Another “is this overtreatment?” thread

Hair Removal Methods
#1

Hi all, long time lurker. Just wanted to say thank you for your time in advance. I’ve seen mike bono’s videos and I know I can’t be certain of result until about a year after healing- but I would appreciate any hunches…this situation is causing me a lot of distress.

I went for my third electrolysis session with a new provider (has three others at a different location where it felt like they were plucking the hair). I asked to thin out just the most egregious hairs from my upper lip, as that area is not a huge concern for me, my focus is on chin and happy trail. I was never self conscious about the upperlip, just figured “why not save some time shaving”.

Attached are some photos 4 weeks post treatment. The modality utilized is manual thermolysis as opposed to flash. I believe pulses are 3 seconds? she zaps multiple times. i always have scabbing and redness after treatment.

Note: the depressions under my bottom lip are scars from old piercings, and i have labeled a mole i have had since birth to avoid confusion. As you can see, I have a fair amount of hyperpigmentation, and i have some skin indentations while my chin is fine. The standalone indentation on the other side of my mole is of particular concern, which is almost as large as my old piercing scars. Im worried itll turn into a boxcar scar as when i turn my head you can see an obvious depression. Should a wound contraction be this large on the upper lip? Or may i be in trouble?

Would be happy to provide more information if that is helpful. I have discontinued electrolysis in this area for the time being, and maybe all together for the upperlip. This has caused me too much stress in an area that i had never considered a problem area before, so i think it’s best i only focus on what truly bothers me :confused:

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#2

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#3

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#4

I get the impression that your electrologist is applying the current for too long and with poor insertions if multiple zaps are needed. Scabs are not typical of an upper lip treatment, and I would change my approach if any client of mine presented with scabs after a treatment in this area.

Wound contraction can seem worse than it is, especially if caused by a larger scab. I don’t think you’ll have any permanent issues here, but you can expect it to take some time to return to normal. I agree that you should not have any further treatment in that area.

#5

thank you so much for your reply! would you avoid topical vitamin c treatments? i use vitamin c serum 5 days a week under my sun screen since i work outside and it has been shown to enhance sunscreen’s UV blocking abilities. i always get treatment on a friday so i can avoid sun exposure for 48 hours, and when i return to work i also wear a bucket hat in addition to sunscreen, but i am still outside for 6+ hours a day.

#6

Sun exposure is more of a concern for the hyperpigmentation rather than wound contraction, though hyperpigmentation can often make wound contraction appear worse. There should be no issues continuing to use Vitamin C serums.

The best thing you can do for your skin while healing from electrolysis is nothing beyond your usual skincare routine. The skin will heal on its own time. If you’re not happy with the healing progress after 12 months, you can explore some solutions to help your skin along.