Headache afterwards normal??? (w/ pics)

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi all, I’m new here. This is my first post! I just started electrolysis yesterday. My question is, should I have a headache afterwards? Iv tried researching this as a side affect to no avail. So Im hoping some wise soles can chime in.

Back info: I believe I have PCOS, but its been murder trying to get someone to diagnose me. I’m a 43yo African American female. I first noticed hair on my chin in my late 20’s. I also keloid, which obviously compounds the situation in regards to ingrown hairs.

I went for my very first 30 min. (blend) appointment 01/07/14.

  1. I asked my tech if I should use lidocane cream an hour or so before I came in. She said she wasn’t even aware this was available OTC. Should I be concerned about her lack of knowledge?
  2. I felt the probe go in (feels like a needle??) and then a burning sensation. Quite painful! Is that what its suppose to feel like?
  3. My biggest concern is that I have had a searing headache from the moment I got up from the chair. I was told to take Tylenol and I did, however, its been 24 hours later and I still have a vicious headache and slight nausea. (Its not the flue, before you ask). Are these symptoms normal? ( I never get headaches, so I’m a bit concerned)

Iv added some pics…
muliple pics of chin progress
and a close up (24hrs after)…
24 hours after first treatment

#2

Did you use the lidocane? No. it’s not unusual that she might not know it’s used over the counter.Many electrologists dont use it. I’ve never gotten headaches from electrolysis, but I could see where it might be a side effect of lidocane if used.

Seana

#3

I remember when I first did facial hair removal (we started on my chin as well), after the first hour I felt super nauseous (I could barely stand up). The first treatment in my opinion is always the roughest. I still get occasional headaches after treatment: remember that electrolysis is a fairly taxing procedure (the pain tires me) and it’s also fairly dehydrating. I usually bring bottles of water (sometimes coconut water) to my appointment. I’m always amazed how much I can drink after we work for an hour.

#4

I did use the lidocane. I’m not sure now effective it was. I felt most of the pricks but a few I didn’t. I’m going to purchase another brand that I think will suit me better. So SeanaTG, you think the lidocane caused the side affect? Because Iv had dental work and whatever my dentist uses, gives me no side affects. I know its not Novocain, because they no longer use that. But its in the cain family. If it is a side affect I would hate to stop using it.

Brenton, I like your idea about drinking the coconut water. I think I’m going to incorporate that.

I guess the only way Ill know if I’m sensitive to the treatment is to see how I feel after my second appointment in a few days. If the headache happens again then I will know. I know the tech told me she didn’t have me ‘up high’ as the machine could go. I don’t even know what that means. But any higher and I think I would pass out. And I’m far from a sissy. I will give her credit for explaining the whole black skin, curved cuticle, deep root thing though.

#5

Maybe the tension you were feeling caused the headache. First-timers are naturally very apprehensive and that can cause pressure to build in the head.

We always tell consumers here to get as many consults and short treatments so they can figure it some things. You said it hurt a lot. Would you consider asking here to do another modality or you can check out other electrologists who may have up dated their epilators and could try different thermolysis and blend modes on your chin. There are some wonderful newer options available in the 21st century. Give it a try and you may find a more comfortable treatment exists or you may stay right where you are.

#6

Thanks dfahey. I wasn’t apprehensive. In fact I was quite happy to start my treatments. Even with the pain I went through I’m more than happy to try again. On a side note the headache went away 24hrs later. So thats good at least. We shall see if I get a reaction like that again.

I do have another appointment with a different tech across town. Unfortunately, I AM apprehensive about this appointment as I don’t think she is very customer friendly, but we shall see. There are only 3 options in my area for electro techs. (Laser removal is more popular here.) And the one lady that I think will do the best job isn’t taking anyone new at the moment.

I’m not sure what you mean by modality, but I will ask her if she knows. I’m assuming I shouldn’t be feeling that much pain by your response, so its going to be hard for me to relax with the original lady knowing this. Ill keep trying and looking.

New lady is booked for tomorrow. Fingers crossed.