When I first started electrolysis on the lower right portion of my beard on the neck the feeling would be a little painful but not to the point that I felt too uncomfortable. My electrologist then increased the current because my hairs were very strong and the pain increased along with it. I remember three sessions that were quite agonizing but I didn’t say anything and would just take it for an hour. Is the current supposed to be this high and is it common to feel alot of pain?
The pain sensation is relative to several things. Tolerance will vary on one person from treatment to treatment. Being tired, dehydrated, hormone levels, caffeine…the list can go on and on for things that can contribute to discomfort.
It is necessary to receive the right amount of current to effectively treat the hair follicle. That might be uncomfortable for you. There are topical anesthetics that can help. Hurricaine, and Zcaine are my favorites. Other electrologists use other products. I’ve had clients use topicals from the drug store and be perfectly happy. Taking otc pain relievers can help, too. Ibuprofen is one…there are others.
Just don’t overdo these things. Most electrologists hear something that makes sense. Clients will say, “I hate this hair more than I hate what the treatment feels like.”
Best to you!
Hi:
I found the neck to be quite painful too and used to use Emla there to numb the skin a little. The Emla’s effects are really not much good after an hour of treatment.
I still have a few stray neck and face hairs, but don’t use Emla on my face anymore. Doing a lot of work in one area can get to you after a while, and it is easier on you if they can spread the work around.
I found that if I stay well hydrated on the day of my treatment it helps somewhat.
Alicia
You really should tell your electrologist. Sometimes it’s the tiniest adjustment that makes the difference. With the neck I find the first treatments are like trying to uproot an oak tree, but when the new growth comes through they come out on a much lower setting.
also, have you tried several electrologists before selecting this one? this can vary a lot on the skill of the electrologist and the machine they use and the type of electrolysis they use. it’s always a good idea to sample a couple. and like it was mentioned above, you can also use a numbing cream. some areas are more sensitive than others.
also, have you tried several electrologists before selecting this one? this can vary a lot on the skill of the electrologist and the machine they use and the type of electrolysis they use. it’s always a good idea to sample a couple. and like it was mentioned above, you can also use a numbing cream. some areas are more sensitive than others.
The electrologist I go to does a very good job and there is nothing that would make me want to go and try other electrologists. I didn’t think that electrolysis was supposed to be so painful but when there are very coarse hairs around the beard then I guess she has no choice but to work on a high setting. I took two tylenol before I went in last time but I couldn’t tell if it helped so maybe I will try to get some vicodin from a friend and take those before I go in next time.
Hi vxnova:
You said:
“I took two tylenol before I went in last time but I couldn’t tell if it helped so maybe I will try to get some vicodin from a friend and take those before I go in next time.”
Your friends name wouldn't be Dr. House would it?
If you have seen that show you will know about his addiction to vicodin.
If you can get some tylenol 3’s from a doctor it might help, and also drink a lot of water that day. The emla or some other topical also helps, but the effects are only good for the first hour.
I too found the neck painful. If you have to, go with shorter sessions or just spend part of the session on your neck and the rest on other areas.
Alicia
ya can’t kill it until ya grill it.
if it’s any consolation to you …
…i’ve had electrolysis from chin to toe (literally) over several years. my longest single session was 4 hours without any type of anesthetic…
… and i can only tolerate 15 minutes of thermolysis on the face at a time.