My Electrolysis Journey

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

Hi,

I had my first consultation with an electrologist today. It went really well. The lady is very experienced (22 years), BIAE registered, and talked thoroughly about the hair removal method, including the different types she can use.

After looking at my skin and asking questions she determined that Diathermy would be best. At first she would like me to keep to a fortnightly appointment gap, allowing my skin to heal properly between treatments and advised that it may take two years of treatments before the areas on my face are cleared.

A test patch has been done around and near my jaw-line. This did feel a little uncomfortable, much like an super-fast injection, and then afterwards a little hot, like a mosquito bite. After 5 hours, there are still little raised bumps but they are really small.

Just a Quick Q, I forgot to ask about energy and type of machine etc… Does this vary alot, meaning is it vital finding this out before choosing an electrologist? Thanks.

I was so nervous about the appointment this morning, though it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. I am so pleased I gave it a go. I will see how the tested area heals over the next few days and write again.

#2

Where are you getting it done in the UK?

#3

Hi Sista,

I am seeing a lady based in Tonbridge wells, Kent.

#4

Ah okay. Not too far. I like that place, lots of trees.

#5

No, not too far, takes me an hour by car. There are some other BIAE registered electrolysists in Canterbury and Folkestone, but I didn’t have the confidence to go to them as no info was available via website etc… I did contact a clinic in Maidstone, though when I checked on BIAE they were not registered.

I wanted to ask for some advice, any will be appreciated.

I was thinking of calling the Canterbury and Folkestone clinics, just to find out which machines they use. I found out that the clinic I went to use Stridex, the electrologist is listed on their website; seems a lot of other clinics in the Kent area also use this machine. From reading another post here it seems Apilus is the most advanced, and desired, for electrolysis. Is it worth finding someone who uses an Apilus machine or will Stridex do the job just as well (assuming the professional is well experienced)?

Update: the test patch has calmed completely, and I am now left with pin-prick sized red dots. Is this normal?

#6

Just to update, the test patch dots are very dark today… look like tiny scabs. My electrologist got in touch and asked how the test patch healed; she explained that the skin acclimatises to a new experience and should not reoccur. :slight_smile:

#7

Hi,

I am so upset… I feel like I am going out of my mind worrying about all this.

I have just spoken to a lady who performs electrolysis in Folkestone, Kent. She pointed out that if I am not removing the hairs in any other way inbetween treatments then this must be a ‘Peach fuzz’ type of hair, which begs the question ‘does it need removing at all?’. She stated that obviously without seeing me she would not be able to give any specific advice. She is busy and booked up for two weeks. Once I have had a think about it I may call her for a consultation. I tried to ask what type of machine she uses, she just said Diathermy. When I asked about the machine make, she asked who I am seeing… so I explained that I was calling regarding starting electrolysis and am looking into different options in my area after having Alexandrite Laser treatments, to which she replied, I wouldn’t think that to be a good option for hair on the face. I explained that I was following the advice of a dermatologist, but then gave up trying to ask about the machine as I became very shaky and upset at the sheer speed and tone of the conversation.

I have an appointment booked with the lady in Tonbridge Wells for 30 mins. I don’t know whether I should wait until the scabs go and see if there are any marks or just try out 30mins… I wish I knew what to do.

So glad I didn’t buy that magnifiying mirror now.

#8

I have added a picture to file manager I took in 2007 of the sideburn growth after 6 Laser treatments. Not sure if you will be able to view it…

#9

Hey Pokka,

really sorry to hear that. she sounded really insensitive :frowning:
i don’t do anything to my facial hair either, except bleach, but it’s still dense and long enough to be very obvious. hence the electrolysis to reduce it. she should know that women have all kinds of hair patterns and also that something that causes one women an issue might not for another.

anyway, i found a clinic that’s based in Dorking. if i could drive i would definitely try it as they use an Apilus.
prices are high but you make up for it in clearance time i guess.

http://www.epilsoft.co.uk/electrolysis_prices.html

#10

Stopit, firstly, thank you for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I can’t bring myself to telling anyone about all of this except my Mum, so really, thank you.

I will call the clinic you have found and book in for a consultation.

