Hi.. My experience.. !

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hiya, this is my first post here…

After reading posts on this forum for many months, I decided to start my electrolysis treatment. I am really excited about it !

Thanks a ton to Andrea for starting such a forum & people such as Rachelle & some other’s posts were a true inspiration… <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

About me: I am S.Asian & have a dark skin & dark hair. Problem areas for me are my chin, hairs on my neck, sides of my upperlip & side burns. I have taken tons of pictures so I can compare before & after pictures (thanks for the suggestion James)

I have had one treatment so far, the electrolygist has pretty much cleared my chin, next I will be doing my upper lip…

I am a little concerned about that since I’ve heard upper lips hurt like hell ! Shld I put a cream that numbs the skin such as elma? Does that in any way affect the electrolysis process?

Also, I initially plan to go once a week. Is that recommended or should one go more often in the beginning. I have read James posts where he mentioned that going often in the beginning is better…

I will try to post my progress & pictures regularly…

Thanks!
June

#2

Thanks for your kind words.

Emla would be good to have for your first upper lip treatment. You may find that you don’t need it in the future, but the early appointments are the worst.

You should get treated as often and as long as needed to get to full first clearance in all the areas you want done as best you can, as quickly as possible, as this will make your total time to being finished for good come sooner.

If once a week is good enough for that, start there. If you find that you need more than one a week in the first few weeks, then do that if you can. Either way, you should soon see a big difference.

Thanks for joining us and posting your treatment journey. Thanks to people like you who pay it forward, HairTell works for all of us.

#3

Hi June, you might find the centre of the upper lip pretty painful without emla. Mind you, some people just snooze right through it and don’t feel much, so it really depends. Also, if you’re tensed up you’ll feel pain more so try and relax as much as possible.

#4

Thanks James & Pamd,

I had my 2nd appt this week for 1.5 hours. We worked on my chin, neck, upper lip & side burns.

My electrolygist does thermolysis & uses a golden needle. For the upper lip, I used the LMX 5% cream & it really helped ! I dont think I would’ve been able to get my upper lip done without that. The pain was reduced by 50-60% I guess. It was totally tolerable

I am planning to go once a week for now maybe for an hour or an hour & half depending on the hair growth.

Sometimes, I feel a slight plucking sensation, she said that’s b’coz some of the hair dont come out in the first instance & the only way to know is by pulling the hair then she has to go in again to get the same hair. Anybody else has experienced the same?

I have read on this forum that Aloe vera increases hair growth, is that true? My electrolygist has recommended that I put Aloe vera after electrolysis so the shik feels better…

On the whole I am happy with my electrolygist, she is fast & is able to get a lot done in 1 hour.

Thanks!

#5

Hello,

I wouldn’t be concerned with aloe causing extra hair growth. It has no hormonal actions and is a good treatment for post-thermolysis. I have been using it on my upper lip, breast areas and nipples with very good results and it hasn’t exacerbated my hair growth problems at all. It also is not a greasy preparation so it will not tend to hold in bacteria and other unwanted pests in the treatment area as well. Also, after the product has been absorbed by the skin, it lets air to get to the treated area, allowing the skin to heal properly in the minimum amount of time.

Be very careful to avoid sun exposure after your treatments. Wear protective clothing and hats if you need to be out in the sun. The use of a good quality sun block, zinc-based and non-greasy, at an SPF of at least 35 to 50 is also an excellent idea. In fact this is a good thing to wear on a regular basis as it will protect your skin, keeping it looking young and healthy for a long time.

It sounds to me like you are off to a good start. Keep us posted on how you’re doing and we will be happy to cheer you on and throw in our two-cents worth anytime you need it.

Good luck,
Joanie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

#6

… It also is not a greasy preparation so it will not tend to hold in bacteria and other unwanted pests in the treatment area as well. Also, after the product has been absorbed by the skin, it lets air to get to the treated area, allowing the skin to heal properly in the minimum amount of time.

Hi Joanie. I was wondering about your above comments. I wasn’t aware that greasy preparations tend to hold bacteria. Where did you acquire that information?

