Scarring?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I started electrolysis 3 years ago in October 2009 - starting on my chin area doing weekly 30 minute treatments. Once we started to clear that area with the left over time we added to the cheek area and sides of face. About a 2 years ago we started adding upper lip into the mix - usually spending about 15 minutes on chin and face, and 15 minutes on upper lip - give or take. and then we’ve moved onto my stomach, using 15-20 minutes of my half hour appointment time. Now I still go weekly - upper lip and stomach are usually only touched every 2-3 weeks.

I haven’t noticed any over treatment, I had some hyper-pigmentation on my upper lip area throughout the treatments but has lessened.

But now I’m noticing small white dots on my stomach area, mostly around the belly button. Some raised, some flat. And I don’t know if I’m being paranoid, but if I look really close I can see faint ones on my upper lip. Nothing on the rest of my face.

I’m worried…is this permanent scarring? Why is this showing up now, years later? Should I stop treatments?

Also does this time frame sound correct? I feel like I’ve been at this forever and there’s no end in sight. When I bring it up she reminds me how much hair I had at the beginning.

Sorry for the long post - some background - 33 y old female - no hormonal problems. Method - thermolysis, not sure of machine type. Certified, licensed and practicing for almost 20 years.

#2

Seems to me that you are describing actual scars. The time-frame is consistent with this.

Indeed, certain areas of the body do seem more prone to developing these marks; the tummy being one of these. No, you are not being paranoid. These dot-like raised lesions can happen, and not necessarily from follicles that were treated improperly.

I think you have to weigh the overall appearance. Are they noticeable to others? Do you need to scrutinize the skin to see them, i.e., look very closely? (Bad question but) Does the overall appearance look better than having the hair?

Being that your electrologist “changes the subject” when you mention these marks is a pretty good indication that they are, indeed, scars. Again, I suspect that your therapist did nothing wrong. Everybody reacts somewhat differently to treatment and these realities need to be spelled out at the outset.

My guess is that you are still pretty happy with the results. Same type of thing in plastic surgery. Most patients do well, some have no visible scar at all while others develop more visible scars. Nobody can guarantee absolute perfection.

#3

I also forgot to mention the following (probably the most important). These scars will significantly look better in time. The body spends years re-modeling these and within a couple years you will probably not see them at all.

#4

Thanks for the information,it makes me feel a little better.

I don’t believe they are noticeable to others. Of course I notice them and some are more visible than others, when you look really closely you do see more. I just don’t want it to get any worse than it is now. This is why I was wondering if I should stop treatments, I’m worried If I continue I’ll get more marks.

If I have a few marks on my body, I think I can handle that - especially since you mentioned that these marks may improve in time. My big fear is that I’m going to wake up one day and have my face covered in white spots and it’s going to look horrible. Where I’ve been getting work done on my lip for 2 years, is it realistic to think that if I was going to get marks I’d have them by now? My stomach was the newest area added and has had the least amount of work - so I was surprised when I started seeing the marks.

#5

ale,

Can you submit a picture of these white spots and raised spots on your abdomen?

#6

Hi Michael,

I have thoroughly read (and very much enjoyed) 2 of your books - The Blend and Telangiectasia and have not seen this side effect of electrolysis mentioned in either. Neither have I seen it in my practice. I have a very busy practice but have only been an electrologist for 4 years. It is bothersome to hear of this and it is not something I prepare my clients of as a possible side effect. How often are you seeing this occur? How often on the face? I appreciate your help and further explantion on this issue. Thanks!

#7

dfahey - I can definitely try. Is there anyway I can send them to you in a private message?

#8

Oh, sure!