I’ve been going to electrolysis for facial hair since summer.During the last two sessions each insertion has hurt MUCH more than usual. This last session I popped an Advil and used a topical anaesthetic (EMLA) before (well, I could have applied it for longer…).
Any suggestions?
Hi AMH:
You have to apply the Emla for at least an hour and cover it
with saran wrap or plastic wrap. The numbing will probably
only last about an hour or less though.
Did you cover it with plastic wrap and how long did you
leave it on for?
How long was your electrolysis session in total?
Did you notice any numbing effect at first and about how
long did it last?
If I am doing a large area I have tried just uncovering
the plastic wrap from half the area to be treated and
wiping off the emla from there. I then uncover the other
half just before treatment of that particular area.
Alicia
I usually do use the saran wrap for laser but I didn’t put a dressing on since it was for electrolysis. I shall try to do this next time.
40 minutes total. The numbing effect on the eyebrow is tiny!
I never needed the EMLA before though 
Hi AMH:
I found it hurt worse some days than others. I’m not sure if
it’s because of hydration levels or whatever but I’ve had days
like that too.
Putting emla on without the wrap is pretty ineffective.
Some areas of the face can be pretty sensitive.
Alicia
Yeah it seems like the EMLA doesn’t help with electrolysis but with laser. maybe because the probe goes deeper? i will try an occlusive wrap next time if possible (um, I don’t think I could do it at work though!)
I will try to drink a lot of water on those days.
Hi AMH:
I used to sit in my car with plastic wrap on my face,
thinking that passers-by might mistake me for Hannibal Lecter.
No, I don’t think it would look too good at work.
Alicia
AMH, did you tell her that you feet the insertions? Have you visited other electrologists to compare? Many of my clients do not need EMLA or Advil. The ones that do, need it for the middle upper lip only. I think you can do some other things that might help. If there is an electrologist in your area that has a newer generation epilator that does microflash or picoflash thermolysis along with some very nice blend modes, you may not need the extra expense of EMLA and the embarrassment of plastic wrap.
Dee
I will tell her next session if it is still painful. I have visited 1 other electrologist and I like mine better (although I think the other one was a smidge faster). I would really like to stick with her. Plus I think this MUST be a temporary thing since I’ve been going for 6 months with little discomfort, right?
She uses an Apilus senior with microflash. Not the same as a Platinum, but pretty good methinks. I don’t think there is a person with Platinum in the area. The cost of EMLA isn’t bad for me–only $5 per tube.
I shall try drinking lots of water before the next session and taking 2 advil. We will see how it goes!
Hi AMH:
My electrologist asks me from time to time if a setting
is too high or if it might be hurting me. She can probably
also sense something from my reaction to the treatment
settings. She will sometimes make minor adjustments to the settings she is using based on that feedback.
I think communication and feedback is important rather than
just suffering in silence if it is hurting us.
Alicia
Sometimes if a client has a hard time verbalizing that they are uncomfortable, they can give the electrologist clues, like breathing rapidly, moaning, moving their feet or slightly jumping when they hurt. If I observe any of these clues, I’ll immediately reassure them that I’ll try something different to help make it better. If the electrologist does not pick up on these clues, then I guess you just need to speak up. Electrolysis does not have to hurt to high degree in order to be effective. Intensity and timing can be tweaked to make it better. Do your part to assure a better treatment. Watch the caffeine intake, be rested, don’t rush and arrive nervous for your appointment, eat healthfully and drink actual water to hydrate three days before a treatment.