I have booked a consultation tomorrow with a lady with 27 years experience who uses a Colten classic… can’t find any info on this machine, but it can’t hurt to get another opinion. Plus, she is only 20 minutes away.

Added: I have cancelled the 30min session tomo, I just don’t feel confident yet. The lady was very understanding.

#11

Hi, heres a close up of the test patch.

#12

I empathise totally, Pokka. It’s very difficult when you can’t be open about this with any/many people and then the very people who can help you aren’t sympathetic.
I would say it’s really important that you gain some confidence about the whole thing though. I can’t tell you how much happier and less weighty I feel since I becoming more open about my hair situation with people I know. “Yes, I have excess hair and I’m doing something about it!”. I no longer spend ages staring in the mirror, analysing it, wondering what other people see when they look at me.

I’m sure you know, as many others have said, the machine doesn’t really matter much if it’s one of the older ones. I don’t even know what my electro uses! Except that it’s old. But she knows how to use it and the treatment works. With the newer tech like the Apilus, you will certainly be at an advantage though.

I hope you rebook the consult with the Colten Classic lady as it will give you confidence about undergoing treatment with whoever you end up going with. Also with the Apilus clinic. The sooner this part is over and done with, the sooner you can be on your way to getting rid of some hair!

#13

I’ve just been for another consultation with a lady who works from home. She uses a Carlton classic diathermy machine. She was really quick, and I hardly felt most of it, just 25% was a little uncomfortable. I felt one pull on the end of my jawline - but it was an awkward spot so I can understand it may have been difficult.

The test area is a little red and bumpy but less than the other consultation on Friday.

#14

Sorry, Stopit, I didn’t see your post :o Thank you! I think I was just nervous to go ahead with a proper session without taking some time to adjust. I kinda have to let it sink in that I am really going to do this… But to get there I have to give myself some assurances; like doing research, tried to have a few consultations, giving my skin a chance to heal and waiting to see the result before going ahead at any one clinic. Plus, I’m sure the chance to compare will also make me feel more confident in time.

Stopit, I am really grateful to you, and all the members of this forum. It’s really hard to share info on this type of personal topic, but the courage of others on this forum has really inspired me to keep trying.

I will get another picture of the second test area and post here this evening.

#15

Hey Pokka, what happened to your pictures?

#16

Hi James,

I don’t know… have I attached them all wrong? It says on my screen that they are being downloaded (1st one has been downloaded 45 times and the 2nd 13 times), so I asssumed they are working. Can anyone tell me if you’ve been able to view them? Thanks

#17

It has been my experience that the easiest way to post a picture on HairTell is to do it via PhotoBucket.com as it is the most reliable, and least cumbersome way to do it.

#18

1st image:

DSC00169.jpg1024×768
:

2nd image (test patch 1):

DSC02177.jpg1023×682

#19

I have been trying to take a picture of the second test patch but couldn’t get the camera to focus properly… but thought I’d write an update. The area calmed within 12hours and has left no marks whatsoever. Does this indicate that the 2 treatment test is better suited to my skin or that the energy used was adjusted to my skin type?

I noticed some of the dots from test 1 are darker than others. One of the scabs fell off today and the area is slightly marked. The only thing I worry about with test patch 1 is that if I were to go to their clinic I would probably end up with a lot of these dots which is not something I feel I can adjust to.

I am going for a consultation at the clinic in Dorking (Apilus) on Monday. Will update then.

#20

Hey Bec,

Of course I don’t mind! :slight_smile: I have only had two consultations so far for electrolysis. I am really new to this but feel armed with so much great advice from this forum that I have improved in my nervousness about asking questions. So far the first test patch area still has some pin prick sized scabs, some have fallen off but have left marks. I think this may have been because the electrolysist used a high setting. The second did not leave any marks, but I think I am seeing some growth (had test done last week Tuesday)… will get someone else to check properly though. I have another appointment on Monday with a lady in Dorking who has an Apilus machine, she seems very friendly so I look forward to meeting her. Actually all the electrolysists I have met so far have been very friendly and helpful. It’s just a case of finding someone who I feel is right.

How are you getting on? Are you seeing finer regrowth? I think the reaction is only natural, just depends whether it’s taking longer than you are comfortable with; if so, I would talk to your electrolysist to find ways of reducing this.