Just recently, I started going to a new electrologist who uses the blend method. I really have to say that I am disappointed for not having had this method used on me sooner. Up until now I have only been getting thermolysis. I have already had 2 treatments on my face with this electrologist and I have noticed that there is less pain, better hair extraction, much less swelling and redness, and much faster healing time. I have also noticed that it takes longer to get an area treated because of the method, but it’s really not that much longer then my thermolysis treatments; maybe a third.
I also think that allot of it has to do with the machine that is being used. My new electrologist was using the Sofblend T80A with what I think was some kind of auto sense feature and insertion delay. I think this is a wonderful machine. Obviously she is taking advantage of some of the additional functions. Also the the Sofblend T80A has an additional feature called telangiectasia (Spider vein) treatment. I would like to hear more about this.
My previous electrologist uses the RA Fischer CB Series 3. However, she insists only on thermolysis and manual foot control. I am surprised in that because I hear so many good things about that machine, but I guess that means my previous electrologist does not like to use any of it’s features.
My new electrologist also believes that though it takes longer to treat an area, the results of regular treatment in the long run are faster. I don’t want to launch a debate on the subject, but it makes me wonder. I also would like to know if advancements made in electrolysis machines will actually make a bigger difference in killing hair.
I have been reading about new methods in thermolysis. Their are variations like micro flash, pico flash, pulse etc… A new machine called the Apilus Platinum works on 22 MGHZ versus typical machines that work on 13.5. I am confused. What makes that better? Does anyone know if these claimed improvements in machines are all that better in the long run, or if they are just simply just a new spin on an old concept?
As you have seen, the machine can’t do what the practitioner won’t utilize.
Practitioner skill is always the most important thing, and after that, the machine can contribute to the practitioner’s expanded ability to utilize the features of the better machine.
Trust me, you can get lousy treatments out of an Apilus Platinum if the person working the machine either doesn’t know how to use it well, or refuses to take advantage of its more advanced settings.
This is the main reason why we at HairTell.com always suggest that one sees as many practitioners as possible before settling down with one. Think of it as dating until you find the one to give the promise ring <img src=“/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif” alt=“” />
I agree. It’s not the blend, it’s the electrologist skill and willingness to try and use updated methods/machines. My microflash and thermolysis experience on the Apilus is not painful and doesn’t cause the irritation you describe.
The world of electrolysis epilators is like nations engaged in an Arms Race. One comes out with a break through, and then the other leap frogs over them to take first place, and then someone else tops them both.
Apilus got their act together with the SM-500 years ago, and have made solid epilators since then. Other epilator manufactureres put out solid products that work very well, and are tried and true, like Instantron.
It just so happens that in MY OPINION the best epilator CURRENTLY available is the Apilus Platinum. I am sure that it will be topped by the new Instantron that I have heard about that will be coming out sometime in the next year or 3. Next in line are the Apilus SX-500 and Silhouet-Tone VMC (for Variable Modulated Currents, and just below those the Apilus Senior II). One’s personal idea on which one of these top two is better has more to do with one’s way of thinking and utilization of the machine. There are things that I like about the SX-500 that put it over the VMC for me, but there are things about the VMC that I liked over the SX-500 when it was released one year after the SX-500, so, Apilus updated the SX-500 to fill in the things that the VMC had over them. They are essentially equal now in the arms race. There is only one technical detail that has anything to do with treatment that still goes in Apilus’ favor, and I have told S-T what that was, and how easy it would be to fix that, and they totally ignored the point. Advantage Apilus.
After that, the field gets crowded. I would rather see a Fischer CBX over any version of the A.R. Hinkels (and they are the same company now, so I did not knock one company against another there) and yet, I would thank my stars for those machines over a Berkowitz, Kree or Proteus, any day. (None of which is currently in production)
And even so, there are practitioners who can make a sparky Proteus feel like an Apilus (although they would never be able to do that and work as fast as they would with an Apilus and proper training on using it) and there are people who will insist on using an Apilus as if it were a Proteus (possible if you don’t use any of the updated features, including the presets)
The Apilus platinum is the best because it delivers a 27MHZ vs 13.5MHZ. So basically twice the killing power at twice the heat=less pain. I would have thought twice the heat=twice the pain.
I am thinking the Apilus P is going to be too expensive for most electrologists.
It delivers more power, but can do so in such short bursts that although the job is done, the body doesn’t feel as much. It is like a drop of scalding water popping out of a pot and hitting your skin. By the time you react, the water has already cooled and the sensation is a memory.
