Galvanic question

If you’re not holding the steel roller during galvanic treatment, can a connection still be made and the hair still be killed?

No. During galvanic you must be in contact with the ‘Patient ground’ whether it’s a roller, or clip, or something.

Wowzers, your questions are of concern. You posted that you think your new electrologist is plucking and you paid for a package deal. I most certainly hope that she’s not claiming to give you a galvanic treatment and not having you hang onto a roller. If this were the case, either something not clear is going on, or she’s outright bilking you. You need to talk to her, check on her license, see if she can explain what the electrolysis process is, and get a clear picture of what’s going on. Personally, I wouldn’t continue the sessions at this point, even based on her reply that the reason for the plucking is because of your infrequent visits. Totally incorrect. I would go through small claims to recoup what I could, and report to the AEA. I also wouldn’t continue in that it’s a complete waste of pain and time if she’s not doing it right, you have a chance of getting scarred, and you have a chance at getting an infection. An infection under the skin can be of serious concern. It’s nothing lightweight. You may want to alert local police. Chances are pretty good this person has taken other’s money as well.

Good luck. Look around, find a good electrologist, and tell us how things are going.

Mantaray

Wow, thanks so much Mantaray. I just posted under my other post that I’d finish up the treatments and then look for someone else. I feel like what I’m getting now is COMPLETELY different from the test sessions I did with her before I paid for the packages. It’s too bad all the famed good electrologists are so far from me; James gave me a rec for a lady in the same province as me but it turned out she’s quite a ways away.
Thanks for such a supportive reply!

Wowzers, but do make sure. You are certain it’s galvanic you’re getting? Not flash or slow thermolysis? With flash or therm, the ground ‘roller’ is not needed. But Galvanic, yes, absolutely.

Hi Wowzers,

A couple of questions for you.

  1. How long is it taking to treat each hair?
    If galvanic is being used, the smaller hairs should be taking a minimum of 5 seconds of treatment time per hair and the time will increase as the hairs become thicker and deeper. You should be able to feel the current, even if it isn’t intense, and this should let you know.

  2. How long are you waiting between treatments? If it is much longer than several weeks between treatments, you will be getting more telogen hairs per treatment. These do not treat well and will usually have the feeling of being plucked. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Some things to note. While I do use a “roller” during blend, galvanic and cataphoresis, I use a sponge cover saturated with a salt/sodium bicarbonate solution slipped over the metal for better conductivity. Also, if I have a client with things like braces or metal implants, I will place the electrode where the current path is away from these areas, if I do not go to thermolysis and avoid any potential problems. However I will let the client know what I’m doing and why. It is important to note that the passive electrode does not always wind up being held by the client. Often times the electrode will be placed elsewhere and the client may not be aware that it’s being used.

It does sound like the electrologist may be using thermolysis and you should be asking what she is doing and if she insists that she is doing galvanic ask her where the “passive electrode” is. If it is not in contact with you then you are not being properly treated - if galvanic is being used. Ask politely for a refund and go elsewhere. If your money is not being refunded, then mantaray has outlined the only possible solution for you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

BTW: The AEA is a private organization and does not have investigative or enforcement powers. If you are not being properly treated, you should go to whatever regulatory agency controls electrolysis where you live. These organizations do have the ability to both investigate and enforce the rules, laws and regulations of practice of electrology. However, the AEA may be able to give you the information on who to contact.

Just some thoughts…Best regards,
Joanie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Wowzers; If you have concerns you may direct queries to the following:


Go to Provincial Web Site Ontario Chapter
Heather Korakianitis
Ontario Chapter Chair
155 Somerset Cres
London, ON N6K 3S1

Tel: 519-657-2207

This is the Provincial Chapter governing registered electrologists in your province. They will be able to answer your questions and also verify if your electrologist is a member of the professional organization or not.

Hope this helps you. www.fcea.org