Introduction to Electrolysis Treatment
Like a weed, it sprouts up and spreads out. It grows quickly,
moving from your head to your back, down your legs, over your arms and even on
your face. Hair can be beautiful, but when it creeps onto other body parts like
your upper lip, chin and back, it can be more embarrassing than attractive.
Hair growth is natural, but some people will grow more hair than others due to
age, hormonal imbalance or other factors. From shaving to plucking, you can
find several hair removal methods designed to help you remove unwanted hair.
Unfortunately, these methods are only temporary; that hair will return before
you know it, whether you like it or not.
If you're one hair away from an embarrassing situation, you may
want to consider electrolysis.
Electrolysis is a cosmetic procedure developed more than 100 years ago to treat
people with ingrown eyelashes. However, electrolysis doesn't just remove the
hair -- it destroys the hair follicle that produces the hair. A hair follicle
destroyed by electrolysis will never produce a hair (or bother you) again.
Thanks to its destructive success, electrolysis is the only hair removal system considered permanent by the FDA and American Medical Association (AMA).
Electrolysis vs. Laser Hair Removal
Electrolysis and lasers are popular hair removal methods that
can remove hair on most areas of the body. Though they have some similarities,
these two methods come with different requirements & different results.
During electrolysis, a tiny needle is inserted into the skin.
The needle is placed deep into an individual hair follicle that holds one hair.
Then, a low-level electrical energy pulse is sent into the follicle to destroy
it. The existing hair falls out, and the process is repeated hair by hair.
Those who opt for electrolysis need to return for multiple treatments to destroy all the
unwanted hair.
Unlike electrolysis, which uses electric energy to destroy
follicles, laser hair removal employs pulsating light beams. The light is aimed
at the hair follicle where it heats the melanin in the hair. When melanin is
heated, it tends to burn; this causes the hair follicle to temporarily stop
producing hair. However, laser hair removal doesn't work for lighter hair
colors (blonde, grey etc.).
With either method, you risk inflammation, scarring and changes
in pigmentation, so it's important to see a licensed or certified technician
who is trained to perform these procedures and can ensure your safety.
Benefits of Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the only permanent hair removal system
available; this is what sets it apart from all other procedures. A number of
other benefits may also make electrolysis the ideal choice for you.
First, electrolysis is a fairly natural procedure. While other
methods like creams may use chemicals, electrolysis works with the natural
saline and water deep in the skin to destroy the hair follicle. In addition,
laser hair removal can burn the skin, causing irritation, scarring and pain.
There's no risk of burning with electrolysis, as light isn't used in the
process.
Electrologists work with a patient’s pain threshold and the
patient’s ability to promote healing. Progress and results vary in each
individual.
Finally, if your hair shafts are likely curved, this can make
it tough to shave, wax or pluck. Removal of hair of this type often leads to
ingrown hairs and further problems. With electrolysis, both the hair and the
hair follicle are permanently destroyed. You don't have to worry about the
directional growth of your hair -- electrolysis will destroy its root
regardless of the direction of the hair growth.
There are some risks and problems associated with electrolysis,
but a majority of these are temporary. If you're interested in electrolysis,
you should weigh the benefits and risks to determine whether electrolysis works
for you.
Problems Associated with Electrolysis
Electrolysis comes with a number of risks and potential
problems. On the practical side, electrolysis is time-consuming; it requires a
technician to destroy hairs one at a time. Though treatment sessions are
typically short, your first treatment may only destroy 15 to 50 percent of your
unwanted hair. It will take multiple treatments to eliminate all your
unwanted hair. The process involves dedication and should be treated as a personal investment.
Though electrolysis doesn't involve outside chemicals or burning
lights, it's associated with a number of other negative side effects. In some
cases, you could feel some pain and discomfort during treatment. Your technician might apply a
numbing cream to the skin an hour before treatment to help reduce that pain.
Scarring and temporary inflammation can also occur, though it's unlikely.
An initial consultation and a medical history assessment with an
Electrologist is the first step in deciding if you are a good candidate for
electrolysis treatment. Patch-testing is always recommended before treatment
begins.
Source: Discovery Fit & Health
