Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a beauty salon level procedure for the permanent removal of hair that has been employed for over 100 years. It is also used in the removal of thread veins and skin tags.

Electrolysis: Am I suitable?

Electrolysis is suitable for men and women who want an effective treatment for removing hair permanently – but because it’s the most painful procedure on the market it might be more appropriate for use on small treatment areas.

Unlike laser and IPL systems it’s not attracted to melanin so it is suitable for those with fair or light hair or those with darker skin tones. There are no medical conditions that preclude electrolysis although if you are pregnant you are advised to wait.

Electrolysis: What do I have to do to prepare?

There is no preparation necessary for this treatment.

Electrolysis: What’s the treatment like?

The probe or needle is inserted into the hair follicle and damages the base of the growing hair, thereby cutting off the blood supply and nutrition. There are three different methods of causing the damage; galvanic electrolysis uses electricity to produce sodium hydroxide in the skin surrounding the hair follicles, thermolysis uses electricity to heat up the skin surrounding the hair follicles, and blend electrolysis combines the two other methods.

This procedure can be uncomfortable so a topical local anaesthetic is applied to the treatment area in advance. It can last anything from 30 minutes to two hours depending on how large the area to be treated is.

Electrolysis: What about after?

Downtime is minimal as there is little damage to the surrounding tissue. There may be a little bit of redness or swelling but this is temporary. You should be advised by your practitioner to protect the area with a high factor sunscreen.

Electrolysis: Are there any risks or side effects?

Electrolysis is reported to be more painful than IPL or laser but it can result in permanent hair removal whereas the other procedures can only be termed in the US as permanent hair reduction.