work?

Medical electrolysis devices can destroy the hair growth cells with chemical energy, heat energy, or both. The method chosen by the electrologist is the modality. All are effective. There are three modalities in current use: Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process.

What is galvanic electrolysis?

Galvanic electrolysis is a chemical process. The current produces a chemical reaction in the hair follicle eliminating the hair growth cells. Thermolysis (also called short-wave) produces heat. This modality heats and destroys the hair growth cells in the follicle.

What is excessive hair growth?

Excessive hair growth, also known as hirsutism, can range from fine, vellus hair to dark, coarse hair on the face and body. Breaking down the hair growth cells on deep, coarse hairs may require more than one treatment. Based on a personal and confidential consultation, your electrologist will design a treatment plan that addresses your specific ...

What is electrolysis treatment?

What is Electrolysis? Electrolysis is a treatment approach for permanent and painless hair removal. During the procedure, a very thin wire is inserted into the hair follicles underneath the skin surface. A small current then travels down the length of the wire and destroys the hair root.

What are the three methods of electrolysis?

Three electrolysis methods get used in electrochemistry: electric current, pyrolysis, and mixing. Galvanic couples use galvanizing current and moisture within your skin to produce lye, which damages hair papilla. The current method allows the use of multiple needles.

Does electrolysis cause pain?

Electrolysis is generally a pain-free procedure and does not cause a lot of discomfort. There is usually just a slight tingling sensation with a bit of heat. However, if you have concerns about pain and discomfort, you can talk to your electrologist about using a topical anesthetic (numbing cream) during the procedure.

What is the current method of pyrolysis?

The current method allows the use of multiple needles. Thermal decomposition only uses a needle and should not be confused with electrolysis. It uses alternating current to generate heat and damage the nipples of the hair. The latest pyrolysis method is called SIMPLE.

Is electrolysis safe for hair removal?

Yes, electrolysis is a safe approach for permanent hair removal and suits many skin regions, types, and to nes. Additionally, it is the only hair removal treatment to be awarded approval from the FDA. Electrolysis permanently destroys growth cells in the hair follicles, thus ensuring that there won’t be any further hair growth.

Why is my hair growing so fast?

Excessive hair growth can be caused by a variety of different factors, such as: Heredity factors ( The amount and thickness of your body hair are heavily influenced by genetics). Hormone prevalence, such as high androgen levels (male hormones). Certain drugs, such as some steroids.

What is temporary hair removal?

Temporary hair removal includes procedures such as tweezers, waxing, shaving, and chemical hair removal. For example, some tangled hair protruding from the eyebrows is not uncommon and completely normal.

What is electrolysis treatment?

In terms of beauty treatments, Electrolysis is the process of permanently removing unwanted hair from the face and other parts of the body. In this treatment, an electric current is applied into each hair follicle to destroy the root. Electrolysis treatment requires multiple sessions and you need to prepare your body before every session ...

How much does laser hair removal cost?

However, bear in mind it is an expensive procedure and an average 30 minutes session costs about US$45.

How to get rid of hair in a shaved head?

1. Stop waxing, tweezing and plucking. As soon as you decide to undergo an electrolysis treatment, stop removing hair by plucking, tweezing or waxing. Length of the hair in the area to be treated is the most important thing for best results.

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