Hi everyone,
I appreciate your help today. I have PCOS and just had my first electrolysis session. I had wanted blend, but the electrologist recommended thermolysis because she said she wanted clear more of the area to start. I have a high pain threshold and didn’t react to the electrolysis, so she asked if I could feel it and I said yes and reiterated to her that I have a high pain threshold. She then turned up the power, which I think may have been a mistake because I have concerns over these pit marks on my face. She had told me I shouldn’t bleed, but these are raw areas where I could see some blood and she said I will have some scabs. A few of those areas where they seem to be starting to scab also may have some yellowish fluid starting to dry. This electrologist has been in business for 20something years. Is this normal after electrolysis? Thank you!
no leaking yellowish puss would indicate overtreatment in the majority of cases. Now…is there permanent damage? It’s really hard to say. It’s not super likely from a single treatment, and in all probability will heal fine, but it’s not worth going to that electrologist again .give it some time. Those wounds on the underside of the chin are concerning though.
Thank you so much for replying. I’ve been in some pain all night and unable to sleep. The lower half of my face (except for my upper lip) hasn’t stopped burning. It seemed to get worse as the night went on. I think it looks worse this morning and I’ve been awake all night, so my face hasn’t touched the pillow or anything nor have I touched my face (I’m heavily tattooed and good about staying away from areas I shouldn’t be touching). Do you think this is a burn or needs my doctor’s attention? Or just waiting it out is okay given how it looks now? I’m also concerned because she didn’t wear gloves, though she did wash her hands. I’m diabetic, so potential skin infections really scare me.
I’m not sure there is a lot your Doctor could do at the moment.Time is going to be your biggest help in determining the outcome. There is significant swelling visible in the treated area in your photo. I would use a cold compress or ice pack to cool the area as much as possible for the next 24 hours. Don’t sweat what you see in the next week or so. It’s likely to appear a lot worse in the coming days, but within a month or two we should be able to tell a little more. Right now the healing process is happening beneath the skin, and much of it we cnnot see. We just have to wait it out, not panic, and see what comes of it.
Thank you again for all your help. You gave me the confidence to reach out to the electrologist and she had me send photos to her. She was very nice and said right away that she overworked the area. She felt really bad and apologized several times. She said she will check in on me on Friday.
It’s great that your electrologist has accepted responsibility and is checking in on you. While no one here can guarantee the final outcome, I will say that one poor treatment is rarely going to cause permanent scarring. It’s far more likely from one disastrous treatment or several poor treatments over time. Even though yellow fluid and large scabs are unacceptable and should always be avoided, this is far from a disastrous result, so please don’t feel overwhelmed or concerned. Seana put it perfectly above.
Thank you so much, Thermo. I’ve been so anxious like looking in the mirror constantly, but I’m trying to stop that. I took Advil because it’s been painful. I’m glad it’s not disastrous. I’m not sure what to do from here because I still feel committed to electrolysis and know this could be prevented in the future, but my anxiety over the potential to have such an adverse outcome is making me regret it and not want to go back. My questions are: should I go elsewhere? And, if I decide to stop completely, is it okay to ask for my money back? I cancelled all my appts for today and decided to stay home tomorrow, instead of going to my friends’ family for the holiday because of this. My jaw hurts even when I’m not using it, but eating is painful and I’d rather not be in public having to explain it if anyone asks. I have body image issues, so I’m not sure if I’m overreacting or if others would feel this way. Also, there are some possible blisters or small bumps with white fluid now. Is that ok? Thank you everyone for your help.
Yes overtreated,
For pain , any anti inflammatory or Panadol will do. (as per instructed by your chemist) , cold pack the area if its getting hot.
Asking for your money back, umn, no because even though it has been over treated, it has done what was asked for and killed the follicle, the remanence will go away if you keep it free from infection, dont pick it and keep healthy and hydrated. No smoking, avoid alcohol and avoid lots of direct sunlight.
Blisters are a side effect of heat that was applied, dont pick, play or get it dirty and your body will heal.
Try a new electrologist for the next time .
Good luck 