Hello,
I’m aware there are many similar posts on this site but for my peace of mind I wanted to check with my own photos. I had my first electrolysis session a few days ago and my skin looks like this (see photo). Is this normal? I’m feeling super anxious and I’m trying to reassure myself that this is the start of a positive journey. Thank you so much!
Thank you for the wonderful photo. We like quality photos here.
I think your electrologist would like to see this photo. It’s good to offer feedback so she or he can refine the recipe or change something else. To be honest with you, in my humble opinion, the scabs are too numerous and too big. It doesn’t have to be this way, but nonetheless, you will heal. Do not pick off the scabs. Ask your electrologist what she likes for aftercare. There are a lot of good options that are not expensive or fancy. Do not have another treatment until this looks totally healed.
I will say the first couple sessions can look like a battlefield for some people, but again, this doesn’t have to happen. Sometimes the electrologist does everything right, but it still can look rough after the first session. With my clients, some look fabulous with no scabs or white pustules and some have several pin point scabs with some white pustules. Redness and puffiness is usually present, as well. Every client’s hair problem and skin type is unique and true to form, the FIRST SESSIONS can be be the most challenging. That’s why I always use quality aftercare like with hazel, dabs of tea tree oil and refrigerated cold-pressed aloe vera gel after each session. I like these products especially for my people of color. They continue at home using these products, with my specific instructions, for at least three days. For a case like yours, I always like to clear the area and wait 6 weeks to clear it again, so I find this aftercare regime very helpful. Some electrologists do not feel comfortable clearing and waiting like this and want to see you every week. We all have different approaches to get you to the finish line.
Your practitioner may have their own protocol, so be sure and ask.
ditto what Dee Dee said.
Thank you very much for your responses. I really appreciate the time taken 
My electrologist used Thermolysis. In your expertise would you say perhaps Galvanic or blend might reduce likelihood of scabbing? I have read this online but I’m not sure how true this is.
Secondly, by ‘totally healed’, I’m assuming you mean once the scabs have come off naturally?
Lastly, as I go back for more sessions, would you expect scabbing to decrease also, hopefully as the skin becomes accustomed to the treatment or maybe due to less hair perhaps?
Scabs are primarily caused by the skill (or lack thereof) of the electrologist. Scabs can be created by any modality. It’s the person; not the machine or modality. Example: although car accidents can be caused by a poorly designed vehicle … it’s usually the driver who’s at fault. And, usually a licensed driver as well.
Once the scabs have sloughed-off, that is only the beginning of the year-long healing process. Go to my website and download “The wound Module” … free.
Scabs will continue to be seen if the electrologist is unable to correct her technique and unable to see problems at the moment they are happening (during the treatment). Electrolysis is an intentional thermal injury (think “burn”), and your skin does not “get used to it.”
Just for fun, ask her what type needles she’s using … and, most importantly, what is the needle’s diameter? Usually sizes are 3, 4, 5, etc. Since she’s using thermolysis, my guess is she’s using the same diameter needle on everybody … and too thin. Sometimes electrologists do this to save money. However, this is definitely NOT where to save money. The only contact you have between the current and your skin is the needle itself.The needle must be the correct type for your hair and skin situation.
Look at it this way. An artist might be using the best brand of paint and canvas (as in modality). However, it’s the artist’s skill … and the choice of brush (I suppose) that renders a painting a real work of art, or an amateur’s feeble attempt.
Thank you, I like your apt analogies! I will definitely check out The Wound Module.
I’ll ask my electrologist next time about the needle type and diameter. To develop my own knowledge and so I know what to look out for, how does one determine the correct type/diameter of needle based on hair and skin?
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Well, that last question is why we have electrology schools. But generally the diameter (and length) of the needle should be about the diameter of the hair and long enough to reach the depth of the papilla.
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Hello, me again
Update - scabs fell off naturally and skin looked like it had healed nicely. I had my second session and this time my electrologist wanted to try blend. This is how my upper lip looks on either side and I’m not sure whether it’d supposed to look like the skin has been dug into (if that makes any sense?)
May I ask for your expert opinion please? Photo attached - I think
it looks worse in real life
I’m feeling I’m losing trust in my electrologist which is not a nice place to be in and some reassurance would be much much appreciated.
I completely forgot to ask about the needle - I’ll make sure to ask next time.
Thank you in advance
Please find another electrologist.
Blend treatments should be gentle. What the hell is that big scab in the middle? In blend ? Really? I know its early in healing, but that isnt an acceptable result from a blend treatment. I’d stayed away from this thread, because you had such expert help from Mike and Deedra. But i really do think it best to find someone else. She seems to be consistently struggling to give an acceptable treatment no matter the modality she works in. I am not sure if it’s a matter of having enough practice but what you are showing just isn’t generally acceptable for professional work.
Will it heal? Mike could tell you better than I, that the area she’s working in on the corners of the upper lip is a DANGER ZONE. It is susceptable to imperfections caused by poor electrolysis so who knows? Lets hope for the best, the skin will amaze you.
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Yes, 100% as usual Seana. That area is the numbero uno danger spot on the upper lip, and the electrologist screwed it up! This makes me sick and let’s just hope you don’t end up with a permanent divot.
Run don’t walk away.
Hi,
I’m new here, I started my electrolysis and I am worried now cause a few scabs look like lines and a few look like thicker than the size of my real hair… my hair is not very thick but I have a lot all over my face… I used to do laser but I think that has increased the growth of hair on face so I turned to electrolysis but this looks horrifying, I would hate to have scarring on my face. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Oh god, thank you so much all for your kind advice! This makes me feel both naive for not realising this myself, but also thankful to have received advice.
I tried my very best to research online but there’s only so much Google/website reviews can help. Unfortunately I don’t know anyone personally who has had electrolysis in London (UK). Would any of you be able to recommend a specialist please? I’d be most grateful.
I was just getting my head around the fact that this is the start of a new positive journey and I’m upset it’ll have to go on pause whilst I find a new specialist!
Sigh… Please look onward and get some short treatments with other electrologists after this heals. I agree with Seana and Mike. This could look better. It pains me to say that, but I’m being truthful.