Electrolysis is a safe, less painful and permanent hair removal procedure.

Hair Procedures Plastic surgery electrolysis

Electrolysis – Permanent Hair Removal

Electrolysis - Introduction

Electrolysis is a form of hair removal that is meant to be permanent when done by a properly trained technician. Although no hair removal has been found to be absolutely permanent, electrolysis does provide another method by which a patient can reduce unwanted hair. Both men and women are turning to electrolysis to remove hair growth that has been triggered by hormonal imbalances, illnesses, menopause and pregnancy in women.

Electrolysis - History

First discovered after the Civil War, Dr. Charles Michel was first credited with the removal of hair by an electrified needle in 1875. He first discovered electrolysis by using a battery operated epilator to treat ingrown eyelashes (trichiasis) in his patients. He determined that this method should be called electrolysis due to its triggering of a chemical reaction in the hair follicle. This reaction caused sodium hydroxide to form which then damaged the hair follicle.

In the early part of the twentieth century, electrolysis was being used as a treatment for hair removal. Further innovations included the use of multiple needles in electrolysis. In 1916, Paul Kree found that using AC electricity (as opposed to the DC used by Michel) caused thermal damage to the hair follicle as well. And throughout World War two, researchers continued to experiment with electrolysis, making small improvements. Electrolysis experts in the second half of the twentieth century found that incorporating transistors and computerized mechanics into the electrolysis machine, as well as using insulated, sterile, disposable probes made the process all the safer and simpler to perform.

Benefits of Permanent Hair Removal By Electrolysis

Electrolysis has many advantages for those patients who have not had success with other methods of hair removal—i.e. shaving, depilatories, and waxing. For one, it is the longest lasting of any of the available treatments for hair removal. Some studies have shown that effects can be permanent in most cases. Another plus of electrolysis is that it has a long standing history of effectiveness and safety. Electrolysis has been around for over one hundred and twenty-five years, which can not be said of laser treatment that claims many of the same hair removal benefits of electrolysis.

Best Candidates for Hair Removal By Electrolysis

The best candidates for electrolysis include those patients who have not had success with other hair removal treatments. Patients who are in good health and have realistic expectations for the procedure are also good candidates. Electrolysis may not work in the same way for everyone and a patient must be willing to accept that fact. It is also important to note that a patient would do themselves a service by researching the technician thoroughly before committing to a series of appointments. Talking to other clients of the technician may help a patient to determine if the technician is right for them.

What is Electrolysis Hair Removal Procedure?

And what exactly is electrolysis? A very thin metal probe is inserted into a hair follicle by a trained physician. If the insertion is done properly, then there will not be any punctures to the skin. This metal probe generates electricity which causes damage to the hair follicles and prevents further growth cycles.

Three kinds of energy are used in electrolysis. One is galvanic electrolysis which causes the salt and water in the skin to undergo a chemical change into sodium hydroxide, chlorine, and hydrogen. The sodium hydroxide works to damage the hair follicle from further growth when enough is produced. Another kind of energy is thermolysis. This works by causing the water molecules surrounding the hair to vibrate, which in turn leads to the creation of heat—and this damages the hair follicle. A blend of these two energies is the most recommended electrolysis therapy.

Disadvantages of Hair Removal By Electrolysis

Of course, there are disadvantages to electrolysis as well. Repeated electrolysis treatments can become expensive and tedious. Some patients require many treatments to achieve their desired results. And although some treatment centers will tell a patient otherwise, electrolysis can be painful for some patients. If a patient has large amounts of unwanted hair, electrolysis can be difficult and time-consuming. If a technician is not trained properly, there can be hair re-growth, skin damage, and infection from improper sterilization and needle placement. Electrolysis regulations vary from state to state, thus it is imperative that a patient research the electrolysis facility thoroughly before choosing a place to have the procedure(s) done. Re-growth varies from patient to patient and in some cases, electrolysis does not work.

Side Effects Of Electrolysis

Side effects of electrolysis can include burning, infection, and hair re-growth. Most often these kinds of side effects are found in patients who went to unqualified technicians. And the battery operated electrolysis units that are found in stores are not recommended. It is very difficult for a patient to perform electrolysis on themselves without proper training. The performing of self-electrolysis could cause further unwanted side effects and the battery operated machines are largely ineffective anyway.