Electrolysis Your questions answered This leaflet aims to provide a simple description of what Electrolysis is and to answer some frequently asked questions about it Occupational Therapy Department Professional Support Services Produced: September 2010 Review: September 2013-1 -
Electrolysis - An overview Electrolysis is the only safe, permanent way of removing unwanted hair. Some methods of non-permanent hair removal you may have tried in the past are: Waxing and Plucking: These may distort the hair follicle and in fact, stimulate hair growth. They can also cause pitting of the skin, changes in skin pigmentation and an acneform rash. Depilatory creams: Can sensitise the skin, leading to eventual skin damage. Shaving: Can cause a shaving rash on sensitive skin. The new hair at the shaved site can appear thicker. The shaved area may also take on a shadowy appearance. The amateur use of Electrolysis, e.g.: DIY home kits, can result in considerable permanent skin damage and pain. In addition, the hair may not be removed safely or correctly and scarring can occur. Unfortunately, this can also be applied to the work of a poorly trained operator. Electrolysis Electrolysis works by passing a small electric current, through a fine probe, to the hair root. Repeated treatments destroy the hair development. It is important to realise that the probe must be in exactly the right place for it to be effective. Competent Electrologists are aware when to release the current and how much current to release. This skill only comes with experience. It is vitally important that you consult an experienced and skilful Electrologist for treatment. This cannot be emphasised too strongly. Whilst, in the majority of cases, electrolysis is permanent, its results are not instant. The length of time it takes to complete successfully depends on a number of things: 1. The cause of the hair growth, some common causes can be: puberty, pregnancy, the menopause, prescription drugs, illness and heredity. 2. Whether the body is still producing new hair growth. 3. The quantity of hair to be treated. 4. Which temporary methods of hair removal have been used in the past, as some techniques actually encourage hair growth? 5. The cycle of hair growth. Only a proportion of the hairs will be showing at any one time. One third of the hairs could be under the skin surface at the time of treatment. Bearing in mind that each hair has a growing phase, a changing phase, and a resting phase. 6. Sensitivity of the area to be treated, this will govern the frequency and length of each treatment session. 7. The strength of the hair root, as this will determine the progress of the treatment. - 2 -
Why consult an Electrologist? In view of embarrassment, pain, expense or inconvenience many people can be reluctant to consult an Electrologist. A qualified Electrologist is however a highly trained professional in her own field. Consulting one should be no more embarrassing than consulting any other practitioner e.g.: a doctor or a dentist. In addition, the cost of treatment in relation to its benefits is not expensive. It must also be appreciated that hair removal via Electrolysis should be permanent. Often, the most difficult step for a person to take is booking a consultation with an electrologist. A qualified electrologist is a highly trained operative in their field. On the first visit, the Electrologist will ask you some questions. The reason for this is to: 1. Try to establish a cause for the hair growth. 2. To ensure that there are no contra-indications to the treatment, (reasons why treatment cannot be undertaken). They should explain how Electrolysis works by outlining the process. They should also provide a short demonstration in order to quell any fears of pain. In addition, she should answer any questions regarding the treatment. As a result of the above, the client s mind should be set at ease about their treatment. The consultation is usually free of charge with no obligation to undertake treatment. The Electrologist should be able to assess how many treatment sessions will be required and how often they will be needed. For most people, their immediate feeling is one of relief that their hair problem is, at last, being professionally addressed. This in turn normally reduces their level of anxiety and embarrassment. As to the question of pain, this is very subjective. Some people are more sensitive than others. Most patients, having been treated by a skilled Electrologist, report that the pain is minimal, and most importantly, worth it! What is involved in the treatment? Treatment involves inserting a very fine, sterile needle into the base of the hair follicle. Then an electric current is transmitted through this for a few seconds. This current produces heat, which cauterises and destroys the hair root. The hair, which as a result is now loosened, can be gently lifted out with tweezers. Several treatments are necessary to completely destroy the hair root. Re-growth after treatment becomes progressively weaker and finally ceases all together. Final results however can take months or years to achieve. - 3 -
The level of discomfort experienced by each patient varies: 1. According to the level of sensitivity of each individual s skin, 2. And to the area that is being treated. The treatment might sting or you may experience a warm sensation at the site being treated. These sensations are however only mild and perfectly normal. The normal reaction of the skin, in the first instance, to electrolysis is slight inflammation and perhaps very minimal, localised swelling. The length of time this lasts varies according to the skin type. In many cases it lasts no more than a few minutes. A soothing, after-care lotion is immediately applied after treatment. An information leaflet on after-care is also provided. Treatment appointments are made for regular intervals to suit the client. For the maximum benefit to be achieved from treatment it is important that clients keep their appointments. When you begin you treatment, appointments are usually given on a weekly basis. Once progress is noted, the frequency of treatment sessions will be reduced but re-growth should be kept under control. It will be the Electrologist who will determine how often you have treatment. Patients are advised not to have Electrolysis treatment in other clinics whilst they are undergoing Electrolysis at the Royal Preston Hospital. It is not advisable to undertake Electrolysis under more that one practitioner at the same time. If you cannot keep your appointment, please give as much notice as possible, by telephoning the department on: 01772 522585. The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis are aware of the need for high standards of hygiene to be maintained. Members are kept up to date with latest techniques and treatment methods. These standards are laid down by the Environmental Health Department, to ensure strict levels of hygiene. These standards are adhered to at all times in Royal Preston Hospital. Pre-sterilised disposable probes are used on every occasion to ensure safe and hygienic treatments. Autoclaves are used, as are certain bead sterilisers and other equipment is also kept in sanitised conditions. - 4 -
When choosing a practitioner in Electrolysis: You should look for a displayed, current certificate, of registered membership of The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis. You should feel confident that you would receive good treatment from a registered member. You can contact The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis for a list of registered members or for advice (Please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed envelope for a reply): The Secretary, The British Institute and Association of Electrolysis Ltd. 40, Parkfield Road, Ickenham, Middlesex UB10 8LX Tel: 0870 1280477. Email:sec@electrolysis.co.uk www.electrolysis.co.uk Our Details For further information and advice telephone: (01772) 522585. Sources of further information: www.lancsteachinghospitals.nhs.uk www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk www.patient.co.uk Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is not responsible for the content of external Internet sites. - 5 -