Papules

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I’m pretty sure I showed this photo before, but it’s worth a second-look since a few people have asked about this common post-treatment occurrence.

Shown here is an area recently cleared and what took place about a week to 10-days afterward. Notice the very fast growing early-anagen hairs? This is not “re-growth” but hairs emerging from “exogen” phase that were not seen at the initial clearance. Yes, they grow FAST & FURIOUS!

Notice the inflammation and the start of some PIH? Most importantly, those “things” that look like pimples are pimples. What happened?

Parts of the dead follicle remained in the “dead space” (that’s the actual medical term) that was caused by electrolysis. To get the junk out, the body forms a papule that is often a bit harder than a regular pimple. These papules (or pimples, if you wish) wash off and are never a concern. Never! (I’m not, by the way, in favor of scrubbing the hell out of them … just normal showering is fine.)

All of this is completely normal and none of this should cause the patient any concern … if they understand what’s going on. I think it’s also important to show the skin after electrolysis treatments … not just the “good stuff.” Why? Because this is the real-world of electrology.

Within time, this guy will have skin that looks like it never had hairs … perfect and hairless. Remember, electrolysis is an INJURY … you cannot expect to “go out dancing” immediately after getting ZAPPED by one of us.

(Side note: I was just asked to do two seminars in Australia … I said yes. More information when I know the details. I’m heading to CAIRNS!)

#2

Same client. Spent almost 3 years doing laser: beard, back, etc. with very poor results. The aftermath of the beard removal was this patchy look (notice upper lip and chin). This is not uncommon. It’s a real “pain” to fix this with electrolysis. At some point this fine kid is going to write “his story” for the Hairtell group. Stay tuned!

#3

Sorry about the double post … (Maybe Dee can fix that?)

Looking at the top photo again, another aspect is visible: goose flesh appearance. What’s that all about?

The injured column of skin (from electrolysis) is quickly filled in with “wound collagen.” This is irregular, dense and poorly organized. A way to think about this is that it “clumps together.” During the next 12 months, this lump of collagen is remodeled and (actually within a few weeks) the skin returns to normal level.

Try not to focus too much on the temporary normal side-effects of electrolysis. Stick with your electrologist, don’t panic and stay with the program. You will get the results you want. It takes time.

#4

Just posted to say Mr Bono is Absolutely right.

Here you can see pictures from 2 times of my treatment… il all healed, after 8 months , but at the moment , i was really scared that the infected papules, needle marks on skin and hiperpigmentation would leave eternal marks on my skin…

they did not! and are now gone, but they look very ugly for some time.

Papules , infection:

Needle (probe) marks:

hiperpigmentation:

i know these images are not very nice to see , but you have to serve this in order to know what to expect after your treatment

#5

I’m glad your skin resolved.

I do have to say, however, that what I’m seeing is too much: too large of pustules and too red. Of course, photos can make things look worse than they really are. That’s probably the case?

I really cannot quantify what I’m saying … it’s just the appearance of the skin. Some areas look like actual infections; not what I was originally referencing.

There is a point at which we say, “Oh, yikes, that’s too much!” I would not want to “zap” the skin that hard.

Still, you will probably be just fine.

#6

Try showering before and AFTER the treatment. I would use anti-bacterial soap too. Don’t rub the skin with a towel. Use a fresh towel and pat dry. Allow the skin to completely dry before puttin on a clean shirt.

#7

More: (sorry I forgot) … don’t let the shower directly “hit” the just treated area as this could further rough up the skin. Take your shower like you would care for a baby’s skin.

#8

Mr Bono, let me tell You that I am very happy to read here that your skin problem is on its god way, with the treatment, and i was very happy to hear that the mole is a benign, non-invasive one!

second, the big pustules appeared only on one hand, and only on that spot… maybe an nervous reaction? could be… but I wanted to show that even theese heal… the other places, even other arm, did not have such reactions, although I get Some pustules the size of what you see in the first picture, right after treatment, buit they are very few.

Not a big fan of cosmetic on skin, other than … Sun (yes, the sun that you all fear, beacause of cancers, can be a great skin improvment sometimes, but with measure, only some morning evneing hours etc…) salt+water (like salt mineral baths), lemon… only natural stuff. My current soap, for example, is made using an Beech (the tree Betula) bark extract , and made only from natural oils etc…

Not that I refuse classical cosmetics, but I prefer the ones i am talking about. The antibacterial soap after treatment - yes I do, and even alcohool (blue one dont know how you call it, here is Spirt…), but after that, only natural soap, salt etc.

But never underestimate the potential of time and natural for skin and even other stuff healing .

In my country, “Sanatate!” (“best health!” although it is not easaly translated in english,) is a form of “see you soon!” salute. so I wish you that.

#9

Thanks for the very kind words indeed … much appreciated.

I’m very happy to read your posts and that it’s working for you. The reaction you are showing is somewhat more than I personally am comfortable with … but in the long-run won’t be a problem. One excellent thing … THOSE HAIR FOLLICLES ARE SURELY DEAD! Keep posting!

I’m also not a proponent of “cosmetics” post-treatment. The only enemy of post-treatment is infection. Simple methods and clean procedures nearly eliminate the risk. The skin is VERY able to “do its thing” without slathering a lot of stuff on the skin.

However, I’m not against the various “goodies” people use either. The skin will heal in spite of what we do to it. Many of the products recommended here greatly reduce the short-term appearance of post-treatment skin, and that’s a good thing for most patients.

BTW … my own body hair looked like yours. Remember, you get a free membership in the “Brotherhood of the Hair” when you’re finished up! Women get to join the “Sisterhood of the Moustache” … and our own Dee Dee is the president of the US chapter! (See her logo.)