I had my first real electrolysis session today. Beforehand I talked to the practitioner about some more things that bothered me, namely whether the materials were sterilized or not, what kind of technique she used, etc. So, here’s the info on what I’m having:
The equipment is a national one so it’s probably not well known internationally (I had no idea there was a national company manufacturing electrolysis machines. Anyways, I don’t know the model but it’s similar to this one (http://www.jambel.com/loja/img_produtos/486148E-021215.jpg). It has a foot pedal and can use galvanic, blend and thermolysis. It also has the indifferent metal probe that I have to hold on to (or in this case we leave it under me).
All the needles are one-time-use only (in two other places I visitted they tried to convince me of the ways of reutilizing needles…) and the tweezers are all sterilized and autoclave’d. The only thing missing is a magnifying glass with a light but she uses square glasses that are magnifiers and the room is well lit both by the ceiling lamps and natural light. I did ask her if she had trouble about it, she found it funny and said that she was fine. Really, I bothered her with so many questions, I was afraid I was coming off as a nag.
I’m having thermolysis in 40-50 potency. The electrologyst told me she uses 40-50 for weaker hairs and 50-60 for stronger hairs (ie: bikini line). Since I’m having electrolysis in my face I think she’s using weaker current. I told her I was concerned about long term marks (hyperpigmentation) and she said that only happens with thicker hair (ie: beard) and if you use too much energy. I guess I would know right away if too much energy was being applied. She did tell me the upper lip is more prone to marks but we’re leaving that area be for the time being while we fry the bigger fish (ie: the area under my chin and my cheeks). We’re only gonna do the outter hairs on the upper lip since it’s more painful and it’s not as bothersome to me as the rest of what I have. I did feel some tugging but I think there’s still some good percentage of success. Only time will tell on this.
Post treatment - I have a mini collection of topical creams and, right now, I’m applying some Cicalfate from Avene (am I allowed to advertise? It’s just this stuff is good). She put some aloe right after the session and told me I could apply some Biafine (topical cream for burn wounds) if the area felt too warm or just some plain aloe or the Cicalfate. It seems to be healing fine after only a few hours but I’ll see how I’m doing in the morning (and maybe update this with a picture if needed).
All in all I’m content so far. My session lasted about half an hour, although we spent the whole time chatting so I didn’t really feel the time passing. Neither did she because when I finally started squirming and asked her how long we’d been there she had no idea because she didn’t set the timer. So, she only charged me 5 minutes, but I think it lasted some good half hour. I’m waiting some 2 weeks to see how things heal and then I’ll return for another half hour I guess. She didn’t give me an estimate of hours needed (guess it’s hard to, especially when hormones interfered with things) but she did give me an estimate of about an year for what I have. I hope everything goes well along the way.
So, in one day I survive subway in rush hour, 30 minutes of electrolysis on my face and Black Friday. I guess I am one step further to outlasting a zombie apocalypse 