You also indicate that after the product is absorbed, the immediate air contact allows the skin to heal properly in the minimum amount of time. And there, you are referring to a water based product; not a petroleum based product. Would you expand on this too as I was also unaware that the dry skin, allowing air, would accelerate healing immediately following electrolysis treatment.

I understand another perspective.

Although I rarely suggest clients use petroleum based products, or “greasy preparations”, as you refer to them, the bacitracin and many other antibiotic ointments contain the “grease” (petroleum) as it is the current medical view that these “greasy” occlusive antibiotics, accelerate the healing process.

The other advantage of the “grease” is that bacteria CAN NOT survive in these petroleum based ointments and is therefore often used in products to inhibit bacterial growth. A jar of vaseline will not have bacteria; okay, maybe a pest (roach) might get stuck in an open jar.

The speed of healing is actually related to the amount of moisture in the area. Its actually the “grease” in products like bacitracin zinc, A & D ointment and petroleum that produces the best healing speed because it makes the skin occlusive. So if one chooses to use an antibiotic ointment, go ahead, use it days 1 - 3 following your treatments but no more than that.

Moisture is essential to that ideal healing environment. In the early 1960s, the misconception that wounds will heal if “nice and dry” was refuted with evidence of moisture’s positive impact on wound healing.

Fortunately, for most of us, the skin will heal even if we do nothing.

#7

Hi June. Perhaps your electrologist might enjoy interacting here. You see, if she were chatting with me, I would suggest that she try using an insulated needle on your upper lip but first, I would need to make sure that she understands how changing one variable, such as the needle, effects all other variables. Mention the insulated needle as this is a good option.

#8

Hi Arlene,

The primary item here was a response to the use of aloe as a post treatment and I was not particularly referring to the OTC antibiotic products. However, even these products often have disadvantages that far outweigh the occlusive value that they possess. My primary concern were things with a petrolatum base that do not have any particular antibiotic value and may actually promote an anaerobic environment for the spores and random cells of many gram-negative facultative anaerobic bacteria that have the ability to cause infections.

Even with the anitbiotic ointments, many people are sensitive to the bactracin zinc, neomycin sulfate and polymyxin-B sulfate that are used in the anitbiotic ointments available OTC. These preparations are primarily bacterocides, killing the microrganisms through toxicification of their growth medium or bacteriostatic and delay their reproduction to levels where the body’s immune system can prevent their populations from becoming problematic. Unfortunately, these often impair the natural and rapid replacement of skin cells as well in many people.

While these products will not produce extreme allergic reactions in most people, they do cause damage and irritation to the upper levels of the dermis, delaying healing in some people, produce the softening of eschars and other naturally-produced crusts - as well as excluding free oxygen to the sites, creating a much better growth environment for many pathogenic organisms. Also, as many bacteria are becoming more resistant to these types of products, their use is becoming less effective with time.

While it is true that maintaining a moist environment will speed certain types of healing, such as general area burns where multiple layers of the skin are involved, where the areas of healing are small and the natural defenses of the body can work, the availability of oxygen (a natural antimicrobial for many pathogenic organisms) and properly-crusted coverings will generally produce rapid healing without scaring. The object here is to maintain enough moisture to be healthy for the epidermis, but not so moist so as to create an acceptable growth conditions for other things that we do not want to deal with.

One thing to realize with most facultative anaerobes is that in the presence of free oxygen, they become saprophytes and live off of the natural wastes of the body, often producing a better barrier against the growth of more aggresive pathogens. However, if you place them in an oxygen-free environment with damaged tissues to feed on, they become opportunistic pathogens and will produce proteolytic compounds, breaking down healthy tissues and causing infections, usually just minor pustules - but occasionally more serious conditions. Most of the common forms of normal skin staphylococci and streptococci fall into this category.

That’s the way I understand it.

Best regards,
Joanie

#9

How does one take lots of information and make it clear to readers so that they can apply it to their lives?

Essentially, the applicable useful information from the above post is a reminder, to those who happen to use the occlusive (“greasy” preparation), stop using it if you get a rash or a pimple.