Oh, and BINGO! We can’t get the average electrologist to consider better vision and lighting equipment. If we mention the price of the Apilus Platinum, most electrologists would have a heart attack worthy of Fred G. Sandford (Young ones should google, or wikipedia that to get in on the joke). Let’s just say that you could have an Apilus Platinum, or a brand new Hyundai, Daewoo, or used Honda Civic <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />
Nope, you won’t find many AP’s in E’s offices out there.
I am so glad to hear about your good blend experience. You’ve pinpointed exactly why it’s such a good choice for those who don’t like thermolysis. Spider vein treatment can be done with either thermolysis or blend, and involves coagulating the broken capillaries. This is done either by tapping along the line or inserting just in one end and closing it up that way. I think there are different regulations in the US so I don’t know if electrologists are allowed to perform it in certain states, but where I am it’s a common treatment. It’s not permanent if the underlying cause isn’t treated (harsh skincare, rosacea etc).
As for newer machines, they are certainly an improvement for those who prefer flash. For blend I personally don’t think there’s much room to modify the treatment.
I wonder how long it’ll be before there’s a laser machine that is small enough to be inserted into each follicle? That would really stir things up.
The newer machines also improve on Blend by making it possible to dial up a treatment that is exact and repeatable. Also, with micro and pico pulses added, the treatment time on blend is lowered as well.
The rules for Telecgiantasia treatments in the US are all over the place. One must know what the area one practices allows before performing this treatment.
As for follicularly inserted LASER machines. It has already been done, but no one was interested, as the point of doing LASER is not the treatment energy, but the large coverage area one can treat in one click of the gun.
Psst, why don’t you put your location in the location section already, and perhaps someone who lives close to you can show you the proof in the pudding.
Other than that, you will have to be happy to settle for some pictures.
I believe the University of Michigan experimented with delivering laser energy through very tiny glass tubes that were inserted into individual follicles. The tubes kept breaking though and the idea was scraped. I am going on memory by what another electrologist told me about 10 years ago.
I find that doing blend on my VMC is very efficient. People of color do very well, especially. I really like the presets.
I’ve been treated by 3 different electrologists and all of them used an Apilus. Not sure which Apilus models though. I’ll take a look tomorrow at my current one’s.
I would also add that the Apilus really has it together not just in the design but the look. It’s so elegant. Then of course there is the Silhouette Tone which is almost as beautiful. The other epilators I’ve seen look old like something from the 1980’s.
The other epilators I’ve seen look old like something from the 1980’s.
That’s because they are! Most of the others have not had a design change since somewhere between 1975 and 1985.
Would anyone in Stock car racing argue there is no need to update their 1979 Corvette when they know they will be racing against a 2005 Corvette? Would anyone argue the usefulness of cruise control on long journeys? That is what the new vs. old epilator argument amounts to in my opinion.
Gentronics does not have a modern looking body yet they make a good epilator that also does micro flash. Some clients make a point of asking me to use the (ugly bodied) Gentronics over the (very attractive) Dectro as they like the cool air feature that the Gentronics offers. Personally, I also get caught up in the nonthreatening look of the Dectro machines but thank goodness for those folks who can get past all that.
The air feature is just a distraction. It has no practicle value in the treatment other than that, and this is why it has not been integrated into the new Apilus and Sil-Tone models. When the sensation felt has been reduced as much as it is with these machines, what little distraction the air creates is meaningless.
The air feature is just a distraction. It has no practicle value in the treatment other than that, and this is why it has not been integrated into the new Apilus and Sil-Tone models. When the sensation felt has been reduced as much as it is with these machines, what little distraction the air creates is meaningless.
If a client likes the cool air sensation blowing on the tissue, it is not meaningless.
Some clients enjoy soothing music. I don’t expect every manufacturer to add an IPOD dock to the epilator but hey, if they did, I might consider that too.
We do lots of things at my office that aren’t necessary but they make people feel better like… while folks are getting deep cleansing facial treatments that can sometimes be a little uncomfortable, like extractions, they lie on a bed that soothes through gentle vibration. Is it necessary? Nope. Is it nice? Oh yeah.
I used the digital Gentronics with the air desensitizer for 3 years. Heck, I spent an extra $345 for this air feature only to have most of my clients ask me if I could turn it off. They found it was an annoyance and one client actually told me the noise and sensation of blowing air actually increased her anxiety level. Working under the nose was not fun as the air would blow up the clients nostrils.
Mostly, I don’t think it is necessary to have air, but I do like the music touch and so do my clients. Now Pachelbel Canon in D played on a Bose Wave Radio/CD is what really soothes the nerves and makes the one lying flat visualize soft lambs and fluttering butterflies…