What can I do to reduce post-treatment reaction?

Hair Removal Methods Professional Electrolysis
#1

I started electrolysis (thermolysis) on the facial area approximately a month ago.

I am 28, pale-skinned, took accutane for acne (the highest dosage available) when I was 17-18, and have battled with varying degrees of facial hair since I was 14? I experimented with shaving, creams, waxing, tweezing, until finally settling on laser combined with shaving for the last 5 years. The laser treatments, while seeming to be effective at first, greatly increased the amount of facial hair I had. I now have facial hair where I never had it before, including on my neck and cheeks. At one laser session, the technician told me that laser could possibly be activating my facial hair-- especially if it is hormonal-- and I stopped and never looked back! I have been tested for hormonal imbalances, but have none of the other symptoms of PCOS. My weight is normal, I think it is more likely that years of waxing/tweezing/laser have made a mess of my facial hair.

So, tired of semi-permanent things that take up my time, I decided to try electrolysis. I live in Mexico City. I found an electrologist who has many years of experience and seems to be doing a good job… I have been in for 4 sessions, one each week. Usually a bit less than an hour, the most has been 55 minutes. I now see very few dark hairs, and we’re just in the kind of uncomfortable stubble-y light hair territory, all over my face. Overall, each week I see an incredible improvement, and it is wonderful to not shave anymore. The stubble-y feeling is much reduced, and I don’t have any visible dark hairs anywhere. The price is affordable, after the first session I purchased a package of 20 hours. She said that was what she estimated I would need, over 18 months, to complete treatment.

So, the only problem I have is the reaction post-treatment! I am usually red and swollen for a few hours after, and then the next day I start to get red bumps and some whiteheads, which, if I have time and I’m at home, I can get rid of with hot compresses. This happens over the entire area treated, and makes it look like I have had some sort of reaction…

Since it has only been a week between treatments, I haven’t really had my skin clear up from the electrolysis since I started. My electrologist says that after the next treatment she expects to have full clearance, and will want to see me in 2 weeks instead of 1.

Is there anything I can do to lessen the redness/swelling/whiteheads/scabs/holes? How long will this last? I’m thrilled with the results, just wish my skin were not so reactive.

Thanks

#2

Hola peachfussplzz,

Redness and swollen are perfectly normal reactions after an electrolysis session. This is just temporary “side effect”. White bumps the next day are also quite normal, especially on the face, but on the body too.

You just have to apply aloe Vera gel or water to cool the swollen area and the days after, you could use a special cream for the cicatrization (you should avoid the sun, this is very important during the healing process). The redness will disappear quite quickly on the face : after 3 to 5 days.
It could be a little bit longer on the body. It depends also on each person. Everybody is different and heals in different way.

#3

With the experience of 300+hours of Electrolysis in my chin and cheeks i do see that a bit more relaxed … no intense sun bathing, no walk across glaciers and large snow fields, no visit of a desert. Of course no tanning salon, and, of course no swimming pool as long as there is singificant inflammation. But a nice walk outside if the weather is nice is ok.

This are just normal wounds and You should behave with it like with any not too large wound. And avoid what You would avoid with other wounds.

#4

I recommend 100% aloe gel, not lotion, with no preservatives, color, and especially no menthol. I used this immediately after treatment while still on the table and saw significantly reduced redness.

#5

Here! Here! I agree! Aloe Vera Gel makes a BIG difference. I like Fruit of the Earth brand and Lily of the Desert brand, just to name a few. Using it cold out of the refrigerator really helps to calm things down right after a treatment.

#6

With different products you can have different reactions so 100% aloe vera is probably the safest.Some prefer witch hazel and others like aloe vera. Cold packs are good to reduce swelling. You have to try and keep the follicle free of bacteria. I’ve heard water can sometimes transport bacteria.

#7

Thanks for the tips, I’ll see how I do with aloe vera next treatment.

#8

And another question-- how long do the little red marks take to go away? I’m used to not having to wear makeup of any kind on my skin, but for work and other activities, since starting electrolysis, I have to use powder to cover up the terrible red spots it leaves. Is this hyperpigmentation? Will it go away?

#9

Just to satisfy my own curiosity, what did your electrologist say these “tiny red spots” are?

I am NOT asking you what “caused the red spots” … or “how to get rid of the red spots.”

I am asking you what she said they ARE?

With all post-treatment manifestations, knowing exactly what they ARE in the first place seems like an important place to start!

So, what did she say?

#10

I will ask at my next appointment… I have no idea.
Would a picture be helpful?

#11

Oh gosh … no photo is necessary, I already know that with your skin type and the area that was treated that this is simply a matter of “angiogenesis.”

If your person understands this, it will be a gigantic help to you and quell any unnecessary “angst” about an unimportant situation.

Basically, you are just seeing the skin HEAL. That’s all.