By the way, that occlusive should only be used immediatey following treatment for just 3 days as I noted in my above post responding to the following quote by Joanie: (“It” refers to aloe)

“It also is not a greasy preparation so it will not tend to hold in bacteria and other unwanted pests in the treatment area as well. Also, after the product has been absorbed by the skin, it lets air to get to the treated area, allowing the skin to heal properly in the minimum amount of time.”

Joanie, I was wondering about the source and context of the information you posted above as I understand things differently. Occlusives, initially are the best protection for the skin, sure, after a few days, in most cases you no longer need to occlude. Do you work with a dermatologist or other skin care professionals or did you acquire this knowledge from a book or from your practical experience?

All in all, its an interesting enough topic, “occlusive vs. air in wound healing” to present to the American Electrology Association. Perhaps a lecture at a future convention or an article in the JOE is warranted.

#10

Hi Arlene,

I agree that there are multiple approaches to post-treatment care. I have good results with the methods that leave the skin disinfected and minimally treated in a method that allows the air to have free access to the treatment area.

Also, in California, I have to be very careful about what types of post-treatment products that I specify. For me to even suggest, let alone use, a triple-antibiotic ointment would be construed as practicing medicine without a license. I can’t even legally suggest the use of Elmax (L.M.X.), or even Tylenol, to reduce sensation when working someone’s upper lip. I have to tell my clients to “talk to your doctor” about certain topics…sigh…

I would agree that post-treatment methodology and concepts would be an excellent seminar or presentation topic for an AEA meeting. The only thing that I’ve noticed about this topic is that if you ask 3 different doctors about this, you will get 3 different answers. Again…sigh…

I would speculate that any post-treatment method that keeps the area clean with minimal interference with the body’s natural healing processes would be a good approach. I would also believe that to occlude or not to occlude would also be a function of the type of environment that the client will be in on the job or the types of activities that they will be doing for the next few days. If the client works in a waste recycling facility vs. a scrub nurse in a hospital.

As far as the source material for the information about the characteristics of facultative anaerobic bacteria, that is straight out of microbiology 101 and any good textbook on the topic will cover this information. Additionally, I consulted with my personal physician on this topic, about what approaches would be the best for me to use for post-treatment within the legal framework of the State of California.

All the best,
Joanie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

#11

Hi, I’m looking to start getting electrolysis. and I see you’re from NY. I just moved here. Do you have any advise.

#12

Hi Carol,

Advice for someone seeking electrolysis in New York…

In NY we do not require electrologists to be licensed. Therefore, I suggest that you find someone who is AEA board certified (CPE); in this way, at least you know that the electrologist underwent testing by a credentialling organization.

What else do you look for when looking for an electrologist? Visit http://www.hairfacts.com as suggestions are noted there. Also, visit the American Electrology Association website at http://www.electrology.com to find those located near you.

Should you want to visit me for a free consultation and a 15 minute appt., that would be fine. I will guide you, let you know what to look for, give you a sense of what to expect in terms of actual treatment and you can use that information as you search for an electrologist within your own community. I have a discount coupon for hairtell visitors at:

http://www.breierhairremovalandskincare.com/Hairtellcommunity.htm

#13

Hi Arlene/JoanieH,

Thanks a lot for your comments, much appreciated !:slight_smile:

Regarding post care, I use ice & rub it on my skin. Other than having a few tiny black marks, my skin is healing pretty well so right now I am going to refrain from using any cream, aloe vera etc. In your opinion is that ok? Or does putting aloe vera have any added benifit?

I generally go in the eve’s so dont have to worry about being exposed to sun

Arlene, in the earlier post you had recommended using an insulated needle. I seem to have been doing well with a Gold needle. Infact in 3 sessions I already feel like the hair growth on my chin has reduced. What is the diffrence & advantage in using an insulated needle over a gold needle?

Another question, aplogies if this has been discussed a lot in the past over this forum. I have a lot of fine but kinda long black hair on my neck (called vellus I guess). They had never been touched (waxed/tweased) before. Now, my electrolygist has removed a lot of the vellus as well. My neck looks great, but I am concerned. When the vellus hair grows back, will it be thicker or thinner than it was originally? & is it recommended to remove vellus??

