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Electrolysis F.A.Q.

  1. What is electrolysis?

    Electrolysis is the science of permanent hair removal utilizing probe devices. A fine sterile probe is inserted into the hair follicle and a small amount of electrical energy is discharged which destroys the hair growth tissue.

    When this is performed by a competent, trained Electrologist, the regenerative ability of the hair follicle is permanently eliminated.

  2. Is electrolysis really the only method of permanent hair removal?

    Yes!

    Many unethical claims are being made that Laser has been approved as permanent by the FDA. Laser has not been approved for permanance!

    Don't take our word for it, here is a link to the FDA page spelling out the facts. According to the FDA, Laser is not not permitted to advertise as permanent or painless (Laser is extremely painful).

    What attracts people to laser is it's supposed speed. Laser, however often requires 5-8 treatments spaced 4-5 weeks apart from each other. This means your into the process for 8 months before you even begin Electrolysis. Had these clients been properly educated they could have spent less money, had more comfort and received truely permanent results.

    Electrolysis is the only scientifically proven method of permanent hair removal. Temporary methods such as laser, shaving, tweezing, depilatories and waxing, require frequent time consuming maintenance. Skin irritations, ingrown hairs, discoloration, and scarring may result. Some of these methods even contribute to an increase in hair growth activity.

    We constantly monitor the progress of other methods in order to stay on top of our field. When another method is able to demonstrate effective results without harming our clients, we will be glad to offer it.

  3. How long does the process of Electrolysis take?

    The number of treatments required varies with each client. Those clients that adhere to the recommended treatment schedule usually accomplish their goal between 12 to 18 months.

    Some improvement should be observed within several months after beginning treatment, provided the patient adheres to the recommended treatment schedule.

    Factors such as hair growth cycles, the quantity and structure of hair, previous use of temporary hair removal methods, heredity, hormone function, normal physiologic changes, certain medications and stress may influence the treatment program.

    It is very important to adhere to the recommended treatment program set up by your Electrologist. Those who do so will achieve permanent results in the shortest time frame.

  4. Is Electrolysis painful?

    Most of our clients comment that Electrolysis was not as bad as they had heard. The best way we can describe the sensation, is to compare it to the sensation of a hair being plucked out. This is not a comfortable sensation but most would agree that it is hardly unbearable.

    Having said that, it is impossible to destroy hair growth tissue without sensation because each hair follicle is surrounded by its own network of nerve endings. The sensation, which may be felt, is assurance that destructive activity is taking place. Even though some parts of the body are more sensitive than others, adjustments can be made which may help to make the treatment more comfortable.

    Compared to laser, Electrolysis is a walk in the park. Many equate the feeling of laser to the snapping of a hard rubber band against the skin. They often fail to mention that the snapping is continuous for several seconds for each application. Don't be fooled when they tell you their laser is equipped with a special "cooling plate". The pain described above is after the use of the "Cooing Plate". Each application treats a service approximately 1 1/2 square inches at a time so several applications are needed to treat a large area. This may not be so bad if it actually worked. Often patients are told they will need additional laser treatments and then will need to finish with Electrolysis.

  5. Are all hairs eliminated in one treatment or is regrowth to be expected?

    Deep, coarse hairs cannot always be eliminated with one treatment; thus, breaking down the hair germ cells may require additional treatments.

    Remember also that only hair that is visible (meaning emerged through the skin) can be treated. Due to the cyclical nature of hair growth, new hairs as well as hairs emerging from a dormant phase will also require additional visits to acheive true permanence.

  6. How do I choose a good Electrologist?

    Choosing the right Electrologist can save you from a costly mistake. Here are some common things to look for when choosing an Electrologist.

  7. What is the normal growth cycle of a hair?

    All hairs have differing cycles of growth and are not visible on the surface of the skin at the same time. Hair normally grows for its usual cycle and then naturally sheds and replaces itself. Following active growing periods, most hair follicles go into a dormant stage. The period of dormancy may last for an indefinite period of time, however, replacement hairs usually appear within 3 to 12 months. The appearance of these coarse replacement hairs from dormant hair follicles should not be mistaken as regrowth from previously treated follicles.

  8. Do Electrologists follow appropriate Infection Control Precautions?

    They certainly should!

    The American Electrology Association (AEA) with the assistance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) developed national Infection Control Standards which include sterilization of all electrology instruments. At Finally Free Electrolysis, we use new pre-sterilized disposable probes for every treatment and sterilize all instruments using autoclave sterilization.

    If you are currently receiving electrolysis, be sure to verify the operator is using an autoclave since this is the only method of sterilization approved by the department of health. Universal Precautions also dictate strict hand-washing (preferrably in your presence) and use of a fresh pair of disposable gloves for each patient.

  9. Does electrolysis damage the skin?

    When electrolysis is administered by a competent electrologist using modern equipment and current techniques, there should be no visible skin damage.

    Immediately following treatment, there may be a slight redness and/or swelling which usually disappears within a few hours. Occasionally, small whiteheads or tiny scabs may occur. It is important to remember that scabs are a part of the normal healing process and will not cause any permanent damage if they are not picked off.

    At Finally Free Electrolysis, we discuss with you specific post treatment care to promote proper healing.

  10. Can unwanted hair be removed from anywhere on the body?

    Unwanted hair can be safely removed from most body areas. The most common areas include the hairline, bridge of nose, eyebrows, upper and lower lip, cheeks, sideburns, chin, neck, shoulders, arms and underarms, breasts, abdomen, bikini line, legs back and chest.

    The inside of the ears and nose should not be treated.

  11. Can women begin or continue electrolysis treatments during pregnancy?

    Although electrology has never been proven harmful to pregnant women, we suggest that you seek the advice of your physician before beginning treatment.

  12. Can hairs be removed from moles?

    State licensing laws and/or some general liability insurance policies may prohibit removal of hair from moles.

  13. Who receives electrolysis?

    You are not alone if you are embarrassed by unwanted hair. As many as 90% of men and women may be affected by unsightly hair.

    Currently 24% of our clients are men averaging in age between 27-45. These men tend to seek treatment for either their back or eyebrows. Many men are finding it practical to have their beard permanently shaped using Electrolysis because of it's comfort and our operators ability to sculpt the shape to the clients desire.

    76% of our clients are women averaging in age between 35-55 years old. These women tend to seek treatment for their upper lip, chin, eyebrow sculpting, bikini-lines and underarms. Most of our female clients have acheived permanence in the area for which they first sought treatment and have moved on to new areas.

    There really is something to be said about being Finally Free!


For more information contact:
Finally Free Electrolysis
Tracey Francis, CPE - Certified Professional Electrologist
1515 Route 9
Clifton Park/Halfmoon, NY 12065
(518) 383-4488 or finallyFree@usa.net  
1/2 mile south of Walmart on Route 9
1 door south of Wendy's
Behind the Day Spa "All About U"


Last Updated May 01, 2008
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