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Electrolysis
FAQ
(Frequently Asked
Questions)
Below, you will find listed
answers to a number of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). If
you have a specific question not addressed here, contact one
of our locations, or visit our Ask
The Experts page to ask a question online.
How
long has electrolysis been performed?
How
does electrolysis work?
Is
electrolysis permanent?
Are
the no-needle or electronic tweezing methods of hair removal
effective?
Do
home-methods of electrolysis work?
Is
electrolysis safe?
Is
electrolysis painful?
Is
electrolysis expensive?
Are
there any side effects caused by electrolysis?
What
areas of the body can be treated?
How
long does electrolysis take to achieve permanency?
How
do I select an electrologist?
Why
should I choose electrolysis to solve my unwanted hair problem?
How long has electrolysis been performed?
The first research using electrolysis for
the permanent removal of hair began in 1869 in St. Louis,
Missouri. It was conducted by an ophthalmologist, Charles
Michel who wanted a safe, effective way to remove ingrown
eyelashes which frequently led to blindness. He published
his first scientific paper in 1875. The method was soon
adapted by the medical community and then adapted for treatment
of excess hair on other parts of the body. From that day
until the present, the same basic technique has been used,
only greatly improved and modernized.
How does electrolysis work?
A trained electrologist inserts a small metal probe into
the hair follicle alongside the hair. A small amount of
electric current is then delivered to the probe by a sensitive
electronic device called an epilator. Depending on the technique
used, the electric current destroys the hair root either
by heat or chemical action and in some methods by both at
the same time.
| Galvanic (direct
current) electrolysis-the hair is destroyed by chemical
action. |
| Thermolysis (high frequency) electrolysis-the hair root
is destroyed by heat production. |
| Blend
electrolysis-a combination of Galvanic and Thermolysis
where the hair root is destroyed by both heat and
chemical action at the same time. |
All three modalities are safe
and effective. Your electrologist will choose the modality
which is best for you.
Is electrolysis permanent?
Electrolysis has been shown to be permanent in over a century
of use. Its permanency has been well recognized by knowledgeable
physicians and is also testified to by hundreds of scientific
articles published in the medical literature. In addition
to scientific recognition, there are over one million happy
and satisfied people who have solved a very personal and
embarrassing problem with the help of electrolysis.
Are the no-needle or electronic tweezing methods
of hair removal effective?
From time to time, methods of hair removal have been advertised
where the hair is grasped by a tweezer connected to an electric
current source. The electric current allegedly travels don
the hair shaft to destroy the hair root without any probe
or needles. There is no published, reputable scientific
data that I am aware of to support the effectiveness of
this method of hair removal. It is my impression that the
no-needle and electronic tweezing methods are no more effective
in permanent hair removal than ordinary "tweezing."
Do home-methods of electrolysis work?
Not very well. If
the home method is one where the probe is
inserted into the hair follicle, it has the potential for
working. The problem with home methods is treating yourself
which often requires mirrors or having an untrained friend
help you. The technique of electrolysis requires significant
training for proper hand-eye coordination and is usually
performed using a special light and magnification. Without
proper training, adequate lighting and magnification, I
feel the home methods, in most cases, will not be worth
the effort and expense.
Is electrolysis safe?
Electrolysis has a 120 year history of safety and effectiveness.
I am not aware of one case of significant disease being
caused or transmitted because of electrolysis.
Modern well-trained electrologists utilize the most up-to-date
effective methods of sterilization, disinfection and antisepsis,
and follow guidelines set up by a major electrolysis organization
in conjunction with the CDC (Center of Disease Control).
Don't hesitate to ask your electrologist about the scientific
methods he/she uses to guarantee your safety.
Is electrolysis painful?
Whether there is
any discomfort during electrolysis is quite variable depending
on a patient's tolerance, machine settings, modality used,
as well as other factors. During most treatments a definite
sensation should be noticed. It has been variously described
as a "slight Heat", "tingling" or "stinging"
sensation. Your electrologist is trained to work within
the comfort tolerance of his/her patients. Do not hesitate
to let him/her know what you are feeling.
Is electrolysis expensive?
Considering the intense physical effort required of the
electrologist, as well as the equipment, office space, insurance,
etc., the fees charged by electrologist are thought, by
most, to be reasonable. When compared to the prices of other
health and beauty-care services and the cost of dealing
with excessive hair using temporary means, electrolysis
in most cases, is very affordable. Remember, the problem
is being dealt with permanently and not just on a short
term basis.
Are there any side effects caused by electrolysis?
Electrolysis has been performed for over 120 years and has
proven to be an extremely safe procedure. Having read most
of the medical literature on electrolysis, I am not aware
of any serious complications
or side effects.
Electrolysis, like many minor
procedures in medicine, does have a short healing phase.
During this time, there may be some transient redness or
swelling and occasionally some pinpoint scabbing. Your electrologist
will advise you regarding what can be expected during the
healing phase.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Hair can be removed from almost any part of the body. Some
common areas for women include the hairline, eyebrows, top
of the nose, cheeks, sideburn area, upper and lower lip,
chin, throat, neck, shoulders, back, chest, breasts, abdomen,
arms, legs, bikini line, hands, feet, toes and fingers.
Hair on the eyelashes, inside the nose and inside the ear
canal are only treated under the supervision of a physician.
Hairy moles may be treated with written permission from
a physician. It is perfectly safe to treat pregnant women,
but the breasts and abdomen are avoided after the sixth
month of pregnancy.
Men often have hair removed
from the hairline, beard line, shoulders, back neck, chest
ears and nose. Electrolysis is very helpful for treating
ingrown hairs which frequently cause irritation in the beard
area.
How long does electrolysis take to achieve permanency?
Electrolysis requires a series of treatments given over
a period of time. The length of time varies from person
to person and is dependent on many factors. The density
and coarseness of the hair, as well as the total area to
be treated, are very important. How well you tolerate treatments
and the consistency of the treatment affect the overall
success. The cause of the unwanted hair and the temporary
methods of dealing with the hair in the past are also involved
in the treatment time. Many hairs will be permanently removed
after the first treatment while some require additional
treatment to achieve permanency. Treatment will be more
frequent in the beginning and less frequent later on. The
overall results- permanent, hair-free skin, are usually
well worth the time spent.
How do I select an electrologist?
There are many factors that might influence your choice
of an electrologist. Many people ask their physician for
a referral. Others rely on the recommendations of a friend.
Many consult the telephone directory under "Electrolysis"
or "Permanent Hair Removal" to find the electrologists
in their area. To be assured of quality service, determine
if your electrologist is licensed (where required by law),
nationally certified, a member of state and/or national
professional associations and a participant in continuing
education. In the final analysis decide if you feel comfortable
and confident with the electrologist you have chosen since
electrolysis requires a series of treatment over a period
of time.
Why should I choose electrolysis to solve my
unwanted hair problem?
Time is one factor for choosing electrolysis in today's
fast-paced world. Dealing with unwanted hair in a temporary
way is tedious, costly, and never-ending. Permanent hair
removal frees you from this daily routine.
Electrolysis also improves
your physical appearance and self-image, lessens anxiety
caused by the unwanted hair and helps you feel more attractive
and socially acceptable. It is a choice that will enhance
your own natural beauty and self-confidence.
Lastly, electrolysis has been
proven safe and effective over many years of use and is recognized
by physicians and the American Medical Association. You can
be confident that permanent hair removal will change your
life in a positive and lasting way.
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