I have some finer vellus hair that I am going to request her not to remove coz it doesn’t bother me… Is that the right way of going about removing hair i.e. removing the ones that bother you & not removing the finer ones that dont bother you… (I know this topic is debatable, but like I had mentioned earlier. I have a dusky skin color so finer hair dont bother me, given that what is your recommendation)

About my this week’s treatment. I went for 2 hours & we worked on my chin, neck, side burns & upper lips… the face looks great! I know it is going to come back, hopefully lesser next time!!

Thanks All,
June

#14

I have another question. Apologies, Since I am involved in eletrolysis process, I want to be more knowledgeble. What is the definition of ‘Full Clearance’ I have been reading that a lot on this forum. By next treatment, my electrolygist should have removed all the hair on my face that bother me… Is that full clearance??

Thanks,
June

#15

Yes, that would be what we call “First Full Clearance.”

After that, one would want to have full clearance at every appointment in the treatment area worked on, if not all over the many treatment areas you are tending to.

#16

Hi June,

In my humble opinion, whatever works for you post treatment is fine. I take a minimist approach to my personal post-treatment care and it has worked very well for me. The main consideration for me would be to keep the areas of treatment clean and allow that areas to heal with minimum interference. If your treatments were properly done, the amount of healing will be minimal and well within the body’s ability to cope with this. One cautionary word here though. The possibility of excessive solar exposure should be observed for at least 3 to 4 days post treatment. I have found this out the hard way. I now use an SPF 50 sunblock on a daily basis, even when I am not having electrolysis.

As far as removal of the finer hairs goes, any of the hairs that are longer and thicker are most likely “accelerated vellus” hairs that have been hormonally triggered and will most likely progress into anagen growth over a relatively short period of time. It might be a good idea to get rid of these while they are still relatively small and shallow making them easily treatable.

In regard to the fine, short hairs, my basic intuition tells me to leave them alone. Complete removal of all hair leaves the feminine skin looking somewhat waxy and actually gives the appearance of some type of skin problem. This “shaved” look may be normal for males who shave daily, but doesn’t look well on an attractive young lady.

All the best,
Joanie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

#17

Hi June,

You are inquiring about the insulated needle: In your initial post on this thread, you indicated your concerns over treatment on the upper lip as you expected it to be painful.

You got some great suggestions from others however since the insulated needle was not mentioned, I mentioned it only in the context of pain control.

If you are comfortable with the standard gold needle, then forget about the insulated needle. The insulated needle has the ability to minimize discomfort but your electrologist might not be proficient in its use as many are not trained to use it and therefore the potential for regrowth can be high.

#18

Hey All,

Sorry for not posting for a while. So I’ve had 2 treatments since last time I posted

On the 1st one, we worked around 1 hour & 15 mins. We pretty much cleaned the thick hair on the neck & chin & did a little bit of work on the upper lip & lower lip.

One thing I have realized is that putting the cream for more than an hr helps (remember I put the skin numbing cream to reduce pain on the upper lip & lower lip). I think everybody’s body is diff so you have to figure if out by trial & error what works for you

On the 2nd treatment (which was 10 days after the previous one, & 1 hour 15 mins), we worked a lot on the chin, upper lip & Lower lip & a little on the neck & side burns

Its been around 1 1/2 months since I have started my treatment… I have done 7 hours of work on my face & around $475…

For the 1st month, I went in every week & now I have reduced my treatments to once in 10 days to 2 weeks…

I can already see that the hair growth has slowed down. I am not sure if it had reduced or not but my electrolygist said that it will start reducing after 4 months, thats when she would have killed most of the follicles.

I am very happy with the progress !!

#19

If you are happy with your practitioner, should go over to the referral section, see if she or he is already listed, and add some positive feedback to her or his listing. If your practitioner is not yet listed there, start a referral post sting for that person. Of course, if your practitioner is not yet listed, you may want to ask her or his permission before you post, as believe it or not, some practitioners don’t want to be listed on here, and don’t want people knowing how to get treatment from them … even some who post on this site. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

#20

Thats a good idea James, I think she is really good… but then again I have not gone to other electrolygist, but the fact that I haven’t considered someone else meants that is good <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Can you provide me with the link to the referral section?

Thanks!